6 Simple Money Saving Tips

One goal that Tracy and I have this year is to save money. We have decided that we are going to save every 5 dollar bill that we get. I have an envelop that I put 5s in as I get them, so that they are separated from the rest of my money. I know a lot of people make resolutions to save more money each year. Here are several very easy and simple tips that can help you save more.

STEP 1 // Track Your Spending: You need to track your spending so that you can figure out where your money is going. Are you splurging too often or spending way too much eating out? To decide how you can save money you have to figure out where you can start cutting back.

STEP 2 // Have a Spending Freeze: Have at least two weeks where you take a spending freeze. Don’t spend money on anything. All along Tracy and I will challenge ourselves to month long spending freezes. We will not buy anything but the necessities (you know pay bills, buy gas, etc.) or have no eating out for a month.

STEP 3 // Start Saving Small: At the end of the day empty the change in your bag or wallet into a jar, bowl, or piggy bank. Have a savings account and when the jar is full, put it into the account. Or be like Tracy and I and save all of your 5 dollar bills.

STEP 4 // Shop Secondhand Stores: Whether it’s at the local thrift store or Goodwill you can be surprised at what you find that you will absolutely love. Keep an open mind because a little TLC can go a long way.

STEP 5 // Sell Your Excess: When clutter piles up and your storage is full it’s time to decide what you need and what you don’t. Sell what you don’t need and make a little extra money. Check out Craigslist or Ebay.

STEP 6 // Saving Money on Groceries: Keep track of what you have at home so that you don’t waste money on things you already have. This will also help you use food before it ruins, which is just dollars going into the trash. If you have coupons for things you need use them. When you have leftovers save them and use them the next day, don’t throw them away.

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