Saving money can be easy with a few daily habits.
It's always smart to save money, but a down economy makes it much easier to be motivated to save. Saved money is made money, so take advantage of every opportunity to save money and make it a daily habit.
Instructions
Big Money Savers
1. It is best to use credit cards for emergencies to reduce the chance of unnecessary spending.
Leave credit cards at home. Take your credit cards out of your wallet and put them in a safe place where they cannot be abused. Do not take credit cards with you to splurge with friends. Take credit cards out only for emergency situations like major car problems or to fix your heater in the middle of winter.
2. Each person has a skill that you may be able to trade your skills for to save you both money.
Trade services and goods instead of paying. Search craigslist.com, community bulletin boards and other local networks to find someone that can trade for the service that you need. When you need a service done, such as cleaning, fixing a leaky sink or your oil changed you may be able to trade one of your services for the service needed instead of paying.
3. Make a list of all the services and goods that you are willing to trade and post your own listing stating the specific service or good that is needed and what you will trade for it. Goods can be traded for services in this situation as well as services for services.
4. Discounts and coupons create instant money in your pocket.
Search company websites for discounts and coupons before leaving home. Many restaurants and retail stores offer discounts online or in the newspaper. Type the name of the company in a search engine followed by "coupons" or "discounts" to pull up all available discounts that may not be found on their website. Sign up for newsletters on websites such as restaurants.com or groupon.com to find additional coupons daily.
Other Daily Spending Cuts
5. Carpooling saves time and money and helps the environment.
Go to erideshare.com or craigslist.com and search for people that are looking for a carpool buddy. If no ads are posted that fit your needs post an ad for others to search.
6. Pack your lunch to take instead of eating out.
7. Take your coffee with you instead of purchasing at a coffee shop.
8. Take a washable and reusable cup or water bottle with you on weekdays and weekends to cut back on the inflated cost of beverages at restaurants.
Tags: credit cards, able trade, able trade your, instead paying, services goods