Getting the most out of your money is about more than just being frugal. It is about making smart decisions and living within your means. It is about cutting costs and getting the best value for your purchases. There are some simple ways to save money and there are some pretty ridiculous ways. As with most things, the simplest are usually the most effective and the easiest to continuously do. There are the time honoured ways of saving money like clipping coupons, which is just as viable an option as it ever was and there are some new things worth looking into.
Beyond coupons, you can save money at the local market by buying generics. They are usually exactly the same as the name brands and cost a fraction. From cereal to pain medication, the generic or store brand version of your favourite product will leave a little extra padding your wallet. You can buy in bulk if it is non perishable or an item that you know you will use before it goes bad. The savings from buying I bulk can be surprisingly substantial. Check to see if your local market offers any kind of customer rewards program.
If you own a car, make sure it receives its properly scheduled maintenance. A car that has been tuned up can easily get a 30% improvement in fuel economy. Check your tires to be sure that they are properly inflated. It may sound silly, but too flat tires can rob your vehicle of fuel. In your home, avoid using the air conditioner if you do not really need to. A fan uses a lot less energy than an A/C unit. Properly insulating your home can create a surprising reduction in energy costs, not to mention making your home quieter and more peaceful.
Little things like walking or riding a bike instead of driving and packing a lunch instead of eating out can add up pretty quickly. When it comes to impulse purchases, wait a couple of days before you buy. If you still want the item a couple of days later and you can afford it then go ahead but give yourself time to decide if it is something you really want.
And lastly, save money by saving money. Put aside money in a savings account or have it withdrawn automatically from your other account. The money you save now is money you can spend later with less guilt.