Saving Money Step-By-Step

• Make a list of what you absolutely have to purchase regularly or on occasion.
• Bring a list with you whenever going to the store.
  Estimate the cost and maximum you are able to spend on each item. Stick to your list and if an item is going to cost more than expected, consider waiting on the purchase.
• Examine each item on the list to see if it can be replaced with something less expensive.
  For instance, walk 1/2 mile to catch a bus and reduce the amount spent on gasoline, buy a less expensive cut of meat, or start packing a lunch instead of eating out every day. The list is endless.
• Save money by shopping online and comparing items before purchasing.
  If you do a lot of online shopping, consider purchasing an Amazon Prime membership and save on shipping charges. When needing to purchase items for children or the home, check discount websites such as zulily.com.
• Use credit cards that give rewards or cash back.
  This is only a good idea if you pay off the balance each month. This may require keeping track of expense with a program such as QuickBooks.
• Sign up for MyPoints.com to and earn gift cards for visiting websites or taking surveys.
• If your finances are in serious trouble, eliminate all luxuries for a short time (such as one month.)
  You might be surprise to discover you can live without television or cable after all. Netflix.com, Hulu.com, and Amazon Prime each offer streaming video which may be a lower-cost alternative to cable television.
• Do not go too long feeling deprived.
  This can cause resentment to build up and your willpower may dwindle. Address deprivation with affordable substitutes.
• Always have something planned to look forward to.