25 Ways I Save Money

Frugal For Life prompted me to write this post considering some ways I save money. While I wrote the list I had to delete some things because I was going over the 25 ways limit-ha! That is to be continued in a future post.

1. order free samples of lotion, hair products, and razors online
2. plan meals a week in advance and cook more food to be stored in the freezer for easy quick meals (don’t have to go out and buy ingredients to make a recipe when we can’t figure out what to eat)
3. take leftovers to lunch
4. eat from a smaller plate with less portions (we need to lose at least 20lbs too)
5. use a swamp cooler instead of central air
6. turn off the heater in the day time (not that cold in AZ)
7. use energy star saver appliances
8. borrow books, audio CDs, and DVDs from the library
9. use coupon codes when shopping online
10. purchase small items from online merchants like Amazon or deal sites like Woot! (no sales tax and mostly free shipping)
11. shop around and read reviews before I buy something so I know I am not wasting any money on junk.
12. buy generic brand products-Parent’s Choice Diapers instead of Pampers which is half the cost (Parent’s Choice-160ct $20 Pampers Cruisers-140ct $46.35)
13. use coupons and trade coupons at local stores
14. wash clothes and dishes after 7 pm
15. lower the interest rates on my credit cards
16. consolidate loans
17. ask family for money
18. dilute shampoo with 1/3 water
19. have a college student account at local bank that gives me more discounts and waivers-taking advantage of free online bill pay
20. no cable
21. no hot water in the summer (very refreshing) except for DD
22. always ask for a student discount or to get something for free (use charm)
23. browse internet with cell phone rather than home pc
24. have packages picked up at home with USPS rather than driving to post office
25. shop for really cheap or free items on Craigslist (landscaped my front yard with free gravel and palm trees)