Do Something New…and Save a Few $$$

July 31, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

Our busy lives often tend to get us stuck in a rut of doing the same old things the same old way. Sometimes sales flyer those same old things could end up costing you money. Analyze your own weekly routine and see if any of this sounds familiar to you. If so, consider making some changes and hang on to more cash.

1. Do you always go to the same supermarket?

If you do, you could be missing out on some big savings from the competition. Grocery stores, especially local types, typically offer higher prices in order to stay in business against the bigger chains. While it is good to support your local businesses, sometimes budget-conscious families need to look for the best deals and stay current on the sales at each store within a reasonable driving distance. Signing up for frequent shopper cards are a good way to get extra discounts and stay in the loop about what’s on special each week.

2. Do you always go to the same place for a “night out”?

If you are lucky enough to get out of the house once a week, it may be worth your while to break the habit of eating at the same restaurant, going to the same movie theater, or whatever activity you find you do time after time. Try checking out the local newspaper calendar or local visitor’s bureau. Not only will you find something new to do, you may find something free to do.

3. Do you stop each morning for a convenience store coffee?

While a buck or two may not seem like a big deal for a cup of coffee, sit down with a calculator and let the numbers do the talking. Getting a $2 cup of coffee 5 days a week can cost you over $500 a year. Instead, spend $40 on a good coffee maker that has a timer and wake up to fresh brew each morning for pennies.

4. Do you have the same bank account since you were a teenager or first married?

You may want to take a second look at what else is out there if you haven’t changed banks in awhile. There is a bit of competition between banking institutions and the fees and charges you pay at one place may not exist at another. Call around and see if you can get a better deal by switching banks. Make sure you still have access to comparable services that you have now and get rid of the services you never use.

5. Do you struggle making rent or your mortgage payment?

For those in a particularly hard cash crisis, it may be beneficial to look at other housing alternatives instead of banging your head against the wall each month trying to come up with the cash. Consider any lifestyle changes that have taken place since you moved in. Maybe the kids are out of the house and downsizing your home wouldn’t be a bad idea.