When times are tight one thing people worry most about are their finances. The dollar today does not seem to go as
far as it once did with the higher costs of living. Rather than waiting for things to get financially tight in your house,
you might want to look at some of the following cost saving tips to keep your expenses down and to help you
recession proof your home.
Save Money on Food
Never eat out- this saves money and is healthier for you.
Drink water not soda-again a huge money saver that is healthier for you.
Grow a garden- again a money saver that also provides moderate exercise.
Eat from a meal plan and shop from a list-both cut costs dramatically.
Buy generic whenever possible, they are as good as name brands.
Save Money on Your Car
Walk or ride your bike for errands near your house.
Use discount cards or buy gas at grocery stores that offer discounts.
Carpool to work or to activities that allow.
Make it a challenge to see how long you can make a tank of gas go.
Fill your tank early in the morning. Cool weather makes gas less dense so you get more.
Save Money on Utilities
Keep lights off during the day and when not in use, timers help.
Turn down your hot water heater and take shorter showers.
Line drying clothes can cut your utility bills significantly.
Do laundry once a week rather than small loads every day.
Unplug as many electrical devices as you can to use less electricity.
Save Money on Entertainment
Share meals when eating out. This is healthier portion control and saves money.
Take advantage of free events. Concerts, grand openings, arts in the parks.
Create your own free entertainment,hiking, bike rides, lawn games, etc.
Have a garage sale, this helps make money and is a fun family activity.
Living more frugally requires a change in mindset. Rather than thinking what do I need to buy, you need to start
thinking what do I have that I can use? Most of the time we already have what we need, but it may involve reinventing
uses for old items we have around the house. The key to saving money in difficult times is reusing, recycling,
rethinking, repairing and repurposing everywhere in your house.
For Additional Information:
FAMILY SERVICE INC
800-589-1974/fsisd.org
HOW TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLARS