Everyday Habits That Could Help Save You Thousands Over The Years

Tips on minor changes that can save money over the long term

Saving money is not as difficult as you think. You can try some of these tips that can help you save up to $10 a day. This roughly works out to $3600 year. Now that’s not bad, isn’t it?

Food:

• Cook at home as often as possible. Eating out is expensive and unhealthy.
• Everything doesn’t have to be organic. Many standard foods are just as nutritious.
• Avoid snacks and drinks from vending machines. They have astronomical mark ups. Instead, buy from your regular store, and stash it in your car and your desk.
• Brew your own coffee rather than splurge at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s.
• Bring back the lunchbox to work. If it’s difficult, start with once a week, and work your way up.
• Always check the expiry date on dairy, meat, frozen goods, and buy fresh fruit and veggies. What you buy should last a while.
• Store brands can be just as good as the big brands for most groceries like milk, cereal etc., and they are much cheaper.

Store leftovers in Tupperware or Ziploc bags and date them. Consume these first before cooking again. Box leftovers when you eat out and take home.

Vehicles and Commuting:
                                    

• Own a car that serves your needs; small cars save gas.
• Change your car only when it’s unavoidable.
• Carpool whenever possible.
• Use public transport frequently.
• Maintain your vehicle regularly.

Financials:

• Get rid of credit cards. Keep just one for emergencies or use it where the card has a tie up for money back offers. But ensure that his card does not have an annual fee! Pay your card bill on time.
• Consolidate your debts, and pay them off as soon as possible. Be debt free.
• Keep track of your accounts, and avoid overdraft fees.
• Pay all your bills on time, and don’t give anyone the pleasure of charging fines.

• Other Saving Options: Most of your clothes can be hand washed at home in Tide liquid or similar detergents. Ditch the expensive cleaners.
• Rent books rather than buy. If it’s a must-have, try if to buy it second hand.
• Avoid impulse buying. Do your grocery shopping when you’re hard pressed for time, so you won’t have time to buy stuff you don’t need.
• Subscribing to Netflix etc is cheaper than renting DVDs.
• If you must go to the theater, watch any show before 6 p.m.
• Avoid ordering pricey alcoholic drinks at restaurants. Check out happy hours timings.
• Regulate electric use; switch off lights and equipments when not in use.
• Plan vacations and travel well in advance. Take advantage of early bird offers.

 

I’m not saying you have to do ALL this, and turn into Mr. Scrooge! You can follow a few of these at a time… but see the difference it will make!

This is a guest post by Tina Reeves of buyVerizon.com, a site that offers savings and current information on Verizon Internet.