Bela's guide to saving $$.

During these hard financial times for many people, I decided to write about something that I have been doing for years, and you should consider doing if you want to save some $$.

1) Cut grocery coupons. A little known fact is that if the coupon is for $0.50 or less, the store doubles it. Important: Only cut coupons for items that you ALREADY plan to buy, or can substitute (cheaper after coupon) for items you already buy. If you already buy generic (or it is an acceptable substitute) for $4, and the name brand comes to $4.75 AFTER the coupon, still buy the generic.

1a) when buying products, many manufacturers have used you as prey by making their package smaller and continuing to charge the same price. Look at the "Cost per oz" price when comparing two brands, not the total cost. The sizes may be different.
1b) learn to make food from scratch, not mixes. You pay more for the convenience of a mix. (I am talking about helpers, pancake mix, cookie dough, etc)

2) Use restaurant coupons. I don't eat out often. However, I haven't quite figured out why if you're going with just one or two other people (or alone) why not use a coupon?? you can find them online everywhere, or buy an entertainment book for $20 and after using a coupon or two it will have paid for itself. But be diligent. You have to look at the coupons BEFORE you decide where to go, not the other way around.

2a) If you're just going to the restaurant for the social aspect, consider eating at home first so you won't be tempted to buy a lot, or else consider sharing a larger dish with a friend.

3) Carpool. I don't just mean people. I mean places too. If you have to go to three places, go in one trip.

4) If your credit card gives good points, use your credit card (BUT ALWAYS PAY IT OFF). Especially use your card if you can link it to a miles or points account seperate from the card itself...like getting restaurant points for skymiles/AAdvantage miles.

4a) If you can't pay off a credit card, NEVER USE A CREDIT CARD. Don't buy more than you can afford.

5) If you travel a lot, stick with the same airline/hotel chain if at all possible. Rack up the points, become a premium member, and then the points will rack up even faster. Redeem your points wisely.

6)Invest in extra underwear and socks, and go as long as possible without doing laundry. Do large loads. It keeps your water usage and energy usage much lower than if you do smaller loads more often

7) Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more expensive on the front end, but take longer to burn out, and use a fraction of the KWH that normal bulbs use.

8) Plan trips and shop for big purchases in advance. That way you can keep an eye on prices/fares, and purchase when YOU think it's the optimal price.

9) Lower your phone/cable usage if possible. Do you REALLY need the plan you're paying for?

10) Get a roommate.

11) Price compare. When someone says they'll beat an advertised price, hold them to it. If something goes on sale the week you bought it, bring in your receipt for a price adjustment.

12) Make your lunch. Bring it with you 4 days a week. Make one day special and only go out then. If you forget your lunch, that becomes your special day.

Lastly, Don't be annoying about saving money. Do these things on your own time as much as possible to avoid your friends waiting on you to complete any of these tasks.

I'd love to hear your extra suggestions if you have some! :-)
(and don't judge me for my awesome money saving techniques...they WORK!)