1. Get a new beauty regimen.
You can go to a beauty school to get dolled up. Skip the $50 plus hair appointments and $30 pedicure treatments not to mention shelling out like $25 for nail refills or full nail sets. Who has this kind of money in these hard economic times? Try a beauty school. Empire beauty school offers many pampering services that won't be too hard on the wallet. For example I went there recently and got a relaxer treatment, wash, blow- dry, style and even a deep conditioner was thrown in all for a measly $28 bucks. They offer various hair treatment services like coloring and highlighting, nail services, facial treatments, and even prom and birthday packages (nice gift ideas). Check out an Empire in your area at http://www.empire.edu
2. Conserve home energy!
Put the plastic on the windows. Don't let your heat seep out through window cracks. Last winter, I placed plastic window coverings on every window in my place and I could definitely tell the difference. You can purchase plastic window coverings from a spot like Walmart or Home Depot. If you don't mind the extra work, what I will do this winter season is purchase a box of those thick clear plastic (contractor) trash bags from Home Depot and cover my windows with that.
3. Crockpot Delights.
Try cooking your roast or oven stuffer roaster, stew or chicken parts in a crock pot. It saves you more energy instead of cooking in the oven (using gas or higher amounts of electricity) and it also tastes better (the meat is so tender, it actually falls off the bone) and makes for better gravy.
4. Don't just bargain shop on Black Friday.
Why should Black Friday be the only day to get some bargains? Lately there have been deals everywhere. For example now may be a good time to whip out those gift cards that were passed on during the holidays or birthdays because you will certainly rack up now more than ever because of the economy. Stores everywhere have some good sales. For pampering check out your Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and even when these spots aren't having a good sale try Target or Ross, TJ Maxx for some deeply discounted smell goods for the body. Make sure to check online and the flea markets are still happening even during the frigid months. Never underestimate the power of consignment shopping also. The consignment shops have the cutest and original handbags (they are good vintage clutch bag spots). There is furniture with a few dings and scrapes that can easily be refurbished are usually housed here and also some appliances like a good iron or crock pot for cooking those fabulous stews this season.
5. Ladies: Shop like a Man
We always laugh about how our brothers, husbands, boyfriends, fathers know exactly what they want when they head to the mall and then park their hind quarters on the nearest couch or chair to wait ever so patiently while we spend hours looking around and trying on stuff we probably don't really need. Well men have the right idea. If you plan and have an idea of what you need before you head to the mall, you are less likely to spend more money than you intended.
6. Sign up for Consumer Reports
If you are contemplating purchasing some big ticket items for the house or looking for a cable service provider change, cell phone, almost everything, even advice on how to save money around the house you should pay a small $30 bucks for consumer reports. You can access the wealth of helpful information on their website. http://www.consumerreports.org
7. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons
I have been told this countless times. Take the cut out coupons to the grocery store with you. The 50 cents here and there really adds up. Some grocery stores even double the savings for you. Also go onto the individual websites and register. Sometimes you will receive a coupon via email. For example Red Lobster sent me a coupon via email for a few dollars off an entree. My boyfriend's birthday was the next weekend and the savings came in handy.
Put the plastic on the windows. Don't let your heat seep out through window cracks. Last winter, I placed plastic window coverings on every window in my place and I could definitely tell the difference. You can purchase plastic window coverings from a spot like Walmart or Home Depot. If you don't mind the extra work, what I will do this winter season is purchase a box of those thick clear plastic (contractor) trash bags from Home Depot and cover my windows with that.
3. Crockpot Delights.
Try cooking your roast or oven stuffer roaster, stew or chicken parts in a crock pot. It saves you more energy instead of cooking in the oven (using gas or higher amounts of electricity) and it also tastes better (the meat is so tender, it actually falls off the bone) and makes for better gravy.
4. Don't just bargain shop on Black Friday.
Why should Black Friday be the only day to get some bargains? Lately there have been deals everywhere. For example now may be a good time to whip out those gift cards that were passed on during the holidays or birthdays because you will certainly rack up now more than ever because of the economy. Stores everywhere have some good sales. For pampering check out your Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and even when these spots aren't having a good sale try Target or Ross, TJ Maxx for some deeply discounted smell goods for the body. Make sure to check online and the flea markets are still happening even during the frigid months. Never underestimate the power of consignment shopping also. The consignment shops have the cutest and original handbags (they are good vintage clutch bag spots). There is furniture with a few dings and scrapes that can easily be refurbished are usually housed here and also some appliances like a good iron or crock pot for cooking those fabulous stews this season.
5. Ladies: Shop like a Man
We always laugh about how our brothers, husbands, boyfriends, fathers know exactly what they want when they head to the mall and then park their hind quarters on the nearest couch or chair to wait ever so patiently while we spend hours looking around and trying on stuff we probably don't really need. Well men have the right idea. If you plan and have an idea of what you need before you head to the mall, you are less likely to spend more money than you intended.
6. Sign up for Consumer Reports
If you are contemplating purchasing some big ticket items for the house or looking for a cable service provider change, cell phone, almost everything, even advice on how to save money around the house you should pay a small $30 bucks for consumer reports. You can access the wealth of helpful information on their website. http://www.consumerreports.org
7. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons
I have been told this countless times. Take the cut out coupons to the grocery store with you. The 50 cents here and there really adds up. Some grocery stores even double the savings for you. Also go onto the individual websites and register. Sometimes you will receive a coupon via email. For example Red Lobster sent me a coupon via email for a few dollars off an entree. My boyfriend's birthday was the next weekend and the savings came in handy.
8. Put Down the Plastic
If it isn't in your bank account then you cannot afford to charge it either. Stop charging your credit cards like you are Paris Hilton's first cousin. Use your debit card or cash. Another thing is make sure you are maintaining a credit card balance where you are allowing at least 50% of the credit limit to always be available. This really helps the credit score along with paying the bill on time (within the first 30 days of the due date).
9. Fruits and Veggies and other Foods
9. Fruits and Veggies and other Foods
Purchase fruits and veggies at the Farmers Markets or chains like Produce Junction. Another good chain is ALDI. I also frequent Ollies for stuff like soaps, can goods, and juices. Oh and Target is a great place to buy those all time favorite cereals, but ALDI does have the best knock off Captain Crunch cereal.
10. The Power of NO
10. The Power of NO
Go ahead and please read this one twice! This is the best thing for those who are really serious about saving. Yes you want to lend that family member or best buddy that extra $100 but really when do you expect to get that back and can you really afford to lend that out? Is your rainy day stash safe and sound? If you can't make your rent or mortgage will they be able to have your back? Honestly. Sometimes it's hard to say no, believe me I still struggle with this, however saying NO isn't a crime and if the person really cares for you, then saying NO once or twice so you can keep your head above water shouldn't change your relationship with the individual at all.
Remember to Live Below Your Means
Remember to Live Below Your Means
People tend to feel the need to keep up with the Kardashians for many reasons. The term live below your means is a good recipe for healthy saving. Perhaps putting off buying those extra pair of shoes and jewelry for your sister friend’s gala can prove beneficial to you because you can stock that cash in a small savings investment for yourself or your child so it can grow over the next 10-15 years. The $100+ cell phone bill can be a $50 cell bill and the other $50 a month can go to the rainy day stash. Think about it.
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