Money Saving New Year's Resolutions

Welcome to 2011!!!!

Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? 

Here are a few suggestions of things that you can do this year to save money all year long:

1. Quit/cut down on an expensive habit.
   Whether it be smoking, drinking, a favorite snack, or getting your nails done... cutting down on an expensive habit will save you a good chunk of change throughout the course of the year.
2. Bring your lunch to work/school.
   "Brown-bagging" your lunch will allow you to eat a lot healthier this year. Buying lunch every day can cost from $5-15 per day x 5 days a week! That can really add up. Even if you brought lunch 1 day a week this year, you could save $500!! ($10 x 50 weeks)
3. Try out some store brand products.
   Our recent post tells it all. Most store brands are very similar, if not the same, as name brands. Experiment a little bit and find some store brands that you love!
4. Prepare a monthly budget.
   Prepare a budget and stick to it! Figure out how much money you make per month and what bills you have to pay and see how much you have left over for saving and fun spending. Don't forget to be realistic.
5. Use public transportation or carpool.
   Gas is so expensive! Switch off driving with your friends when you go places to save a little money.
6. Set aside some of your paycheck for your savings account.
   Don't forget about emergencies! Setting aside money each month will allow you to be prepared for the unexpected. Some banks will do automatic transfers on a day of your choice. You won't even have to think about it. So easy!
7. Turn your grocery savings into a savings account.
   Transfer the money you save at the grocery store into a savings account. Gain a little interest, invest it, or save it for a rainy day.
8. Cook your own meals.
   Eating a home will save a lot of money. With a little effort, you can make wonderful meals for yourself and your family for less than $3/person. You can't eat cheaper than that!
9. Trim your monthly expenses. 
   Find places in your budget that you can cut back on. Is everything THAT necessary?
10. Increase your weekly savings at the grocery store.
    Now that you've been getting better at clipping coupons and being patient, try to increase your savings by 5-10% average this year.
11. Turn off lights and unplug appliances.
    Finally, the easiest way to cut down your electricity bill is to turn off the lights when you leave the room! Turn of the t.v. when you are done watching. Unplug appliances that you don't use often.

Pick a few of these money saving ideas and watch the savings add up this year.

Happy New Year!!!

See, it takes no time to save a dime.

xoxo

Lauren and Jenna