100 little steps- the simple dollar
From a Website "The Simple Dollar"
100 steps to take to save money- read the list and try a few....
1. Switch your bank accounts to a bank that respects you.
2. Turn off the television.
3. Turn a critical eye to your “collections.”
4. Sign up for every free customer rewards program you can.
5. Make your own gifts instead of buying stuff from the store.
6. Master the thirty day rule.
7. Write a list before you go shopping – and stick to it.
8. Invite friends over instead of going out.
9. Instead of throwing out some damaged clothing, repair it instead.
10. Don’t spend big money entertaining your children.
11. Call your credit card company and ask for a rate reduction.
12. Clean out your closet.
13. Buy video games that have a lot of replay value – and don’t acquire new ones until you’ve mastered what you have.
14. Drink more water.
15. Cut back on the convenience foods – fast foods, microwave meals, and so on.
16. Give up expensive habits.
17. Make a triple batch of a casserole.
18. Be diligent about turning off lights before you leave.
19. Swap books, music, and DVDs .
20. Maximize yard sales.
21. Install CFL (or, even better, LED) bulbs wherever it makes sense.
22. Install a programmable thermostat.
23. Buy appliances based on reliability, not what’s cheapest at the store.
24. Clean your car’s air filter.
25. Hide your credit cards.
26. Plan your meals around your grocery store’s flyer.
27. Do a price comparison – and find a cheaper grocery store.
28. Challenge yourself to try making your own things.
29. Don’t spend money just to de-stress.
30. Talk to your loved ones about what your dreams are.
32. Cancel unused club memberships.
33. When shopping for standard items (clothes, sports equipment, older games, etc.), start by shopping used.
34. Keep your hands clean.
35. Remove your credit card numbers from your online accounts.
36. Give a gift of a service instead of an item.
37. Do holiday shopping right after the holidays.
38. Join up with a volunteer program.
39. Reevaluate the stuff in the rooms in your house.
40. Try generic brands of items you buy regularly.
41. Prepare some meals at home.
42. Switch to term life insurance.
43. Go for reliability and fuel efficiency when buying a car.
44. Don’t go to stores or shopping centers for entertainment.
45. Master ten second rule.
46. Rent out unused space in your home.
47. Create a visual reminder of your debt. 48. Get rid of unread magazine subscriptions.
49. Eat breakfast.
50. Swap babysitting with neighbors.
51. Don’t fear leftovers – instead, jazz them up.
52. Go through your clothes – all of them.
53. Brown bag your lunch.
54. Learn how to dress minimally.
55. Ask for help and encouragement from your inner circle.
56. If something’s broken, give a fair shot at repairing it yourself before replacing it or calling a repairman.
57. Keep an idea notebook in your pocket.
58. Invest in a deep freezer.
59. Look for a cheaper place to live.
60. Check out what your town’s parks and recreation board has to offer.
61. Air up your tires.
62. Start a garden.
2. Eat Healthier. The food is healthier when you control the ingredients and use the freshest fruits and vegetables. Check open dating information, such as the “sell by” or “best-if-used by” date, to select the freshest foods.
