15 Money Saving Tips--How to Slash Your Costs on Everyday Items

Who doesn't love a bargain? Saving money can be as simple as making a few changes in the way you shop.

15 Money Saving Tips

1. Slash Costs by Shopping at Thrift Stores--check out thrift stores for clothing items and household items from sweaters to jackets, from comforters to curtains. In some places, yearly $5.00-a-bag sales allow you to fill a large bag with clothing, books, movies, curtains and other household items. With a little searching, you can increase your wardrobe without spending a fortune. The money you save can be used to purchase higher-priced clothing items that you really want.

2. Save on Cleaning Products--for your cleaning items, stock up at a Dollar Store. Grab a year's supply and save money two ways: you'll save on the cost of cleaners and save money on gas because you've eliminated repeated trips for these items.

3. Cut Down on Cost of Meals Out--you can cut the cost of eating out by actually planning to go out for dinner at set times. That way, you won't feel deprived and it will be easier to curb the impulse to dine out so often (when tempted, remind yourself that you get to treat yourself on a regular basis).Some people dine out once a week or once a month. It can be fun to look forward to "our Friday night dinner out" weekly or monthly treat.

4. Money-Saving Tip: Buy Meat on Sale--one of the best household money-saving tips is to always buy meat that is on sale. Most stores rotate their sales and you can still eat a variety of different meats--but at significantly reduced prices.

5. Save Money with Case Lot Sales--another money-saving idea is to keep track of when your grocery store runs their case lot sales and save money by stocking up on necessary items when these sales occur. You save money by buying case lots and save on gas by reducing trips to the market.

6. Find Bargains at Farmer's Markets--check out farmer's markets for bargains on fruits and vegetables. If possible buy large quantities of vegetables that can be frozen.

7. Cut Costs on Perennials--buy your perennials when the summer season is coming to a close. You can pick up plants for your yard at greatly reduced prices and you'll be rewarded next season with new flowers that will continue blooming each year.

8. Save Money on Air Fresheners--you can save on the cost of air fresheners by using up old perfume. Lightly mist bath mats or carpets to freshen rooms and give them a nice scent.

9. Cut Costs & Increase Nutrition--always freeze left over vegetables because even small amounts can be added to homemade soups and stews for increased nutrition.

10. Save Money by Buying in Bulk--buy dry goods such as rice and beans in larger quantities. Check to see if your market can order them in for you in money-saving larger amounts, such as 25lb bags.

11. Reduce Costs While Still Enjoying Steak--buy a roast and cut it into slices for budget-friendly steaks.

12. Save on the Cost of Dryer Sheets--dryer sheets have gone up in price. Cut dryer sheets in half and a box will last twice as long.

13. No-Cost Christmas Pictures--create cost-free Christmas decorations by cutting the pictures from Christmas cards and placing the scenes into small frames. Brush a coat of Sparkle or Glitter Mod Podge over to add a festive touch. These attractive Christmas pictures are unique and cost nothing.

14. Save Money on Socks--you can save money (and hassle) by buying your socks in one color. That way if one sock develops a hole, its mate is easily matched to the others.

15. Reduce Costs on Books--If you enjoy reading but find the cost of books prohibitive, keep a mental record of places that sell used books for a fraction of the cost. Check out your hospital's gift shop to stock up on inexpensive books for cold winter evenings. These books are often priced far lower than merchandise in used book stores. Libraries will often have book sales and you can benefit from these. Banks may offer used books for a small donation to a good cause.

Money-saving strategies can make a difference to your pocketbook. Make these household money-saving tips a habit and you will get the most bang for the buck.

Further Reading:

• Good Housekeeping Good Deals and Smart Steals: How to Save Money on Everything
• Absolutely Amazing Ways to Save Money on Evertything
• 365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money
• How to Save Money on Just About Everything
• Money 911: Your Most Pressing Money Questions Answered, Your Money Emergencies Solved
• Save Money in Tough Times: Everything You Need to Know to Survive the Financial Crisis
• Cut College Costs Now: Surefire Ways to Save Thousands of Dollars
• Making It--Work From Home
• Pinch a Penny Till it Screams: Everything You Wanted to Know About Frugal Survival Skills but Didn't Know Where to Look
• Debt Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About
• Cashing in at the Check-Out
• Frugal Living for Dummies
• Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy

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