Gas prices have us searching for change in our couches and old suit jacket pockets. When we're not finding any we're pulling out our credit cards to make ends meet. We're using credit cards to buy gas and food which in some cases adds up to twenty-three percent to the cost. Here are some tips that you may find helpful:
Stop going to the mall - just by going to the mall costs money. Very few people get out of the stores without spending money on something they don't need. Malls are wired to separate you from your money. The music you hear, the lighting that's just right, the smells from the food court and perfume counters are all there to make you gleefully hand over your hard earned cash.
Stop eating out - arm yourself before leaving home by eating before you go. You'll be less likely to spend money if you're not hungry.
Stop buying designer coffee - coffee at home costs eleven cents a cup. Add chocolate syrup and milk and it costs sixteen cents. Coffee at a coffee shop can cost two dollars for a plain cup and up to five dollars for a fancy cup.
Start adjusting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter. Each degree higher in the summer saves up to three percent in savings. If your bill is $100 dollars at 68 degrees you can save $30 dollars a month when you turn it up to 78 degrees.
Buy bulk meat. I buy large portions of ground turkey, chicken breasts, and turkey bacon from a wholesale club then separate it into large baggies then freeze them. If the pieces don't touch they can go in the same baggie since they won't freeze together. When you're ready to cook a meal for two or three you only have to thaw out the number of pieces that you need instead of the whole package.
Use Coupons. Some of us never stopped but for those of you who have moved away from using coupons, it's time to start using them again. Only cut the coupons if the item is something that you really like and enjoy. Don't be an impulse coupon cutter.
We can get through this without going broke. If you have any ideas send them to us?
