10 Best Ways To Save Money Fast Without Having Any
When it comes to saving you don't need money to begin. Some Top 10 lists for saving money tell you to watch your buys, tuck it away, or manage your 401K better. Yet what about the rest of us who for one reason or another are scrapping the bottom of the barrel in this economy? How do you manage, tuck away, or buy when you don't have money to do it with? Never fear, that is where this list comes in handy. Below are some great ways to save, almost like pulling money out of thin air! After this article you just might have to find somewhere to put your new savings.
1) Heating To 68 Degrees Instead Of 72
Many people heat to a pretty comfy 72 degrees during the winter. But if you wear a few more clothes around the house and heat to 68 degrees you can save an additional 50% more off your bill. Cutting your heating bill in half can produce some immediate benefits to your monthly expenses.
2) Avoid Unnecessary Outings
Running out to the store every time you need something can cost in gas and time. Both are extremely valuable. It has been noted that those who go to the store for one item, usually come out with more than that. Instead combine errands into one or two well planned trips a week. This will also keep you from falling prey to impulse buys, which happen more often when you shop aimlessly multiple times a week.
3) Always Use Coupons
There is no excuse, if there is a good coupon for an item you usually buy, then use it. Better yet, if your local grocery store allows coupon doubling, or tripling then save your grocery shopping and coupons for that day. Newspapers, inserts, and online websites carry a host of coupons for many products that are household necessities.
4) Stop Bad Habits
Smoking and over-drinking can be destructive to more than just your health, they can make hardships for your family and budget. Looking from a purely monetary standpoint the average smoker will burn through $31.50 a week. That is $1,638 dollars a year! Plus smokers cost more to insure, and care for health wise. Alcohol abuse can also drain a families finances, this can take the form of not just hard liquor purchase. Some families sink lots of money into beer, even going as far as buying beer when other bills are more of a priority.
5) Always Comparison Shop
Comparison shopping is one of the single greatest tools a smart shopper can use. The price of an item is often times based on how badly you need it and how many other products rival it. When it comes to electronics, comparison shopping in stores and online will give you a better picture of how much to pay for your item. Plus you never want to underestimate the reviews of a product by those who have bought it! With food you will learn that some items are worth buying brand name, like canned black olives. On the other hand most food items are a better buy from the generic brand. Comparison shopping is a skill each buyer will develop over time, but it is worth it.
6) Use Cheap But Effective Cleaners
We are not saying you should spring for the chemical special in your local stores, there is a better way. Baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and borax are some great cheap places to start. Most of these will remove odors, kill germs, and leave a shine that has no chemical residue to worry about. You save a load not buying expensive cleaners and here is a secret, they are all still green cleaners.
7) Punctuality
Uh? How can being on time help me save money? Being late to work can cost you your job, having a job is a pillar of saving money. If you don't lose your job you could still be losing money for ever minute you are not working. Or how about your bills? Being late for paying your bills can cost you in lots of ways. First, late payments can go on a credit history costing you money in the long run. Second, some bills tack on extra money for being late in your payment. Finally, credit cards will dramatically penalize you for late payments. Simply put - be punctual and save money.
8) Take Advantage of Free Samples
It may seem silly, but getting free samples can give you serious savings. They also keep you from making some bad buys. Samples like shampoo, lotions, and soaps can keep you from having to buy these items so often. You will also find that "product" you could not wait to try, but could not afford to buy. What is more, you get the excitement that comes with getting free stuff in the mail!
9) Do Your Own Oil Change
It seems daunting at first, but can be quickly learned. Plus the average oil change done on your time costs 30%-50% less then had you taken it to a mechanic.
10) Maintain A Minimum Bank Balance
This is easier than you think. Leave a small amount, say about $100 in your free checking account. Do not touch this money. It gives you a buffer for purchases when you are out and about. Many people have a tendency to overdraw, but having a buffer like this can keep you from suffering the expensive fees and penalties of doing so. Plus you learn some self-control by leaving something there that you can not use.
These tips are easy to implement, some of them you can do immediately. We encourage you to start shopping smarter, so you can save more!