So, we're all up for saving money, right? The other day I was thinking that I've started to come up with some ways to do so and I should share them. Some of them you probably could figure out on your own and some may be new, or maybe you don't care, but it's time for me to update my blog so this is what you get. Ha.
Tips and Tricks to save cash:
1. Like to stay trendy? Take excellent care of your trendy/name brand clothes? Need to clean them out to make room for more? Perfect! Sell them! Yep, consignment stores will pay you for your gently used clothes or give you store credit. Mind you, you won't get rich from it, but it's better than donating them...this way you get cash!
I have gone to the Buffalo Exchange here in Denver--but I'm sure you can stores similar near you.
2. Love Lancome? Shop L'oreal instead. L'oreal (which can be purchased at a grocery store) is actually made by the same people as Lancome...really. Same products, different label, but it saves you major $$$$.
3. Coupons. Duh. However, I have found the coolest website for coupons. Shortcuts.com You sign up with your grocery store savings cards (the ones you scan at the checkout) and it shows you coupons for those stores (i.e. King Soopers, Safeway, Albertson's, etc). But it gets better! You select the coupons you want and then.....it "downloads" them your shoppers card so when you checkout next and purchase that item (best to write down the items you should buy) it automatically redeems the coupons when you swipe your shoppers card. I've used this several times and it's freaking awesome! No worries about "losing" the coupons or leaving them at home. Love it!
4. Washed your jeans too many times and now they are too short to wear? Just roll them up a few times and wear them as capris.
5. Buy a mani/pedi kit and exchange manicures and pedicures with friends---instead of going to the nail salon.
6. FREE Netflix trial! Yep---for one month. Here is the information:
go to netflix.com/tellafriend
Enter priority code: M613105898845
& Done....this offer is redeeamble until June 15th---but good for a while month from the time you sign up--just mark your calendar to cancel in 29 days!
7. Attend on a "free day"--Denver and I would guess most cities, have "free days" for museums, the zoo, etc. Google "free event days" or similar and you'll find out when it is. For those in Denver...just go to this website: http://denver.about.com/od/attractions/a/freedays09.htm
8. 1/2 price tickets. Again, this is a Denver thing, but I'm sure they have something similar in other big cities. If you show up an hour before curtain at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts you can purchase any tickets that are still available for the show for 50% off! Or, if you're a student, for just $10 (depends on the show). My friends did it just a few weeks ago and saw the Broadway show "Spamalot" Awesome. I'm going to do this when "Wicked" comes to town. Remember, though, it's best to do it on an "off night" (Matinee or weekday night NOT Friday or Saturday) if the show is likely to sell out.
9. Rent DVDs from the library. In Denver it's free, but even if they charge it's usually minimal. (Do this after your netflix freebie)
10. Don't buy your books...go to the library. duh.
11. Increase your car insurance deductibles (assuming you are a good driver). You'd be surprised how much you save a month on the insurance payments.
12. Request a reduction in your credit card interest rate. Speak to a manger. Threaten to stop using it or cancel the card (but don't--that reduces your credit/debt ratio...but that's another story). Usually they will reduce it. Wouldn't hurt to try, right?
13. Donate old books to the local library--but remember to get a RECEIPT. You can save money on your taxes next year when you deduct this donation.
14. Buy local milk--at Whole Foods they have a section where there is locally farmed milk. The bottles are glass and have no label. These are cheaper than the other brands AND when you return the rinsed out and empty glass bottle you save $1 on your next grocery bill. Score.
15. Barter. If you have a trade (cut hair, massage, crafts) and have a friend who has one as well that you need then barter services with them. I do this with a massage therapist---I give her a Reiki session in exchange for a massage therapy treatment. Everyone leaves happy! This also works for babysitting--you take your neighbors kids one night and they take yours another. No one has to shell out cash for a sitter and everyone get to go on a nice date with the spouse.
16. Skip the ATM...buy a pack of gum. Most convenience stores (7-11, etc.) let you pay with your debit card and give the option of "cash back" when you enter you PIN. Bingo--save ATM fees, buy a cheap pack of gum and still get your cash. No money wasted.
Okay, that's what I've got for now. Maybe you learned something you could use?
Have a great weekend!
N
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