Simple Ways to Save Money

I am always looking for ways to save money. I just feel like there is no reason to spend more than I should have to. To save money was one of the reasons I started couponing to begin with. What seemed like a daunting task that I would never get the hang of, quickly became almost a rush of excitement every time I saw the saving rack up and more money in my pocket.

While I highly suggest couponing, no matter where you live (even if you live in a no-double couponing zone like I do), there is so much more you can do to save money a little here and there to really make a difference!

To start, get a pen and paper. You will need to have a quiet space to think. This will be your time to jot down any places in your life you can “trim the fat” outside of my own suggestions below. You can live very good, even when living frugally. It is a lifestyle change and with a little practice, it gets not only easier and easier, but even enjoyable!

• Stop wasting things. Re-use when you can. Use leftovers and even plan leftovers for the next meal.
• Buy in bulk when it makes sense. In other words, not everything is worth buying in bulk. If you have no reason to buy a ton of something because it won’t be used up in time, it won’t make sense. Something I always buy in bulk is spices, though. I can get 3 times the amount for 1/3 of the price of the already bottled stuff.
• Eat less meat. This is two fold-good for your health and your wallet. Just one meatless meal a week can help. I try to do at least 2.
• Do a soup night a couple times a month. This is a good way to use leftovers. For instance, if you have some leftover veggies and roast, turn it into a stew.
• Find small ways to make changes. For instance, in baking and cooking, use instant milk. Stop buying bread and invest in a bread machine if you don’t have a stitch of baking talent (raises hand!). Make coffee at home instead of hitting up the coffee shop.
• Buy stuff for next holiday at the after holiday sales. This is not just a good idea at Christmas. Buy costumes for next Halloween, buy Easter egg dying kits for next Easter.
• Make as many of your own cleaners as you can. I have a lovely tutorial on making your own laundry soap.
• Coupon and plan your meals around what you can get. You can search and print grocery coupons for Tide, Huggies and more using Coupon Sherpa.

I hope these tips will inspire you to make the jump to a frugal diva! What tips do you have that I may have missed?

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