45 Small, Easy-to-Manage Money Savers That Add Up

by Jejeizahfaye on Jun 30, 2009 with 0 Comments

To find savings, most of us have to think of smaller regular purchases and our monthly services. The challenge (and the fun) is to find cuts that won’t be tedious or depressing. So check out this list and I’m sure you’ll find some that will suit your style.

  1. Instead of ordering cappuccino or caramel machiatto, try the coffee of the day and ask the server to leave lots of room for milk. The foam is gone after three sips, anyway — and you could save a few pennies, which will add up in the long run.
  2. Slow down! A car going 55 miles per hour gets 15 percent better fuel economy than one doing 65.
  3. If you can’t wait for that bestseller to be available at the library, buy it with a friend and split the cost.
  4. Set your airconditioner’s thermostat higher. For every degree above 72 degree F (22 degree C), you’ll save up to three percent per month in energy costs.
  5. Walk or bike instead of driving; you’ll save gas (and burn calories!).
  6. Do you really watch all the channels your cable system offers? It might be cheaper to switch to basic service and join an online club for must-see movies.
  7. When the kids beg for takeout, make a “happier meal”: Place a burger, fries, and a small toy inside a bag.
  8. Stick to your shopping list. If your son needs new sneakers, don’t let him talk you into buying the cool basketball jersey that’s hanging by the cash register (even if it’s on sale).
  9. Take your vacation at home. But make it a real break: no chores or errands. Join the kids in an indoor-outdoor game-playing marathon.
  10. To minimize impulse buying, keep a running grocery list and shop only once a week.
  11. Splurging for an anniversary or a birthday? Go out for lunch rather than dinner.
  12. Can you sew? Buy a twin-size flat sheet and you can make three pillow-cases for less than half the cost of a two-case set.
  13. If you can’t give up bottled water, invest in a water dispenser. The initial payout may be steep, but a five-gallon refill costs a little more, compared with the 500 ml individual bottles from the store.
  14. Make your own salad dressing: Even if you use extra virgin olive oil and imported balsamic vinegar, a cup of homemade vinaigrette costs a little more.
  15. Are you taking advantage of employee benefits? You may be entitled to discount movie tickets, a gym membership, or merchandise that can be bought at discount prices.
  16. Think twice before taking out a two-year contract on your cell phone. You may save upfront on a cool phone and an attractive plan, but chances are, on the second year, you’d be able to find a better deal.
  17. Brew your own iced tea. Flavor with fruit juice.
  18. Make fruit ices from unsweetened juice.
  19. Pay bills online or set up monthly withdrawals from your checking account. No postage — and no late fees if you’re on an automatic plan.
  20. If you haven’t refinanced your mortgage, do the math. You might save immediately by having a lower monthly charge — or in the long run by keeping your payments the same and knocking years (of interest!) off the loan.
  21. Save for Christmas by depositing all your change in a cookie tin.
  22. Resist take out by always having a ready-to-heat home-cooked meal in your freezer.
  23. Shopping with small children? Break the habit of buying a toy each trip.
  24. Buy tape, pencils, and paper clips in bulk at an office-supply store. You’ll save loads — and avoid having to dash out to the closest (overpriced) shop when you need an item.
  25. Drop your gym membership; borrow workout tapes from the library and invest in hand weights.
  26. Cancel that costly DSL or cable-modem service. Need to go online? Use a dial-up plan.
  27. With some prepaid phone cards, you can get long distance for as little as $.40 a minute.
  28. Don’t use the rinse-hold cycle on your dishwasher; it consumes up to seven gallons of hot water.
  29. Resist cute (costly!) pet toys. Your dog will chomp just as contentedly on an old tennis ball.
  30. If your health plan doesn’t cover glasses, find out if the insurer has a deal with local opticians to offer discounts.
  31. Be scrupulous about observing traffic ordinances to avoid being heavily fined by highway traffic cops.
  32. Grow out the layers in your hair. You’ll need far fewer trims.
  33. Freeze chicken parts in a heavy-duty bag. When you have enough, make your own stock.
  34. Dining out? Have dessert and coffee at home. There’s a high markup on these “extras”.
  35. Keep your car tuned. Replace filters regularly: A new oxygen sensor alone can improve mileage by as much as 25 percent.
  36. Drop extra phone services: Three-way calling, call-forwarding, and call-waiting can add at least P50 a month, even then they’re bundled with your plan.
  37. Swap childcare with a friend; keep a log of hours to avoid resentment.
  38. Do you have a pet: Your local government may offer low-cost vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
  39. Eat breakfast at home. Almost anything you grab will be cheaper (and healthier) than fast food.
  40. Rebates aren’t always well advertised. Check the manufacturer’s website and the store’s.
  41. Cut your husband’s hair yourself.
  42. If you haven’t switched to compact flourescent lamps, do it! They are four times more efficient than incandescent and last up to ten times longer.
  43. Check tires. Inflating to maximum recommended pressure can improve  gas mileage by three percent; regular wheel alignments also boost fuel economy.
  44. Call your long-distance carrier every six months to be sure you are still getting the best deal.
  45. Avoid your personal temptation,k whether it’s the makeup counter, CD store, or shoe shop.
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