In today’s economy, people are looking to save money anywhere they can. While some are cutting back on their eating out and online shopping, others are going to further extremes. While they might sound a little wacky, some of the best ways to save money can be in the smallest (and strangest) practices. Changing your drinking habits, learning to reuse things you never thought of before, or making lists, could all be the ticket to financial stability. Try these five strange tips and tricks to save a few bucks here and there.
1. Drink Water: Replace your soda and juice with water. Drinking water instead of juice or soda can save a significant amount on your grocery budget. Purchase a good and sturdy reusable water bottle and fill it with water, rather than buying new bottled water every time. This will not only save you money, but will also cut back on the amount of waste you produce. If you do not like the taste of tap water, you can buy a pitcher water filter. These are only 20 to 40 dollars and will make your tap water taste like spring water. While I know that drinking water instead of a cool Coke or a glass of orange juice in the morning is not always as enjoyable, it is a simple way to cut back on your spending. Though it may seem insignificant, even a few bucks back in your pocket each trip to the store is money well saved.
2. Stay Organized: One of the easiest ways to waste money while you are grocery shopping is by not having a list to follow when you are there. Make sure to go through your pantry and cabinets before you leave for the store and write down exactly what it is you need. Often, people will go to the store without knowing exactly what they need and they will purchase items they already have. This wastes money and food. Make a list and stick to it. One trick that I have found is that I only go to the store after a meal. I am very much like a kid in a candy store when I go grocery shopping. If I’m hungry and I see something I want to eat then and there, I will buy it. Then I will get home and realize that, although I was craving them in the aisle, I don’t actually like s’mores Pop Tarts. Make a list and stick to it. Don’t waste money on groceries you don’t actually need or want.
3. Save on Makeup: Okay, this tip is only for the girls out there (unless some of you boys are also interested). Makeup can be a very hefty expense. Not only do many of us use it every day, but it is also very expensive. To make certain makeup products last longer try these few tips. First, for liquid concealer or foundation try using half face lotion and half foundation. You can mix the two together to get the same effect, but only use half the amount each day. Next, instead of using expensive eyeliners, try using a fine brush and eye shadow. You can get the brush wet and turn any color of eye shadow into great eyeliner. Eye shadow is much cheaper than most eyeliner.
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4. Reuse: Maybe this one is kind of obvious, but try reusing everyday items in your house to save some money. Use plastic grocery bags as trash liners for small trashcans in bedrooms and bathrooms. Try using old socks or t-shirts as rags for cleaning. Also, you can reuse old dryer sheets for dusting things or for scrubbing (but be careful what kind of surfaces you use them on). Also, look up some recipes for homemade cleaners, using fresh lemon, vinegar, baking soda, and others. These cleaners care immensely less expensive, better for the environment, and safe for almost anywhere. I’m sure that there are several other quick tricks you have come up with by reusing old household items. Comment and let us know what they are.
Being frugal doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes to your spending habits (although that can work sometimes). The easiest and most consistent way to cut back on your spending is in small ways. Make a few small changes here and there and you will be sure to save a significant amount of cash.
