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I've been living a frugal lifestyle for a few years now and yet I still try to find ways to save even more money. Don't get me wrong, I do spend money, I just like to spend money on the things I want not random things or bills that could possibly be cut. If you're like me, then check out this list below and if you have a few things to add, feel free to post them!
{10 Ways to Save Money Instantly}
1. Free Entertainment: We all know better than to have cable yet, I do have cable. I'm cutting it back though, we've only had it about 1 year and that is 1 year too long for me. I'm going old school, back to the library for DVDs and sticking with Netflix (go through Swagbucks and get an extra 1,000 points!) which is only $8 a month for streaming movies. Plus, summer is just around the corner, it is time to be outside. Even if you just cut it during the summer months, you'll still save some money! Break out the board games and cut the cable!! (That should be a t-shirt...)
2. Plasma: Yep, I said it. One of our readers, Melanie, posted all about donating plasma a couple of years ago and someone just recently asked me about it again. I'm thinking, yes, it would be a great way to get extra cash for sure. I tend to pass out (literally) when I get my blood drawn so I think I'll skip this one...but I did tell my husband to do it! LOL! I also love the fact that you can help save a life and at the same time earn extra cash.
3. Buy It Used: Craigslist, Ebay, Momslist, garage sales, flea market, pawn shops, antique stores and consignment. When thinking about items you need, find out if you can buy them used. Do your kids need new beds? Check them out used (the beds, not the mattresses). You'll save a ton of money buying used vs. new. If you want to make cash, be sure to check out this post about how to make more money by selling at flea markets and this post about making more cash at Just Between Friends.
4. Drive Less: I know what you're thinking, 'how could I drive less?' I think that way too especially since it's $80 to fill up my tank every week. But, I also started to calculate how many trips I make to the store for things I forgot to buy or things that run out during the week. Now, I've started taking note of everything. I shake the hairspray can, the cereal boxes, just about everything to make sure I pick it up during my one trip to the grocery store. Those frequent trips can cause you to spend more in gas than you think.
5. Get Stuff Free: Use FreeCycle.org to get items you need completely free and list items you would like to give away. Obviously, you're not going to find everything you need on there but, you might find quite a few things that will save you money. Just think about furniture you can get for free then get creative with it (remember all those Pinterest projects) and turn it into something new!
6. Make It Yourself: We've been posting Frugal Living cleaners for a long time. Now is the time to make your own detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, etc. You'll save hundreds of dollars just by making your own cleaners and they're not full of chemicals either so you're health will be better too.
7. Average Your Utility Bills: Many utility companies like PSO for example, will allow you to sign up for an Average Monthly Payment Plan. While you will still be paying the money, at least this way it will be easier to pay each month.
8. Don't Eat Out: Try going an entire month without eating out and you'll see a drastic difference in your checking account. It's not an easy thing to do especially if you have a very busy schedule but earlier this year, I made eating out less a goal for our family and the difference is amazing. First, I lost 10 pounds...seriously. Secondly, I have been cooking so much at home that we've had great meals together as a family so that is a plus. When we're in a rush though, sometimes I pack lunch boxes so we don't have to stop. I'm not saying I'm perfect about this, I still do go out to eat and hit the drive thru but not nearly as much as I used to.
9. Call the Companies: You've probably heard this before but I'm telling you, it works! Call every single company that you pay each month (cable, cell phone, etc) and see if you can negotiate the prices or switch to a lower costing plan. I can't tell you how many times I have called and negotiated my cell phone bill and our cable/phone/internet bill. In fact, I called a few months ago and got $14 taken off per month because they had a new bundle plan out. You never know what you'll get when you ask.
10. Plan Your Menu: Even if you don't want to coupon, grab your weekly sales circulars and plan your menu around those sales. The sales you see in the circulars are called 'loss leaders,' the stores are taking the biggest losses on those items in hopes you'll buy other things while you're in the store. As long as you don't stray from that sales flyer, you can likely save up to 50% on your grocery bill without ever clipping a coupon.
Those are 10 ways to save money instantly that won't take all of your time. This month, we have also been talking about our Creative Cash Making Challenge. Be sure to send in your creative way to make extra cash and you'll be entered to win a $500 Visa Gift Card courtesy of GoldBuyersExpress.com.
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I just wanted to say I worked at a plasma center in BA for about two years before becomeing a stay at home mom. It is a great way to get extra money, but the best part of it is..... you are really saving a life! How great is that? It's a win win! It's safe and easy and that center is always clean and the staff is so friendly. I tell everyone I know who needs a little extra money that they need to go to BIOLIFE PLASMA in BA! Save a life get paid! oh and they have FREE wifi and childcare for you during your donation. One more good point to make is it is taxe free!