1. I Just Cancelled My Cable Saving $86 Dollars a Month
I decided to cancel my cable after a couple years of thinking about it. I bought an HD Antenna from Amazon for $67. If you can't manage to completely get rid of cable try calling them up and lowering your package. If you think you have the bare bones package then you are wrong. I have called in years past saying my bill was too high and they would always lower the cost. However, when I said I wanted to cancel I was offered a $29 local channels only package. I decided against that option and just go completely cable free.
2. Keep it Cold in Winter and Warm in Summer
This one was tough, I like it cold in the house but my wife doesn't. Before getting married I kept the thermostat set to 58 in winter when I was home and 54 when I was gone or asleep. My wife likes it warm. We settled on 67 when we are up and 63 when away or in bed. Summer is hitting and I plan to keep it at 78 and the windows open whenever I can. Try and make it a game to see how long you can go into summer before turning on the A/C. It helps if you have a neighbor that you can challenge. A great first step is to upgrade your thermostat. Since my schedule is all over the place it is hard for me to use a programmable one. I use one that I can adjust via a computer or cell phone. It is connected through WiFi. This is great for when I leave home and forget to adjust it. I can also adjust the temperature when I am heading home to make it more comfortable for when I get there. 3. Make Your Own Soap
I recently started making my own soap. I am a 2 shower a day guy. So I was going through my share of soap, which I was spending $4.00 on a bottle. There are a lot of great sites showing you how to make soap. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+make+soap.
4. Watch How You Drive
I drive a 2007 Toyota Yaris. It is paid off and has 105,000 miles on it. I live by the motto, "A clean car is a healthy car." I change the oil every 5k and rotate the tires every 10k. This helps on 2 fronts. First is that you get to learn a skill, and the second is you save money by doing it yourself. Rotating the tires also helps to keep even wear and tear on the tires making them last longer. I also use a Scan Gauge to help watch my gas mileage. While I am not a hyper-miler, I do practice some of their beliefs. Don't speed to the next light. Easy on the breaks (this will also help on keeping your breaks longer). My car is not a hybrid, but I am getting about 42 MPG and with the summer blend of gas hitting the market I hope that will improve. I want a bumper sticker that says, "The closer you get the slower I go!"5. Cut Your Own Hair
I have not paid for a hair cut since 1996. While in the military we were required to get a hair cut every week. I loved the high and tight. So I learned to start cutting my own hair and carried it through college and into my professional career. I don't get it perfect everytime but since I cut my hair short it is easy to fix.
6. Expense It
I have a job that requires a lot of nights and weekend hours. In doing so I am able to expense my dinner meals from time to time. While the downside is I am away from family and friends in the evening, the plus side is I get a meal for free.
7. Watch for Sales
We are going to be moving into a new house in September and I am saving up to buy a lawn mower. I know the one I want and while it was on sale I think that if I wait there will be better sales. Point of 7 is don't buy on an impulse and get over the "I need it now" syndrome.
8. Cut the Soda or Pop
Not only is this good for your health, but soda is expensive. I would go through a 12 pack easily in a week. I still have a soda every now and then but nothing like I use to. Water is cheaper and better for you.
9. Pay What You Charge Immediately
I mostly use a debit card for paying. However I do use my credit card to maximize my rewards. The majority offer 5% cash back during certain months on particular purchases. So when I use my credit card I pay it off right away to help me realize how fast I am going through cash. I plan to use my cash back bonus for Christmas gifts this year.
10. Don't Buy Those Movies
I am a huge movie buff. I love watching movies. I used to buy a new movie just so I could watch it and add it to my library. Now I utilize Netflix and the public library. I can't wait to watch Season 7 of Dexter and it is on a long wait in my Que, but this route will save me $30 in the long run.
11. Don't Do a Fancy Lunch
While it would be better to just not eat out, I know I would just not enjoy that. So for lunch I try to pick restaurants that I don't have to leave a tip. I am all about saving money but will always tip the 20%. Hey, everyone is trying to make a living and just because I am cheap doesn't mean others have to suffer.
12. Save the Money for Bigger (Should be Any) Purchases
We all have the impulse buys, and if you don't that's great! I make sure to save up the cash for big purchases of $50 or more. Whenever I am buying something, I am like a kid before Christmas. I can't wait to get the new toy. Make that feeling last longer and pay in cash. I mentioned earlier how I am going to be buying a new lawnmower. While I am waiting for sales I still get to Google or Youtube videos of the lawn mower. I know, sounds stupid but what am I to do with no cable? The point is, enjoy the excitement and anticipation a little longer and save the cash versus charging it and figuring out how to pay it off later.
13. Save Cans
How many times have you seen an aluminum can on the side of the road or in the parking lot on the way back to your car? I used to walk past them but since I have given up drinking soda my can supply has diminished. Keep a box in your trunk and throw the cans in there. Once you saved up a bunch, you can take them to a recycling plant and cash them in. This can cover a lunch for yourself.
Comment below and let me know what works for you. I am always looking for new ways to save a buck or two.
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