Ten Ways to Save Money

If you embrace the idea that money is a resource and a tool then you will certainly want to use it most effectively.  Here are ten ways to do just that.

1.  MAKE WISE FOOD PURCHASES.   Think grains, legumes, vegetables, eggs, dairy, and limited meats. Buy such things in their most basic form (no precut veges or convenience packs!) Buy ingredients, not prepackaged meals. If you want a snack food, grab a bag of popcorn kernels (no, not the microwave kind!)  You'll be able to create delicious, nutritious meals that will maintain your health helping you feel great today and saving you medical bills down the pike.

2.  MAKE GOOD TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.  If you only need to travel short distances, consider buying a bicycle with a basket and storage bags.  It'll get you around town, is good for the environment, and great exercise.  Consider public transportation.  Not owning a vehicle saves you the initial cost to purchase, fuel to drive, routine maintenance costs, and need for insurance.  If you do need or choose to drive a vehicle, do your research and buy a good used model that is fuel efficient and is cheap to insure.

3.  USE ENERGY EFFICIENTLY.  Consider an energy audit from your energy provider.  Insulate your home.  Wash only full loads of clothing in cold water and line dry.  Pick up some Smart Strip Power outlets to decrease consumption of phantom energy.  Put lids on pans when cooking on the stove.  Plan to bake multiple items in the oven at one time.  Use a microwave to heat up leftovers.  Cook in a crock pot.  Replace incandescent light bulbs with EFL bulbs or LED bulbs.  Make and use a rain barrel.

4.  BUY THE BEST QUALITY YOU CAN AFFORD.  You'll spend less money long term by purchasing high quality items that will stand the test of time over cheaper, but low quality items you'll likely have to replace in a short period of time.   Think sturdy, high-quality all wood or metal frame furniture.  Stainless steel cookware and bake ware.  Quality tools that come with a guarantee.  Well made, energy efficient appliances.

5.  SHOP GARAGE SALES, EBAY, THRIFT STORES.  Like new, quality clothing and other goods can be found for greatly reduced cost utilizing these resources.  I purchase 90% of my family's clothes and shoes through these venues.  In addition, I've purchased books, cookware, furniture, etc. - all high quality and all at greatly reduced prices.  Some examples include a three piece Pyrex bake ware set with matching lids at a garage sale for $3.00; like new 8 qt. Wolfgang Puck Stock Pot and large frying pan with matching lids for $20.00 on EBay; and How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman for $15.00 on EBay.

6.  GROOMING.  Consider a beauty school or barber college for haircuts.  Do manicures and pedicures at home.  Learn to do simple haircuts at home.  Educate yourself on good skin care (an excellent diet, drinking pure water, breathing fresh air, and a dose of daily exercise will do your entire body more good than any pill, lotion, or make-up!)

7.  BARTER, SHARE, AND TRADE.  Share vegetables and seeds with a neighbor who gardens.  Trade a skill or service.  (I'll watch your kids tonight, if you'll put mine on the bus in the morning.  You need some tailoring done, I sew, so I'll do that for you and you can change my oil and check the air in my tires.  You get the picture.)  Don't be afraid to barter.  This can be done at not only the typical places like garage sales and swap meets, but also at stores.  We've done this when purchasing furniture, replacing appliances, event buying apples at the orchard.  Always remember to be polite and mannerly.  Bullying or rudeness does not constitute bartering.  That's just plain bad behavior!

8.  ENJOY FREE OR LOW COST ENTERTAINMENT.  Take a stroll through your neighborhood.  Visit a free or low cost museum (We have an Air Force Museum at our local United States Air Force base that is totally free and absolutely awesome.  Hours of free and educational fun!)  Invite friends over for homemade pizza and game night.  Libraries offer books, movies, audio books, and programs such as crafting and storytelling.  National, state, and local park districts and reserves offer tons of outdoor activities, programs, and events.

9.   PREVENTATIVE CARE.  Brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly.  Have your eyes checked.  Get a yearly medical evaluation.  Change your furnace filters on schedule.  Fix or repair any leaks, holes, cracks or tears as soon as you discover them.  Evaluate and maintain your home and car on a regular basis.  Ensuring your health, your home, and your vehicles are all evaluated and maintained thoroughly and regularly will prevent costly and unrepairable issues in the future.

10.  EMBRACE RECYCLING.  Aluminum cans, newspaper, copper, and other items can be recycled for money, and it is better for the environment that tossing everything directly into the trash headed to the local landfill.  Choose water bottles that can be refilled and ban the use of (expensive) plastic ones.  Don't be afraid to stop and pick up an item someone has discarded for trash if you can use it.  (Just be absolutely certain the item is truly a give-away or set out as trash.  Kids are notorious for leaving their toys and bikes just about anywhere.  I always ask the owner to be sure the item is truly discarded.)

These are just a few of the methods our family uses to save money on a regular basis.  The possibilities are endless.  Simply dig in and begin educating yourself.  Starting is the hardest part.  Once you take the first step, you'll be on your way.  One idea leads to another and soon saving money every day will become a natural habit!