1. START A MONTHLY OR BI-WEEKLY BUDGET
Having a written plan on how to spend your money will help you to prioritize and buy the most important items first and the less important items only if you have enough money left over. If you have some credit card debt or are falling behind on payments starting a budget might be the life raft you've been searching for. A budget may also allow you to increase your savings by cutting out some of the impulse buys you may have made before starting to budget.
2. CUT COUPONS
Cutting the coupons out of your Sunday newspaper, from the fliers that come in the mail, and from the front and back of some store receipts can easily save you $40.00 or more each month. Some products may have instant coupons on them in the store or a coupon you can use later. Boost your coupon savings by printing them from various online websites or swap unused coupons with your friends, co-workers, or neighbors.
3. USE PUMP BOTTLES
Using pump bottle containers for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and shave cream can triple the length of time they last. Buy them already in pump bottles, reuse empty pump bottles, or buy empty pump bottles at the store.
4. USE BAR SOAP
Bar soap lasts much longer than liquid hand soap for washing your hands. Spice it up and buy castile, vegetable glycerin, or goats milk soaps with essential oils!
Check Out Some Great Soaps:
http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?node=2&page=7
5. DRINK HOMEMADE ICED OR HERBAL TEAS
Pick out your favorite black, green, or herbal tea in tea bags(or loose) and make a pitcher of tea with 2 or more tea bags (depending on the strength of the tea and size of your pitcher). Only a small amount of hot water is needed to brew the tea (around 4 cups or so), you can add more cold, plain water when the tea has brewed; 2-5 minutes for black or green and 5 minutes or more for herbal teas. Have some fun with it and mix different types together. However you do it, you will save money and benefit your health.
Buy Teas Here:
http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=14
6. SHOP AT YOUR FARMER'S MARKET
Farmers market prices are often lower than grocery store prices. Many farmers markets also accept SNAP (food stamp benefits). Farmers market produce is often much fresher and tastier than what you can buy at the grocery store! Most markets carry a wide variety of unique foods and may include other/ non-food items for sale as well.
7. PLANT A GARDEN
If you have a yard or even a small deck or porch try planting a garden. Just think of how much one tomato costs? With just one plant you could potentially get dozens of tomatoes. If you have kids planting a garden could be fun, educational, and rewarding (in more ways than just the food!).
Buy Garden Seeds Here:
http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=17
8. USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Before hopping into your car ask yourself, "Do I need to take the car?". Try incorporating walking, bicycling, taking your city bus, or riding your moped or motorcycle if you have one. You'll save yourself money, get in shape, and you might even meet some new friends!
9. REUSE PLASTIC GROCERY SACKS
Instead of just throwing away that plastic grocery sack use it as a trash can liner in your home. Simply tie them when full and throw away.
10. SHOP THRIFTY
Buy as many items as you can from thrift stores, garage sales, or online auctions. You can find many popular and unique items at a fraction of the retail price.
What do you think are the most important things for our presidential candidates and elected officials to focus on currently? Arrange in order of most important to least important and tell us why.
