How to Save Money Quick and Easy

Saving money is always important for many people, and it can become almost an art form when you're good at it. You might feel that you've cut back already, but you may be able to take further actions to save even more money each week and month while still enjoying your life.

Instructions

1

Think about ways you can cut your monthly bills. Raise the temperature on your air conditioner one degree. Lower the temperature on your thermostat two degrees for some small monthly savings on your heating bill. Ask yourself if you really need those premium movie channels you are paying for from the cable company. If you don't, cancel them. Pay close attention to the water you consume, such as running water when you don't have to, to cut your water bill.

2

If you have a daily habit, like stopping every morning for coffee, cut back to two to three days a week instead and watch your spending money last longer. Bring tea bags to work if your office has a hot water tap on its water cooler.

3

Pack your lunch instead of going out to lunch. You can purchase supplies to make a sandwich something sweet for give or take $10 per week at the grocery store, compared to spending $5 to $10 each day by eating out. Try a sandwich, fruit and a cookie for dessert. Bring leftovers from last night's dinner that you can heat in the office microwave oven for a tasty, hot lunch.

4

Clip coupons from the newspaper. Search for online coupons. If you are going out to dinner, look for coupons to use at local restaurants where you could get a free entree with the purchase of another, or 20 percent off your dinner bill. If you live in a tourist area, you might find good coupons and other discounts during the slow tourism seasons.

5

When shopping online, search for "coupon codes" to use to get an additional discount. Enter the code for additional savings on your purchase.

6

Buy items at a discount on eBay and Craigslist and other auction, classified or discount sites. Browse the "Free" section on Craigslist.

7

If you have a high interest credit card, call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. If you are current on your payments, chances are the representative may grant your request. If you have having a hard time making the payments, call the credit card company a call and ask if you can make a payment arrangement.

8

Make your payments on time as much as possible. Late fees and bounced check fees are exorbitant. While you're thinking of credit cards, make sure yours has no annual fee. There are so many with no fee that you shouldn't have trouble finding one, but you may not get as many perks as with an annual fee card.

9

Review the grocery ads each week. Make a list of the items you need that are on sale at each store and shop for those items where they are on sale. Always make a list before shopping anyway.

10

Visit the library before the bookstore to find a book to read. Shop at used-book stores next. Investigate the bargain section in the big-box bookstores.