One of the best ways to save money is shopping at dollar or discount stores. However, there are some things you should be getting at the dollar store and some things you should never buy at the dollar store. You can find name-brand products at dollar and discount stores for half of the original price, you just have to shop around a bit. And make sure you know that just because its at the dollar store it doesn't mean it is bad, sometimes manufacturers make too much of a product and need to distribute it to other stores. So go out and save some money!
Ughh...one of the worst parts about growing up is learning how to manage your money. Sometimes you have to make things stretch and miss out on the fun just to make ends meet. So whether you are a poor college student, just starting your career, or getting ready to start a little family these tips will help you save money and stress less. If you have any money saving tips, please post them :)
Overall:
1. Make a financial goal chart so you can see
what you want and/or what you need to do.
As you meet your goals you can cross them off and that in itself is
EXTREMELY rewarding.
2. Implement the 48-hour rule. This is where you wait at least 48 hours to
purchase an expensive or splurge item.
If you are still thinking about that pair of sexy heels or skinny jeans
after 48 hours then you can allow yourself to go back and purchase them. Waiting 48 hours allows you to really decide
if you need them or if you were just “in the moment.”
3. Fix it before you ditch it! Rather than going out and buying a new pair
of black pumps because you wore out the toe look up shoe repair tutorials on
Pinterest or YouTube and create a whole new shoe.
Groceries:
1. Make a meal plan for the week and write down
all of the ingredients you will need for every recipe. Then determine which ingredients you will
need. Write the items that you need down
on a grocery list.
2. Stick to your grocery list. If you followed the tip above then you will
only need the stuff on your grocery list.
3. Instead of purchasing meat in small portions
at higher prices spend a couple of extra dollars for a few more pounds of
meat. When you get home divide the meat
up into portions and freeze them for later use.
4. Coupon. Coupon. Coupon. I have a great list of Websites under WannabeCoupon Queen for you to check out and help you save money. Even if you only save a few bucks it really
adds up over the year and is worth it.
5. Hit up dollar or discount stores when you
need to buy things like cleaning supplies, paper towel, toilet paper,
detergent, and toothpaste. You can get
name brand products or generic brands (that work just as great) at dollar and
discount stores at half the price of your regular grocery store.
6. Use reward and loyalty cards if at all
possible. Some stores send you
additional coupons and even gift cards when you reach a certain amount of points
on your reward or loyalty card.
7. If you pay with cash, throw your change in a
jar and save it up for a splurge item.
Entertainment:
1. I know it’s hard to say “no” when everyone
else is going out to lunch or hitting up happy-hour nearly every single day but
you have to do it. Or at the very least
limit your time eating or drinking out.
If you do go-out check-out sites like restaurant.com, Living Social, Groupon,
and Yelp for coupons and deals.
2. Instead of going out have a few friends over
for cheap snacks and drinks. You can get
a bottle of wine that has 3-4 servings in it at the same price as 2 drinks at
the bar.
3. Movie theaters can cost you an arm and a leg
these days. So instead of hanging out at
the movies all weekend watch Hulu, Netflix, or Apple TV once instead.
