There are a million little tips for saving money all over the internet and most of them you have probably heard a 100 times already. Well, here are 15 of my more unique ones you might not have thought of yet. Everybody is different so take what works for you and ignore what doesn't, but these tips will save you money:
1. Cancel your cable, that's right, cancel it right now. Why? Because when you do the cable company will either try and keep you by offering you a better deal or call you in a week and offer you in a better deal. Either way you win. If you can live without TV though, keep it canceled and save even more.
2. If you do have cable, make sure you get a DVR. I know it is extra money, but it saves time and cuts out commercials. Commercials influence you subconsciously and consciously to buy crap. Plus time is money, so spending less time by cutting through the crappy advertising will save you money.
3. Don' t buy new DVDs. If you must buy them at all, buy used movies from Netflix or Blockbuster. You can usually get good deals if you just wait a while after they are released.
4. Get your free credit reports once year and make sure there are no errors on them. If so, correct them yourself or hire a credit repair service to do it for you. It can be worth the investment to get it done right if you are getting ready to make a major purchase like a house for example.
5. Don't use 411, it costs money. That is what a yellow page book or the internet is for. Also, Google now has a free service at 1-800-GOOG-411 for you to use.
6. Eat less. American food consumption has sky rocketed over the last 100 years. You body doesn't need all those calories. Listen to what I am saying here, I'm not saying skip meals. Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but eat less in terms of quantity at every meal. You'll be healthier and save on food costs.
7. Take care of your body and health. Keep your hands clean, good hygiene, and avoid contact with sick people. The healthier you are the less you'll be sick, which means the less you'll spend on medical bills and medicine.
8. Try not to eat out all the time, this gets expensive. If you having food cravings for things like pizza or Chinese, go to the supermarket and get a substitute. Making your own craving food or even just a Lean Cuisine is cheaper and healthier than eating out.
9. If you do eat out, pick up extra condiments and napkins to use at home. I do this all the time for salsa. Also, take toiletries from a hotel if you do happen to stay in one.
10. Look for free events for entertainment. There are countless street fairs, free movies in the park, and other stuff to do, you just got to look for them. T ake 10 minutes online and I bet you can find at least 10 things to do in your city this weekend for free or minimal cost.
11. Bring a flask if you would end up buying drinks out. Okay, this one might make you look like an alcoholic, but then again maybe you are just really crafty. The markup on alcohol is ridiculous and at sporting events it is crazy. Bring a flask and just mix it with some cheap soda. You can get away with this at some places and others you can't. Do it when you can.
12. Take free classes. Check around, many communities offer free courses in a variety of topics through the city or community college (or at least at a very minimal cost). This can be fun and further your career as well.
13. Always ask for deals or discounts, and always negotiate. I don't care what the price is listed at, everything is negotiable. We, at least here in the U.S. are a capitalist society.
14. Make your own gifts and print out cards from the internet. Yeah, this one is a little cheap, but isn't it the thought that counts? If you do print cards, at least write your own message.
15. Do you remember when you were a kid? I was amused with a cardboard box for heaven's sake. Try to think of simple ways to entertain your kids before you go out and buy the latest and greatest toy of the season. Honestly, the best gift you can give your children is your time.
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