Money Saving Tips

1. Carpool with friends or family. We often go to the same places that other friends, family, and co-workers go. Not only will you save money on high gas prices, but you can help maintain and strengthen relationships.
2. Coupon shop at grocery stores that offer double coupons. But be careful, only buy products that you regularly use.
3. Set money aside with each paycheck. Each dollar adds up! By putting money aside, you can save for the unexpected circumstances that may arise as well as saving up for your future and retirement at the same time. Think about it, saving $200 a month ends up becoming $2400 a year in savings.
4. Reduce excessive credit card spending. Reducing your credit card spending not only gives you financial flexibility for years to come, but it also helps improve your credit score which expands this flexibility. If you have high credit card balances, call your credit card company to reduce the interest rate you pay and any annual fees (if applicable). Remember, credit card companies want to work with you to avoid defaults. 
5. Reduce or quit unhealthy habits such as smoking. Smoking and other unhealthy social habits can not only harm your health, but can significantly hit your pocketbook. Imagine not only the amount of money you can save by reducing smoking habits or having that extra drink when you are out to dinner, but it creates a burden by putting you into a position where your medical expenses may increase impacting your short term and long term outlook.
6. Choose the right bank! Many banks tack on extra charges that may go unnoticed, but these “unnoticed” charges add up over time. Some banks charge fees for having a checking account or ordering checks, using your debit card, and even charging to speak to a customer support representative on the phone. Make sure to find a bank that doesn’t have these fees.
7. Reduce “dining out” expenses. Think about the number of times you eat out when it may be unnecessary. Dining out with friends and loved ones is absolutely acceptable and encouraged, but try to do the little things that can add up such as bringing your own lunch to work more often or inviting your friends over to dinner at your house for dinner and a movie.
8. Make your own coffee! Think about the amount of money some of us spend going to gourmet coffee shops in the mornings. Now add that up over a year! By making your own coffee, you don’t need to go to the local coffee shop to “get that extra jump” in the mornings.
9. Invest in a water filtration system. Water filtration systems are not as expensive as you may think! You not only will save significant amounts of money pouring your own water than buying overpriced bottled water, but you increase the health benefits of avoiding drinking tap water at home. You can go to your local store and purchase a water filtration system that works efficiently for under $50.
10. Combine your phones, internet, and cable, or car, home, and life insurance with the same companies to help reduce your overall costs. Remember, companies want to keep your business and often times give you a reduced discount for subscribing to multiple services that they offer.
11. Buy generic medicines and other store brand items. Often times we pay more for basically the same items that do the same exact job. We end up paying for brand names that ironically are often made in the same factories as the generic brands. Buying generic medicines and other generic foods and store brand items can help us save significant amounts of money.
12. Ask for samples. You can obtain samples for a variety of items at various places including your local department store, your local doctor and dentist, and even your local pharmacy. Get some cologne and perfume samples when you visit the mall next time, and get free toothpaste and toothbrushes the next time you visit your dentist, and even get sample medication from your doctor. Your local pharmacist can even provide you sample over the counter medications such as pain relievers. Don’t be afraid to ask!
13. Go shopping during certain times of the year. Remember, department stores and other outlets have special sales that they carry at different times of the year. These sales do not only include widely publicized holiday sales, but often times department stores carry their own special sales. Using the internet can help you get “online only” sales events that may not be available at the stores themselves! You can be trendy and fashionable all season long without unnecessarily dishing out your hard earned money.
14. Look for items with rebates. Even when special sales are not taking place, manufacturers are often providing rebates that come in the form of “mail-in” or “internet” rebates which the consumer can have a check mailed back to them in the rebate amount. These are mostly available at local consumer stores such as electronic and other applicable department stores.
15. Send in an extra mortgage payment once a year. One extra payment a year can take 15 years off a 30-year mortgage. Remember, all these “little” overlooked items can add up to huge amounts of dollars in your pocketbook!