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5 Finance Discussions to Have with Your Teens

Posted on June 30, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

Managing your finances right now may seem pretty easy and straightforward, but for a teenager who is just learning about money management, it’s likely to be a confusing world. So, when you talk to your teen about finances, don’t assume they already know how things work. Take time to explain credit cards, loans, how to write a check, interest rates, etc. Explain those things you understand and take for granted, and make sure your teen knows that asking you questions about those things isn’t stupid.

Make sure you teach your teen how to budget. There are tons of different ways to budget (and tons of different apps and programs you can use), so make sure you teen understands what budgeting is, and then let them decide how to do it. Explain the importance of spending less than you make and what are the important things they should pay for first.

It’s always good to sit down with your teen and have an honest and frank discussion with them about what they’re currently spending their money on. While they probably aren’t making big bucks at their high school job, teaching them how to manage small finances will help them manage bigger ones in the future. So, ask them what they spend their money on—toys, entertainment, savings, presents, what? If you feel like they could use some guidance, then offer it. But always let them know what they’re doing well, too.

If your teen isn’t in the habit of putting aside some of their income for savings, then this is a vital conversation to have. Everyone should be putting some money away (some experts say at least 10%), and that habit starts when you’re young. It’s best to teach your teen the importance of saving and then let them decide how best to go about it.

Along with how to save, you should also talk about what to save for. Every teen is different: some want to go to college after high school, others want to travel, and even some want to go straight into a job. If your teen has expensive plans ahead (like college), then make sure they’re putting enough money off to the side to pay for that in the future.

25 Ways to Save Money at Target

Posted on June 23, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

Do your best to stick to the end caps at Target. That means sticking to the perimeter of the store and trying to find deals. That’s usually where the best deals will be placed. After you’ve scouted those deals, go ahead and move into the store.

If something is discounted at 15 to 30%, then hold off on buying it unless you REALLY want/need it. Usually Target will increase this clearance to 50% or higher after a few days.

When shopping on Target online, put items you want in your cart and then leave them there overnight. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll get offered a coupon or discount code since Target wants you to actually make the purchase.

Whenever possible, always use coupons at Target. Not only do they offer TONS of coupons, but there are so many different kinds. Look for coupons on their website or tags near the actual product in the store.

If you are an avid Target shopper, then I suggest getting a Red Card. You could get their credit card, but there’s also a debit card version. You get access to great deals and discounts when you shop with a Red Card.

Download the Cartwheel app and let the coupons and great deals roll in! Before you go shopping, look at what deals are being offered on Cartwheel and make sure to take advantage of them!

You can also scan items in-store with the Cartwheel app. This lets you double check to make sure you’re getting the best coupon or discount on an item when you go to buy it. If you’re not sure if it has a coupon, scan it anyway! It can’t hurt.

I love buying DVDs at Target because they have a $5 and under section. Renting a DVD can sometimes cost that much, so I might as well spend a few extra bucks and get the DVD forever!

Target online offers a weekly deal, which is actually usually pretty great. So, once a week, get online and check the deal to see if it’s something you need.

Target usually offers some great combo deals that can save you lots of money in the long run. For example, they just recently offered a deal on First Aid supplies and another on sunscreen and similar products. Find them and take advantage!

Holiday clearance at Target is great. After a holiday, Target usually starts their clearance at 50% and only increases it until everything is gone. Pretty awesome.

To get access to coupons on your phone, text OFFERS to 827438. Target will send you coupons that you can use to save some pretty big bucks over time.

If you don’t want to get texts from Target, then download the Target app and go to their “mobile coupons” tab. This gives you access to all the same coupons without giving them your number.

Target is great because they let you stack coupons. That means you can use different types of coupons (store, manufacturer, etc.) together to get some great savings.

Target (like most stores) has their own Target store brand. If you buy their store brand, you can get some great discounts, plus they have a 1-year return policy for most items, so you don’t have to suffer buyer’s remorse.

Twice a year, Target has awesome sales on toys. This is usually in January (after Christmas) and sometime in July (usually in preparation for new toys that are coming in). Check the aisle every now and then and you can get deals as good as 75% off!

I love Target’s rain check program. Pretty much, if there’s an item at a good price you want but it’s out of stock, Target usually has rain check papers you can take (or scan) that guarantee that price for you within the next six weeks or so.

If you switch to the Target Pharmacy, then for every five prescriptions you fill, they give you 5% off for any transaction. That money can add up if you fill prescriptions regularly.

This isn’t always the case, but if a discounted item’s price ends in .06 or .08, then that’s usually indicative that it will be marked down again (it’s just part of Target’s system). So, if you see that, then wait a bit and see if it gets marked off even more.

Some products at Target have an attached gift card deal. That means that, when you make a certain purchase or spend a certain amount, Target will give you a gift card with your purchase (usually $5 or $10). It’s pretty much free money!

Target has a pretty awesome price match policy. Pretty much, if you find an identical item somewhere else for a cheaper price, then Target will sell you that item for the matched price. That’s pretty snazzy!

Not only that, but if you buy an item at Target and you see it for a cheaper price (either at Target or somewhere else) then you can go back to the store and they’ll refund you the money. This even works of Target drops the price of the item.

Registering at Target for weddings and baby showers isn’t only common, but it’s also super smart. Anything on your registry that you don’t get will be discounted by 15% after the event. Pretty awesome!

If you bring in your own reusable bags to Target, then you can get a discount! For every reusable bag, you get 5 cents off the purchase. It isn’t much by itself, but those savings add up!

While this isn’t the same at every store, usually Target has a schedule for what items it puts on sale. Here is the general list, but do some research at your own Target to see how it alters. Monday: Electronics, accessories, kids’ clothing, books, baby, and stationery. Tuesday: Domestics, women’s clothing, pets, and food items, Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty, and Garden. Thursday: Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor, and Luggage. Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry.

5 Tips for Saving Money on Beauty Products

Posted on June 23, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

There’s no need to pretty much ever spend full price on beauty products. One great way to save money is by using a program like Ebates that provides cash back or rebates for numerous beauty products. Ebates is particular well-known for offering great rebates on Sephora products.

If you’re shopping online, then a nice trick to use is putting items you want in your cart and then leaving them there overnight. Sometimes the site will track that you’re hesitating on a purchase and will offer a nice discount to get you to actually make the purchase. And all it requires is a bit of patience!

If you’re shopping for new beauty products, then always ALWAYS get the travel size version (or free sample) first. Don’t buy a whole bottle of something, just to realize you don’t like it that much. Start small and, if you like it, then get the full-sized bottle.

Speaking of bottles, make sure to check the quantity and amount of the beauty product. Lots of times, companies will inflate the packages or containers to look bigger than their competitors, even though they have the same amount or less makeup in them.When you’ve come to the end of a bottle or tube, don’t just throw it away. Cut it open and use the rest of the product at the bottom. You’d be surprised at how much product can sit at the bottom of an seemingly empty bottle!

How to Make Extra Cash Using Ebates

Posted on June 9, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

Promo codes, coupons, discounts, rebates. These are just a VERY small portion of the ways that you can save money when shopping and buying things. Ebates is another great way you can make extra cash back on your purchases. Here are some great ways to get the most out of your Ebates.

It’s super common for Ebates to offer deals and bonuses when you sign up for them. You can get up to a $10 gift card if you sign up at the right time. If there’s no offer right now, you can either check around and see if any of your friends have personal codes you can use to get points for signing up!

If you are using Ebates, you definitely want to shop at their registered stores and online shops. To the best of your ability, change your shopping routine so that you are using sites that have Ebates. It may take some time, but, in the long run, it’ll save you money.

If you sign up with Ebates, then make sure you’re using it consistently. Remember that the more consistently you use it, the more money you’ll make back. So try to use it every chance you get and keep growing your account!

When shopping through Ebates, be patient! Prices and offers can change so, if the thing you want right now doesn’t have an Ebates offer or isn’t a good price, then wait a bit. If things haven’t changed in a month or so, then you’re probably good to buy it since it most likely won’t change.

A lot of people don’t know this, but you can stack your Ebates with coupons and promo codes. Some people lose out on great deals because they didn’t realize Ebates work with most other promotional offers. Do this trick and you’ll see the money come rolling in!

When shopping with Ebates, do your research. Don’t just buy the product you want on the first site that offers an Ebates deal. Instead, look around at their other sites and see if the price and Ebates offer is better. Doing your research like this can save you hundreds (if not thousands) by the end of the year.

20 Things You are Forgetting to Budget

Posted on May 19, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

Making a budget is a great idea, but if you forget to plan three or four things, then your whole budget can get thrown off. In order to avoid having to replan your whole budget, here are 20 things that you’re probably forgetting that you should put in your budget right now. Most people don’t add an emergency fund to their budget. We often have savings calculated in (for big purchases), but not a fund for emergencies that are unexpected. Funnel some money into an emergency account every month to take care of that issue. Haircuts and personal care are often things that go forgotten until right when we need them. So, when you sit down at the beginning of the week or month to budget, don’t forget this category! It’s sometimes hard to track the amount you spend on heating and cooling because it varies so much on what month and season it is. However, to the best of your ability, plan for the months where you’re going to probably be using them a lot so you have the money in your budget to cover it. We should all be budgeting for a vacation. It doesn’t have to be a big European getaway, but a little vacation to a bed and breakfast a few hours away should always be worked into the budget. I have a good friend who always says that if you don’t want to spend money on dates with your spouse, you’ll just be spending that money on therapy! So, make sure you work date nights and entertainment into the budget so you can relax and enjoy yourself after a hard week of working. Along with that, you should also have some money set aside for eating out. Buying fast food usually comes up in the moment (because it’s convenient), so work that into your budget ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about balancing the books later. Annual payments are super easy to forget about because we only pay for them once a year. Things like credit card fees or some memberships can be hefty but sneaky, so make sure they’re in your budget. While having to buy school supplies only happens once or twice a year (depending on how fast your kids go through them), it can be a pretty large chunk of money. So, if you don’t budget for it, then it might throw a wrench in your budget. Sit down now, and make sure you have it worked into your finances. Every now and then, you’re going to have to buy new work clothes. Things like shoes, suits, etc. can all be a pretty large charge if you have to buy them all at once. Figure out if you’re going to need new clothes this month or year, and then budget it. Gifts are something that always seem to pop up as extra expenses for me. Holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day don’t do this; but friends birthdays are usually the guiltiest! So make sure you know everyone’s birthday who you buy presents for, or just plan in some extra money each month for surprise presents. Pets can be just as expensive as children sometimes! Shots, food, leashes, emergencies, and other things can all add up pretty quickly if you haven’t budgeted them. If you own a home, then you know how home and yard maintenance’s can get pretty expensive. Blowing out the sprinklers, fixing the mower, painting the front porch, and other projects can cause some financial issues if you don’t budget them. Don’t let car expenses sneak up on you! Things like registration, tabs, repairs, or other problems should be worked into your budget so you’re not stressed when they come up. For those of you who contribute frequent donations, then make sure they’re in your budget! While it’s always good to give to charity, you want to go about it smartly. If you have monthly subscriptions like magazines or weekly delivery systems, then they need to be in your budget! If not, you’ll be wondering where all that money is going every month! While it’s great to get some extra income (especially when it’s not expected), if it’s not calculated into your taxes, then you can see a big chunk of your monthly budget get taken by those taxes! And you can even get fees tacked on if you don’t pay the taxes, which is even worse! If your kids are into sports or art groups, then the enrollment fees and cost of equipment can be a burden if not planned for. For the months when those activities start, make sure you budget for these expenses. Clothing is another thing you’ll have to buy frequently when you have growing kids in the home. You may find yourself buying new pants every few months and, if you don’t plan for it, the costs can build up. Unfortunately, even if you have insurance, medical bills can be pretty large. If you have regular doctor visits, set money aside for them, but also add a bit of money for emergency visits or other situations. You’ll also want money for non-prescription medication; things like aspirin, Nyquil, allergy medicine, and others are expensive, and if you don’t plan on buying them, then their price seems even bigger!

12 Ways to Reduce Your Utility Bill

Posted on May 19, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

With warmer weather just around the corner, utilities often increase significantly as air conditioners and fans starts running almost constantly. However, you don’t need to let your bills increase just because the temperature is. In fact, whether it’s summer or winter, here are twelve great ways to reduce your utility bill. The first thing you’ll want to do is check all your doors and windows for leaks or cracks. You’d be surprised at how much a small leak can increase your utility bill! If needed, replace the whole door or window frame, but usually it’s a small fix that doesn’t take much time or money. Speaking of windows, a great way to heat or cool your home is by smartly using the blinds and curtains. During summer, it might be tempting to let the sunshine in, but you’re also letting in heat, which makes your AC have to work harder. So, when possible, keep the blinds and curtains closed during the summer and open during winter. There is one caveat to this, though. If you get a nice cross breeze in your home, then you can keep the blinds AND windows open during the summer. This can significantly cool down your home without using a lick of AC! However, you won’t be able to do this every day if you live in a place that gets pretty hot. If you don’t cook at home or only cook for a few people, then consider investing in a toaster oven. It’s smaller than your regular oven, meaning it takes less time, energy, and money to heat up! A meal or dish for two or three people can easily fit inside a normal toaster oven, saving you lots of money in the long run. If you’re a people person, then you can also call up your utility company and ask if they have any discounts or alternative plans that you can try to save money. Most companies actually have a few plans you can choose from that help you customize your utility usage to your best advantage. At worst, you get a no, at best you can save hundreds. If you haven’t already, buy energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. You can wait until your light bulbs burn out or the appliances wear down if you want, but replacing them with energy efficient ones will drastically reduce your utility bill. Somewhat along those same lines, consider investing in solar power (especially if you live in a hot and sunny place). It might cost a bit upfront, but most solar power systems pay for themselves in under five years! You’ll be saving money and saving the planet, all at once! Whenever possible, use cold water for cooking and washing things. If you use hot water, it’s going to be more expensive (because it has to be heated), but you sometimes need hot water (like washing some dirty dishes). If you get into this habit, then you can see quite a few dollars shaved off your utility bill. Some jobs and companies actually give you a discount on certain utilities if you work for them. Not a lot do this, but you can also check with your employer to see if they offer any kind of discount, even if it’s a small one. A super easy way to increase the efficiency of your air system while decreasing your utility bill is by replacing any air filters. If the filter is clogged and dirty, the air conditioner or heater will have to work harder to pump cold or hot air in. Not only that, but the dirt gets spread around your home. Change the filter and breathe a little easier (literally and financially!). I don’t know about you guys, but I used to leave a lot of my things plugged in, just because it was more convenient. However, I learned that that’s not only bad for the environment, it’s also bad for my wallet! Get rid of “phantom power” by unplugging any cords or appliances that aren’t in use. That way, they aren’t using energy when not in use because they aren’t plugged in. Another great way to decrease your utility bill is by buying a programmable and/or smart thermostat. There are tons of different brands and kinds, but you can get them for as cheap as $20. These thermostats respond to the temperature of your house, adjusting it when necessary. You can also program some from your phone, making managing the temperature that much easier.

10 Personal Finance Tips That Could Change Your Life

Posted on May 11, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

I get it; changing habits can be hard, especially when it comes to financial ones. No one changes overnight, but there are some things that you can start doing today that will change your life in the long run!

Some people advise against this, but I think it’s a good idea to get a credit card…but to use it wisely! Credit cards help you build up your credit, plus you get access to lots of perks and benefits that normal cash, checks, or debit cards don’t get you. However, don’t max out your card every month or forget to pay it off. Get a credit card, but use it wisely.

Start now to save consistently. You could put away $10 every week, $100 every month, or something else. How much you put away isn’t as important as just getting in the habit of saving money. In a few months or years, you’ll have a great emergency savings fund to rely on.

If you have a few debts you’re trying to pay off, do the snowball method. Simply put, you throw all your extra money at the smallest debt until it’s gone. Then you move on to the next biggest one. This eliminates the amount of interest payments you have to pay, which is why it’s called the snowball.

Sit down right now with whoever you share money with and make a budget. Plan out how you’re going to spend your money this month and project it out for the year. This will help you stay on course with what you spend, giving you more control of your finances.

Do your best to live within your means. If you really want a $30,000 car but can’t afford it, then don’t buy it. Instead, get the one that fits your budget. Living within your means still gives you plenty of ways to be happy and fulfilled without loading yourself with debt.

Whenever you go out or decide to buy something, ask yourself “Why am I buying this?” or “Do I really need this?” Believe it or not, stopping to ask yourself this question (and really pondering on the answer) can save you from spending money on things you don’t need.

Another good way to curb your purchases is by waiting 30 days before making any unnecessary purchases. You may want that new ottoman in the moment, but 30 days from now it won’t seem like such a big deal. And if it still is, then consider getting it!

When you go to make big purchases, make sure you’ve done your research first. It may not be very fun, but doing your research will allow you to make the smartest decision, giving you the best quality for the cheapest price.

With the leftover money you have, consider investing some of it in stocks or other financial options. Investing can be a tricky business, so talk to a friend who’s in the know or do some research to make sure you’re making smart financial investments that will give you good returns.

If you’re really serious about making some changes to your financial life, then get a money buddy. This is just someone that you will be responsible to for all your financial choices; by making you accountable to someone else, you’ll think twice before you buy anything you don’t really need. You and your money buddy can help each other be smarter spenders.

8 Reasons You Should Get out of Debt Right Now!

Posted on May 11, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

Debt is something that all of us have dealt with at least once in our life. Whether it’s college tuition, car loans, mortgage, or something else, we’ve all been in debt before. While debt is a part of life, it’s not one that has to stick with us forever. Here are eight great reasons why to get out of debt as soon as possible.

When you’re in debt, all of your other financial investments are less impactful. Even if you’re making good money off of stocks, some (or maybe even all) of that money is going towards paying off your debts. When you get out of debt, any extra money you make on your investments goes straight to you.

Debt is stressful. The more you have and the longer you have it, the more stressed you’ll become. Managing debt for a few years may be manageable, but it can really affect your health and stress-levels if it becomes a life-long burden.

When you’re in debt, you’re not working for yourself. You’re not working for your own vacations, home improvements, or anything else. Instead, you’re working to pay your debtors; they’re making all the money off your hard work! Getting out of debt will make you feel great because you’re only working for yourself!

When you get out of debt, you’ll be a lot more stable—financially as well as in other areas of your life. Any unforeseen accidents or problems won’t cause you to stumble and fall financially like they would if you had debts to worry about.

Believe it or not, your familial relationships will improve (especially with your spouse) when you don’t have debts to worry about. Most arguments in the family are caused (or somehow affected) by money; so when you have more money coming in and less money going out, it’ll make things at home better.

Once you manage to get out of debt, your credit score will steadily improve. And, when your credit score is better, every other area of your financial life improves, too! Interest rates are lower and you’re array of financial options increases.

Prepare for the future by getting out of debt now. Once you don’t have any more money going towards debts, you can start putting money in a retirement plan, your children’s college funds, or other things. By getting out of debt today, your future will be much better.

One of the best reasons for getting out of debt is that it gives you control over your life! You won’t be subject to interest rates, late fees, loan sharks, angry bankers, etc. When you’re free from debt, you’ll feel so much more free an in control of your life.

15 Money Mistakes to Stop Right Now!

Posted on February 14, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

We’ve all struggled with money. Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably made a decision or two in which you were throwing your money away. It’s always a good idea to evaluate and analyze your cash flow every now and then to make sure you’re getting the most bang for each buck. Here are some money mistakes that we all make and that we should stop making right now!

Not Having a Budget. If you don’t have a budget, create one. Without a budget, you won’t know what you’re spending your money on, and knowledge is power when it comes to finances. Look at your monthly income, and make categories that fit all your wants and needs (cutting any wants, if necessary).

Using Credit Cards without Paying Them In Full. When possible, only use your credit on things that you can pay off in full. Having a credit card is a good idea because it builds credit and you can get some nice rewards, but don’t max it out just because you can. Instead, buy things on your credit card, but pay them off in full before the deadline—this will prevent unneeded interested accruing against you.

Not Having a Savings Account or Emergency Fund. Having a savings funds or emergency money is great, but don’t just store away all your cash like that. This makes your money become stagnant, making it less valuable as inflation increases. Instead, put some money aside for emergencies, and then invest the rest in stocks or something similar.

Buying Expensive (new) Cars. If you’re out looking for a car, consider looking at a used model. Even a car that’s a year old is going to be a much better deal than this year’s newest model. Cars can never increase in value, they only depreciate, so buying a new car similar to throwing money out of the window.

Spending Too Much on Food. Food can be a huge hidden expense. Try to sit down and make a meal plan for the week. This will keep you focused so that, instead of buying a $10 meal at lunch, you can pack your own for a fraction of the price. Over a year, this can save you thousands of dollars.

Not Setting Financial Goals. To get your financial life on track, it’s important to set financial goals. This are things that you can work towards so that your money is being spent or saved with purpose. Make some financial goals and then stick to them!

Not Discussing Finances as a Couple. If you’re married, then sit down with your spouse and talk to him or her about your finances. I cannot stress how important this is! Not only will it help your marriage, but you’ll see your money start to bulk up. There are 6 Critical Financial Discussions every married couple should have. Once you’re both on the same page, there will be less frustration between both of you and you’ll have twice as much energy and will power to reach your goals.

Not Paying off Debt in a Smart Way. Debt has a nasty way of sticking with us and ruining any happy financial prospects we may have. If you have debts, don’t spread your money across all of them, but focus on the smallest one until it’s gone. That way, you won’t be paying interest on it anymore, which gives you more money to throw at your larger debts. This is called a debt snowball and it really works.

Being Complacent at Work. We live in a very competition driven world these days. That can sometimes be frustrating, but it can also work to your advantage. If you feel like you deserve a raise at work, then talk to your boss. One huge money mistake we make is not being aggressive enough in the workplace. If you are worth more than you are being paid, talk to your superiors. If you aren’t satisfied with your pay, look elsewhere for work that will pay you what you are worth.

Focusing on Everyone Else’s Finances. It’s way too hard to work on your own financial goals while you are working hard to “keep up with the Jones’ is probably the least productive thing you can do with your time and energy. Everyone’s life is different—that’s a fact of life. So trying to compete with someone else is only going to make you upset and, probably, in debt. Focus on yourself and your situation and do what works for you.

Spending too Much on Gifts. You don’t need to spend tons of cash to show your friends and family that you love and appreciate them. It might be tempting to buy a really nice present or gift for a loved one, but don’t do it if you can’t afford it. Showing love in a different way for them.

Not Investing in Your Retirement. Start now, no matter how old you are, to invest in a retirement plan. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough money when you’re older to actually support yourself when you stop working. The way you choose to invest your money now can greatly affect how happy and stress-free your life down the road will be.

Buying Things at Full Price. Whenever possible, don’t buy things at full price. That’s not always going to be the case for everything, but you can often find great deals or gently used items that are much more cost-savvy than brand new ones. Even if you have to wait a few weeks for something to go on sale, it will be worth it in the long run.

Not Being Able to Say “No.” Remember that it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. If you don’t have the money to invest in your best friend’s new business or you can’t afford a nice vacation this year, that’s okay. Financial situations change, and be honest and upfront with yourself and others (when necessary) if some cuts and changes need to be made.

Your Happiness from Relying on Money. Lastly, remember that money doesn’t equal happiness. Don’t get so wrapped up in your finances that you forget to enjoy life! Yes, it’s important to have a plan for your money, but that doesn’t need to consume your life. Be responsible with your money, and then focus on what makes you happy.

35 Things You Do if You Want to Save Money

Posted on February 11, 2016 by flipping Pennies Contributor

No one is ever going to say no to saving and having more money. And, believe it or not, you don’t have to stop having fun or doing things you like in order to store up some extra cash. There are small but effective ways that you can save money, and here are just a few of them!

Budget

If you haven’t already, make a budget for you and your family. Budgets help you know how much you are making and how much, in general, you should be spending in every area of your financial life.

More Energy Efficient House

This may cost some money in the beginning, but it will save you money in the long run. Invest in energy saving appliances like a dryer, washer, or fridge that will cut your utility bills in half!

Price Check Your Rates

Spend some time looking for new insurance when it’s up for renewal. We often stick with bad rates and high costs because we’re familiar with the company and our policy. However, doing just a little bit of research can save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year.

Plan Meals

Take a few extra minutes every week and plan out what you will be eating. This will stop you from buying things on the go and prevent food from going bad that you never eat.

Plan Holidays and Vacations

It may sound silly, but planning vacations and holidays around free events and good deals is a great way to save money and still have fun! You’d be surprised at how many great deals are around tourist areas if you just put in the time and effort to find them.

Don’t Waste Food

Whether there’s a lot of people living in your home or it’s just you, evaluate how much food you’re buying and wasting and then adjust accordingly. If you find that you throw away 50% of your fruit before you eat them, then buy less fruit! It’s that simple!

Sell Old Electronics and Unused Items

We all have that closet that’s got boxes of unused items stashed away, or that drawer that houses our old and abandoned electronics. Take some time to clean them out and sell anything that you think other people would want to buy.

Use Household Products

You don’t need to go out and buy expensive, store bought, chemical cleaners. Instead, just use items you already have around the house. For example, you can clean a lot of surfaces with baking soda and/or lemon juice. Find some ideas online and save some money!

Do Your Research

Before you make any big purchase, do your research. Read online reviews, compare prices and quality, find different vendors, etc. This may take some time, but it will save you in the end, plus you won’t be frustrated with buying a bad product since you’ll know it’s good quality!

Wait if Needed

Try implementing the 30-day rule. Pretty much, if you want to buy something on an impulse, wait 30 days. If you still want/need that thing after 30 days, then you can consider buying it. This will whittle away at those things that you actually don’t need or want in your life.

Solar Panels

It may sound a little extreme, but if you have a bit of extra cash, install solar panels on your home. In only about five years, you’ll start making money off your investment. Not only that, but if there is ever a power outage, you can program your solar panels to power your fridge, freezer, or other essential items that need electricity.

Credit Card Rewards

Lots of people will tell you to shy away from credit cards if you want to save money, but that’s not always the case. If you’re smart, you can actually make money off of using your credit card because of all the perks and rewards they offer. Find a credit card that has deals you like and go for it!

Spend Less than you Make

However, make sure to live within your budget still. A good rule of thumb is to not buy anything that you won’t be able to pay off within the month. That way, you won’t have any interest building up against you, but you’ll still get all the perks and rewards!

Avoid Gambling

Some people win big from gambling, but most people just lose money. I would suggest not trying to press your luck and win the lottery. Instead, take that money you want to spend on a scratch ticket and invest it in stock or put it towards your savings.

Learn Basic Home Repair

By teaching yourself how to fix a leaky pipe, change a tire, or unclog the shower, you can save hundreds of dollars every year. Hiring someone to do maintenance is a costly expense, and most of the basic fixes they do you can do yourself!

Yard Sale

Round up all the stuff you don’t need or use anymore and have a yard sale! Not only will this get you money, but it will also help you remember what stuff you and your family doesn’t use. For example, if you’re selling your treadmill that’s never been touched, don’t go out and buy a new one in a few months!

DIY Projects

DIY projects are both fun and cheap! You don’t have to spend nearly as much money as you would on an already-made product, plus you get to put your own style and touch on the craft!

Entertain Children Cheaply

There’s really no point in spending hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to buy your kids the best toys or go on the craziest vacations. Kids can be entertained by a box, so reign in your elaborate presents for them and they probably won’t even notice!

Avoid Fast Food

I know it seems convenient (and sometimes tasty), but fast food is NOT a good way to save money. Plus, it’s not really ever good for you. So, do your wallet and your waist a favor and stop getting fast food.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke, then quit right now! The habit isn’t just dangerous for your health, it’s also bad for your cash flow. Seek help and medicine if required, and you’ll see an increase in money, for sure, even if the cost up front is more than a pack of cigarettes.

Replace Your Car Air Filter

By replacing your car filter, you can increase your gas mileage up to 7%! That’s pretty crazy, if you think about it in the longrun. And changing your filter is super easy and doesn’t take much time a tall.

Limit Subscriptions

While it might be nice to get your favorite magazines in the mail or those subscription boxes that you love, but are they really worth it? If you want to, you can keep one or two subscriptions, but try to get rid of the rest. Over time, they eat up a lot of your money.

Buy Used When Possible

Most items work just as well, even if they’re used. Cars are a huge thing that you’ll want to buy used, since it doesn’t really make sense to buy a new car. You can also buy used clothes, books, toys, etc.

Buy Generic

Believe it or not, name brand and generic items are almost equal in quality (if not actually equal). When you pay all that extra cash for name brand, you’re just buying the label, not better quality.

10-Second Rule

Whenever you go shopping, try to follow the 10-second rule. Every time you pick up an item or product that you don’t need, ask yourself, “why am I buying this?” If you can’t come up with a good reason within ten seconds, then don’t buy the item.

Creative Gift Giving

Instead of spending a fortune on presents and gifts, trying giving creative gifts this year. You could do homemade objects (like soaps, crafts, lotions, candles, etc.) or even give the gift of labor! You can offer babysitting to new parents or a free car tune-up, for example.

Rent Out Unused Space

No point in letting all that empty space in your home go to waste. If you have an extra room, or even a whole floor that’s not being used, considering renting it out or at least doing a program like Airbnb.

Visual Debt Reminder

Make a visual debt reminder that will help you see how much money you owe. That way, when you’re tempted to buy a new TV or something you don’t really need, you can look at the debt reminder and remember what’s really important!

Swap chores

You can also considering setting up a services swap with your friends of neighbors. Pretty much, you often to pay each other in services instead of money for things you need done. You can offer babysitting, yard work, house repairs, etc. It’s a great way to make friends and save some money.

Keep Leftovers

I’m so surprised at how many people just throw away their leftovers, even from restaurants! You can still be classy and get a doggy bag, I promise. Or, even at home, save the leftovers and use them for lunches. It’s cheap, tasty, and saves you money.

Public Transportation

Depending on where you live, this can be a great way to save tons of money while also not having to worry about things like car insurance and auto loan payments. You save money and are hassle free because you don’t have to park or worry about other car-related problems!

Carpool

If you really want to keep your car, then use it smarter. Carpooling is a great way to help the environment and you’re wallet! Find people at work that live nearby who you can start a carpool with so it’s cheaper for all of you.

Buy a Deep Freezer

This is an expense at first, but it allows you to stockpile in bulk, which saves you money in the end. Just make sure you log what’s in the deep freezer and how long it’s been in there so you don’t have chicken nuggets that are six years old. Yuck!

Cheaper Place to Live

Some cities or parts of cities are just ridiculously expensive and not even worth it. If that sounds familiar, then consider moving. I know it can be a lot of work, but if you can pay less in rent/mortgage or get more bang for your buck, then it’s definitely a smart investment.

Community Calendar

Most cities and towns have a community calendar that list all of the free activities that they’ll be throwing that year or at least within the next few months. Check it out and find some activities that you and your family can enjoy together…for free!