Strategies to Save

Strategies to Save

Follow these simple tips that could save you money each and every month.

Housing

• Set your thermostat lower
• Unsubscribe from your cable TV service
• Turn off the lights when not in use
• Get a roommate
• Live at home or with a relative

Entertainment

• Eat out less frequently
• Eat early and take advantage of happy hours and early bird specials
• Split or share meals with friends
• Make your own lunch and bring it to work
• Use restaurant coupons
• Learn to cook dinner for yourself
• Rent movies
• Go to the movies in the afternoon rather than in the evening
• Visit local libraries, museums, and parks
• Participate in sports
• Read a book or hike a trail

Food

• Use a shopping list
• Use coupons
• Compare prices
• Buy in bulk
• Don't shop more than once a week
• Don't buy what you can't or won't use

Transportation

• Utilize public transportation
• Carpool with a friend or family member
• Ride your bike or walk
• Regularly have your oil changed and use coupons for auto maintenance
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated

Personal/Health

• Exercise
• Don't smoke
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Give yourself your own manicure and/or pedicure
• Use coupons or take advantage of specials for haircuts
• Cancel unused club or gym memberships
• Buy generic and OTC medications

Debt Payments

• Stop using credit cards as a primary payment method
• Pay off the full balance on each credit card at the end of the month

Miscellaneous

• Make a budget
• Consider wants vs. needs
• Don't spend money to relieve stress
• Avoid impulse purchases such as coffee or candy
• Give homemade gifts or give the gift of service rather than a retail item