Tips To Save Money

Here are a few easy ways to save money.

Because who isn't on a budget these days?

Check out these tips for 10 ways to save this year...

1. Savings Accounts

2. Credit Cards

3. Cable TV

4. Movies

5. Grocery Shopping

6. Cocktail Hour

7. Coffee

8. Clothes Shopping

9. The Gym

10. 401K Plans

1. Savings Accounts

Have some money in a savings account? Make sure you have an account that pays above average interest rates. Why keep it at your local bank if the interest rate is less that 1% when you could be earning two times as much interest somewhere else.

• ING Direct is an online savings account with above average interest rates, just link it to an existing bank account in order to set up your account. Don’t worry the funds are FDIC insured. Check out the website ingdirect.com
• Smarty Pig is anew online savings account called is recommended by finance professionals. SmartyPig.com is a free online piggy bank for people saving for specific financial goals like a wedding, a vacation or a flat-screen TV.
• What makes this service unique is the optional service to link to Facebook or Twitter. Your details can remain private, but friends can share in your saving goal, and even contribute to your savings… So the power of Facebook can help grow your savings for you! SmartyPig makes it easy and fun! SmartyPig even enhances your savings with cash back savings that make your money go further. Also it rewards with extra bonuses if you redeem via gift cards. Or a competitive interest rate if you just want the cash. It’s completely free. No fees. No catches. It’s an FDIC-insured savings account. Just Link to your existing checking account. Redeem any time. SmartyPig makes your goals more organized and visual. It would be a great first savings step for kids and young adults too, because it is visual, interactive and fun.

2. Credit Cards

If you have to use a credit card and you cannot pay the balance in full at the end of the month, at least make sure you have a good interest rate. If your interest rate is high and you haven’t missed a payment take the time to call and just ask the credit card company to lower your rate. Most of the time companies will do it just because you asked.

3. Cable TV

If you can survive without cable TV of course that will save you tons of money, but… some people just can’t do without HBO.

If your bill is sky high look out for ads or special offers that your existing cable company is promoting such as low rates for new customers. Call and see if you can get your own bill reduced to the “special rate.” You can also mention competitor’s rates that are lower, say you are considering switching your service to the competitor. The company will most likely reduce your monthly bill to keep you as a customer.

4. Movies

I love going to the movies, but it can be so expensive. To avoid a full price ticket look for theaters that have “bargain days” during the week, the price could be almost half off.

But if you want to go on the weekend, first go to your local Triple A office; they sell packs of movie tickets for about 2 dollars less that the regular adult ticket price. Hey, why not save 2 bucks every time you go to the movies. Also check for Senior citizen discounts.

To save even more wait a few weeks until the movie is on DVD then rent the movie at your local Red Box machine. For only $1.00 dollar a night! Reserve movies online at www.redbox.com. Or just browse what is available online before you go so you can just pick up the movie and go.

5. Grocery Shopping

Food prices have risen like everything else. So buy store brands whenever possible to save. Take a few minutes to visit some online coupon sites where you can search the coupons you want then just select and print them. Even if you just save a few dollars it’s worth it.

Stock up on non perishable staple when there is a sale it will save you money in the long run. Beans, Pasta, Jarred Sauces....

Also some items may be cheaper at a discount store than the supermarket, so comparison shop. I have found some items like coffee creamer and canned goods cheaper at the discount store than the supermarket.

6. Cocktail Hour

Everyone likes to go out and get appetizers and drinks with friends after a long week. But nobody likes getting the bill at the end of the night.

Instead arrange a night in. Have your own wine tasting party (or beer tasting) at home. Invite a few friends and have each guest bring their favorite inexpensive bottle of wine . Try to aim for a bottle under $15.00.

For fun you can even set up a “formal tasting” have your guests taste each wine and rate it. Supply some snacks and a dessert for a fun night that is not going to cost a big chunk of your paycheck.

7. Coffee

You love it, and most of us need it to start the day. But if you need to save some money you can’t go to Starbucks every day. Sorry...

Even brewing coffee at home can be expensive. For example the popular Keurig coffee brewing machine is very convenient, but it still equals out to about 50 cents a cup. To save buy a reusable K-cup so you can put your own ground coffee in it, this saves money, even if you still occasionally buy the disposable K-cups.

8. Clothes Shopping

Go to discount clothing stores. I love TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, & Kohls.

TJ Maxx and Marshalls have brand names usually for half off normal price. It just might require a little hunting the racks.

Target has great discount racks with items up to 75% off. For example, I was recently shopping at Target, for a small black blazer. I am very petite. I happened to walk by the "Girl's" section. and saw a girls X-large blazer, which is the same as a juniors small, on sale for $5.00.

Bargain!

Kohls always has sales and coupons in the mail. Sign-up at Kohls.com and you will get a $5.00 coupon in the mail.

9. The Gym

This expense is worth it to some gym devoted people; to others we always find an excuse not to go.

“It’s too cold.”

“It’s too hot.”

“I am too tired”.

“I forgot my workout clothes.”

“I have a headache.”

Instead Consider investing in a used elliptical or other cardio machine and some free weights. You will find fewer excuses to skip workouts when you can do then at home.

Or Make a set time to go for a walk or jog with some friends, the time will go by faster while you chat, burn calories, and get some fresh air!

Also think about the time and gas money saved by not driving to the gym.

10. 401K Plans

You may not want to give up any of your paycheck. But always contribute to a 401k plan if your employer offers it. Some employers will match 50% up to the first 6% of contributions, which means your employer will place 50 cents into your retirement plan for every dollar you put in. If you don’t do this it’s like turning down free money.