Most people think they know how to save money, but after educating myself on some newer ideas I would like to share them with the public. Obviously tip number for everyone is get out of debt. It’s important to get out of debt and pay off all the credit cards, student loads, and car payments before trying to save money for the long term. Once you are ready to start saving, a life style adjustment will help get the process going.
If you currently buying everything brand new, you should think about buying used or getting hand me downs. Buying and selling things on Craig’s List or eBay can save you a lot of money. Sell you old bedroom set for $200 and buy a gently used bedroom set $500. You get an upgrade and only spend $300 out of pocket instead of $1000 at a furniture store. Think about searching for holiday and birthday gifts ahead of time. This way you don’t have to pay for priority shipping or upgrades. Give yourself plenty of time to look around for sales and things are stores for specific gift items you want to buy. Purchasing a birthday gift a month or two ahead of time can probably save you more than 50% depending on the season.
Making a shopping list is key to saving money. Impulse buying is bad for your pocket, so if you do that on a regular basis you need to stop.
Buying groceries with coupons can help save you a lot of money. Coupons are great if you know how to use them. Usually people think that couponing is an easy way to save money, and it is most of the time… but only if you are buying things on your shopping list. Don’t just buy items because you have a coupon for it. Think to yourself do you really need this? Will I use it before it expires? If the answers are yes, then use the coupon, if you are unsure then don’t buy the item.
After all the shopping you are doing and the new ways you are saving money, you should start to make money back on what you spend. Use a credit card with reward points when shopping online and at the store. If you’re willing to take the time to look around are always great deals to be made.