When it comes to the day to day purchases, it can be hard to keep track of exactly how much one is spending. A pack of gum here, cappuccino there, a few items to the dry cleaner and suddenly $50 a week has disappeared without blinking. And while $50 might not seem like much, that adds up to over $2,600 per year. Not to mention in order to net that $2,600, that is probably close to $4,000 in earnings from a job. Here are some ways to cut corners on every day expenditures that will save money over the course of weeks, months, years and decades.
The Grocery Store
The grocery store is so full of wonderful items it can seem impossible to resist some of the splurges. In order to keep the grocery bill in check, consider the following:
- Stop buying bottled water. Buy a filter for the faucet instead. While it will cost more money initially, in just two months time the cost of the filter and a future replacement will have paid for itself.
- Go to the grocery store only once per week. Choose a time where one can consistently go and have the time to spend bargain shopping a bit. By limiting the grocery trip to just once, one won’t be constantly returning for the things they “forgot.” If it didn’t get purchased, then it’s not needed.
- Compare the price per ounce or price per unit. Some items may seem like a bargain, but on the grocery store shelves, the true cost of an item can be determined by comparing like measurements. If it is liquid, then it is price per ounce. If it is a solid, it might be cost per unit. These measurements are listed on each price tag.
- Use coupons to purchase items. The trick here is not to buy items you don’t need simply because a coupon is in hand. Also, save coupons for when the store places the item on sale too. Using coupons in this manner will double the bang for the buck.
Cobbler’s aren’t just for Dessert!
Shoes are an essential part of any business wardrobe. And because of rain, sleet, snow, ice and normal wear and tear, they can take quite a beating. However, instead of throwing the old shoes in the donation pile, take them to a local cobbler to get them resoled. Also keep a nice layer of polish on the shoes for optimum appearance. While one might still need to invest a bit of money on decent shoes for longevity, a $20 fix might save a $200 purchase.
Dry Clean Only what Needs to be Dry Cleaned
The dry cleaning bill can add up quickly. Bring only what needs to be dry cleaned to the cleaner, and experiment with hand washing sweaters or other fine materials in the sink by hand. Use a gentle soap product and allow the garment to air dry. By finding a few items that may be cleaned by hand, one can save quite a bit of dough from the dry cleaner.
A Gym is Gym is a Gym
When it comes to working out, it can seem quite attractive to belong to a high end fitness facility. However, some of those facilities can run upwards of $200 per month for a membership. Even if the membership is used 20 times out of the month (which is a statistically high number for the average American) that is $10 a visit. Use the gym just 10 times a month and it costs $20 per visit. Consider joining a cheaper health club facility, or invest in fitness equipment for the home. The one time expenditure of buying a piece of cardio equipment and a few weights will pay for itself in no time.
Keep Reading
Learn more about Saving Money on Everyday Finance Expenses and Saving Money on Everyday Lesiure Expenses by reading these additional articles.
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