21. No Credit Cards – Cut up the credit cards and live only on what you make. No interest. No late fees. No problems. If you currently struggle with credit card debt, consider a source like Ready for Zero to help you pay it off.
22. Pack Your Lunch – Don’t go out for lunch everyday; pack lunch instead. This can easily save you $50 a week.
23. Don’t Pay for Your Kids - If you do dine out during the week, make sure you visit one of the many places that offers “kids eat free” specials. At least you won’t be paying for their meals.
24. Don’t Forget to Ask – Ask for a discount. We always ask about discounts and have found that many places we wouldn’t have thought of give unadvertised discounts. For example, our preschool offered a discount to pay in full. And our plumber gave us a discount when we asked. As it turns out, many things are negotiable if you ask! – My Dollar Plan
25. Savings Goal Reminder – Carry a list in your wallet of financial goals that you will see every time you take it out to buy something. Create online savings goals with SmartyPig.
26. Shopping Plan of Attack – Look at all the sale ads before you grocery shop and go to the store with the most sales. Write down a list before I go to any store and it saves you from buying unnecessary items.
27. Vacation During No Child Care Days – Plan your vacation days on the days your children have half days of school or teacher in-service days. It yields more time with kids and lower child care costs.
28. Quit Your Bad Habits – Be they eating out, smoking, or going out partying. Every time you stop yourself from doing it, put the money you would have spent into your savings.
29. Meat Alternative - Meat is generally the most expensive source of protein. Beans and nuts are pound for pound far more nutritious for your protein dollar, and better for you too. If you can’t stomach the idea of giving up beef, consider ordering your beef online through OmahaSteaks.com – Amateur Asset Allocator
30. Daily Spending Goal - Set a daily goal for yourself: how much money your going to spend during the day.
31. Deal of the Day Sites – Groupon.com. This is a fantastic site to get some great group deals from local businesses. The only thing to watch out for is the “I don’t really need that but it’s such a great deal” syndrome.
32. Online First, In-store Second – One of the smartest ways to save money is to always do comparison shopping online before going to stores. This will allow you to find the best deal without wasting time and gas driving around town.
33. Consider a Stay-Cation – No need for a big expensive vacation. Take a week off of work and simply do a bunch of activities in your own home town. Skip the hotel and airfare costs and spend more money on entertainment and dining out for the week.
34. Wash Your Own Work Clothes – If you need a lot of professional clothes for work, buy the generic equivalent of Woolite and wash your work clothes with it instead of regular harsh detergents. It costs a bit more initially for the detergent but saves your clothes from fading, thinning, or frizzing, so I can wear them a lot longer and not have to buy new things. Also use Dryel instead of dry cleaning my clothes as much as possible.
35. Do it Right the First Time – If you are working on a car repair or home improvement, consider doing it right the first time. If you try and cut corners it will likely end up costing you more money in the long run. – Money Smart Life
36. Early to Bed, More in the Bank – Go to bed earlier. Saves light, heat (in the winter) and late night nibbles.
37. Create a Savings Category on the Budget – Make saving part of your budget and set saving goals. If you monitor your progress toward a goal you are much more likely to succeed in hitting that goal than if you just hoped to save money some day. Monitoring anything makes you more aware of it. Gain more awareness of your goals and progress with You Need a Budget – No Debt Plan
38. Utilize Free Online Services – Dump the monthly subscriptions and read newspapers and magazines online. Or at least get your magazines for free online using one of the many free offers.
39. Be Purposely Low in Cash – Do not take a lot money with you when you go out, so even if you have the temptation to buy something you will not, if its really that important you will surely go back home to get the money. If its not, then you just saved yourself from spending money.
40. Reduce Your Medical Bills – If you have a hospital bill, just call up the billing department and ask if you can get a discount for paying cash, or if you can pay a lower amount. Often they’ll be happy that they’re just collecting a bill, and are willing to cut 10-20% off your amount. We saved several hundred by doing this after my wife was hospitalized last year. If you want to save big on health care, consider a high-deductible health insurance plan. – Bible Money Matters
About Philip Taylor
Hi, I'm Philip Taylor. I'm a husband, father, blogger, and entrepreneur. I love learning to do more with my money and sharing it all here with you. Join in on the conversation and start improving your financial life today. 