Dec

5 Ways to Save Money

site management on December 15th, 2009

: Image by Getty Images via Daylife

5 Ways to Save Money Every Day
By Tina Keightley

With the economy not doing very well, money is on everyone’s mind – and many people fear that they will have trouble paying the bills, let alone having enough for the little extras. A few simple tips can help keep us from over-spending where we don’t need to, which we can all appreciate.

1. Compare Prices

Whether you’re shopping for a loaf of bread or a big-screen TV, comparing prices can really help you save. In the store, compare prices between brands, and in the case of food, price per unit – often times store-brand products are just as good as name-brand, but are cheaper. Larger packs are often a better deal, but not always, so be sure to compare pack sizes as well.

2. Read Flyers

Many people these days don’t receive store flyers, to cut down on both junk mail and paper usage – good thing most major retailers publish theirs’ online. Check them out and watch for sales and deals, and compare prices on things you need between different stores. Finding a better deal at a place you may not visit ordinarily could save you a lot, and possibly help you find a new favourite store.

3. Use Coupons

Clipping coupons isn’t just for groceries – nearly everything has coupons available if you search online. Toiletries, books, even toys can be bought at discount using coupons. Try to match coupons to sale products to save even more. If you’re shopping online, be sure to use coupon codes. Most retailers have a myriad of codes available, either by signing up for email newsletters, or just by searching for the store with “coupon codes” after. You can get anything from a percentage discount or fixed dollar amount off, to a free gift with purchase or free shipping.

4. Buy Used

Buying new in many cases is tossing your money away. Many products can be bought used for a fraction of the cost, and are often as good as new. Second-hand stores can be a great place to find clothing – especially if you are brand-conscious, designer duds are often available for just a few dollars, many times with tags still attached! Books, movies, CDs, and video games can all be found for a few cents to a few dollars, and even many household items can be had for a bargain price. Shop around, spend time in local second-hand shops and you will likely find one or two that have a lot of good quality products for excellent prices. In the spring and summer, be sure to visit yard sales as well – they are often even better for finding bargains.

5. Walk

These days, paying for gas is a challenge for a lot of people. Prices are starting to come down, but even still, it can be expensive to fill the tank. So why not walk? Instead of driving a few blocks to the corner store or post office, walk. If your trip is too far to consider walking, then try public transit if it’s available. Commuting by bus or subway can cut your travel expenses immensely, and helps the environment. In many cities, it is even feasible to live without a car at all – if it possible for you, this could potentially eliminate one of the highest-costing item on a family’s budget. Our family exists on our current income solely because we don’t own a car, and we live in a town with no public transit – not always an easy feat, but it’s worth the money we don’t spend.

Sometimes it’s tough when we’re deep in debt to see a way out. Even if you’re not, and just need a little help cutting unnecessary spending to make things a bit easier through hard economic times, a few basic ideas can be all you really need to get started. Once you start though, saving money where you can will become a habit, and you’ll likely find even more ways to trim spending so you are more able to pay the bills or put money into savings.

Tina Keightley is the owner of ChristinaKeightley.ca – a website dedicated to her personal and business endeavors. She is a small business owner, photography student, and writer in her spare time. She also maintains a blog at http://blog.christinakeightley.ca Tina is also a married mom to three children, ages newborn to 7 years, and four furry friends, two cats and two dogs.

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