50 ways to save $$

1. Raise your deductibles on your homeowner's or renter's insurance.

2. One word: eBay! Always check there first before buying anything retail, but always know what price is a good deal before bidding, and don't get caught up in a bidding war. There will always be another one... no matter what it is.

3. Read your local newspaper online, rather than purchasing one at the newsstand.

4. Don't buy magazines at the newsstand. Subscriptions will save you a bundle or better still, borrow for free from your local library.

5. If you smoke, quit. The savings will add up faster than any other tip on this list.

6. Don't buy lottery tickets, but if you must, only buy one dollar's worth a month.

7. Skip the expense of your stop at the local Java shop and make your own cup to go in the morning.

8. Seek a cheaper long-distance carrier (try SaveonPhone.com or LowerMyBills.com ) or switch to Internet calling if you have high-speed service.

9. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You’ll get better gas mileage and save wear and tear on your tires.

10. Use your bank’s ATM so that you don’t get hit with fees.

11. Pay bills online so you don’t have to buy stamps.

12. Call long distance using your cell phone during free night or weekend hours.

13. Pay bills on time to avoid late fees.

14. Wait a while after the premier and catch the movie at the cheap theatre.

15. Rent a video instead of catching a flick at the theater.

16. Borrow movies from the library or friends for free and make homemade snacks!

17. Make sure doors and windows in your home are properly sealed to keep cooled or heated air from escaping.

18. Clip and use grocery store coupons, but only for items you regularly use.

19. Check the local coupons that come in the mail for services and products such as oil changes and pizza deliveries.

20. When your doctor writes you a prescription, ask that a lower-priced generic be allowed, if available.

21. For long-term medication, consider mail-order prescriptions which are generally purchased in 3-month increments for about the same as a one or two month supply. Caution: be sure your doctor writes the prescription for 3 months supply, or you will pay the same copay for 1 months supply as you would 3 months worth.

22. Investigate whether bundled service (phone, high-speed Internet and television) might save you money.

23. Make note of which channels your family watches most. Consider cutting down to barebones basic cable, or cancelling the service altogether.

24. Have friends or family over for a nice dinner at home rather than eating out.

25. Eat one or two meatless meals each week.

26. Douse unneeded lights and turn off TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use.

27. Map your errands to save on gas.

28. Sell the stuff you don't wear... make sure you have the buyer pay shipping costs.

29. Install fluorescent lights. They use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.

30. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to a safe 110 to 120 degrees.

31. Avoid over-packaged, over-processed and highly advertised foods. The closer a food is to its natural state, the less it tends to cost.

32. Bake from scratch. Homemade is cheaper and tastes better.

33. Cook once, eat twice: Double whatever you're making and freeze the excess for a later meal.

34. Send free e-cards instead of the three dollar greeting store card. What matters is you remembered the birthday, not the envelope and stamp.

35. Get all the discounts you deserve, such as good-driver, good-student and multiple-car discounts. If you're driving less, tell your insurer; you may get a cheaper rate.

36. Raise your insurance deductible and lower your premium.

37. Shop at thrift and consignment stores for clothing for the whole family, especially those in nicer areas of town. You’ll be amazed at your great finds!

38. Change air filters every month. Your heater or air conditioner will work more efficiently, costing you less in utility bills.

39. Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper ones.

40. Reduce phone extras such as call forwarding or call waiting.

41. Drop your health club membership and form a walking or jogging group with friends.

42. Rotate your tires so they’ll last longer.

43. Change your oil regularly and you’ll be rewarded with a long-lived engine. Don't forget that coupon that came in the mail.

44. Empty your trunk of any non-necessities and get better gas mileage.

45. Watch for free entertainment events put on by city agencies, churches, and schools. Take the whole family!

46. Make hair appointments at beauty schools, rather than full-priced salons.

47. Color your hair at home.

48. Check out bakery outlet stores for great deals on breads and bagels.

49. Don’t window shop. If you aren’t tempted, you won’t spend.

50. Ask for discounts when you pay cash.


		50 ways to save $$ 1. Raise your deductibles on your homeowner's or renter's insurance. 2. One word: eBay! Always check there first before buying anything retail, but always know what price is a good deal before bidding, and don't get caught up in a bidding war. There will always be another one... no matter what it is. 3. Read your local newspaper online, rather than purchasing one at the newsstand. 4. Don't buy magazines at the newsstand. Subscriptions will save you a bundle or better still, borrow for free from your local library. 5. If you smoke, quit. The savings will add up faster than any other tip on this list. 6. Don't buy lottery tickets, but if you must, only buy one dollar's worth a month. 7. Skip the expense of your stop at the local Java shop and make your own cup to go in the morning. 8. Seek a cheaper long-distance carrier (try SaveonPhone.com or LowerMyBills.com ) or switch to Internet calling if you have high-speed service. 9. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You’ll get better gas mileage and save wear and tear on your tires. 10. Use your bank’s ATM so that you don’t get hit with fees. 11. Pay bills online so you don’t have to buy stamps. 12. Call long distance using your cell phone during free night or weekend hours. 13. Pay bills on time to avoid late fees. 14. Wait a while after the premier and catch the movie at the cheap theatre. 15. Rent a video instead of catching a flick at the theater. 16. Borrow movies from the library or friends for free and make homemade snacks! 17. Make sure doors and windows in your home are properly sealed to keep cooled or heated air from escaping. 18. Clip and use grocery store coupons, but only for items you regularly use. 19. Check the local coupons that come in the mail for services and products such as oil changes and pizza deliveries. 20. When your doctor writes you a prescription, ask that a lower-priced generic be allowed, if available. 21. For long-term medication, consider mail-order prescriptions which are generally purchased in 3-month increments for about the same as a one or two month supply. Caution: be sure your doctor writes the prescription for 3 months supply, or you will pay the same copay for 1 months supply as you would 3 months worth. 22. Investigate whether bundled service (phone, high-speed Internet and television) might save you money. 23. Make note of which channels your family watches most. Consider cutting down to barebones basic cable, or cancelling the service altogether. 24. Have friends or family over for a nice dinner at home rather than eating out. 25. Eat one or two meatless meals each week. 26. Douse unneeded lights and turn off TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use. 27. Map your errands to save on gas. 28. Sell the stuff you don't wear... make sure you have the buyer pay shipping costs. 29. Install fluorescent lights. They use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. 30. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to a safe 110 to 120 degrees. 31. Avoid over-packaged, over-processed and highly advertised foods. The closer a food is to its natural state, the less it tends to cost. 32. Bake from scratch. Homemade is cheaper and tastes better. 33. Cook once, eat twice: Double whatever you're making and freeze the excess for a later meal. 34. Send free e-cards instead of the three dollar greeting store card. What matters is you remembered the birthday, not the envelope and stamp. 35. Get all the discounts you deserve, such as good-driver, good-student and multiple-car discounts. If you're driving less, tell your insurer; you may get a cheaper rate. 36. Raise your insurance deductible and lower your premium. 37. Shop at thrift and consignment stores for clothing for the whole family, especially those in nicer areas of town. You’ll be amazed at your great finds! 38. Change air filters every month. Your heater or air conditioner will work more efficiently, costing you less in utility bills. 39. Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper ones. 40. Reduce phone extras such as call forwarding or call waiting. 41. Drop your health club membership and form a walking or jogging group with friends. 42. Rotate your tires so they’ll last longer. 43. Change your oil regularly and you’ll be rewarded with a long-lived engine. Don't forget that coupon that came in the mail. 44. Empty your trunk of any non-necessities and get better gas mileage. 45. Watch for free entertainment events put on by city agencies, churches, and schools. Take the whole family! 46. Make hair appointments at beauty schools, rather than full-priced salons. 47. Color your hair at home. 48. Check out bakery outlet stores for great deals on breads and bagels. 49. Don’t window shop. If you aren’t tempted, you won’t spend. 50. Ask for discounts when you pay cash.