Money Saving Tips

When life gives you lemons..... make grape juice. Then sit back and watch the world try to figure out how the f*ck you did it.

I have to confess something. I have been having some financial woes lately. I am quite problematic due to credit card debts and loans. Aside from that, the person I share my apartment with resigned from his work and went in-between jobs for more than a month. This left me shouldering alone the monthly rent and home utility expenses. I am quite stuck and hanging by a few amounts in my savings. I am really trying to cope up right now and finding a way to make my way back to financial independence. For more than a month now I am constantly regulating all my expenses by making a monthly expense tracker and living the life of frugality. I learned to take packed lunches to work and save half of my weekly budget. Then for transportation expenses to work, I quit riding cabs and took the most economical transport mode. I also gave up on weekly dining out and watching movies instead I watch movies online or shared from friends. I also implement a "no-spending" day for the week. Hopefully, by following these simple money saving tips I can get back on track.

1. Don't buy new electronic gadgets just because your friends have the latest and greatest. If your old cellphone still works, keep using it.

2. Try to go an entire weekend without eating out, shopping or buying something either personal or online. Instead make your meals at home and go for walks.

3. Eat at a newly opened restaurant. You will likely get more discounts and specials and have a chance to try something new.

4. Pay your credit card debt on time each month to avoid late charges.

5. Learn how to cook, so you can make your own meals at home and not have to spend money on eating out all the time.

6. Put your cash windfalls or bonus money immediately into your savings account to maximize the interest.

7. Download movies or borrow DVDs from the neighbors or friends instead of going out to the movies.

8. Save water by spending just enough time in the shower to be clean and don't run water when you are shaving or brushing your teeth.

9. If you can bike or walk to work or school do so. It can save you a lot of money on gas and help you get in good shape too.

10. Make sure your freezer is full. An empty freezer requires more energy to keep cold.

11. If possible, live in an area with cheaper cost of living.

12. Turn off your TV, bedroom light and computer when not in use. Also unplug appliances when not in use to avoid "vampire" electricity. Even if turned off, plugged electronic devices still eats up power.

13. Buy store brand products whenever you can. Most of the time, they are just as good as the leading brand and are much cheaper.

14. Use cash instead of credit card to make big purchases. This will make you think twice about that purchase. Plus you can never overspend.

15. When you are shopping in the store, look for items in the lower shelves for better deals. Eye-level items are often more expensive.

16. If you don't watch that much TV, don't sign up for cable. Stick with your local channels and still get all the news you need.

17. Give up expensive habits such at cigarettes, alcohol, shopping as a therapy and dining out with family during paydays. It's both economical and healthy.

18. When eating out, divide entrees in half and save the rest for a second meal.

19. Make meals that are left-over friendly, like soups and casseroles.

20. Switch to CFL (compact flourescent light) lighting inside and solar lighting outside. You will be amazed how much energy you save.

21. Never buy anything on impulse, even if the item is on sale. If you don't really need it, just walk away.

22. Add water to your dishwashing soap to get more uses.

23. Only withdraw money from ATM machines approved by your bank in order to avoid unnecessary fees.

24. Do free things regularly such as hiking, walking in a park of going to the beach.

25. Check out your local thrift store and garage sales for furniture, garden supplies, clothes and other items.

26. Pick up fun and cheap hobbies like reading, gardening, cooking or blogging.

27. Limit your use of disposable things. For example, dry your dishes with a dishtowel instead of paper towels.

28. Borrow books from a public or school libary instead of buying them. Make sure to return them on time to avoid late charges.

29. Don't go grocery shopping when you're hungry. You tend to buy more things that you don't need on an empty stomach. And always bring a grocery list and follow that list no matter what items are on sale.

30. Go green. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as often as possible.

31. Simplify your beauty and hygiene products. Only buy essential items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant.

32. Go to a farmers market for fresh and in-season produce. You can save money and at the same time support your local farmers.

33. Limit your eating out to special occasions only (e.g. Birthdays, Anniversaries)

34. Buy clothes that are easy to coordinate. This way, you can mix and match them and won't need to buy as many clothes.

35. Learn how to fix things around your house, so you don't have to pay an expert each time something breaks.

Do you have other money saving tips you can share?