Money Saving Tips for the New Year

Jan 04 |17:43 PM

Let’s say you have decided that you want to be more frugal, that you want to become thriftier than you’ve ever been before.

Where do you start? It’s a good question and the good news is that there are lots of places for first time cheapos to get started.
The Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap

This time of year everyone is busy making resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, and get organized.

The gyms are full, Lean Cuisines are selling like crazy and the urge to de-clutter is at its annual peak.

This is all good and healthy, but I’m thinking I want to make my top resolution be to save more money this year – so that I will have more to spend on the things that I really want the most....

And I am happy to say that it is not that hard to do – and be successful.

Let’s start with saving on groceries by watching for super specials and store brand winners. Then I think we can all kick the couponing up a notch, use Web sites more aggressively, and plan our menus around the store specials. I think you’d be surprised at home much these little strategies can add up over a months time.
You often hear that brown bagging lunch instead of eating out is a massive money saver and it is. So I say deliberately cook enough dinner to have leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Or, if that doesn’t work for you, just think ahead and include easy, inexpensive lunch options like canned soup, frozen entrees, or sandwich fixin’s (bought on sale and with coupons, of course) in your weekly shopping so that you don’t get to work and find your stomach growling and nothing on hand at lunchtime.
I would go a step further and buy your snacks and soft drinks in bulk, too (if you have to have them). Compare the price of one can of Diet Coke from a vending machine and the cost of a 12 pack of Diet Cokes bought on sale and you will be quickly sold on this buy in bulk savings strategy. You can sometimes buy 12 for what two cans would have cost.
Use your public library more than ever to check out books and videos. And make it a point to find out about the other services and programs, including computer classes, lectures, story times, puppet shows, crafts etc. The library definitely is not just for books anymore.
Go for the freebies especially when it comes to entertainment. Most communities have full calendars of free and cheap entertainment through their parks departments, libraries and colleges and universities. I’m talking music, movies, theater, dance, sports and more.
Volunteer more. First of all if you are busy volunteering, you don’t have the time or temptation to spend money. Plus, you’ll probably learn some useful things too.
Keep up with your savings success. If you know that you are saving $20 a week by taking your lunch to work, or if you know that you are still enjoying two movies a week, but for free instead of having to pay the cost of movie tickets or rental fees, it helps to keep you motivated. So keep track and enjoy the savings!