If you're like my wife and I, you've been affected by everything from unemployment (and underemployment) to rising gasoline prices. Even though government labor reports trumpet an improving economy, the reality for us is the recession never really ended. For many I speak with here in the Northeast, this seems to be the norm. As such, we've witnessed and experienced God's hand of provision and also learned some creative ways to save money.
Here are a few simple things we've done, and that you might try in order to tighten up the budget. Some of them may be no-brainers, but it doesn't hurt to overstate the obvious:
- Shop at discount grocers (in our area, we have Aldi and Price Rite). According to consumer advocate Clark Howard, by shopping at Aldi you can actually save 40% on your grocery bill! For example, I've discovered a super-cheap and pretty healthy lunch; a bean and cheese burrito (.29 each) and a salad ($1.00 for a 4-serving package). I drizzle the burrito with a bit of sriracha sauce to spice up the flavor and top the salad with a few slices of tomato or some grated mozzarella along with dressing. Not a bad lunch for what amounts to about 50 cents!
- Clip and use coupons for items you really need. Try websites such as www.couponsuzy.com.
- If you're not mechanically inclined and have a friend who does car repairs, offer to pay him to do a repair rather than going to a shop. He/she may appreciate the few extra bucks and you'll more than likely enjoy significant savings. Another option, if you're able, is to help with with the repair. Maybe, like me, you'll learn something in the process and the job will take less time!
- Try setting your home thermostat at a lower level, such as 60° F. You may need to throw on a sweater during the day or an extra blanket at night, but you'll see some nice savings on your fuel bill.
- If you have cable TV, consider a lower-priced package or eliminate it altogether. Netflix offers a service with many options for movies and shows at only $8 per month. At relatively low cost, you can pick up an internal or external antenna which will allow you to pull in local channels. (Keep in mind, an external antenna may need to be mounted on the roof of your home.)
- If you have a mobile phone plan, take a closer look and see if you can pare it down to something less costly.
- Eat out less, and when you do, eat cheaply, but healthy.
- Make coffee at home and take it on the road in a travel mug. It's surprising how much those stops for coffee really add up.
- I know it sounds like a cliche', but shop around for a better deal on car insurance; you may be surprised at how much you can save. Consider eliminating collision coverage if your vehicle is an older model.
- Looking for clothes? Try your local consignment shop, Salvation Army store or Goodwill. If you're a real bargain hunter, you can walk out with a big bag of quality clothing for a small price.
