There are a number of simple ways to cut down on costs if you want to save money on day-to-day expenses.Over time, expenses like food and transportation can add up.You can save hundreds of dollars a year if you trim from your budget.Making small changes can add up to a big difference in savings.
Step 1: Pick a week to plan weekly meals.
Meal planning is a great way to save money as you end up only shopping once a week and avoiding eating out.You can plan your meals around the sales.Many people don't realize they can save money by planning their meals around sales items.Before you make a shopping list, make sure you have what you need.Take a look at what you have in your pantry.You should check for fruits, vegetables, and meats that are still good.Take what's available and use it in a meal.Look at the ads from the local grocery stores once you've figured out what you have.Take a look at what's on sale and what you can add to your existing supplies to make a meal.You can make casseroles, pastas and soups that can be used for dinner a few days in a row.If you're not sure how to make a meal using what you have and sales items, many websites allow you to plug in your ingredients and offer a variety of meals you can make using them.
Step 2: Get coupons by signing up.
If you sign up for a loyalty card at a grocery store, they will ask you to enter your e-mail at the register.Don't use your regular e-mail, but instead use a separate address to track sales.Stores often e-mail coupons and reminders about in-store specials, but they may end up in your inbox.If you mix these e-mails with your regular messages, you may be able to overlook or destroy them.Before a big shopping trip, make a separate e-mail address for retailers and check it out.It's easy to make sure you see store specials related emails.If your email has a promotions filter, make sure to check it.Sometimes coupons are accidentally filters as junk mail by certain email providers.
Step 3: Shop at discount stores.
There are many discount stores that sell everything from groceries to cheap clothing.You can find discount options in your area.The basics of toilet paper, paper towels, flour, sugar, and spices are just as good at the dollar store as they are at a regular grocery store.The back of the store is where every grocery store has a clearance section.It's a good idea to browse the clearance section when you're shopping to see if anything is on sale.There are a variety of discount grocery stores in some towns.Try to get groceries from a discount store one week out of the month.
Step 4: There are farmer's markets or co-ops.
Milk, cheese, and eggs are both cheap and fresh if you buy them from a local farmer.Local items may be available at a co-op.Farmers markets have in-season produce that is cheaper than what you would find at a grocery store.If you buy bread, cheese, eggs, and other items frequently, you might be able to strike a deal with one of the farmers.If you're able to buy on a regular basis, the seller may be willing to sell to you at a discount.
Step 5: Whenever possible, buy in bulk.
Many items can be purchased in bulk.Paper towels and toilet paper are cheaper if you buy them in bulk.cereals can be cheaper in bulk.If you want to increase the shelf life of items like breads, fruits, veggies, and meats, you can buy them and then freeze them.
Step 6: Unplug appliances when not in use to save electricity.
Unplugging items you're not using can be a great way to cut down on costs.Coffee machines and other kitchen appliances should be unplugged after use.They drain energy from the wall even if they're not turned on.A big contributor to your electric bill is electronics.If you don't use your phone, computer, or TV, they do not need to be plugged in.Unplugging electronics can save you money.Be careful when using air conditioning.It's best to turn it on between mid-afternoon and early evening, when it gets the most warm.If you can, leave the AC on and use a ceiling fan or floor fan.If your energy costs seem high, you may want to look for a different provider.
Step 7: It's a good idea to save on water.
There are ways to cut back on water costs if you pay for your own water.You should replace your shower head if it was made before 1994.Federal regulation requires models made after that year to be more energy efficient.Replacing your toilet with a high-efficiency one will save you water.If you don't like drinking tap water, invest in a cheap filter.You can buy filters that fit over your faucet or pitcher.Buying bottled water each week is costly and wasteful.It is a good idea to wash your clothes in cold water if you have a washing machine.It cuts down on water heating costs.It might be better to have nicer clothing as it reduces the risk of your clothes fading.You can reduce the amount of water you use by making simple changes.If you mow your lawn too frequently it can cause the grass to dry out.Check for leaking sprinklers.You can learn more by reading the article.
Step 8: Cancel your cable subscription.
If you pay for premium channels, you might want to cancel your cable subscription.A cheaper alternative to cable is available.You can get free TV with an antenna.You can view a lot of programs online for less than $10 a month with a subscription to a service.Many networks will post recent episodes of popular shows online for free.Scheduling weekly viewing parties with friends who also like the show and have cable is a good way to see shows you can't see without cable.If you want to save money, you should bundle your phone, internet, and TV together.
Step 9: Keep up with your bank payments.
Over time, payments to your bank can add up, but there are ways to reduce costs.You should avoid bouncing checks in order to save money.You should keep a close eye on how much money is in your account.If you have a savings account, you should transfer money from it whenever you run low to make sure your checks don't bounce.Check your bank's policy on money transfers.If you transfer too much money from savings to checking, some banks will charge you a fee.Credit card debt should be reduced as much as possible.If you can reduce your credit card debt by $1,000, you will save up to $200 a year in interest.You should always pay your credit card on time.You should take extra time to find an ATM that is associated with your bank.Over time, the $2 to $3 overdraft fee adds up.
Step 10: Save on your rent or mortgage.
There are ways to cut down on rent and mortgage payments, even though the cost of housing is a major factor.Do not pay for space you don't need.Try to live in a smaller house or apartment.There are tons of ideas to maximize space in a small apartment or home.You can identify any old clothes, books, or papers that you don't need anymore by sorting through your personal belongings.If you toss some of these items, you can use less space.Refinancing your mortgage is something you should talk to your bank about.You may be able to negotiate a new deal if the payments are high.
Step 11: Public transportation can be used to get to work.
Do it if it's possible to avoid driving.Finding ways to get around driving is a great way to cut down on costs when gas costs are high.It's cheaper to commute to work if you find a home close to your work space.Unless the weather is bad, you should walk to work.20 or 30 minutes of walking a day is great exercise and good for your health.It's a good idea to look into getting a pass if you live in an area with buses, subways, or trains.It's good for the environment to take public transportation because it can save hundreds of dollars a year on gas.You should buy a bike.Purchase a bike and use it as your primary mode of transportation if you live in a city that's bike friendly.Even just a few days a week, biking can be a great way to save gas.
Step 12: There is a car pool.
It is possible to save on transportation costs by setting up a company car pool.If you know any co-workers who live in the same neighborhood as you, you can ask them if they would be interested in working a couple days a week.Everyone can chip in for gas when you take turns being the driver.
Step 13: Only regular gasoline is used.
Premium or other expensive forms of gasoline are not worth the bother.The majority of car experts agree that using anything other than regular gasoline is a waste of money.Unless your car requires a more expensive type of gas, stick to regular.Premium gasoline costs anywhere from 20 to 40 cents more than regular gasoline.
Step 14: Go out and save.
If you don't want to miss out on a night on the town, then you can.There are ways to save money.You can see a movie at a matinee if you enjoy it.They're generally cheaper.Smaller, local theaters may be able to offer cheaper tickets.They don't have the most recent blockbusters, but it might be fun to see an old favorite on the big screen.If you go out to eat, don't drink soda or juice.Stick to the faucet.The $3 for a soda doesn't seem like much, but it adds up.Appetizers should be avoided.You'll have more room for the main course because your dining bill will be cheaper.You can find specials at local bars and restaurants.On certain nights, many places offer half off drinks and food.Appetizers are a good way to share a meal with friends.
Step 15: You can borrow books and movies.
You end up spending a lot of money on movies and books.It might be cheaper to borrow.You can get a library card.Americans spend $200 a year on books alone.If you don't plan on re-reading a book, you can borrow a copy from the library.Ask your friends if you can borrow books and movies occasionally.If you need a book, this will save you a trip to the library.
Step 16: Potlucks can be hosted.
A fun event that allows you to socialize with friends and neighbors while also saving on costs is a potluck.Everyone can share in the bounty if they bring a dish and a drink.A simple, fun way to socialize and entertain is a potluck.