What are some of the best money-saving tips you have actually put to use?

Answer 1

One thing is I save on electricty by pluging out things when not in use and keeping the heat down and the air up, this way its ot in use full force all the time.
Second I changed my cell phone plan to lower min and got rid of things I don't use and saved myself about 25-30 a month just on that thing alone.
I consolidated my bills to one card to send larger payments with a lower interst and I have spending money now instead of paying two or three and having no spending money and getting nowhere on the debt.
Good luck!!

Answer 2

well for household cost,I have found turning the hot water tank temp down will save gas and water because people are not adding as much cold water to compensate for the excess heat.During the winter set frozen meat next to a hot air register to defrost instead of using the microwave,I have unfrozen 2 lbs of hamburger in an hour and a half and it also doesn't precook it like a microwave does.To reduce your electric bill avoid a peg needle meter(outside meter has a needle instead of rotory dials) and make sure your big electric items don't kick at the same time or else it will spike your needle up and that is what you are charged even though you use less.Have an electrician balance your fuse box so electricity is pulled evenly from both sides which also lowers your bill so your dryer and the air condition don't run the same time.

Answer 3

A big turning point for us was the first time we sat down and wrote out a budget. We finally realized how much money we really make, how much we waste, and where our opportunities for saving were.

Now we have money left over at the end of every month & feel confident one day we'll retire in the luxury we deserve!

Another great way to stretch the budget... http://www.thecouponmom.com We save about $40 on each grocery store visit by combining sales with double/triple coupons.

Answer 4

Hi rimorchione,

Here's a bunch of items:

BUY GOOD PRODUCTS - subscribe to Consumer Reports, which will tell you what products to buy.
Buy store brand over name brand, generally it's the same stuff.
Shop at Walmart, it's the cheapest place to shop.
Wash your clothes in cold water and do not dry them, so they last longer.
Run or ride your bike instead of buying a gym pass.
Use eBay or garage sales for random items that can be had for far less than the stores.
Learn to fix your own car or bike.
Buy your electronics, magazines, etc all oneline. Amazon is especially cheap.

Answer 5

Write a budget. Until you KNOW how you are spending money, you will never actually save money.

I disagree with lori s. Carry ONLY cash. Studies show people spend less when the use actual cash. Checks and credit/debit cards don't 'feel' like real money.

Answer 6

Do some comparison shopping for those things that you can. For example, last year I called around trying to find a cheaper rate for our garbage collection. Turns out I saved almost half. (The old company then tried to match that rate - too late!). But you can do this for lots of things, such as your house or car insurance, interest rates on your credit cards, etc.

Answer 7

The all time favorite of clipping coupons,especially helpful on double coupon day. looking for the best sales and trying to do all my shopping in that store so everything averages out.

Answer 8

Cook at home rather than eating out.
Shop at the cheaper groceries ( "Save-A-Lot" ) rather than the larger groceries (at least for the most of my groceries) I feel it is cheaper than the coupons.
No vacation
Drink water rather than canned beverages (or store bought water)

Answer 9

Don't carry cash, don't eat out. Don't impulse shop.

Answer 10

Pay yourself first.
Save all coins.