I want to know different ways to save money?

Coupons do not always save you money. Most of the coupons in our newspaper are for stuff we don't buy anyway.

Look instead into buying no name brand foods. A bag of beans that costs $3 is the same beans that cost $1.50. Look into foods that can be made in large batches and frozen much like the beans. We will make up two pounds of ham and beans, eat them for supper and then freeze the rest in freezer containers. Stuff like beans actually taste better after being in the freezer for awhile anyway.

My BF used to buy name brand green beans for over a dollar a can. I bought a no name can for .49 cents and cooked them up. He couldn't tell any difference in taste. With careful shopping you can cut your grocery bill in half and not even notice a difference.

If you buy in bulk carefully check the prices. I've seen a 25 pound bag of flour in one store that was higher priced than buying five 5 pound bags. Bulk is not always cheaper everywhere. Take a pocket calculator with you.

If things are really hard look into your states food stamp program. Usually mothers with young children get a lot. In some states there are also places with a food pantry. They will have different names in different areas. The government provides free food for the needy. Also other people donate to these places. Back when I lost my job I signed up and once a month I could go get a box of food for free. It actually helped keep me alive. After I got a job again I started donating to them three times a year. I've repaid what I took four times over now but it feels good to help others when you can.

Great question and your intention to handle your money better is commendable!

Judy had some phenomenal suggestions. To hers, I would add that unplugging your hot water heater except for the 20 minutes before you need it will knock about $20-25 /month off of your electric bill.

Also, another thought from Benjamin Franklin. He said that the best two ways to save money are to cut expenses and to also increase income. Good to do one and better to do both. Setting some income and financial savings goals is another thing to do. I mean literally write down what you INTEND to accomplish from both an income and a savings goal. The first step to accomplishing anything is to WRITE it down. Decide to become an 'expert' around handling money and even investing it. You may never have thought of yourself in that light and yet to become the expert, first have the intention and then take the steps: write goals, save, earn more and begin to learn about investing too.

Hope you found some helpful nuggets there in addition to what was shared.

Best Regards,

E

Don't eat out.

No fast food - no restaurants.

Drink water or tea only - no cokes.

Get rid of either a land line or a cell phone.

Get rid of the cable or cut it down to the minimum.

Raise all your insurance deductibles (as long as you have the money in savings).

Watch every bill - watch every single penny.

Go to thrift stores for clothes - you'd be surprised how many people with Lexus and BMW's go to these stores and find nice clothes for a couple of bucks.

Go to garage sales for booster seats and other kids things.

Don't dry clothes in the dryer.

Vacumm less often.

Set the AC at 78 if you can handle it.

/

http://usaveahead.blogspot.com/

U Save Ahead

Deal news / coupons / freebies