Pinch Every Penny! A few tips from a Penny Pinching Professional.

As the economy goes into the crapper, everyone is looking for new ways to save some money.  Fortunately for myself, I have been saving money everywhere I can for years.  So it's nothing new for me.  Anyone who know me knows that I love a good deal.  Some of these tips you can only save a little money, but every bit adds up.

1. Don't waste food! Store all of your groceries properly.  Invest in some Glad ware, jars and Rubbermaid containers.   Put everything in it's proper containers right after grocery shopping, that way you don't run the risk of forgetting about them and having them go to waste.  Seal meats properly to prevent freezer burn.  If you don't think you are going to be able to use up produce before it goes bad.  Freeze it!  For some good tips on freezing check out this article http://www.mercurynews.com/food/ci_11618548.  Next time you throw out rotten produce or moldy bread, stop and think to yourself.  $3.00 in the garbage, $2.00 in the garbage.

2.  Care for your clothes properly.  Read the label and follow it every time.  your clothes will last so much longer.  Even if they go out of style they will be in good enough shape to donate. 

3. Be a grocery master!  Write great grocery lists.  Collect coupons.  Read all sales fliers and shop in several places. This can save you hundreds of dollars.  Also try and keep grocery shopping trips to a minimum, this can keep you from buying unnecessary impulse items.

4. Be patient.  Everything goes on sale sooner or later.  If you can wait, do your research and wait for the item you want to go on sale.  Especially when it comes to electronics and appliances.

5. Always, always always, run a full load.  Whether it's in the dishwasher, the washing machine or the dryer.  Washing two pairs of jeans is soooooooooo wasteful.   Think about how much money it costs you to do a load of laundry every time. Now think about how often you do a load of laundry.  Now add it up.  What if you could cut that in half by doing full loads of laundry every time.  How much money would you save?  I know I save about 24 dollars a month.  Times 12 months,  I am saving about 288 dollars a year and that doesn't include what I am saving on detergent and fabric softener.

6. A network of family and friends to trade coupons, hand me downs and other items is a GREAT thing to have. Saves you tons of money.  No one to swap with?  Join an on-line coupon swap http://www.thriftyfun.com/board_coupons.html?board_mode=rules or check out your local freecycle http://www.freecycle.org/.

7. Be crafty.  Learn how to make your own things, repair things and re-purpose old things.  It will save you so much money and it is so full filling.

8.  Use a little less of everything.  It adds up.  I know we all can have tendencies to use to much of everything.  To much toothpaste, too much laundry detergent, too much shampoo.  Follow the back of the package, it will tell you exactly how much you need to use.

9. Try not to eat out.  Make it a luxury.  Eating out is such a waste of money and it's not good for you.  If you are bored, have friends over for dinner.   Make your meals interesting, you CAN make Chinese food at home.  You Can make you own pizza or Mexican food.  Whatever you are craving.  http://www.cookinglight.com/food/vegetarian/homemade-takeout-00400000034881/

10. Be aware!!   Don't buy things mindlessly.  Always be thinking.  Do I need this?  Will I wear this?  Will I use this?  Be totally honest with yourself.  If it's a big purchase,  sleep on it.   It will probably be there tomorrow.  If it's not, it was not meant to be.   Even with bills.  For example.  Say you signed up for unlimited long distance for just 25 dollars a month.  What a deal!  But wait,  you only end up making 1 or 2 long distance phone a calls a month.  Hmmm not quite a great deal anymore. 

I hope these tips help.  I live by these tips and I swear they save me a lot of money. 

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