How I'm saving money

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With crazy gas prices, a difficult job market, and a generally shaky economy who isn't into saving money nowadays?  I completely agree with the idea that every little bit helps.  It seems that most people will look for ways that are practical and that works for them and what works for some won't work for all.  However, it helps to find ways to soften the impact of the economy on your wallet.  Here are some ways I've found to save money.

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Coupons.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm just not into coupons.  I've caught a few snippets of the women on the TLC show Extreme Couponing and while I admire their savvy in saving lots of money clipping coupons, to me it seems like way too much work--or perhaps I'm just too lazy.  Either way, I've found a way to maximize coupons to my benefit.  Weekly I get various coupons in the mail along with the local grocery stores sales papers.  I've started clipping those and combining them with store coupons.  For example, I saw a buy one get one free coupon for the brand of deodorant my husband prefers.  I also had a manufacturers coupon for diapers and was excited to receive a Target store coupon for an additional $5 off the same brand.  I ended up getting a big case of Pampers diapers, normally $30 for only $15.

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Discount services.  Ironically, sometimes you have to spend money to save money. I sign up for two services that I believe are great for saving money on things like hotel stays, shopping, and dining.  AAA charges a reasonable yearly fee (starting at a little over $50 yearly) to cover you for vehicle towing, flat tires, and things like that. What I really like is the discount program that is available to members.   If you need to stay at a hotel the majority offer some kind of AAA discount--at times up to 20% off your stay.  I recently booked a concierge room and by using AAA, I will save over $41 per night. There are also discounted rates for tickets to vacation attractions like Disney vacations. You can also find discounts on local and national entertainment, dining, and shopping (I spied that my local AAA offers 15% off all Gap and Gap Outlet stores and this includes sales items!).  While I may not need it so much for my car, I usually get back the cost of the membership in savings throughout the year.

I also just signed up for a program through my credit union at a cost of $5 a month, that offers a variety of discounts.  Since I'm new to this program I don't have a lot to say about it, but a couple things I do like so far is the online local savings at restaurants, many of which offer unlimited coupons which can be printed right at home.  I printed a $10 off coupon for a local Greek restaurant.  It required at least a $25 purchase--easy!  With two adult meals, beverages, and one kids meal with drink our grand total was $20 and some change. This program also offers rebates on everyday purchases, where you send in receipts that total a certain amount and get a 10% rebate check quarterly.   There is even a free companion airfare and free hotel stay offering.  Again, the savings has so far outweighed the cost of membership.

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Eating in more often.  Dining out often is a sure-fire way to blow your budget, not to mention the effect on your health.  I've saved a ton by eating some of my favorite meals at home (Try these: Greek-style chicken pitas, blueberry pancakes, curry chicken and potatoes).  When I taste something I absolutely love, instead of having to dine out to get it, I set out to find the easiest way to make it at home--preferably a lower sodium/fat version.  Why spend $5 for a small bowl of soup when I can make a whole pot for around $10? I've been surprised at times to find that I like my version better and as a bonus I don't have to drive anywhere to get it. 

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DIY manicures and pedicures.  I know many consider manis and pedis a luxury, but in my humble opinion, if you are a female who plans on wearing sandals it is more of a necessity.  I shudder as I type this, thinking about seeing women proudly displaying feet with cracked (and worse--dirty!!) heels and/or crusty toenails.  I'm not saying you need to have color-polished toes, as that is not for everyone, but at least do the minimum to make your pedals look neat.  I try to give myself a weekly manicure and pedicure.  Its something I consider a part of "me time" which I desperately try to set aside for the sake of my own sanity.  I will be the first to say that I am no where near skilled at this but I'm getting better.  I invested in the supplies, which when compared with the cost of a nail salon, is quite reasonable.   The best part is picking out scrumptious nail colors.  You can find these from $1 and up.  I heart the store brand apricot foot scrub I found. I've found that despite being crazy busy, I can find 30 minutes--more if I can spare it--to make my hands and feet look pretty and presentable.

As I said find ways that work for you--and by all means, feel free to share what you're doing to save money.