When we think about money-saving ideas, the first things that usually come to mind are the big things–how to cut heating costs, how to cut the costs of our automobile insurance, how to cut our phone bills, and so forth.
There are a number of little things you can do to save money that can add up to a tidy sum by the end of the month.
Give your husband a haircut?
For example, have you ever thought about cutting your husband’s hair? It’s really not all that difficult. You can find all kinds of instructions on the Internet. If he’s been paying $10 or $11 every 2 weeks for haircuts, this can mean a savings of $20-$22 a month.
You don’t have to keep up with the latest technology
You can save good money by simply not trying to keep up with technology. While it might be fun to have one of those new Apple® iPhones with Siri, you could probably stay with your existing phone for several more years. It not only costs money to buy the new iPhone, you will probably have to also pay for a data plan which could be anywhere from $25-$50 a month more. The same is true of the computer you’re using. It might be a bit slower and its hard drive might store less data, but is it really necessary to upgrade to a new laptop at a cost of $400? For that matter, if hard disk capacity is an issue, you can certainly have a new disc installed in your existing computer and for much less than buying a new one.
Bike to work
Could you bike to work? We have one neighbor who bikes to work 10 miles each way. He says it took him a bit of time to work up to it but it has him in much better shape and he’s saving an amazing amount of money. On those days that he can’t bike, he takes the bus, which again is much cheaper than using a car to commute.
You could fill your fancy soap and shampoo containers with dollar store brand soap or shampoo. You will save money by buying less expensive products and it’ll be kinder to the environment because you won’t be throwing away empty containers every week or so.
Stop buying disposables
Another thing you can do to be kind to the environment and save money is to stop buying disposable items. Paper towels and dryer sheets are good examples of this. While it’s easy to just tear off a towel to dry your hands, that used towel has to end up somewhere. It may require more of an effort to use cloth towels that you then have to wash periodically but you will save money and help the environment.
What are the things you could make or do yourself? If you put your mind to it, you could make your own bread, laundry detergent, mayonnaise and even some of your health and beauty products.
Read your newspaper online?
If you are subscribing to several magazines or newspaper, you can save money by unsubscribing and then reading them online. In some cases you can read them free. If not, they are probably available free at your local public library.