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    • « How to Start Blogging - Keeping it Simple | Home | Spend Less Have More (Part 2) Save Money on Electricity »

    Spend Less Have More - Part 1

    By wahms | October 18, 2008

    image by annia316save money

    All we seem to hear about these days is the current economic crisis. The news is getting more and more worrisome every day. In times of economic downturn many people are re-thinking their spending habits and looking for ways to save money any way they can. So I thought that a series on ways to save money on everything from gas to groceries to running your business would be a timely and useful series right now.

    So, here is the first post in the “Spend Less Have More” series:

    5 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

    1. Always make a list - I keep a running list in the kitchen of groceries we need. As soon as I use the last of something I write it on the list. Try to stick to the list when you are shopping. This will eliminate impulse buys and save you money on things you don’t need.

    2. Have Lunch First - Never go to the grocery store hungry! You’ll end up with a cart full of high calorie expensive snacks because everything just looks so yummy when you’re hungry.

    3. Buy in Bulk - certain items are staples in your kitchen. They have a long shelf life and you always need them. Buy these items in large quantities when they go on sale. Things like flour, salt, spices, bathroom tissue, soap, toothpaste, peanut butter and shampoo are all things that I like to stock up on when they go on sale.

    4. Go Old-School! - making things from scratch does take longer, but it is so much healthier and A LOT cheaper than the convenience items. For example, a loaf of bread where I live costs around $2.00. I can make a loaf of fresh multigrain or whole wheat bread in my bread maker for about $0.29. It takes me less than 5 minutes. Another example - I saw Rice Crispy Squares at the store for $2.29 a box. I can make a batch that has twice as much in it for less than $0.35.

    I also make my own laundry detergent. For about $7.00, I get enough ingredients to last a year of making laundry soap.

    5. Check the Sales and Use Coupons - But do it the right way. I check the sales flyers each week looking for things that are already on my list or that I know I use alot of. I jot down mo my list which store has the item for the best price, then I know where to buy it. I don’t make a special trip across town to save 10 cents, but I will make a note to stop in and get the item when I am in the area anyway.

    Coupons - same deal. Only save the coupons for items that you normally buy anyway. Just because it’s on sale or you have a coupon doesn’t mean you need it! And you’re not saving anything if you weren’t going to buy it in the first place.

    These are a few of the things I do on a regular basis to save money on day-to-day purchases. What about you? What tips do you have for saving on groceries and household items?

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    Topics: save money |

    2 Responses to “Spend Less Have More - Part 1”

    1. Sean Supplee Says:
      October 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

      These are great tips. Saving a few dollar like this really adds up over time you will be surprised what else you and spend it on. Eliminating that debt, Investing it for a rainy day, vacation and so much more!

    2. wahms Says:
      October 26th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

      You’re right, Sean! I tried to track all of the money I was saving once I had changed my spending habits and I’ve been putting it all on debts and I am proud to say I am half-way there! I will be debt free in just another 16 months! :)

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