Saving Money – How to Pad your Pockets!

Does it seem that saving money has become impossible? Would you believe that just saying no to a few small things, such as a morning specialty coffee, could do the trick? From stopping that cup of coffee, to making meals last longer, and selling or swapping items with fellow frugalites, you can pad the pockets with money! Following is a great list of cost-saving tips that will get you on that journey to a fatter wallet!

1. Dollar Stores

Dollar stores can be a fantastic way to save lots of money. The cost of a birthday card, sympathy card, and get well card can be up to $5.00 at a boutique, whereas the dollar stores will only cost you $1.00 to express those same feelings. Basic home cleaning supplies can be much cheaper at dollar stores and serve the exact same purpose! Products such as dish washing detergents, glass sprays, floor cleaners and more can be purchased for just a dollar compared to a few dollars at the supermarket. Holiday gifts and decorations for Valentines Day, Halloween, Easter and Christmas can be bought for just one dollar versus the stores who mark up holiday items. Taking advantage of gifts for children to give their friends can be fun and inexpensive at the dollar stores, rather than a huge inconvenience and financial burden!

2. Save Change

Everytime you go somewhere and receive change back, put that money in a special jar or piggy bank. Over time, those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters can add up to be quite a substantial amount of money!

3. Beverages

Specialized coffees can run up to or over $4.00 a cup at coffee shops and restaurants. Getting coffee grounds, creamer and sugar from the grocery store will save you a fortune over time. Take a cup from home every morning and save that $4.00 a day on your way to work. That could be a potential savings of $20.00 a week for someone who stops for a cup of coffee a day! Purchasing canned sodas at the grocery stores on sale can save a bundle too.  Paying up to $1.50 from a vending machine or restaurant for a soft drink compared to about 30 cents a can when purchased in 12 or 24 packages at the grocery store will save a lot. The larger 2 liter bottles of soda are good to use at home and can be about $1.00 a bottle!

4. Special Treatments

By cutting back on nail appointments, massages, and hair appointments (for instance, wait an extra week or longer in between appointments), lots of money can be saved. Or, try to do your own nails every other week. Do you have a friend that can do a great job, for half the price of the salon? Take advantage of this. Also, simple things, such as the cleaning service or lawn care can be cut out quite easily.  Have your family split the difference. If everyone chips in to clean the house, cut the grass and take care of things around the home, lots of money will be saved.

5. Trade Clothes and Toys

Finding friends and family that have children you can swap good clothes or used toys with can save lots of money versus buying totally new items. Organize an event for your neighborhood or children’s class, where parents can get together and trade or sell use goods. Your wallet will thank you!

James Richmond likes to save money, write, cook & visit travelinsurance.org.