Make Money or Save Money? Plus, 25 Practical Ways to Save!

 Tricky question. Many assume that to have more money they need to go out and get a job or get a raise.  That is not necessarily always the case.  All  jobs  have potential costs associated with them:

 Work clothes

 Vehicle expenses and gas

 Convenience foods for lunches

 Extra expenses for quick dinners, and eating out more for lack of time and energy to fix dinner

 Taxes taken out of your paycheck

 Babysitting and daycare for children

 Housecleaning expenses

 Dry cleaning

     Unless you are working primarily for health care coverage, and especially if you desire to be at home,  it is always good to calculate how much money you will actually net after factoring in these types of expenses. Meanwhile there are lots of ways to save money which ends up being money in your pocket!

25 ways to save money:

1. Combine coupons with sale items to get the lowest possible prices on staples.
    (You can regularly get free toothpaste, deodorant, hand soap, pain relievers...There are websites that do the research for you. The websites I use most for this are  OH Cherry Picker,  Deal Seeking Mom, and Stretching a Buck.

2. Look for great clothes and home decorations at consignment shops, thrift stores or yard sales instead of paying department store prices.

3.  Check books and videos out from the library for free.

4.  Go to matinee movies or find a dollar theater instead of paying movie theaters' regular high ticket prices.

5.  Eat out as little as possible. There are so many convenience foods at the grocery that can be prepared quickly when you're short on time or energy.

6.  Utilities aren't always fixed. For example, my local garbage service charges WAY less if you pay for the whole year at one time. (Update: I save 31% to be exact)

7.  When things are on sale, stock up on a few of each.  The less trips to the store, the less you  spend.

8. Every month pay extra toward the principal on your mortgage even if it's just a few dollars;  you'll easily save thousands over the life of your mortgage.

9.  When shopping throughout the year keep an eye out  for good deals on birthday and Christmas gifts, and wrapping paper, and keep a stash on hand or recycle gift bags you've been given.

10. After doing your homework, buy used cars; new cars depreciate up to 30% when you drive them off the lot.

11. Budget and stick to it.

12. Don't SHOP for entertainment; find other means of entertainment.

13. Eat leftovers for lunch, and make your own coffee.

14. Pay bills online through your local bank and save time and postage.

15. Be organized so you can find things when you need them, and not have to go out and buy another.

16. Use a refrigerator pitcher with a filter instead of buying bottled water.

17. Use rechargeable batteries.

18. Borrow and share tools instead of buying them.

19. Paint is a frugal way to update rooms and furniture.

20. Slipcover couches and chairs that are still in good condition instead of buying new. I love Surefit's stretchy 2 or 3 piece sets.

21. If you are a member of AAA you can save on more than just hotels and car rentals. Their website lists lots of retailers online and outlets that will give you an additional discount by showing your card.

22. Whenever I am ready to check out a purchase online, I always do a quick Google search with the name of the retailer and "discount codes."  Nine times out of ten I find a discount code for free shipping or a percentage off my total that is enough to pay for the shipping.

23. Use a credit card with some sort of cash back program or rewards of some sort. I use mine instead of my debit card  for everyday purchases (making sure to pay it off every month), and earn enough through the year for several free hotel stays.

24. Exchange babysitting with a trusted friend for time to yourself or dates with your spouse.

25. Plan your meals each week! This curbs the impulse to eat out, helps you use up leftovers, and allows you the time to incorporate pantry and freezer items you may have forgotten about.

   This list is far from exhaustive. The library is full of books on this topic, and there on many websites dedicated to helping people retain more of their hard earned money.  I know I've mentioned it before, but Dave Ramsey offers great financial advice that is prudent for the economic times we are going through.  If you're working (an outside job) but desire to stay home, calculate how much your financial gain really is after your job related expenses, to see if it might be just as profitable to stay home and "earn" money by saving  in certain areas of your budget.

Linking to:
We Are THAT Family
The Thrifty Home
Handy Man, Crafty Woman 
Raising Homemakers 
The Trendy Treehouse 
Someday Crafts 
Fabric Bows and More 
Crystal & Co. 
Shabby Chic Cottage 
Diaper Diaries 
Delightful Order 
Somewhat Simple
House of Hepworths 
Paisley Passions 
Stuff and Nonsense 
The Shabby Nest 
Chic on a Shoestring
Life As Mom 
Nap Time Crafters 
The Frugal Girls 
A Little Knick Knack 
Tatertots and Jello 
Thirty Handmade Days 
Creation Corner 
Women Living Well 
Under the Table and Dreaming 
 DIY Showoff
Nifty Thrifty Things 
Craft O Maniac 
Sumo's Sweet Stuff 
Keeping it Simple 
Making the World Cuter 
Creating Really Awesome Free Things 
Dittle Dattle 
Inspiring You to Save
Homemaker on a Dime 
The Girl Creative 
Skip to my Lou 
A Bowl Full of Lemons 
Coastal Charm 
Tip Junkie 
Sugar Bee Crafts 
Hope Studios 
Reasons to Skip the Housework 
Today's Creative Blog 
Type A Anything Goes Party 
Grocery Cart Challenge 
DIY by Design