Tips to save small amounts of money?

[Alicia13]

Do you have any tips to save small amounts of money each week? I'm looking for ways to save money around the house, but I'm still learning. I'd love to hear the ways that you're saving money for this challenge so I can use them to help me as well.

[thesimplemoneyblog]

A small thing is making sure appliances are turned off when they are not in use, and only having them on when you want them on. For instance, if you have the tv on just to have it on, you could save some money by turning it off when you're not actually watching it. Same goes for your computer.

You could save some money at the grocery store by doing a little more research on which grocery store has the cheapest prices for what you have on your list for the week. We make a list to go to the grocery store each week based on what meals we will have, and then we look at the two closest grocery stores and do some comparison shopping (based also on coupons received for the week).

Another thing you could do is simply substitute a few off-brand products for name-brand products.

[deedee421]

Something I've done in the past is to collect my change in a jar each night. It's amazing how much you can save just by doing that. I also unplug any appliances that are not in use (don't forget the microwave!), and it does make a difference. I also do the Pinecone surveys which isn't a lot of money, but it's extra money I can put into savings.

[Alicia13]

That is how I started out. Like deedee421 said collecting coins, but I am also collecting my dollar bills.

[LadyT]

One thing I've done for years is to take my lunch to work instead of going out. Of course, you may already be doing that but, if not, I highly recommend it. The amount you can save by doing that is substantial. I'm not a coffee drinker so I didn't have to cut out fancy lattes ... but I am a soda drinker and I take my own to work.

[disneysteve]

Check your library or bookstore for "The Tightwad Gazette." It used to be a monthly newsletter. Ultimately, she stopped publishing the newsletter and the tips were all compiled into book form. Some of the stuff is rather extreme but a lot of it is good common sense advice that can help save a fair amount of money.

[pinkroses]

I use half of stuff -- almost everything. Most products work without having to use the full recommended amount. it seems they make the amount so they can sell you more of their product. I use only the amount I really need and it allows me to extend the things I buy twice as long.

[snshijuptr]

I like the halving recommendation. We cut dryer sheets in half until we just stopped using them, and we water our juice down by half which is also healthier for you. Look to replace disposables with reusables such as unpaper towels, reusable snack & sandwich bags, etc. Good for the environment and the wallet. Cut the tv cable and increase your internet speed to take advantage of Hulu and Netflix Instant. Clean out clutter which reduces your space needs and if you can sell it will get you a little extra cash. Cultivate frugal friendships where people prefer potlucks and board games to restaurants and clubs.

AND MOST OF ALL: Do 1 thing at a time!! Only try to change 1 habit at a time. Don't move on to the next thing until your habits feel natural for all practitioners (that includes spouses and children).

[wendykw]

Saving small amounts

I try to stock up on things we use frequently when they are on sale. I also use store brands on lots of things. Just buy one package when you try it. Some stores will let you return their store brand for a free pkg of the name brand if you don't like their brand. I've been happy with all the store brands I've tried except the frozen waffles.

[BrianJone]

Something I've done in the past is to collect my change in a jar each night.

this works!

[BrianJone]

One thing I've done for years is to take my lunch to work instead of going out.

this also works great!

[lewiskelly]

Less your Expenses.Go grocery shopping while you are in a hurry.Buy in bulk whenever possible.Because sometimes its too necessary to save money for future use

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Meal plan based on sales. Even without coupons shopping with a list and cooking what is the loss leader can save people big. That's my tip for friends and more than a few were suprised at how much they saved when they shopped based on sales and not based on what they "wanted" that week.

Also have a rotating recipes that are easy to make and have on hand.

[coffee]

Something I've done in the past is to collect my change in a jar each night. It's amazing how much you can save just by doing that. I also unplug any appliances that are not in use (don't forget the microwave!), and it does make a difference. I also do the Pinecone surveys which isn't a lot of money, but it's extra money I can put into savings.

I know a couple guys (high school teachers) who bartend a couple evenings a week and they load up containers with their coins. One of them had 1800 bucks at the end of a yr. I save my change also the past year and it does add up. Also, any change I get goes into the container. If something costs 2.20, I give 3 dollars and take the change. The only thing is I will use pennies to round up (i.e. if something costs 2.23, I will give 3>03 to get change.

[deedee421]

I know a couple guys (high school teachers) who bartend a couple evenings a week and they load up containers with their coins. One of them had 1800 bucks at the end of a yr. I save my change also the past year and it does add up. Also, any change I get goes into the container. If something costs 2.20, I give 3 dollars and take the change. The only thing is I will use pennies to round up (i.e. if something costs 2.23, I will give 3>03 to get change.

Wow...I haven't been able to save $1800 from my change. I think the most was $200 one year but I stopped doing the change jars in favor of getting cash back on my credit cards. That's great!