Who doesn’t want to save money every month? These tips to save money will help you spend less each month. You can use the money you save to pay off some debt, build your emergency fund, or save for a large purchase.
Visit the library.
Instead of buying books and renting movies, take a stroll down to your local library. Your taxes are used to fund it anyway. You can check out many of the newest releases from the library for no cost at all.
Don’t pay ATM fees.
Unfortunately, when you use an ATM other than your own bank’s you get hit with double the fees – one fee from your bank, another fee from the other bank. You could end up paying $4-$5 to pull out $20.
Use cash.
When you use a check card, you never know how much money you’re really spending until you get to a computer to check your balance, especially if you have bad credit loans. Using cash can keep you from overspending since you can always count what you have left.
Shop around for deals.
Instead of buying on impulse, shop around for purchases. The internet makes it easier than ever to get the lowest price possible. Just pull off the websites of stores near you or use a site like PriceGrabber.com to compare prices.
Bundle cable, internet, and phone.
Most cable providers now offer internet and phone service. Bundling all three services under one provider lets you save.
Ditch the home phone.
If everyone in the household has a cell phone, forgo a landline phone all together and use the cell phones only. You could save anywhere from $30 – $75 a month depending on the service you get.
Cook at home.
Eating out several times a week will quickly add up to several hundred dollars a month. You could spend half that on groceries and cook your own meals. Can’t cook? Pull up some recipes online or tune in to the Food Network.
Take your lunch.
Now that you’re putting your cooking skills to good use, cook enough so you have leftovers. You can take your lunch instead of eating out or buying from the cafeteria.
Shop with a list.
If you have a shopping list, you’re less likely to buy on impulse. Make the list before you shop and make sure you stick to it.
Don’t shop on an empty stomach.
It’s a fact that shopping when you’re hungry will cause you to spend more money. You’re ravenous appetite will lead you to buy things you ordinarily wouldn’t.
Avoid impulse buys.
Before you spend your money on an item, make sure it’s something you need and have budgeted for. Ask yourself if you really need it before you let the cashier scan it.
Service your car regularly.
Getting your oil and air filter changed and having your tires rotated improves your gas mileage allowing you to save on gas.
Get insured.
Yes, insurance costs extra money, but think of what you’d have to spend on an accident if you didn’t have insurance. Get a higher deductible for a lower premium.
Use a budget and track your spending.
Once you see where your money’s going each month, you can look for more ways to save.…