10. Ask for a Discount – The worst that can happen is they say no. Just ask “Do you offer (student, AAA, AARP, etc) discounts?” or “Do you price match with other stores?” or “Will this be on sale in the next few weeks?” or “Has this been on sale in the last few weeks?” If you’re serious about saving money, make an offer and be willing to walk away.
9. Comparison shop – Do your homework before you buy. If you’re buying products on line do a quick search for special promo codes that might be applied to your order. The merchant won’t volunteer the information, but you might find special offers for % off or free shipping. Compare prices with other vendors, or check store to store for special promotions.
8. Borrow - Put your library card to good use. I love to read – in fact I usually read a book a week. To support my habit I could easily spend $50 -$100 a month. Instead, I’ll splurge only if there is a new release that I just HAVE TO HAVE and I’ll borrow the rest. Our library also has DVDs and audio books, which I listen to in the car. You can also set up a book exchange at work or church.
7. Rent - For those things you only use once, rent rather than buying. My family loves going to the movies, every Saturday we’d go to the theater, pay our $8 admission, buy our $5 tub of popcorn or candy bar and $5 soda. For a family of four it adds up – we’d spend $200 a month just on movies. Now we do movie night at home, renting the latest release ($1 per night w/ Redbox), popping our own popcorn (pennies) and drinking soda from a can ($.25). We still have time together as a family and we get to watch movies, but we only spend $10 a month to do it. You can rent tools, party supplies, recreational vehicles, sporting equipment or vacation homes.
6. Sign up as Preferred Customer – The only draw back is your name will be added to mail list, but it’s a small price to pay for saving money. Preferred Customer rewards include discounted prices, loyalty points that can be redeemed like cash, special discounts on your birthday and inclusion in special promotions. I’ve received free movie passes, early bird shopping and promotional items as a preferred customer.
5. Make a List – Before you shop, make a list of what you need and then stick to it. You’ll be surprised at how much money you save when you avoid impulse buying. Sometimes I just can’t help myself. I’ll pick something up and just carry it with me throughout the store knowing that I don’t have to decide whether or not to buy it until I’m face to face with the cashier. 9 times out of 10 carrying it around for 30 minutes is enough. I can leave it behind without regrets.
4. Pack a lunch – Brown bagging will save dollars a day, depending on your lunch habits. If you’re a drive thru diva, you could save $5 a day, but if you like to sit down and have lunch served on a real plate, you’ll save $10 or more. A DAY! Admittedly, your options may be limited if there’s not a microwave in the vicinity. Get creative. Not only will you save cash, you’ll save calories from those annoying fats that play hide and go seek in your burger and fries.
3. Pay Cash – It may be hard to break your Credit Card addiction, but seriously – only buy what you can afford. If you don’t have the cash to go out to eat, buy a new pair of shoes or go on vacation, then don’t do it! You’ll save money because you’ll spend less, you won’t pay interest and you’ll be more conscientious of the cost of things. To prove it, take $100 cash with you the next time you go to the grocery store and leave all your plastic at home. I bet you will know the cost of your groceries within a dollar or two before you check out. You’ll have more of an emotional connection to the cash, counting it out, seeing the bills leave your wallet, than swiping a card and pushing a button or two.
2. Buy Vintage – You can save a bundle if you buy gently used goods, especially big ticket items; cars, furniture, sporting equipment etc. You can shop online through Craig’s List or Ebay or spend a Saturday prowling yard sales. I treat every purchase as a treasure hunt, finding just what I want for great price.
1. Stop Smoking - I'd been smoking for so long, I thought quitting would be IMPOSSIBLE. I knew I HAD to quit, for my health, my family and my bank balance. I did quit, 12 years ago so I know it can be done. My husband has been able to quit with the e cigarette which is a fraction of the cost of tobacco cigarettes.
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