Money Savings Ideas

Money Saving Ideas Last week I talked about creating a plan to save money. We need to learn to make it a habit that we continually do the rest of our lives. Today I want to give you some tips on how to save money when you spend it. It sounds weird, but I want you to, as Clark Howard says, spend less avoid getting ripped off! So here are a few suggestions for you. I may have to do this a couple of times, there is a lot we can do to keep more of our money. Here we go: 1. It is not a bargain if you don't need it! If you don't need something don't buy it. This could be anything from a soda to a house. Don't get me wrong, it is okay to buy something if it is in your budget ,but check your motives. Sometimes we buy things just to get that quick high, of getting something. Getting a bargain is good if you need something, not if you want it. Just thing if you buy lunch everyday at work at a great price of $5.00, that is 1300.00 a year. In a some households that is three months worth of groceries. 2. Ask for a deal. This is a lost art in America. We never ask for a deal, we see the price and think we don't have an option. What if it embarrasses your spouse or kids, as Dave Ramsey says that is just a bonus! There is a lot of competition out there for your money, make them earn it the way you do. Don't just show up and give it to them. Also ask them what they can throw in the deal if they don't want to come off of the price. We need to train the retailers. Besides what is the worst thing they can say, no. 3. When you go out to eat, do you really have to pay over a dollar for soda or tea? Ask for water! Not only is it better for you it will keep the calories and sugar from piling that bulge up on you waste line. I know if refills are free, I will drink more soda. 4. Go generic when you can. I know some things don't taste the same, but the generic is not bad either. You can save a lot when you buy the store brand, try different ones until you find the best fit for you. Also, if you get prescriptions, go generic all you can. Name brand is outrageously priced. 5. Tag team on the big items. Women like the thrill of the hunt, or shopping. Men usually like to just buy it and leaving the store. Ladies if you have to buy a big ticket item find it and let him do the negotiating, unless you are the negotiator. Ladies if he is the one doing the negotiating, and you want it bad, let him negotiate by himself. If the sales person knows you want it all he has to do is say no on the offered price and wait. When momma wants it, they have you hooked! 6. Here is an honorable mention: if you shop at Kroger for groceries and use the points for discounted fuel. Start buying the fuel cards for Shell from Kroger and get more taken off for your gas. Shell now takes Kroger cards for discounts also. You can also find gift cards from places you may normally shop at also and get more points earned. Feel free to share any tips with me. I will probably blog on them from time to time. It helps me to save and I hope it helps you! Tim West Go West Coaching