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When I’m helping my clients restructure or create their household budget I have to become real creative in how i show them ways to save money. Some of these great ideas come from my many years of hanging out with my Mom and Aunt. Some are things I’ve learned along the way and from other people. Nevertheless, I enjoy helping people save money, especially when gas, food, and utility prices are forever creeping up and we all know we can’t do without those important necessities. Below are the seven ways to save, in no particular order.

Savings #1 – (“Shop til you drop”) Although everyone by now understand that clipping coupons is a great way to save. Did you know that showing on a Wednesday, Thursday, and sometimes Fridays can create an even bigger savings? Talk to your favorite grocery store’s customer service desk clerk to find out when they put their “manager special” items out for sale. Usually the items varies, but they are some great deals. Most stores have to discard excess items before the next shipment so if you are there shopping, you are going to be the lucky saver.

Savings #2 – (“You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours”) I’m sure you have a few of those little discount club keychain cards. Most drug, department, and grocery stores offer them to their customers. The purpose of the card is to track your spending habits in exchange, they usually mail you various coupons. I especially, enjoy the perks I get from my local grocery store Krogers. Not only do I get monthly coupons for buying item I would buy anyway, but I also get 10 cents per gallon off my gas purchase when I generate 100 points from my purchases. Recently they added the same benefit for all Shell’s gas stations as well. As an extra bonus, Kroger’s credit card holders, can save 15 cents per gallon on gas when they use their credit card at the pump.

Savings #3 – (“Brand name clothing at bargain prices”) Now you may call these Thrift stores and swore you would never purchase second-hand clothing. But I can assure you that some of the items in these stores are brand new with the tags still on them, however some are considered “slightly used”. I’ve bought everything from designer shoes, clothing, pursues, and furniture from these stores and saved a bundle. I’d smile a big smile when someone complimented me on my cute red Timberland boots. The money I’ve saved is enormous. I would have made the guru of money saving, Clark Howard proud. Check in your local area, I’m sure you will find a great store near you.

Savings #4 – (“Spring cleaning Is not just for spring anymore”) Every season requires at least a few new clothing items. Especially when it comes to kids. So my family and I look make it a point to go through our closets every season. the rules are, if you haven’t worn it in a while or really don’t like it as much as you use to, then let it go. So I make a trip to my local consignment store and turn the clothing into them. They go through the items and pick out what they can resale while the other items get donated to charity. What a great concept, clean out your closet and make money at the same time. When items sale I can look on their donor website and see how much I’ve earned. After awhile I can either pick up the cash or use the money towards something in the store..

Savings #5 – (“The survey says”) This great service is jumping like hotcakes all over the Internet, so be careful. I use a rewards company called “Inbox Dollars”. I really like the service and I’ve received a check from them in the past, so I consider them to be a reputable company. The basic concept is, they email numerous ads regarding their sponsors products or services you review the ad and accumulate money. They will also send you surveys to fill out and again you earn money. There’s no pressure to buy anything or take the surveys, it’s totally up to you.

Savings #6 – (“Now that’s entertainment”) I’m sure you’ve seen these thick little booklets being sold as a fundraiser item. They are called “Entertainment Books.” They come with an array of coupons assembled for your particular city. The coupon range from food and drinks to movies and car rentals. I love this book and have used it for traveling, movies, fast food and sit down restaurants, bowling, and car rentals. The book is good for a complete year, so you have plenty of time to use it. But here’s the catch, you need to keep the book with you. Leaving it at home will do you no good. I keep my book in the car it has proven to be a great passenger and has saved me a bundle.

Savings #7 – (“Stay hydrated and help the environment”) Carrying a 5-gallon water jug is not the easiest thing to do. But when I realized how much money I was spending on water delivery I knew there was a better way of keeping water available for my family. So after buying the water dispenser and two containers, I decided that while at the grocery store I would re-fill my own containers. This cost a mere 30 cents per gallon compared to about $2.50 per gallon for delivery service. My family and I use plastic water bottles to refill our individual containers daily. Saving another $1.25 on each individual water purchase and helping the environment by cutting down on the level of plastic in our trash waste.

Good luck on your quest to save and I hope these seven saving tips helps you and your family stretch those hard earn dollars. Happy savings!

About Author: Dina Harbour,CEO & Talk Show Host Become A Member today! We believe in Financial Wealth, Family & Community Service. Women Obtaining Wealth, LLC, http://www.womenobtainingwealth.com/.  “Don’t forget to rate the article and/or leave a comment!”

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