Save More by spending less, This is my 2010 Resolution.  As a single mom who is not earning nearly enough money to make it on my own, I am learning more and more that I NEED TO CUT CORNERS and I need to find ways to stretch what little money I am making.  I decided that I would use this post to form a strategic battle plan for doing just that.     I have been browsing the internet for tips on how to save money and I have found quite a few really good ones, some more practical than others, but all quite valuable tips none the less.  Whether it’s changing car insurance carriers to using coupon codes when shopping, there are several ways to cut down our monthly spending.   Here are some of my own ideas  mixed with some of the favorites I found in online sites like 30 Ways To Save Money. 

Tip 1.  USE COUPONS AND COUPON Codes.  Because Mom Said So and other blogs and websites now offer links to coupons.  USE THEM– they DO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY!  I use the coupons from my site all the time.  It can save you Upwards of $30 per shopping trip.  I am not just talking groceries either; use coupon codes to save on clothing and home and garden items as well. 

Tip 2.  If you must shop for clothing (and sometimes we really do have to buy new clothing because we need it not just because we want it) SHOP THE SALE RACK!  Sure the sale rack is usually a hot mess, but there is a good reason that its always a mess:  SMART PEOPLE have been there before you!  You can really find great steals on the sales racks IF you are willing to roll up your sleeves and dig in. 

Tip 3.  Do your Shopping when you know you will be in a rush(I found this one on dumblittleman.com but I live by it myself)  I try to go to CVS and Eckert’s to pick up perscriptions or little necessities in between work and running to get the kids from school.  WHY?  Becuase I know that I don’t have time to browse.  We all know that browsing at the Drug store turns into a small fortune spent.  Just one turn down the make-up aisle can prove deadly to my wallet!  I can’t resist a new lipstick or 3!   Running into the store to pick up ONLY WHAT I NEED while I am in a rush ensures that I won’t browse! 

Tip 4-  Make a list prior to shopping and buy ONLY what is ON THE LIST!  Make it a rule and do your best not to break it.  Granted there will probably be something that you spot that you realize that you need, but be sure that you really do NEED the item before breaking the rule.

Tip 5– Avoid eating Dinner out.  It is cheaper to make dinner for four than it is to Buy it at McDonalds and other fast food restaurants PLUS it is so much healthier. 

Tip 6– Brown Bag It at Work.  Avoid going out to lunch.  Sure sandwhiches and yogurt are boring but it is cheaper than getting a salad or sandwhich out. 

Tip 7–  Try to find cheaper Car insurance! I thought mine was pretty reasonable but with a bit of homework I found a company that was cheaper. 

Tip 8–  Buy Used Items.  It’s great that so many stores offer pre-viewed and pre-owned items now.  From clothing to games to books –all can be purchased in used condition.  Make good use of these stores!

Tip 9–  Utilize the Library for entertainment purposes.  Don’t buy books, magazines, or even movies when you can borrow them for free. 

Tip 10– Ask friends for hand me down clothing.  Most people are looking for someone to take their old clothing and sometimes even furniture.

Tip 11–Use CASH ONLY!  I have been on a cash only diet since Last January and although it is very difficult to do without credit cards, it really really REALLY is a great feeling when I don’t have credit card bills coming in each month.  I save so much money since I am not paying interest to banks!  It is so liberating!

Tip 12– School lunches for the kids.  It is actually so much cheaper for me to have my boys buy the school luch each week than it is to purchase cold cuts, bread, snacks, and drinks than it is to pay for the school lunch which is definitely more nutritious than the cold-cuts.  (I saw on Good Morning America that children should consume no more than a half a slice of ham or processed meat per week !!  So sandwhiches are not that smart of a choice anyway.)  I am lucky enough to receive half priced lunch for my boys due to my income–$1.25 for 5 days of lunches is a huge savings!  Try it!

Well, I am sure there are a bunch more tips out there!  If you have any that you would like to share, PLEASE do SHARE them with me in the comments section.  We can all help each other save money with this advice! 

God Bless

Cheryl