what is the easiest way to save money when you are on a tight budget?

Answer 1

dont spend it.

Answer 2

Actually setting money aside - see if you can enrol in a regular savings plan (banks and the like usually have them, just ensure that they are regulated by the appropriate authorities because you don't want a repeat of the Farepak scandal that's just erupted in the UK).

Saving by not spending less: a few suggestions:

- buy one of those 'cooking on a budget' books; they can really help stretch the maximum out of a cheap joint of meat, etc.

- charity/goodwill shops for clothes and much more; if you can find one that's in a better part of town you can often pick up real stylish bargains.

- keep an eye on eBay and other auction sites; you'll often find good 'seconds' offered new on a whole range of goods. eBay shops can be cheaper (although always watch how much they'll charge you for postage) because they have less by way of overhead to cover.

- warm underwear instead of heating the house? growing your own vegetables if and only if you've a family to feed (otherwise it's too much fuss and hardly economical).

- learn the times at which the local food shops knock goods down because they're about to exceed their sell-by date; sell-by is rarely the same as use-by and you can finagle a couple of extra days out of a great many things.

- avoid posh cosmetics and the like - there's hardly any difference between them and the garden variety stuff available from the chemist or supermarket.

- if you have kids, then (i) try not to take them shopping to the supermarket with you, and (ii) limit their television-watching ... both suggestions designed to reduce their 'pester power' that advertisers use, and (iii) learn where there are good things to be had for free - outings, concerts, museums, etc.

Hope some of those help. In particular, you'd be surprised how far and how well you can stretch cheap cuts of food without too much hassle.

Answer 3

I'm sure if you thought about it you could find ways to trim some of the fat out of your spending. The problem I've had in the past is that I felt like I was being "cheap." You're in the worst frame of mind to do it when you need to do it most. Think about what you REALLY need as opposed to what you just want. Don't forego every pleasure but you can find things you can do without and not feel any worse for it. You can get an extra job for a while to get a little more coming in. Not one of these pyramids either. You need guaranteed income. Change your habits a little and you'll get a great deal in return.

Answer 4

This really will work:

Write down what you spend in an average month. This will surprise you on what you spend on needless things. Sit down and decide which of these things you can a(do without or b)get cheaper somewhere else.

I know this sounds a bit primitive, but please try it.

Answer 5

You need to add yourself to your list of bills, pay yourself first. Even if its only $5.00 a week. It will all add up. Put as much or as little as you can away for yourself each pay period. It works, you may accumulate much to begin with but depending on how long you save it, it can add up. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Do NOT - I repeat - do NOT spend money eating out. Go grocery shopping, using couplons if you can, and take your lunch to work everyday. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll see a difference.

Answer 7

Get a second part-time job. I've done it when times are tight! ;-)=