In these times everyone is looking for the best ways to save money without sacrificing the way they live. For some reason we all seem to think that saving money has to be hard - it really doesn’t!! Here are a few tips to help you along your journey to frugal living made easy…
Gas. There are many websites available that provide detailed gas prices based on your zip code - simply Google "Local Gas Prices," "Compare Gas Prices," or something similar to find a multitude of websites dedicated to bringing you up-to-date gas prices in your area. Always fill up in the early morning or late evening - the cooler it is, the more gas you get for your buck. Try to avoid filling up at a station where gas is currently being or has recently been delivered - pouring gas into the tanks creates air pockets, causing you to pay for air with your gas, instead of just gas.
Fast food. If you’re in a position where you’re forced to eat fast food once a week, three times a week, or even every day, take advantage of the value menu! Your favorite item may not be listed, but be rational about this - are you going to be just as full 10 minutes after you’re done eating if you purchased 2 Dollar Menu items and a drink as you’d be if you’d purchased your favorite meal? Most likely, so go for it! Besides, you may find that you really enjoy the new item that you tried on sale or Value Menu priced. Also - some restaurants reward you for being a consistent customer, for example - Arby’s periodically gives receipts with a 1-800 # to call for a survey - after a few short questions you get rewarded with a code that is good for a FREE sandwich! Take the time - you’ll appreciate it the next time you’re strapped for cash and hungry!
Bagged Lunch. Taking your lunch to work/school can save tons. If there’s not a fridge available where you’re going, think about a portable cooler. Bread runs about $1 at Walmart, KMart, King Soopers, and other grocers. Lunch meat can run $1-$5, depending on how picky you are (bologna and salami are always great cheap choices). Cheese can be a little pricey, but do you really need it? If so try some bargain brand american singles. Mayonnaise, mustard, and any other condiments you choose can be very inexpensive if you choose the bargain brand (and they taste the same!). On the other hand, these are free at your local convenience store or fast food restaurant. As for sides, larger bags of chips from a grocer are much cheaper than smaller bags from a convenience store - try buying a larger bag and bringing a portion each day. Drinks - cheaper in bulk, even cheaper if you’re willing to settle for water, tea, or something like Crystal Light (tea and Crystal Light type drinks can be bought as a powder, and simply added to tap water).
Miscellaneous. Lastly, and this may sound a bit out of the question to some of you at first, but seriously, simply put… Dollar Store. Big Lots. Dollar General. Dollar Tree. Etc., etc., etc. My son and I buy muffin mixes at the Dollar Tree for $1 - add an egg and some tap water and we have 12 muffins. We also buy ginger snaps and frozen french toast sticks for $1. Spaghettios are $.80 for us at Big Lots, peanut butter is $1.80 - and it’s all the same brands you spend way more on every week or so at more popular grocery stores.
I really hope some of these simple ways that I save money myself will help many of you to save some cash for yourselves!
