I know I'm posting a lot right now, but it's just because I have a lot to say at the beginning. I promise I won't post this often after I get going. Here are a few of my suggestions on how to live within a budget. I would WELCOME any more to add to the list. This is especially important for college students because they are POOR! I know it's a along list, but hang in there! I think there are some good ideas in there. If you have any websites/blogs, etc that would support any of these items, let me know!
1. Libraries are my best friends! They are free and unless you really live in the middle of nowhere, there should be one relatively close by. Most libraries have an interlibrary loan program, so even if you live in a small town, they can borrow from larger libraries. I get cookbooks, decorating books, movies, CDs, magazines and of course novels, biographies, books on CD, etc., at the library. It’s great, free entertainment! Also look to see if your library has community events or museums coupons. Many of them also offer programing right there at the library. It’s a fun way to meet people that love the same things you do!
2. Most grocery stores have reduced racks. These shelves have either almost expired food or containers that were damaged in route to the store. Frankly, I could care less if my cereal box is smooched on the bottom; it’s tastes the same but is half off! Most commonly you can find day of bread and pastries on these racks. I love to stop by the store on the way to a party or event and buy the half off goodies, knowing I’ll be using them that night. Buying produce this way is the biggest way that I save money. Fresh, healthy food like fruit can be very expensive, but I find a lot of ripe fruit on those racks. I enjoy buying lots of fruit and canning or freezing it. You might not have a ton of freezer space, but a friend or family member might. You can also use the fruit as a gift!
3. I know it can be very tempting to eat out when you’re single. If you enjoy cooking, then maybe you don’t mind being at home every night. But….I hate to cook, especially for just me! I wish I could eat out every night! My suggestion is to make a food budget for the week. If you want to eat out, that needs to be factored into the budget.
4. When you’re standing in the grocery isle with 17 different kinds of lunch meat, it can be a little overwhelming! Be sure to look out for the “Price Per Unit” on grocery items. The PPU will tell you how much something costs per ounce and you can easily find out what brand is actually cheapest. One thing that seems logical is to buy in bulk. This can be true; the price per unit cost is often cheaper. However, if you’re buying something like salad dressing that expires, you can often end up throwing a lot of it away! It’s better to buy a smaller bottle and not waste!
5. My favorite TV family is the Duggers. You might have seen them on TLC, or at least have heard of them! They are a Christian family with 19 kids. Goodness knows they have to live on a budget. Their motto is a simple one, and certainly nothing new, but I can’t stress how much money you will save if you “buy used and save the difference.”
6. Reduce electricity costs: remember to turn off lights, get a controllable thermostat, take shorter showers, use energy efficient light bulbs, spend hot summer days in free, cold places like the library so you can use their air conditioning!
7. Make homemade gifts, especially wedding and baby shower gifts.
8. Sell items you don’t use or need on ebay or have a garage sale. Be sure keep track of any items you donate to charity because that is tax deductible!
9. The 1 month rule: This isn’t always possible, but try to wait a month before a big purchase. You will have more time to comparison shop, pray about it, think about whether you really need it. It might also go on sale.
10. Repair clothes instead of buying new
11. Learn how to sew. There are more and more videos on youtube these days than help you learn! The tricky thing is; sewing isn’t always cheaper these days, but there are some things that are still cheaper to sew. A book I recommend is One Yard Wonder. It comes with patterns and all the projects use less than a yard of fabric. Look for sewing supplies like thread and zippers at thrift stores. This can help keep the cost way down!
12. I know this might be a jarring thing to your daily routine, but choosing to drink water the majority of the time will save a bundle!!!! It’s also so much better for you anyway.
13. I’m guilty of buying books like crazy!! If you’re looking for just anything, thrift stores really are the way to go. Most stores charge 50 cents to a dollar for a book. If you’re looking for something specific, check out www.paperbackswap.com.
14. Use cash or debit cards only.
15. Only buy what is on sale. Plan your meals around what is on sale at the grocery store.
16. Gift service instead of tangible items. Offer to mow your Dad’s lawn for father’s day or give your Mom a backrub. Offer to help someone put on a garage sale or clean out the attic. My Mom used to swap service with her friends all the time. She would paint her friend’s kitchen in exchange for her giving us kids swim lessons. Ask around and find out what your friends can do and have a service swap party where you can match people up together! You can even do something three ways, where person A helps person B who helps person C who helps person A. That way, everyone gets help with something, even if they aren’t helping the person who helps them.
17. Buy holiday items after the holiday. This is one of my biggest tips if you love to decorate! Most items go on sale for 50-80 percent off in the weeks following a holiday. It’s always fun to buy that stuff, immediately put it away and then have the fun of digging it out next year. Also, buy gifts year round. I have a drawer in my apartment filled with gifts. It's great because I have stuff on hand if I need something last minute, and I can buy things when they are on sale instead of last minute.
18. Start a garden
19. Carpool
20. Buy an entertainment coupon book
21. Don’t speed: you get better gas mileage (and you can avoid speeding tickets!)
22. Put coupons by the door: it will help you to remember then as you leave the house.
23. Use money envelopes. Put cash into various envelopes, like clothing, food, entertainment, etc. This will help you keep to your budget. When the money’s gone you can’t spend any more until the next month/paycheck.
24. Check brand websites for coupons. If there is something you use all the time, check out that product’s website. There are often free samples or coupons right on the website.
25. Have a coupon swap with friends. Bring all your coupons and trade!
26. Have a potluck party. Have everyone make a casserole or some dish to trade. Then, you don't have to eat the same leftovers for a week! Bring leftover containers with you to the party and load up!
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