Inflation is at its highest in years to save money we have to come up with ways to reuse, spend thrifty, and make those dollars stretch. As companies and corporations raise their prices on goods and services as consumers we have no choice but to pay the high prices. Here are some ways to save on many goods and services.
Tips for savings on overall shopping for goods and services
Shop for bargains at seasonal sales, factory outlets, and no-frill stores.
Pay cash to save interest and service charges
Pay bills on time to avoid finance charges
Plan to anticipate future large purchases
Avoid impulse buying things you did not plan
Take time to decide before buying
Get written estimates on repair and service bills
Buy when relaxed you will not make any mistakes
Use the phone to find information on store hours, ensure items are in stock and compare shop items.
Watch for shipping and handling charges
Compare local and national brands
Consider buying at discount stores or in low-cost areas where prices are lower
Take care of what you buy
Keep guarantees and sales receipts in case, items need repair or replacement.
Do it yourself if you can use YouTube as a guide
Saving on clothing
Plan your wardrobe and buy clothes that can be worn on many occasions
Buy simple classic clothing rather than the high fashion trends
Make a list of the clothing you havent worn in the last year
Make a priority list of what you need
Shop for minor accessories that will expand your wardrobe
Purchase wisely, buy only clothes that fit properly, try clothes on always.
Read the content clothing label to evaluate costs for dry cleaning or special care.
Set a monthly clothing budget and stick to it.
Take advantage of clearances, closeouts, and inventory reductions.
Do not overbuy because all is on sale
Consider irregular clothing or factory outlets
Watch for what you need at Salvation Army, garage sales, furniture sales and auctions.
Recycle what you can
Treat spots and stains
Keep clothes out of direct sunlight
Hang heavier clothing on wood hangers to avoid stretching
Wash or dry clean clothing before storing for season
Use moth protection when storing woolen clothing
Throw out rusty hangers before they stain your clothing
Choose correct water temperature and washing cycle to avoid setting stains, fading and shrinking
Saving on Shoes
Shopping for shoes can be expensive especially with certain brands but there are methods of purchasing these different brands at a reduced price. Here are some tips to save when shopping for shoes
When buying shoes look for well made shoes that can be repaired
Always try on shoes for proper fit
Buy shoes that can be worn on many different occasions
Air out shoes always
Alternate between two to four pairs of shoes
Polish leather shoes regularly
Insert shoe trees when storing shoes
Waterproof your boots and shoes before it rains
Saving on Food
Food costs have risen due to inflation we have to find ways to reduce financial costs on food purchases inclusive on outside dining. Here are some tips to save on food costs and some ideas to aid on savings.
Plan menus before you shop
Determine and set budget limits before shopping
Prepare a list before shopping
Go shopping only during each pay period
Buy only what is on list, and avoid impulse buying
Don’t shop when hungry, or emotional
Go to the market early or late to avoid crowds
Leave children and Spouse at home
Check newspapers for coupons
Drink water at meals and cut down on sweet drinks and soda pop
Eliminate potato chips and other unhealthy foods
If you hunt or fish, use the game meat for food
Avoid convenience and highly processed foods
Grow a garden of fresh vegetables
Take lunch from home
Chop your own nuts
Use leftovers, freeze gravy, vegetables and meats
Buy goods from Food stands or farmers markets
Ways to save on Home decor and Maintenance
Often home maintenance and home decor is least prioritized as other expenses take the foremost importance when budgeting. There are ways to save money on home maintenance that won’t break the bank.
Maintain your home inside and outside by cleaning spots regularly
Check furnace, hot water heater and air conditioners regularly
Inspect gutters, concrete trim, and siding for trouble spots for regular maintenance to minimize repairs
Do your own painting and wall papering
To save on water bills, place rocks in part of your yard
Consider drip irrigation when watering is restricted and expensive
Buy fertilizer by cunic yard instead of 50 lb bags
Rent tools instead of buying
Start your own flowers and vegetables from seeds
Consider buying plants from agricultural colleges and nurseries
Buy plants at Super and Home Improvement stores on Clearance
Savings on Furniture
Furniture is an essential for the home as it is a home decor staple but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to furnish your home. There are even free options available if you research carefully. Here are some ideas to save on furniture.
Search on Face book marketplace for Furniture deals and free furniture
During garbage pickup days drive around the neighborhood to find furniture that have been placed on the curb, you will be surprised what some people throw out. Some furniture pieces are vintage or even have been replaced just for decor reasons.
Rent instead of buying
Buy furniture used
Decide on type or style of furniture you want
Know how many furniture pieces you need and where they will go
Buy furniture with a variety of uses, perhaps to be used in more than one room
Buy antiques if you want your furniture to increase in value
Measure your rooms before buying furniture
Measure entry ways to be sure furniture will fit
Take color samples
Check for the quality of furniture
Look for designs that can be recovered or reupholstered
Reupholster furniture yourself
Make or buy furniture covers
Buy unfinished furniture and paint it yourself
Touch up or refresh old furniture
Clean furniture regularly
Vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes at least once every two weeks
Polish wood furniture at least once a month
Save Money on appliances
Finding economical appliances options requires a lot of research and comparison shopping when finding the best deals locally. There are some good ideas on how to save money when purchasing appliances great and small.
Buy dual purpose appliances when possible, an example airfryer with oven
Consider no frill models
Buy last year’s model
Look in newspapers for used appliances
Determine if your space is wide enough and tall enough for the appliance
Is there a guarantee or warranty for the appliance
For maintenance, read the books carefully and follow their advice
Oil and clean appliances regularly
Do not leave your appliances running when they are not in use.
Empty or replace the vacuum cleaner bag frequently
Place your refrigerator and freezer away from any heat sources
Do not place any hot or warm foods directly into refrigerator and freezer
Open doors when necessary close doors as soon as possible
Wash only full loads of laundry
Rinse wash with cool water
Keep lint screens in dryers clean always
Save energy and use the old fashioned clothesline
Fill clothes dryer but don’t overfill it
Keep the outside exhaust clean
If your dryer has an automatic dry cycle, use it. Overdrying merely wastes energy
Separate drying loads into heavy and lightweight items, since the lighter items requires less drying time.
To save money on water bills, take showers instead of tub baths
Install a flow restrictor in the pipe at the showerhead to reduce the flow of water per minute
Promptly repair leaky faucets
Do as much household cleaning with cold water
Clean up spills on countertops with sponges and dishcloths instead of paper towels
Check the temperature of your water heater, most water heaters are set to 140 F or higher.
Drain out sediment in the bottom of the hot water heater by drawing out several gallons of water from the tank through the drain faucet at the bottom
To save money use a drain stopper or dish pan rather than washing and rinsing dishes with hot running water
Be sure your dish washer is full but don’t overload it
When buying a dishwasher, look for a model with air power and overnight dry settings
Let your dishes air dry if you do not have automatic air dry switch
Scrape dishes before loading them in the dishwasher for cleaning efficiency and fewer repair costs
Use cold water rather than hot water for your food disposal
Install an aerator in your kitchen faucet
Keep lids on pans for best use of heat. Do not boil water in an open pan.
Keep range burners clean
Thaw foods before cooking
Make the most of heat by cooking several thingsat the same time
In the oven , use glass and ceramic dishes which transfer heat better than metal which lowers temperature by 25 degrees
Do not continually open oven door to check food
Choose to use the range top instead of oven
How to Save on Entertainment costs
Life can be stressful and we need an escape from everyday routine, so it is important to have a budget for entertainment costs. A lot of the time, these expenses are not taken into account if the average consumer is living paycheck to paycheck. Here are some ideas on how to save money on enetertainment costs
Buy season tickets rather than individual tickets to concerts, plays, or games
Buy theater matinee tickets for Broadway shows and plays, which are given during off peak hours.
Go to little league ball games or high school games
Go to drive in movies
Take your own refreshments and treats when you go
Use promotion coupons from local newspapers when eating out
Have cocktails at home before you go to restaurant
Invite people in to share an evening when rather than go out
Ask others to help bring food and drinks
Picnic by the fireplace roast hot dogs and and marshmallows
Plan a progressive dinner with friends
Borrow a movie from the library
Subscribe to your favorite magazines instead of buying them off the rack
Borrow books from library or friends
Trade the books you have read for credit toward the purchase at used book stores
Take a sightseeing tour of your city
Watch for free community concerts in the park, art exhibits, demonstrations, and story hours
Check newspapers, bulletin boards, and posters
Look through yellow pages
Check library handouts
Contact your local YMCA or community center for activities
Ask your friends what they do for fun
Take advantage of events sponsored by local churches, ball games, schools, carnivals, flea markets, dances, ball games and fund raising events
How to save money when on the road
Travel costs can be pricey especially with rising gas costs, here are a few ideas on how to save money on the road .
Share your rides with friends
Go shopping with a neighbor
Don’t overfill your tank
Do not let the motor idel for more than a minute
Minimize braking
Drive at a smooth and steady pace
Accelerate smoothly rapid acceleration and sliding stops eat away tires and gas
Observe speed limits
If heating and cooling your car is necessary, use a moderate setting
Remove unnecessary weight from car for fuel economy
Keep track of gas mileage for clue something is wrong
Don’t drive, if you can use public transport
Walk to work if close by
Ride a bike
Eliminate trips by preplanning
Call ahead to make sure stores and offices are open
Vacation close to home
When buying a car do some research both with government and commercial buying guides
Shop around for the best financing
Compare prices with at least three dealers
Read the owners manual before purchase of car
Make sure you fully understand the warranty
When buying a used car , do not buy it in a hurry
Have your mechanic check the car at place of business before purchasing
In the present economy it is good to find ways to save money on goods, services and resources. Some options are not only good for the environment and economy but good for the consumer as well. Although, the U.S economy is better than most european nations abroad, the inflation here in the U.S. doesn’t allow consumers the savings they would have if costs were not so high. Many Americans feel the economy is not good despite the positive economic numbers. Inflation is not regulated by the U.S. government but from private companies and corporations increasing their prices due to higher transport charges. The truth is that Inflation is high now, and as Americans we have to find ways to find savings for our families . By listing these ideas, and tips we can hope that it will help consumers find savings on most categories of expenses.
Go Shopping and save with these tips.
