Easy Peasy Money-Saving Tips

Photo by imelenchon on Morguefile.com

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16

With the sluggish economy and tight budgets so many of us have to face, I thought it would be appropriate to kick off the “Good Life” angle of my blog with simple ways to save money. You might find that this is all you need to make ends meet, or it may just barely put a dent in a budget that needs even more squeezing. Whatever the case, most of these ideas are pain-free. And the bonus is you'll have more money left to buy books by your favorite authors.

Couponing

This is a no-brainer, and most people have heard of others who manage to save half or more of their grocery bill. Where can you find coupons? Look in your Sunday newspaper, and you’ll find some from national companies and local grocery stores. Another place to look is online. Some of these places require you to sign up with your email address, while others offer unconditional couponing just for the taking.
Here are some websites that offer coupons to download and print:

RetailMeNot
Coupon Cabin
SmartSource
Valpak
FatWallet
Savings.com
CoolSavings

Utilities

Do a personal audit of your utility use and find places to cut. Most power companies are willing to come to your home and determine where you’re wasting money and how you can save. Other places you might be able to cut include phone lines, gas for heating (close the vent in rooms that aren’t used), water (wash larger loads and only run the dishwasher when it’s full). If you can cut each utility bill by 10%, you’ll feel the difference at the end of the month.

Cell Phone Service

Evaluate how much time you talk and text on your cell phone and compare services. When it’s time to renew the contract with your cell phone carrier, shop around to make sure you’re getting the best plan for you and your family. Don’t overlook the option of having prepaid. If you don’t use all the minutes you’re allowed on your plan that might actually be the best option.

Insurance

When you’re due to renew your auto or homeowners’ insurance, shop around to make sure you’re getting the best value. Rates change, and most insurance companies know that people tend to stick with what they have.

Automobile

Whether you’re in the market to buy a new(er) car or fix the one you have, shop around. Prices for cars, tires, and maintenance can vary considerably from one place to the next. Do an Internet search for used cars in your area before heading out, and you’ll be in a better position to negotiate the price.

Dining Out

Eating out can be expensive if you’re not careful. Before you leave your house, look for sales, specials, and coupons in your local newspaper. Purchase Entertainment books for hundreds of buy-one-get-one-free meals. Register with Groupon and Living Social for some of the best bargains out there.


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