Small Changes Can Help You Save Big Dollars
Posted at by ifydcat on category Personal FinanceLearning how to handle your money is something that becomes easier when you understand that small savings become a sizable amount over time. These suggestions will get you started toward your goal of increasing your financial security.
Save those nickels, dimes, quarters – and, yes, even pennies – that you don’t want to carry around every day. Don’t just toss them onto a table top where they gradually get picked up and spent on unnecessary things. Instead, drop them into a jar that you use just for that purpose, and then forget about them. After accumulating your spare change for a while, you’ll have a nice surprise to see how fast it adds up.
Rediscover the thirst quenching qualities of tap water rather than spending money on bottled water. You’ll find that you can see a refreshing difference in your bank account at the end of the month when you drink water from your faucet, and not pricey store bought water. Also, if you switch to tap water instead of drinking soda, you will be making a healthier choice at the same time that you save money.
You don’t need to be a vegetarian to switch to one meat-free day per week. Low cost menus that don’t contain meat can mean a sizable savings to your pocketbook at the grocery store. There are many choices for creating a satisfying day of meatless meals by using pasta, fresh vegetables, rice, or eggs. This can be a chance for you to also save time in the kitchen, too. For example, a meal of cream of tomato soup with saltine crackers, cheese and carrot sticks on the side can fill you up, and free up cooking time.
With the price of gas going up, you can save money at the pump by consolidating your driving trips for errands. Rather than making several trips to stores, the pharmacy, ball games, or all the different places you need to go during the day, make a point to take care of all your errands at one time. Driving less will allow you to burn less fuel on unnecessary trips in your car.
There are many services that, instead of paying someone else to do, you can learn how to do yourself and, in effect, pay yourself. Depending on your capabilities and interests, you might be able to change the oil in your vehicle or re-hem your pants. If you own a dog, there are self-service dog washing stations at many locations that are much lower priced than what it might cost at a dog grooming salon.
When shopping for new clothes, consider buying pieces that are wash and wear so you can save money without needing to resort to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaning costs can add significantly to the cost of a garment over time, and that can be quite a savings for you.
Taking control of your personal finances can lead to better choices in all aspects of your life. The suggestions you learned here will help you make small but meaningful changes towards reaching your goal. With these little savings tips, you can see big improvements.