Since it’s the start of a new year, why not come up with a saving tip for each week of 2011? Enjoy!
1. Always ask store staff if there are any charges for using credit cards. If so, get out the cold cash!
2. Fill out warranty cards on all purchased items, in case you need to send them in for repair.
3. Write a list before you go grocery shopping. Don’t let impulse items sneak into your cart.
4. Eat before going to the stores. You can easily spend extra money on takeout if you’re hungry.
5. Use a microfiber cloth to clean. They are completely washable and in most cases do not require expensive chemicals.
6. Ask for discounts when you buy things over $100. You’d be surprised what the retail store staff can offer you.
7. Clean your car, get rid of extra items you don’t need. Every extra kilo of weight in the car makes your car use gas faster.
8. Take one day this week to look around your house for items you can sell on eBay. Turn them into cash.
9. Skip the expensive store-bought coffee. Do it yourself at home or at work for next to nothing.
10. Start having a drawer of coupons to go. Never pay full price for a takeout night again.
11. It’s time to review utility costs. Can you exchange your gas, electricity or telephone for a better offer?
12. Forget extended warranties on goods. These so-called guarantees generally cover very little.
13. Do you really need that monthly magazine? Is the information not on the Internet? Save money.
14. One night a week eat vegetarian. Your wallet/purse will thank you.
15. Drive slightly below the speed limit. The slower you drive, the less fuel you use, simple.
16. Looking for a gift? Do a search for a second outlet that sells brand names at deep discounts over last year’s stock.
17. Ignore stock advice from your family. Nine times out of ten they have no idea what they are talking about.
18. Wear warmer clothes in the winter. Forget turning up the heat.
19. Find a cheaper hairdresser. A savings of even $5 per cut can add up over 3-4 years.
20. Smoking causes poor health and higher costs every week. If you can’t give up, cut back.
21. Pay your bills when they arrive in the mail. Putting off bills often leads to late fees.
22. Forget that fancy shampoo and conditioner, buy a bottle of the cheap stuff. You would be surprised.
23. Join a library, great books and DVDs and the price is right.
24. Change your mortgage loan to a weekly payment instead of monthly. You will make an additional payment per year.
25. Why do you keep buying newspapers? You can get all this information on the Internet.
26. Start emailing instead of calling or writing a letter…it’s faster.
27. You are not going to win the lottery. The odds are 45 million to 1. Stop buying tickets. Save the money.
28. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. Each additional grade is more money out of your pocket.
29. Go generic. Why do you keep buying brand name drugs? Go generic and save on the same items.
30. Just like people, cars need a wash. Do you wash yours too often? Why not space the time between washes?
31. Do you need a new bed? How about reupholstering your old sofa? It looks great and saves money.
32. Thrift stores have tons of hidden bargains. You’d be surprised what you can find there.
33. Why not pay your bills over the phone instead of driving to the post office? Save time and money.
34. Children love toys. But how many can they play with at the same time? Reduce gifts for your children.
35. When you get fuel. Don’t get caught up in an impulsive snack.
36. Instead of going to the movies, rent a video for the family to watch… $4 versus $40 more.
37. Don’t buy an entire music album. Go to iTunes and buy the song you want to listen to.
38. There are hundreds of ways to exercise instead of going to a gym. Put on your thinking cap and get healthy.
39. Use your purchase receipts to get your fuel discount; it all adds up
40. How about buying rechargeable batteries? They are more expensive up front, but save you in the long run.
41. Learn the seasons of fruits and vegetables. Buying any food out of season will mean higher prices.
42. How about this week you have an alcohol-free week?
43. Call your family members and suggest a Secret Santa; more money in your pocket and theirs.
44. Learn a cheap recipe. Now include this recipe every month at least once in the future.
45. Why do you keep buying lunch? Start doing it yourself and watch your bank balance grow.
46. Stop sending useless and expensive text messages.
47. Get organized with your taxes. Start keeping all of your deductions in one place. Get a good return fast.
48. Google great money saving tips!
49. Looking to buy an expensive item. Do your research on prices. you’d be surprised how much
can save.
50. Instead of taking the kids bowling or to the movies. Take them to a local sports game and have a picnic.
51. Do you really need more clothes? Go to your wardrobe; you will be surprised what you have.
52. Refill your ink cartridges. Forget buying new; it will save a lot of money.
I hope you have enjoyed the 52 ideas to save money.