Frugal Tips

As I post tips to Twitter, I will keep a running list of them below…

#1. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a job – USE THAT 401K! Contribute as much as your company will match.

#2. Pay off the debt with the highest interest rate FIRST. That goes for credit cards, mortgages, equity lines, school loans, etc.

#3. Pay your credit card balances in full every month. No sense in funding another mismanaged bank by paying excessive interest.

#4. Buy used! Ebay – Craigslist – Garage Sales! Great treasures are there for you to find. @ebayinkblog

#5. Shop online? Never pay full price! Do a quick internet search for ‘coupon code promotion’ for that store before you checkout.

#6. Cook dinner at home. It should be no news to you that restaurants will blow up that budget…not to mention your waistline.

#7. Surprise! You do not need a new car. Take care of the one you have & drive it into the ground.

#8. Don’t just turn off those electric items when not in use – unplug them. Avoid the unnecessary stored energy and save money.

#9. Did you install that programmable thermostat yet? No need for that much A/C around the clock! March over to @Lowes & get one!

#10. Car trouble? Check your manual for step-by-step instructions on how to fix some things yourself and save!

#11. There’s no shame in using coupons! Use @couponmom for your state – I’ve knocked up to 35% off my grocery bill & so can you!

#12. Grow your own veggies! $70 invested in a home garden can yield $530 worth of produce per season..how’s that for convenience!

#13. Got a credit card problem? Freeze all but your debit card in a block of ice. If it’s important enough, it can wait to thaw.

#14. Raise the deductible on your home insurance. Changing from a $250 to a $2,500 deductible on a $300K home can save $400/yr.

#15. Know what you’re worth. Track your finances with software like Quicken, and link to your online accounts.

#16. PLAN your trip to the grocery store. Be patient – wait for things to go on sale. Then buy in bulk when possible.

#17. Love movies? Try the matinee! Or – enrolling in a local continuing education class includes a Student ID – good for movie discounts!

#18. Ask your pharmacist what that prescription would cost if you didn’t have insurance. Generic versions at Target might be less than your co-pay.

#19. New Year’s resolution to save $$? See what other gyms charge & ask yours to match it. Switch if they don’t.

#20. Cut down your environmental impact—and the impact on your checking account—by using a rag instead of paper towels.

#21. Brand-name products are discounted on 12 week cycles. So if they are on sale now, buy 3 month’s worth!

#22. Don’t throw out those expired coupons! Send them to the Overseas Coupon Program so our military families can still use them!