If you want to save more money, you have to start using your common sense. If you are trying to keep up with the Jones’s, stop; because you will go broke. Always try to live within your means, or better yet, try living slightly below your means.
I’m not talking about going to Sam’s Club to get the free food samples that they hand out and consider that your super. I’m talking about taking an assessment of where you are spending your money and whether it is totally necessary to buy the things you are buying. It boils down to your needs versus your wants. Just make sure that the things you buy are truly important, and don’t spend more than you make.
I have friends and family members who will go out and buy their kids a pair of basketball shoes that cost, are you ready for this, $650 dollars or more. There is a big disparity in the cost of basketball shoes; they could have purchased a cheaper pair in the $50 to $100 dollars’ range, but if you listen to your kids, quite naturally they are going to want the most expensive pair.
I played basketball, and believe me, if you have talent, the shoes aren’t going to make that much of a difference. Try steering your kids away from designer shoes and clothes. This buying the most expensive scenario happens often to families that can least afford it.
Whether you want to buy a new laptop or save for retirement, it is vital to learn money saving techniques. People, who are trying to lose weight, tend to be more successful when they alter their lifestyles, instead of trying the latest diet pill.
Similarly, people who want to reduce their outgoings find it easier to save when they adjust their lifestyles to meet savings targets. There are many ways that you can save money, however, it is up to you to structure your daily life in a way that makes saving the top priority. This mean you might have to shop at a Walmart or Sears and give up the Coach hand bags and Versace dresses.
As far as entertainment goes, there are numerous tactics you can employ to cut down on the expense. Rather than subscribing to or purchasing newspapers and magazines, which you will discard after looking at, visit your local library to read them free of charge.
Libraries often permit members to watch DVDs and movies too. Make the most of these public resources and arrange a movie evening at home. Get hold of some microwave popcorn, and enjoy a few movies for far less than you would pay at the cinema. When purchasing your books and DVDs, consider doing so at a store that carries used books and DVDs. You will be surprised how much money you can save.
I remember an incident that happened when my wife and I were shopping for some school clothes for a young cousin of mine. It was our practice every summer, to bring him and his brother from Michigan to Wisconsin to spend some time with their cousins.
My wife and I would take them shopping for clothes and school supplies. My cousin needed some gym shoes, so we purchased an ordinary pair and gave them to him. When he got them, he started to look them over, trying to find a brand name.
I asked him how he liked the shoes and he said, “There’s no name on them”. They were nice shoes, but I could tell he didn’t like them. I told him “to be appreciative when someone is trying to help you”. He accepted that lesson, now he has a family of his own and is the V.P. of an Electronic Company.
When you are deciding to make an expensive purchase of a hundred dollars or more, give yourself a cooling off period of a few days. After that period of time, if you still want to make the purchase, then go right on and do it.
When you’re on vacation, it might be wise not to stay at Trump Towers or the Hilton, but at an Econo Lodge, or a Motel 6; “they will leave the light on for you”. I was told that, “all the rooms look the same when you close your eyes”.
There are many different ways that you can save money, however it is up to you to structure your daily life in a way that makes saving the top priority. These are exaggerations of course, but you get my meaning, try to live below your means, whenever you can. It is strictly up to you which way to go.
Living a healthy lifestyle is an excellent way of reducing medical fees and visits to the doctor. You can stay healthy without the expensive monthly gym fees. Walking more and using the car less is another good money saving tip – both for lowering fuel costs and improving your health.
If you are a smoker, think about giving up the habit and try your best to do so. You will be a lot healthier, and it will save you a tremendous amount of money. I ride my bicycle often in the summer months to stay in shape. It is nice to get out in the elements, but you have to make sure you have a safe environment in which to ride. During the winter months, I stay inside and use my stationary bike and treadmill.
Making sure your car is regularly serviced will limit the number of expensive repairs you need, and it will keep your transportation costs within budget. Check out the public transportation system; if there’s one available in your area, it might be a good option to save you money.
Over the course of a year, you spend a significant amount of money on groceries, so it is wise to use money saving tricks (coupons) for food and similar items. Warehouse savings clubs are good for bigger families, because they usually offer sizable food packages at reduced prices. Also, pet food and paper products are typically less expensive at warehouse saving stores.
For both big and small households, devising meals based on the foods that are on sale at the supermarket is a surefire way to cut grocery costs. If you would brown bag your lunch, instead of fast food, you probably would be healthier and wealthier.
If you’re old enough, don’t forget to ask for a senior citizen’s discount. Some stores also give discounts to those who have served our country in the military, just show them your DD 214 card, or other forms of proof. You can stay healthy without the expensive monthly gym fees.
Housing tends to account for the biggest percentage of people’s budgets, so it is good to find ways of reducing this expense. If you are a homeowner, renting out a room or suite will boost your income and help you to pay your mortgage and other bills.
If you rent, signing a long term contract with an agreed monthly rent, which can not be altered during the contract period, will save you a lot of money. To reduce utility bills, homeowners and renters alike should use energy saving devices whenever possible. Water and electricity should be used prudently as well. Instead of racking up a huge bill for furniture, affordable secondhand fixtures can be spruced up to look nice in your home.