I'm always looking for things to do that will lower our bills or minimize our expenses.
Here's a list of some really easy ones to do:
1. Wash your laundry in cold water.
2. Turn off lights and unplug appliances that draw energy even when not in use (like your printer or coffee maker with a timer, etc). (Find out how much energy your appliances use!)
3. Use fans instead of the air conditioner. Do not use blankets in the summer when sleeping.
4. Wear sweaters and other warm clothing in the winter, instead of running the heat all the time. Use very warm blankets in the winter! This way you can run the heat only sparingly and still stay warm.
5. Consolidate your errands. If you are going out, especially if you are taking a car, plan to do errands that fit into your route. Never drive a long way for just one errand!
6. Eat at home, and eat your leftovers. Or at least freeze them for next week!
7. Do not go shopping just to fill your time. EVER. Only shop when you must, and always with a list. Do not make impulse purchases! I even write a list when I'm doing non-grocery shopping. Otherwise we fall into the "I want" trap.
8. Use diluted vinegar or baking soda for most of your cleaning tasks.
9. Buy milk in bags, not cartons (assuming you use several liters/week), unless there's a sale. Always compare prices!
10. Quit your expensive unhealthy habits (i.e. smoking, diet sodas, daily iced coffee, etc).
What money saving strategies do you use?
I have quite a few more frugal tips (but hey, that's what I have a blog for, so I won't overload your comment section), but some of the more important ones:
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2. Know what things cost. Per unit price, if possible (everyone has calculators on their smartphones, so no excuse). That way, if you run into a good deal, you'll know it. And buy in bulk if it's non-perishable.
3. Try to avoid brand loyalty. Store brands (or no-brand merchandise from the 5-Shekel store) can be just as good, so don't pay for the name if you can find similar quality without the bling.
4. No one store will have the best deals on everything in your list. Some people shop at several different supermarkets each week, but I take a look at my shopping list (which is compiled by everyone in the family) and think which supermarket has the largest number of deals or items they tend to sell cheaply that are on my list, and shop there. For example, if I know that supermarket #1 has cheap dairy products and supermarket #2 usually has cheap whole-wheat bread, if my list contains a lot of dairy products and no bread that week, I'll go shopping at #1.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I need to learn not to compare myself with others. I need to learn to buy items when I feel well enough to be in the store. If I am realistic than I don't end up lacking basics which results in last minute trips to buy ready made food. That is NOT frugal.
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