Let’s face it…there’s nothing fun about sticking to a strict budget. But there are easy money-saving tricks you can use to cut back here and there that won’t feel like a massive drag.
Financial whiz Zac Bissonnette, author of the new book, How to be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking Than Your Parents, has some easy breezy tips:
Rethink Your Cell Plan – Most people don’t have the right plan. You could be shelling out too much for extra services that you’re not really using. Check out Billshrink.com. It analyzes your service plan and tells you whether you’re overpaying. Use it for other monthly services and bills – not just your cell.
Go Crazy With Coupons – Coupons are the new black. It seems like everybody everywhere is talking about, sharing, and saving money with coupons. For a small handling fee, sites like TheCouponClippers.com have great deals on groceries. You spend literally 10 cents to “buy” coupons – —some of them are as big as $2 off. And you can buy loads of coupons for the same thing at once. So if you find one for your fave cereal, you can stockpile the savings.
Cut Back on TV Time – It sounds random, but research has found the more TV you watch, the more temptation you feel to go out and buy stuff (like that cute top you saw Lea Michele wearing on Glee last night). That doesn’t mean you should stop watching TV, but cutting back a little -—and being aware of the influence it has on your budget— – helps. Plus, think of the extra free time you’ll magically “find” lying around!
We think these tips are pretty cool. Do you have any others to share? What works for you? Share with us!