36 Simple Ways to Save Money this Year

Looking for ways to cut your costs and save more money this year? Here are 36 simple ways to save.

Lower Housing Costs

1. Request a Property Tax Adjustment – Lower home values mean lower taxes; also check to make sure you are not over-insured.

2. Bundle home and auto insurance – Save up to 20% by using the same provider for home, auto and life insurance

3. Select a higher deductible for auto and home insurance – Lower your premiums by choosing a higher deductible.

Cut Utilities and Services

4. Bundle cable, phone and internet – Get more services from one company and save; but be sure to only get what you need

5. Reevaluate your mobile phone plan – Check your bill for the past few months to see if you can drop down a level

6. Maintain bank account and avoid fees – Paying your bills online increases awareness of your account activity

7. Use a Flexible Spending Account – Many employers offer this benefit to prepay out-of-pocket medical expenses before tax

Start Saving

8. Put money into savings – Set aside $50 each month; you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up

9. Save your loose change – Average $0.50 a day; it’s likely you won’t miss it anyway

Cut Food Costs

10.  Bring lunch to work – It costs $3/day or less to bring food from home vs. $6/day or more for takeout

11.  Eat out two fewer times a month – Make dinner at home instead of eating out and watch the savings add up

12.  Pass on the beverages while dining out – Some restaurants sell wine at a 575% markup and more for soft drinks, juices and coffee

13.  Bottle your own water – Be kind to the earth and save up to $2/day; get a BPA-free water bottle and a filtration system

14.  Brew coffee at home vs. stopping at a coffee shop – The ambiance of java retailers can be very costly

15.  Buy what’s on sale at the grocery store – Check the weekly ads for specials and seasonal discounts

16.  Use coupons for groceries and dining out – Take a few minutes to check publications and websites for cash-saving coupons

17.  Buy at the dollar store instead of the local drug or convenience store – Best buys at the dollar store are cleaning supplies, gift wrap and cards, snacks and shampoo

Save on Transportation

18.  Carpool to work – Reduce fuel costs, wear and tear, and traffic congestion; help the environment and enjoy the company of others

19.  Slow down and save gas – Speeds above 55 mph reduce gas mileage by 20%; plus you lose another 10% when your windows are down

20.  Change your own car oil – Cut costs, control quality of oil and use the opportunity to do a quick check of your car

Conserve and Save

21.  Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer – For every hour your dryer is on, $1 is lost

22.  Lower the temperature on your water heater – Switch from 140 to 120 degrees and you’ll get a reward with little sacrifice

23.  Lower/raise your thermostat – Adjust the temperature by 10% while you are at work and also while you are sleeping

24.  Save water by turning off the tap – Turn off the tap while doing dishes and brushing your teeth

Lower the Cost of Owning Pets

25.  Skip the pet groomer – Do it yourself and save money and bond with your furry friend

26.  Buy generic vs. brand name pet food – Often you will find an option with the same nutrients and ingredients as the premium brands

Entertain yourself…frugally

27.  Hold off on the newest released movies – Save about $8/movie when they are release at a discount theater or onto DVD

28.  Skip the popcorn at the movies – Eat before going to the movies and avoid those expensive treats

29.  Cancel magazine subscriptions – If you still want to read them, check them out at the library or visit the websites

DIY Grooming Saves

30.  Exercise at home or outside instead of at the gym – Save yourself the hassle of getting to the gym while saving on gym dues

31.  Give your self a manicure/pedicure at home instead of the salon – Make a small investment for your own supplies and pamper yourself anytime you want

32.  Extend hair salon visits to every eight vs. six weeks – By pushing your appointments out by just two weeks, you can reap big rewards

Sell Your Stuff

33.  Sell unused household items – If you haven’t used it in two years, you can do without it; sell unused items online or have a garage sale

34.  Donate household items – Donate anything that doesn’t sell, and take the charitable tax deduction

Find Your Money

35.  Maximize all tax deductions – Paying a professional to make sure you take advantage of all eligible deductions can make a huge impact

36.  Find unclaimed money – Visit www.missingmoney.com to check for unclaimed money in each state that you have resided

By implementing all of these tactics you could save thousands of dollars. But pick one and start there. You’ll be amazed at how the savings add up.

Tagged as: Frugality, Money Management