Wednesday, March 26, 2008

No Nonsense Money Saving Tips

There are many ways to make saving money easy and doable. You don't need a lifestyle change to succeed in saving money. Listed below are helpful tips to make it easier for you to start saving money.

Make it a habit to prepare a grocery list. Write down the items that you genuinely need. Be strict with yourself and strike out superfluous items. Your grocery list will steer you away from pointless purchases as long as you stick to the list you've made. This routine will only take a little of your time each week but the benefits can be substantial.

Take advantage of discounts and coupons. Buy things that you use often in bulk to enjoy discounts. Toilet paper, dish washing soap, and detergents are some of the items you can purchase in larger quantities. Since they are non-perishable, you don't have to worry about them getting spoiled. On your spare time, cut out coupons and use them on your next grocery trip.

Enjoy homemade meals. Include on your grocery list food items you can use to prepare a homemade sandwich for lunch. Pack them well and take them with you to work every day. This not only saves you money for cafeteria food but also helps you eat healthy. For dinner, stay at home and simply prepare easy-to-cook dishes that are cheaper than restaurant food.

As much as possible, pay for what you buy in cash. Credit cards may be more convenient but it is also the fastest way to temptation. When shopping, leave your cards behind so you don't get tempted to buy unessential items. Use your card only when doing so would be more economical such as when there are installment plans or cash rebates you can avail of.

Check your pantry for natural body and skin care products. Milk and honey are known to be good for the skin. Using them instead of your usual lotion can help you save money and can even be healthier for your skin in the end.

Prepare your own snacks. Instead of always buying chips from the store, create your own popcorn or French fries at home. You don't only save money by doing this; you can also be creative and come up with even more delicious flavors!

Take your home-made snacks to the cinema. Save money on over-priced drinks and snacks being sold at the movie house and simply bring your own snack creations with you.

Reduce your electricity bill. Turn off lights in parts of the house that you don't use. Use energy saving light bulbs which consume less energy than the usual incandescent bulbs.

Don't substitute walking in the shopping mall for real exercise. More often than not, you wont stick to just walking. You'll go look in a store and find something you'll be lured into buying. Resist the call of the mall and choose a nice park to walk, jog or run in during weekends.

For more family budget tips, visit http://www.familybudgetguide.com

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