Image by 401(K) 2012
1. Print a grocery list and stick to it.
2. At the grocery store look down. Items below eye level are often cheaper.
3. Try the store brands. Generic itemes are similar if not better than Brand names, and you’re paying for all the advertising they do to have a brand name.
4. Ask for a discount on big ticket items like a refrigerator or washing machine.
5. If you don’t have health insurance, you must seriously consider getting it now! If you are uninsured, health care is more expensive.
6. Buy Compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 75% less electricity than incandescent.
7. Clear your credit card debt. One of the golden rules of financial planning is to clear your most expensive debts first, in other words your credit card debt. Credit card interest rates are normally high, so if not cleared it could cost you a lot of money repaying the interest and fines.
8. Pay your bills on time and avoid late fees.
9. Do regular scheduled maintenance on your vehicles. Do not cut down on or forget to do regular oil changes. Remember to check the air in your tires often. And follow the maintenance schedule mentioned in the owner’s manual of your car. These small steps taken by you, can significantly lengthen the life of your car, giving you years of use, and also save you a ton of money on major maintenance or breakdown issues.
10. Make saving a game. Set goals and give yourself a reward if you reach them.