5 simple ways to save money!!!

There are great sites instructing someone on how to save money. Well here is my updated list

• Track your spending and stick to a budget

It may not sound easy. Trust me it wasnt for me but when I decided to take time off from work and be a stay at home mom I had to learn real fast. My husband and I we write down on our kitchen calendar what needs to come out every week to pay off our expenses and from there we see what is left off. That allowed us to have a weekly allowance and pay ourselves first by putting money on a savings account.

• Create a Master Grocery List

I like to write down my grocery list by categorizing the items. Example: Breakfast- eggs, milk, cereal etc. Lunch- mayo, lunchmeat, juice, canned soda etc. Dinner- meat, rice, pasta, veggies etc. Others- shampoo, laundry detergent, toilet paper etc. You get the idea. This way I know what Ill be using for what meal helping me plan ahead on meal planning and cost plus saving me time walking thru the supermarket looking for the items.

• Pay Cash

I am still getting my husband used to this idea but it makes sense. If you dont have the money to pay for something dont get it!!!  Save it up, wait to make sure its a need instead of a want and then if you still want it go and get but only after you have the money to pay for it in full.

• Recycle reinvent and reuse

Before you throw things out take a second look at it. What can you do with it? I love  to save the spaguetti sauce jar and save them to make gift in a jar for friends and relatives. They cost less and you can create different combinations. What else can you reuse? I use old plastic chinese take-out container and I store my kids crayons and use as a wipes case for the car. Not counting the fact that they store leftovers pretty well. Always keep an open mind on the items you have laying around your house. You never know what they can be turned into.

• Borrow before you buy

Can you get away with borrowing before buying it? I cant remember last time I went clothing shopping for myself. Reason being its because I always shop my sister closet instead of buying a new outfit. We fit on the same size, live in different states just 40 mins away and honestly who cares if you spent $100 or next to nothing getting yourself ready for that party? This goes to everything else. If you have a kind neighbor and you have a good relationship dont be shy to ask if you can borrow her blender instead of buying a new one.