10 Painless Ways To Save Money

10 Painless Ways To Save Money

When people find out what I do for a living sometimes they groan.  They think that in order to save money they have to give up their fancy date nights or turn off their cable.

And while those things would certainly be frugal there are some less painless ways to save money.  Some of them you might not even notice.  Some of them might even enhance your life a little bit.

10 Painless Ways To Save Money

Buy Used When You Can

Instead of heading to the mall to buy clothes check out your local thrift stores.  It’s really nice being able to walk into a store and know I can afford everything!  Even when we were kids we went to used clothing stores.  The idea that mom almost never said “no” when I asked for something was amazing.

Check out Ten Things Frugal People Love!

And this doesn’t mean just thrift stores.  Check out used video games, used sporting equipment and used school books.  Between local stores and online shopping you can find almost anything used!

Sign Up for Customer Reward Programs

Before you do this set up a couponing e-mail address.  Then sign up for every rewards program you can find.  This way you can get discounts everywhere you shop and not have to worry about spam getting mixed in with your real e-mails.

Invite Friends Over Instead of Going Out

Instead of meeting friends at a restaurant do a pot luck dinner.  Skip the movie and have game night at home.  Light up the backyard fire pit and roast marshmallows.  Get the kids together and head to the park for some exercise.  This way you can also discover your frugal friends!

Turn Off The Lights

Save on the electric bill and light bulbs.  Switch all your light bulbs over to LED lights to save even more.  If you have natural light coming through keep the lights off.  Turn it off if you aren’t in the room!

Use the Library

The library has changed since you were a kid- except that it is still free (as long as you can remember to return it on time).  It’s not just for books anymore.  You can digitally check out books.  CDs, DVDs, newspapers and other resources are all available.  Check the calendar- tons of community groups meet there.  Classes are taught (sometimes even about saving money!).  If they don’t have something you want ask!  They may be willing to order books from your favorite author you can check out.

Cancel Unused Memberships

If you haven’t been to the gym in the last four months it’s time to cancel the membership.  The same for video clubs, magazine subscriptions, online forums… basically anything you pay for that you don’t use.  If you REALLY think you will use it cancel it now- you can always start it up again later.

Check Out Community Calendars

Between community centers, libraries, churches, parks and city sponsored events we could be out with the kids every day of the week and never pay a dime.  Check your town’s website or stop in a city center and look around at the signage.  Festivals, concerts, classes, public performances, fireworks…the list can be endless!

Review Your Cell Phone Bill

I have to confess- I put off doing this way too long.  Every month I got the cell bill, I complained about it and I never checked the usage.  I never stopped into the store to talk to someone about our service.  And then my mom (who is joint on my bill) needed a newer phone so we went in.  Our carrier had a new plan with more data for $20 less than we had been spending.  Now I stop into the store about every six months (they are in the mall so it’s easy) and just double check everything.  We have lowered the bill two times in the last few years.

Eat Meatless One Day a Week

Take one dinner a week and go meatless!  Meat is very expensive compared to pasta or beans.  If you stick to Italian or Mexican you may be able to take out the meat and no one will even notice.

Buy Presents All Year Long

Christmas comes every year on December 25th.  Yet it always seems to surprise some people.  Instead of waiting until the last minute to buy birthday and holiday gifts shop throughout the year when you find sales!  A beautiful sweater purchased December 28th still looks nice the next October for someone’s birthday (my birthday is in October in case you are looking for someone to give it to).

Saving can be simple with these 10 Painless Ways To Save Money!  Did I miss any?  What are yours?