Money can be difficult to come by and at one point or another, almost everyone will suffer from some type of financial struggle. It's important to realize that a temporary budget crunch doesn't have to drastically alter the world as you know it. Below are 5 tips to help you save some bucks.
Shop smart. When you go to the store, write a shopping list and stick to it. Buy only what you need and, whenever possible, buy in bulk to save some money. Don't forget to clip coupons because, the truth is, a few cents here and there can quickly add up to dollars. If you get the chance, buy the things that you need whenever they are on sale.
Request a lower interest rate on credit cards. Debt is a big issue, but creditors are often willing to lower your interest rate and all you have to do is ask. Their decision will greatly depend upon your situation, the reason for your request, the length of time you have been a customer and your payment history with the company. You may be surprised to know how much money you could save by simply getting your interest rates reduced.
Pack a lunch instead of eating out. Whether at work or at school, always pack a lunch instead of eating out if you are hoping to save some money. Take a moment to think about the difference in a can of cola purchased from a public dispenser or those that you can buy in a case at your local grocery store. In most cases, there's a huge price difference per can. You can make a sandwich or purchase a microwave dinner for the office a lot cheaper, in most cases, than you could eat out.
Carpool to and from work. With the prices of gasoline, it's easy to see why many co-workers are sharing the responsibility of driving to and from work. If you have three or four friends, take turns alternating drivers. After several weeks, you just might see a substantial savings in your gasoline expense.
Rent a movie and make your own popcorn. Instead of heading out to the movie theater, where you could spend as much as $15.00 per couple on the price of admission, consider renting a movie and making your own popcorn instead. Not only will you save on the movie and snacks, but you will also be saving on the price of gasoline that you would otherwise be using to get you to the theater and back.
The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial advice. For additional information or to address specific questions regarding your money matters, consult a financial planner.
