Make the Most of Your Money
It seems that everyone needs to pinch their pennies at some point in their lives. Here's a selection of things to try while making the most out of the little you have.
Steps
- Pack simple lunches instead of eating at restaurants. Sandwiches and bulk snack items will help your food bill drop. Observe your grocery bills to see what foods or other items (e.g. toilet paper and toothpaste) you buy a lot. Buy these in bulk to save money and gas.
- Try cheaper, healthier alternative snack items at stores like Trader Joe's.
- Make coffee at home just the way you like it, and take it to the office or school in a thermos, rather than spending $5 for a cup at Starbucks.
- Try walking or biking and get some exercise instead of driving. Take a bus or train and get to know your area better. Give your car's gas tank and your wallet a break.
- Embrace bargain clothes shopping destinations such as Nordstrom Rack or Ross, or simply make it a point to check out the sale area in a store first before falling in love with the higher-priced items located in the front of the store.
- Hit the thrift stores! There are some great deals to be had, if only you check them out. A lot of thrift stores have $1 Sundays. You just have to take the time to do a little research, exercise patience by driving a bit out of your way, and show some determination by sifting through disorganized piles to find what you’re looking for.
- Try to strategize your shopping. For example, holiday items go on sale immediately after Christmas. Buy cards, decorations, perhaps even some generic gift items for next year!
- Use the low-price outlets. For little trinkets for your house, apartment, or room and for great deals on a variety of other items, shop at low-priced stores such as Target, Walmart, or IKEA.
- Check out Craigslist for free giveaway items. Sometimes there'll be large furniture pieces that simply need to be picked up. In other cases there will be really cheap deals offered to the first taker.
- Don’t be skeptical of yard sales. Be adventurous! You might find some hidden gems.
- If you’re making a rather major purchase, particularly electronic items, be sure to do your research. Utilize comparison shopping sites such as [NexTag.com] , [Smarter.com] , [PriceGrabber.com] , [CNET.com] , [NetMarket.com] , or [edeals.com] to get a list of the best deals available. Don’t settle for the prices you see at Best Buy or similar major retailers.
- When it comes to phones, wait for new models to come out, and then check back on the model you've been eyeing. It will probably go down in price.
- Check for group discounts and promotions at theme parks or large events.
- Go to a public library to borrow books or movies and read newspapers or magazines instead of buying these items.
- Hang out at bookstores to read.
- Watch matinee movies. The tickets are a relative bargain.
- Look in the paper for free events.
- Sneak a little snack and some water into the movie theater to avoid their high concession prices. Theater management frowns on this practice, so be discreet.
- Invite friends over for game night, or hit the beach and split the cost of gas instead of eating out and going to a movie.
Tips
- Ask yourself "Do I need it? Will I really use it? How long before I get sick of it? Can I find it cheaper? Can I make it myself?"
- If you're on the fence about buying an item, hold off. You may find you don't really need it.
- Be grateful for what you have, and realize how lucky you are. In fact, try being satisfied with how good your life is.
- Make long-distance calls for free with the computer application Skype.
- Search for coupon websites. A good one is eDeals.com.
- Remember that you are the consumer, and you have the power. Don't feel you have to buy an item at a certain place for a certain price. Take control!
- If you are younger and you spend all your money on toys and junk, save up to help out with expenses on the next family vacation or some other awesome experience. It will leave you with great memories.
- Always ask about student discounts (e.g. movie tickets and electronic devices such as laptops).
- Be crafty, independent, scrappy, and resourceful! It builds character and creativity and shows that you can be resourceful and strong-willed with a good head on your shoulders.
- Conserve energy (e.g. a fan vs. A/C).
- Don’t spend money on a gym membership. Go running, or exercise with a buddy.
- Shop online for discount textbooks at places like half.com.
- Apply for scholarships on FastWeb.com.
- Adopt a DIY attitude with clothes! Fade your shirts, rip your jeans, add buttons, decorate your Vans, etc. Learn to knit scarves, gloves, etc.
- Make a day of it: hit the outlets! You can even benefit from outlet prices online. Check out Overstock.com.
- Sign up for credit cards that offer rewards such as an airline mileage program (e.g. United Airlines and Chase Bank).
Warnings
- You may miss fine dining, fine wining, and fine clothes.
Things You'll Need
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Humility
- Time
