Saving money

Lately I've been posting links to freebies and printable coupons, which are a great way to try new products for free, or save money on products you buy regularly, but one of the questions I am asked frequently is:

How can I really save money?

One major way that everyone can save is to use what you already have.

I know, it seems like a no brainer. Use the food in you kitchen instead of going out.  Watch a DVD instead of going to the movies.

Small, simple changes can really add up. Bring you coffee from home in a travel mug a few days a week instead of hitting Starbucks ($3/day), bring your lunch to work ($8-10/day/person), cook dinner and have a few friends over ($30-$40).  Those three changes in one week have already saved our family $100. Put that savings in an interest bearing savings account and start saving for a vacation, a new car, or your dream house.

Seeing your savings as something tangible or the pathway to a something tangible is what some people need.  For some people knowing they saved $5.00 on groceries isn't as satisfying as seeing the bank statement that has $500.00 in it at the end of the quarter.

However YOU need to motivate yourself to save: DO IT.

Wasting your money isn't doing you any favors.*

*I know, sometimes I sound like a big ol' meanie. But trust me, when you have a brand new car, or a new house, or are sipping umbrella drinks at Sandals, you'll thank me! But, remember- Comparison shop for those big ticket items before you buy them!