There are many tips out there giving ideas on ways to save money. Unfortunately, I do all of these things already. So theoretically, I should have bank. Not the case…
Cook at home often: Daily. All meals. And when we do go out? Subway.
Make your own coffee: Daily. Except for the few times a year when I get a holiday drink at Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Less than $10 a YEAR.
Brown bag lunch at least a few days a week: Try 5 days a week. I simply do not understand how people can afford to eat out every day.
Make a list before going shopping: Duh. I can't remember the last time I didn't. If I'm going in for ONE thing, I write it down.
Go grocery shopping while you are in a hurry: Okay, sometimes I do… but again, that changes nothing, because I have a list!
Watch out for expiration dates on perishable goods: I always check.
Buy in bulk whenever possible: I've been working my way through a ginormous Costo sized box of oatmeal for months.
Buy generic products whenever possible: I do, except for Cheerios, because Joe O's, or any knock off store brand just tastes bad. If Cheerios is my vice, I'm ok with that.
Use grocery store bags to line trash cans: For the small cans in the bathrooms and office, yes. But the ones I get for the kitchen are 3 dollars. And the box lasts more than a year. Seriously.
Pay your bills on time and avoid late fees: I have never, ever, even ONCE paid a bill late. Ever. My credit score isn't high by accident folks.
Be aware of your bank balance and avoid over draft fees: I haven't overdrafted since I began balancing my checking account 4 years ago.
Avoid ATM fees: I do end up paying these crap fees every so often. But only in a situation where there is NO other option. And still, less than $10 a year.
Avoid credit cards with annual fees: Obviously.
Disconnect land line if possible: The last I had a land line was college. And it was free with the room. The idea of having a land line now is laughable.
Instead of buying books, borrow books from the library: I use my ipad. And I only get the free books, except for the ONE book I bought for it. One.
Price check before buying anything expensive: I always check around (if it's a large enough item where this makes sense). For small items, I go where I know it's the cheapest. Eggs are cheapest at Costco. Fruit is cheapest at Ralphs. Cereal and Tea is cheapest at Trader Joes. Etc.
Avoid impulse buying: Please. You have to have money to be able to afford to impulse buy anything. I don't have this problem.
Bottle your own water: Duh.
Avoid the vending machines: I grew out of this habit in college.
Keep your car as long as possible: I hope I can get at least 10 more years out of my PAID OFF(!) car. BF's (PAID OFF) car is 11 years old. And still going strong.
Do regular scheduled maintenance on your vehicles: Without fail.
Avoid buying a new car: There are times where I would agree with this. I personally would not buy a used car, especially if it was my main mode of transportation. I might buy a (slightly) used car if I was to get a second vehicle. But… why would I do that?
Ride your bike or carpool whenever possible: Unfortunately, this is not an option for my commute. I used to.
If you watch a lot of DVDs, get an online DVD store membership: Netflix keeps raising their rates. They're really on thin ice.
If you like watching movies at the theater, go before 6:00 pm: No prob. I'll just quit my job so I can be sure to catch a matinee. Weekend prices are the same, no matter the time of day here.
Regulate your electric use: Always. It drives my poor BF nuts, because the second I (or he) is done with an appliance, I unplug it. I'm nuts like that.
Plan vacations ahead of time: Vacations are luxury I can't afford.
Finally, keep distance from lavish, high-roller friends: None of our friends are high rollers (although they certainly live off their credit cards like they are).
You see why I hate these things? They only help if you HAVE MONEY. Sucks.
