365 Tips for Saving, Investing, and Making Money - Part 4
Tip #31: Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
CFLs generate the light without the heat. For this reason, they use less energy. So make the switch to CFLs.
Tip #32: Use the air conditioner and/or heater less frequently.
Air conditioners and heaters can use a great deal of electricity. So if you don’t need to keep a room hot or cool, don’t use them.
Tip #33: Hold a yard sale or setup a booth at a flea market.
Holding a yard sale or setting up a booth at a flea market will help you to a) get rid of the junk accumulating in your clos
ets; and b) pick up some extra cash.
Tip #34: Invest more time into comparison-shopping for expensive products.
When it comes to high-ticket items, spend extra time doing comparisonshopping. Consider using eBay, Google Shopping, and other online platforms to compare prices, so that you get the best deal.
Tip #35: Base grocery shopping and meal plans around the availability of coupons.
Instead of using a fixed menu to buy groceries, create your menu to fit the availability of coupons for a particular week. This will ensure that you save as much as is possible each time you grocery shop.
Tip #36: Don’t become addicted to spending.
Some of us gain pleasure simply by spending money. If you are one of those people, practice disciplining yourself by not blowing cash simply when you feel depressed or down.
Tip #37: Meet with a financial planner.
A financial planner can help you to visualize your future; and how it will be shaped by savings decisions today. Do this as soon as possible, and get yourself in a plan.
Tip #38: Shop for clothes at second hand stores.
Second hand stores often offer high-quality clothing for a mere fraction of the store price. Instead of spending all of your money on expensive brands at retail stores, consider getting the same items second hand.
Tip #39: Shop at bulk stores.
Bulk stores allow you to get massive amounts of products at a steep discount. If you want to save money in the long run, buying from these stores (and then storing the remaining quantities of the item) is the way to go.
Tip #40: Cook in bulk.
Cooking in bulk is another good way to save money and time. You can do this by producing a week’s worth of food (or more) in a single session of cooking. You can then freeze the remaining food and re-heat it later in the week.