3 Ways to Think Outside the Box and Saving Big

Here are three slightly unconventional ways to save.

1. Need a haircut every six weeks? Not comfortable cutting it yourself (I did this for the first time this month and couldn't have been happier with my self-given, free hair cut)? Check out a beauty school near you. You can often get a haircut for a fraction of the cost. When I was dating my husband, we met up in Virginia, and all I wanted was to have someone straighten my hair. I found a beauty school and they did it for a few dollars, which would have cost $30 + tip at the other salon nearby.

2. Have you checked with the dealership where you bought a vehicle? My husband and I are not the types generally to spring for warranties. But we got one when we bought our Honda van; the only way we knew that was because we got the idea into our head to call and ask. I called, and with three simple steps, which included printing and filling out a form, sending in the current mileage of the van and scanning a copy of the title, we got a fat chunk of change back, prorated, but still very satisfying. (Here are more ideas along these lines.)

3. Have a few grocers in your area? Download their apps or if they don't have an app, go to their web page and look at their deals. I am a big proponent of shopping at ONE grocery store and getting all that you need, to the best of your ability. BUT, like today, I had a bit of time to kill, and I wanted to check out a grocery store I'd not visited before.

I came across four great items that they were promoting for free, just for downloading the free coupons off their grocery store's webpage. I walked out with all this for a total cost of $1.23 (because I bought the hot cocoa as stocking stuffers come Christmas time - it doesn't expire until September of 2019 and it was on clearance today for $1.23)