Money Saving Tips

Being one who has to budget and tries to get the most for the least amount of money I thought many of you might want to here and compare ideas. Perhaps Im just slow on the uptake of these ideas but none-the-less here they are.

1 - use a gas price app, or go to sites that show you lowest prices gasprices.mapquest.com is one such place you can do that on.

2 - Let your gas tank last longer has many different ways to save. If you are driving more on flat roads use cruise control. CC can save you an estimated 14% of your mpg. Also during the summer (if you can stand it) drive with your A/C off and your windows down. When you are going to idle for more than 1 minute turn your car off. You will use less fuel to restart it than to idle. Perfect for long drive thru lines. Also it is estimated that for ever 5mph you drive over 65 you decrease your fuel economy by 7%. So dont speed...yes I-15 drivers in Davis, Salt Lake and Utah Counties Im talking to you! Also go out and by a tire air pressure check from the dollar store. Use it frequently because it can save you 3% and by gally the President said so (lol). Last of all you can always dimple your car like a golf ball. It is estimated you can save your self 11-14% of your fuel economy. That is if you dont mind a fugly car and you believe Mythbusters!

3- change light bulbs to energy efficient ones. The claim is you can save up to 75% on electricity. In addition to turning your electronics off when you arent using them if you click the powerstrip to off position as well you can save up to 5% monthly as well. Last is to put in flow restrictive showerheads. It can give you the same force but less water. It is estimated a family of four can save 8,000-12,000 gallons a year or approximately $100-300!

4 - Take advantage of everday and possibly free savings. For example check out books and movies from the library. Take advantage of classes and events that are free or reduced cost through the library or city rec centers. Read your magazines and newspapers online or at the library. Take lunch to work more often. Last of all who doesnt love cutting...become a coupon clipper!

5 - Shop around for things. Perhaps getting something free and used from craigslist or ebay, amazon etc is better than paying full price. Also when it comes to auto insurance shop around every 4-6 months and see who is willing to give you the best price for what you want. I do also recommend shopping around for savings accounts as well. Many times banks offer monthly specials and rates and although you might find it inconvenient the more interest you can get will help you in the long run. I do recommend case lot sales which can save you on canned goods. Just make sure when buying anything bulk you buy only what you will use and dont by extra because it looks good.

6 - Avoid Mood Shopping. Yes it is true we all do it. Dont go to the store when you are hungry, dont go shopping when you feel sad or in need of a pick-me-up. I do recommend short trips to the store with a limited time. This way not only does it give you less time to browse and spend more but it also helps you spend less time out and you are less likely to end up hungry somewhere in the middle so you dont buy lunch somewhere or more gorceries.

Im no expert by all means but that is just some things I have learned from research and sad experience. Hope it all helps you too! Feel free to share your money saving ideas I can always use more!