How to Save Money on Everyday Living
- 1). Use your financial institution's ATMs. ATM fees can add up quickly and ATMs that don't belong to your bank sometimes charge as much as $3.00 to take out your own money. Your financial institution's ATMs are free of charge.
- 2). Use coupons. Using coupons is one of the easiest ways to save money. You can use coupons from weekly ads that are sent to you through the mail or by printing them out online.
- 3). Buy generic food. Brand names may taste a little better, but sacrificing a little taste for a lot of money is well worth it if you're trying to spend frugally.
- 4). Cook at home instead of going out to eat. Eating at fast food and sit-down restaurants is fast and convenient, but it also hurts your wallet. Cooking spaghetti at home can cost as little as $3.00, while you might spend $10 or more at some restaurants. Limit your visits to restaurants to once a week.
- 5). Buy Energy Star appliances when you replace your old appliances. Energy Star appliances will save you money on your energy costs compared to non-Energy Star appliances. For example, according to Energystar.gov, you could save $135 a year by replacing a 10-year-old washer with a new Energy Star model.
- 6). Take only a certain amount of money with you when you go shopping. It's easy to get sucked into buying something compulsively, but it's not possible if you leave your credit cards at home and take only a certain amount of money with you. For example, if you're going grocery shopping and you typically spend $100, then only take $100 to $115.
- 7). Pack your family's lunch. School lunch prices can add up in a hurry and constantly buying food while you're on your break is an unnecessary expense.
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