Household money saving tips have been passed on since money was invented so you’d think we’d all be pretty smart about saving it. Unfortunately, American culture is a spending one, so we need to remind ourselves on a regular basis that we really don’t need much of the stuff we buy.
This following tips for saving money is a strict one for those who are in debt and working to get out of it.
1. Reduce Cable Channels – Downgrade the number of channels to the basic (which is plenty) and drop the premiums. Never order On Demand again. Try Red Box instead for $1.25 per movie, or sign up with Netflix. I’ve also noticed that Blockbuster boxes are appearing here and there as well.
2. Go to the Library – You pay taxes for your local library, so you might as well use it. Books are expensive and if you read a lot, that adds up pretty quickly. Other money saving tips in this category are to scale back on magazine and monthly online subscriptions.
3. Booze and Cigarettes – If you are spending a considerable amount of cash for either of these while in debt, you might want to seriously think about a rehab program if needed. These items can keep you addicted and in debt forever.
4. Dump the Land Line – If you are paying for a cell phone, then a land line really isn’t needed. The rare 911 call that warrants a land line can also be made from a cell phone, you’ll just have to tell the operator where you are.
5. Gym Memberships – Save this membership until you are out of debt and exercise at home in the mean time. Walking, running, bike riding and floor exercises are all free activities. Weights can be made from household items.
6. Cook at Home – If you eat out frequently, you can save hundreds of dollars a month by eating out only once in awhile. This includes lattes and lunches. The internet is a valuable resource for meal money saving tips.
7. Stick to the List – Make a list for weekly meals and grocery shopping and stick to it religiously. Don’t buy stuff that is not on the list, you don’t need it.
8. Entertainment – Movie theaters, kids activities (zoos, theme parks, video games etc…), concerts, weekend trips and so on, are the delight of credit card companies. Make these outings a once-in-a-blue-moon event and budget for them in cash. Return to simpler forms of entertainment such as crafts or gardening until you are out of debt.
9. Gifts – This is one of those money saving tips that many people ignore because they don’t want to appear cheap. The truth is the best gift is hand-made or one of service and they are both inexpensive.
10. Clothes, Shoes and Accessories – Realistically, clothes shopping only needs to be done a few times a year, so try and stay away from the malls until all debt is paid off.
