| #ffffff;" /> | | | | have to throw away the last remains, unless it is still |
| A penny saved is a penny earned. This old saying has | | | | worth! A good idea is to go shopping in groups so that |
| tremendous value, especially in the current economy. | | | | you can buy in bulk. Prices of some items fluctuate |
| Unless you have money to burn (so what if you really | | | | seasonally, so try to stock up at that time. Prepare to |
| do) there’s no harm in saving a bit for a rainy | | | | save enough cash reserves in advance for such |
| day. And if you’re really strapped for cash and | | | | situations by making notes in your calendar. |
| live in a hand to mouth fashion, these tips that | | | | 4. Always visit the clearance racks first whenever you |
| I’m about to give you will really be a blessing for | | | | go shopping. Sometimes it may take a little more time |
| you. While the individual amounts may not be so | | | | to search for the right items but the savings will be |
| substantial, there are some nice tips which, when taken | | | | worth it. You can also get good bargains at thrift and |
| advantage of, will add up to a nice chunk. So, | | | | surplus stores. |
| let’s get started! | | | | 5. Reducing wastage is also a big one. There are |
| 1. My first tip is a two in one tip – set goals and | | | | many things you can do to avoid wastage; things like |
| start planning. By goals, I mean that you should first | | | | switching off lights, fans and other electric appliances |
| make a list of your short term, intermediate, and long | | | | when not required (especially when you’re |
| term goals. This will help you plan wisely. Also, each | | | | moving from one room to another), switching off a car |
| short term goal that you reach will encourage you to | | | | when you need to wait for over a minute at the traffic |
| save more and accomplish the next goal. | | | | signal, paying bills on time to avoid late payment fees, |
| “Reason why” you need to save is a | | | | avoiding delay in dental treatment, using the washing |
| powerful motivator. Next, whenever you go shopping, | | | | machine only when it is full, using up credit card reward |
| make a list of all the things you wish to buy and control | | | | points and air flier miles on time to avoid their lapse, |
| your desire to buy anything else unless you will require | | | | paying off debts on or before time whenever you can |
| it in near future and it is currently available at a bargain. | | | | to avoid excess interest, keeping your house properly |
| Failing to plan in advance will lead to impulsive spending. | | | | insulated to avoid excess use of utilities like air |
| In fact, it would be best to leave your credit card at | | | | conditioner and room heater, canceling subscriptions to |
| home and come with limited cash, so you don’t | | | | magazines which you read sparingly, selling suff you |
| give yourself any excuses! | | | | no longer need on ebay, etc are some great ways to |
| 2. My next tip actually costs more money but is a | | | | reduce wastage. |
| great saver in the long run – buy reusable stuff. | | | | 6. Buy stuff of good quality, especially durable items. |
| Rechargeable batteries, artificial flowers, artificial | | | | Don’t go shopping vegetables with plastic or |
| Christmas tree, etc cost a little more initially but save a | | | | paper bags which will last only once or twice; use cloth |
| lot of money in the long run. Unfortunately, use and | | | | bags instead. You even save the risk of the bag |
| throw seems to be more of a norm these days | | | | getting torn in transit, causing embarrassment and |
| – I know folks who use paper dishes at home to | | | | possible damage. Also learn to extend the durability of |
| save them the bother of washing! | | | | stuff like covering electronic items with dust free |
| 3. This tip will also need you to spend more initially | | | | covers, using anti-moisture products in appliances and |
| – buy in bulk. I cannot emphasize enough how | | | | places of high moisture, to reduce corrosion; powder |
| important this is. If you’re planning to buy non | | | | coating aluminum slides, regularly oiling mechanical parts, |
| perishable goods (like soap), you should buy in as large | | | | etc. |
| a quantity as possible and affordable, depending on the | | | | 7. You can also save a lot when going for a movie, if |
| maximum bulk discount available. You should also | | | | you’re a die hard movie fan. For example, you |
| prefer to buy stuff that come in larger quantities per | | | | can go for a matinee show or one where the tickets |
| unit. For example, if you plan to buy washing machine | | | | are cheaper, look out for discounted tickets normally |
| powder, you will notice that small packages are | | | | found online, bring your own popcorn in an opaque |
| comparatively more expensive. This may not always | | | | plastic bag placed in a large purse, wear jeans with |
| be true, so it makes sense in keeping a calculator | | | | large pockets and stuff them with snacks and |
| whenever you go shopping, if you’re math is | | | | chocolates, etc. |
| not good enough. Divide the cost by the weight | | | | Finally, allow yourself to splurge once in a while! Saving |
| number of pieces for each different variety of | | | | is good, but don’t be a permanent miser. Total |
| packages and you will know how much the difference | | | | deprivation can sometimes lead to overindulgence, just |
| is. For perishable goods, be careful and buy the largest | | | | like dieting. You should also understand the difference |
| quantity possible that will be consumed before getting | | | | between a “need” and a |
| perished. Don’t overbuy to an extent that you | | | | “want”. |