The times are oh-so-bad and recession or depression or a slowdown (whatever you may call it) is upon us. Well, this world is all about survival of the money savers and so, save we must - here are 30 practical ways of cutting expenses and saving big: 1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room. 2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends. 3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation. 4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch. 5. Carpool to work whenever possible. 6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible. 7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses. 8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan. 9. At the end of the day get into the habit of putting all your spare change in a jar. Once it is full roll it and put it in a savings account. Some banks will even count it for you for free. 10. Buy clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale. 11. If you smoke quit! Not only will you save a ton of money but your health will greatly improve. 12. Save water - keep your showers short. 13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home. 14. Keep your vehicle well maintained. That way you will hopefully get many more miles out of it well after it is paid off. 15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that! 16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest. 17. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for quick meals that your family enjoys. This will keep you from ordering a pizza on those evenings that you just don't know what to make. 18. Always bargain at shops and look at a few options before making a purchase. If you're buying fancy stuff like jewelry, buy it from a pawn shop. 19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place. 20. Try Freecycle.org for getting and receiving unwanted items for free. One man's trash is another man's treasure! 21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free. 22. Don't waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself at home. 23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week. 24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only". 25. Do some comparison shopping on insurance for anything from car, life insurance, homeowners, etc. 26. Drink less soft drinks and more water. Not only will it save on your grocery bill but it is also better for your health. 27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter. 28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget. 29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening. 30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives! Whether you implement some or all of these tips or even come up with a few of your own, finding creative ways to stretch your budget will really pay off financially.
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