7 Tips For Saving Money | Personal Finance

By WilliamBlake
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Everyone makes bad financial decisions from time to time, and a little help with saving money is always of good use. For example, a visit to the mall to buy one inexpensive item might turn into an unscheduled shopping spree. A plan to buy some small gadget can become a home technology makeover. Applying some frugal spending tips will help curb such money wasting impulses and help form new money saving habits.

Dont shop on payday. A freshly cashed check can start burning holes in pockets before money for the monthly bills and savings has been safely put away. Just because payday produces a large amount of cash, that doesnt mean that it should be spent in just any way. An uncontrolled day of shopping on payday may result in unpaid bills at the end of the month.

Dont shop for groceries when youre hungry. Buying food on an empty stomach is guaranteed to produce unnecessary spending; its an undeniable fact. Despite a well organized budget and a shopping list, hunger can take over and make you buy things you never normally would. Purchasing fast food on the way home from the store to squelch your hunger is another money trap.

Visit thrift stores and consignment shops. Many such stores are filled with great, quality clothing at awesomely discounted prices. Baby and toddler clothes are easy to find. Thrift store finds can replace hand-me-downs for children as well. With a small investment of time and effort, expensive brand name clothes can often be found at a much lower price than normal.

Buy in bulk only if it is something that you need. Buying everything in bulk is not necessary. Some bulk prices have a higher unit price than buying a couple of boxes of cereal or baby formula. Carrying a calculator to the store with you can aid in figuring up which is the best buy. Join a shopping warehouse if you frequently buy bulk items.

Ask for a rain check. Some stores don't give them for certain sale items, but it doesn't hurt to ask. A rain check can save you money. Don't buy a six dollar case of water if you can get it for two dollars with a rain check. Buy up to the limit you are allowed to purchase and stock up.

Bargain shop when looking for services. There's no rule that says you have to go with the first plumber that you call. All companies don't charge the same amount. Checking two or three places will give you a good idea of how the prices stack up. Choose the one with the most services for the lowest price. If you are not sure, ask a friend who may have had the same need that you do now.

Purchase gifts throughout the year. Don't wait until right before the holidays or someone's birthday. Finding gifts throughout the year saves money. Sales after Christmas are the perfect time to find all sorts of merchandise that would make good gifts for the following Christmas. Store your gifts in a cabinet for that purpose so that you are never without something to choose from for gift giving.

A little bit of planning and effort can turn into big savings if you put these frugal spending tips into practice and make them regular spending habits.

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