101 Money Saving Tips

Ok, well perhaps we'll begin with only 10. I'm sure if you went through my entire blog, and added all the tips I have, there are probably closer to 1001 rather than only 101.

These are my ten most favorite tips:

1. To keep your heating costs down in the Winter time, wear more clothes. Make sure you always have socks on, and wear layers. You should be able to knock your thermostat down quite a bit. Plus there is nothing wrong with wearing a lightweight spring jacket around the house, or putting extra blankets on the bed. In fact, we tend to turn our heater down at night, because we are sleeping anyway. We have extra blankets, and just dress warmly.

2. Never grocery shop on an empty stomach. Of course, it also isn't a good idea to shop on a completely full stomach either. Obviously the reason for not shopping on an empty stomach is self-explanatory. You'll purchase more food because you are hungry and want everything you see. But the reasons for not shopping on a full stomach, are a bit more complicated. The problem with a full stomach is, that often we are repelled by food when we are full. The idea of eating is not pleasant, when you are completely full. Which means you won't buy enough food, causing you to return again to the grocery store to pick up more food eventually. A nice medium is to eat a light sandwich before you go, to help cure the cravings, but to keep you open to getting food for your home.

3. Shop By List. Period. Whether you are shopping for food, clothes, toys, gifts, whatever. Make a list and stick to it. If you are going in for something specific, and you know how much it costs ahead of time, or an estimate, than go ahead and only bring that amount of cash. It will keep you from spending extra money on things you didn't already decide to purchase.

4. Do not impulse shop. If you are shopping by a list, it shouldn't be a problem. If you see something that is not on your list, don't just decide to buy. Go home first, take a few days to think about it, and then return for the item(s) if you still want them. If they aren't there when you return, you probably didn't need them anyway, and if they are there, at least you know you didn't make an impulse purchase.

5. To cut costs on gasoline, be sure that you try to combine errands. If you have several things to do, try to get them done at the same time. Then you won't spend money on needless trips, and you can plan out your route to cut time and gas.

6. Avoid credit cards. If at all possible, simply avoid credit cards. Or at least if you have to have them, only have one and use it only in an emergency and keep it far below the spending limit. In addition, be sure to regularly make payments and keep current so as not to incur finance charges, fees and other costs.

7. Remember that making a meal from scratch, usually costs signifcantly less than making a meal from a box or frozen. And you usually have leftovers for later.

8. Utilize the bulk warehouses. Don't forget that these large stores exist. If you have the room to store these large items, purchasing them that way is the most cost effective.

9. Remember that name brands aren't everything. Toothpaste is toothpaste, normally. So buy the least expensive and spend a little more on getting a good toothbrush because that is what does the majority of the work. This same theory works for food items, clothing, toys and such.

10. Shop off season for clothing. In fact, right now is the best time to get winter clothes; hats, gloves, scarves, boots, sweaters and cords, are all on sale. Purchasing your winter clothes off season is great. Bring them home, fold them up and place them inside a storage container. Pull them out next winter and there's a whole new wardrobe!

Hope some of these tips were helpful! :)
Let me know if you have a good one!

The Frugal Baked Potato

One of my favorite fast, frugal foods to prepare has always been baked potatoes. In fact, I almost continuously have them on hand, sitting in the darkness of our pantry, just waiting for an opportunity to come and be enjoyed at dinner.

There are not many foods that are as cheap as a potato. What other hearty food can be purchased in large ten and twenty pound bags for simply a few dollars? And if you are lucky and happen to have a farmer's market nearby, you can get even better deals.

For more, see my article The Frugal Baked Potato (1) and The Frugal Baked Potato (2)

Romantic Ideas For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Often dubbed the most romantic day in the year, Valentine's Day is a time for love. Remember, just because you aren't married, or do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend, does not necessarily mean that you can not have a Valentine and celebrate this special day. In fact, your children, your friends, anyone can qualify to be your Valentine. It's about loving someone, not necessarily being "in love" with someone. And Valentine's Day is a day to recognize that connection and spend some quality time together.

For more, see my articles Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas, 5 Romantic Ideas for a Frugal Valentine's Day and 5 More Ideas For a Frugal Valentine's Day

Frugal Living Is a State Of Mind

To be a true frugal gal (or guy), it has to become a part of who you are. Not everyone is cut out for frugal living, and not everyone cares.
But if you do, you should be making it part of your lifestyle, a part of who you are.

There are dozens of ways to incorporate frugal living into your everyday life. It goes beyond cutting coupons and preparing food from scratch, and goes further into learning how to pay less for services you use continuously and organizing your household to keep things in order.

It's knowing when to shop for the best deals, where to shop at particular times, and how to know the difference between spending money to save money, and spending money just to spend it.

Sometimes I think frugality is born inside of you. You just have to know where to reach down and pull it all the way out.

What are your thoughts?