I quickly learned that when it comes to finances it’s often less about what you have and more about what you do with what you have. 

Like most young adults though, I made some poor “big purchase” decisions in this area simply because I thought it was time to make that purchase.  You learn as you go, right?  I sure did.

I have also learned that sometimes what makes the biggest difference in our financial lives is how we view the small purchases….the things we less often think about.  Sure it’s important to think through that $5,000 purchase you’re about to make, but do you ever think about your $5 purchases before you make them?  For most, a few impulsive $5 purchases aren’t going to be a make or break.

However, when impulsive $5 purchases stack up over time, it can make all the difference in your financial life.

Remember, I come to you not as a “perfect voice,” but as a work in progress….and as someone who can relate.  I will never become a financial advisor.  I will never be the one to help you with your 401K or investments.  I am simply going to touch on some basics that have made all the different in my life.

I stand by the fact that my frugal ways have always paid off….and will always pay off.  Below, you will find a few of my humble, but hopefully helpful tips.  My whole post is going to center around one basic idea, and it isn’t rocket science.  (I’m going to divide these posts up into a series, so I’m not going to get overly deep today).

Still, I’m amazed by how many people I meet who do not share my passions in this area or seriously over-complicate the simple process:

Like I said, this particular post is going to center around 1 basic concept with a bunch of sub-points: 

Never pay regular price unless absolutely necessary.

Now, I’m going to go ahead and say right now that you can’t get EVERYTHING on sale or for less.  I’m aware of that.  However, I’m also amazed by those who simply don’t take advantage of the sale item over the regular priced item which seem to be the same thing…..or are “too proud” to use the coupon.  I’ve known of people to “turn down” a Kroger card offered to them at checkout and to refuse to use the coupon handed to them….just because.  And I’m sorry, but I’m not going to sugarcoat it.  That’s just plain silly and financially irresponsible.

Which leads me to my first point:

1)  Use the coupons, store savings cards, and/or the promo codes.  This is easy – not some HUGE golden nugget, yet I see so many not take the time to do this.  Does it take a little time?  Sure, but not nearly as much as the naysayers think.

Whether it’s for a restaurant, auto repair, or a clothing store, use it.  It’s money you don’t need to spend.  Can you save yourself $5 on your oil change?  Cool. It’s money that will be helpful for the dinner you are about to pick up.  Paper coupons still come in the mail – look at them.  Coupons are available online – print them.  Many stores offer digital downloads – load them. Promo codes are often available on websites – apply them.  Is an area child or one of your own selling a savings book?  Support the cause and save some money in the long-run. Earn your fuel points, and then fill up at THAT gas station vs. another, whenever possible.

2)  Take advantage of the sales unless it’s just REALLY not what you want. 

Restaurants:  When I go to a restaurant (and they have a lunch menu) 9 times out of 10, I can find something that sounds perfectly good on there.  The portion is also probably just the right size.  Unless your heart is set on the 6 oz. sirloin for $12.99 (and you do deserve those days), why ignore the $5.99 lunch menu that could save you $7.00?  Some splurges are certainly okay, but when you won’t even LOOK at that menu because it’s cheaper, I don’t understand that? Also, do you have to order soda EVERY time?  Water is better for you….and well, usually free too.  I call that a win-win.

Another restaurant tip:  I realize not all restaurants love this tip, and I wouldn’t do this at every restaurant and in every scenario…..but share a meal when possible (or box up half for another meal).  Most of us probably don’t need that huge platter to ourselves.  Now, I will say this though:  If you share a meal or use a coupon….DO NOT let that mean a lower tip for your server.  If you cannot afford to tip a server appropriately, then you shouldn’t be eating out period.  Please tip them as if you never used a coupon and/or shared a meal.  There is a difference in being frugal and in being a cheapskate.  No one likes a cheapskate.  You can both save money and leave your server with a smile.

Grocery Shopping:  Buy generic whenever possible.  Every store I can think of has their own line of generic brands. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that there is OCCASIONALLY a difference in brands on certain items.  I have my diva moments in this area.  If I’m baking, I’m probably going to get the brand name flour, for example.  I also don’t like cheap toothbrushes, among other things.  When it comes to bottled water, I am a Nestle Purelife snob.  Additionally, I don’t like harmful ingredients, and I find all of the genetically modified foods worriesome (though I’ll never be perfect in this area).  About half (or close to) of what I buy is organic, and I tell myself that’s at least a step in the right direction.  What’s great is that a lot of the organic items also come in a reasonable generic brand now too (Simple Truth at Kroger and some of the Great Value brand at Walmart).  I also know Aldi’s is now totally pro-organic…and cheap!

Remember this basic rule of thumb though, especially if you’re buying “junk” anyways:  That cream of chicken soup probably doesn’t have to be Campbell’s when you have the Save-A lot version of it in front of you for almost .50 less.  If you are buying Hamburger Buns, you probably don’t need the Ball Park Brand for $1.49 if you see Kroger brand sitting there for .89.  If you’re going to buy sugary cereal, there is almost ALWAYS an off-brand for $1-$3 cheaper.  If buying all generic on a shopping trip saves you $3….well, there is $3 you didn’t have before, right?

Clothing and other retailers:  It may clutter your inbox up a bit, but sign up for their special offers e-mails.

First of all, I shop A LOT at stores like Marshall’s, Ross, Burke’s and TJ Maxx.  I like discount stores and find some of my favorite clothes at these stores.

Anyone who knows me knows I also save money at Kohl’s like nobody’s business.  Helloooooo 30% off cards on already clearanced items, Kohl’s cash, Yes Rewards and whatever else I have on hand. (And though I have to use my charge account on some of these purchases to get them for those prices, I’ve almost ALWAYS turned around and paid off my charge right after putting it on there). Paying off your card right after using it just for discount purposes is key.  I’m certainly not advocating putting a charge on a credit card and leaving it sit.  If you don’t have the money to go to Kohl’s at that time, you are better off not going period.  With that said, it isn’t unusual for me to spend $30 and save $200……  It is completely doable.

Also, don’t be afraid to check out the clearance racks.  You may find some of your favorite outfits on there if you are just willing to look.  Now, I will also say that if you buy something only because it’s on clearance, everything becomes counterproductive.  Don’t buy things you aren’t sure about just because they’re cheap…because then it will sit in your closet with tags still intact. Then, it will end up in your next yard sale or Goodwill bag.  Sometimes you should go ahead and pay just a little extra to get what you love…..BUT, look at that dang clearance rack first!

You will also never catch me going into Hobby Lobby without my 40% off coupon ready, unless of course the items I want are already on sale.  (They also have great clearance sections!)

*Other stores like JCPenney, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora AND SO MANY OTHERS offer a wide variety of perks, birthday gifts, coupons and special offers.

Oh, and don’t be too good for the dollar tree either.  I could write a lot of great things about them!

3)  Do not be afraid of thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, yard sales and second hand:  Some things you just want to buy new.  Yes, I agree.  But then, there are PLENTY of items that do not need to be new.  If you hit the Goodwill or Salvation Army on just the right day, you might find the used-once wedding decor you are looking for.  You may even find like-new V-Tech toys for your child for $1, when you know that same toy costs $40 at Target.  What else?  BOOKS!  You can find perfectly clean and brand new looking popular board books for children.  If it looks like it’s never been read and it’s .50, why go buy it for $7 elsewhere?  Maybe the yard sale you just stopped at has the dog kennel you were looking for at $10 when you know it goes for $129.99 at PetSmart.  Or maybe they have the board game you just played at a friend’s housewarming party and loved?  Isn’t $2 better than paying $20?  Is there really any good reason why you can’t EVER consider used?  If you decide you don’t want the item, you didn’t lose much, did you?  Just re-donate it.  As I said, some things are just too germy or risky, but most of the time?  Just clean the item up a bit if necessary.  Sometimes a wet wipe is all you need.  These are just a few of the countless examples you can save big on.

4)  Stock up on your favorite items while they are on sale:  (I am going to get on this A LOT more in part 2 of this series). I also want to make it known that when I say stock up, I’m NOT encouraging clutter or hoarding.

I am not talking about becoming like someone they would cast for the “Extreme Couponers” show.  I think buying 200 bottles of ketchup just because you can get them for 3 cents each is silly and unnecessary unless you run a happening business that needs that many bottles.  I guess if you are a big party planner or restaurant owner it could make SOME sense, but still.  Or hey, I could see SOME “extreme couponing” if you were donating to a food bank or doing it for a good purpose.  Otherwise, no, no and no. Like I said – CLUTTER.  YUCK!  Not to mention, expiration dates.  Anyways, that’s so not what I’m saying here, okay?

What I am saying though is DO stock up on some things that will keep.  The key is to buy your favorite brands and non-perishable products when they are on sale and/or you have special coupons, promotions or additional savings.  When you buy your favorites during their sale times, you not only save money, but you have your items on hand when you do need them.  If you know you are always going to end up buying these brands, why don’t you buy them when they are as cheap or even cheaper than the products you aren’t as crazy about?  For example, let’s say Tide Purclean is your favorite detergent and that it is regularly priced at $8.99 where you shop.  When it’s goes on sale for $5.99 AND you have a $3.00 off coupon, why not buy it then, even if you have a brand new bottle already at home?  If you buy it when it’s cheap, you will have it on hand, and then not get stuck buying it when it is full priced.  Whether you see it this way or not, it saves you $6.00 for the year.

Some of my personal favorite items to stock up on and have readily available for when I run out, are detergent, body washes, hand soaps, toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, diapers, baby wipes and a couple extra tubes of toothpaste. However, I never go overboard, because then I defeat my purpose and end up in Clutterville.  I keep most of my little stock all in one little shelf section of my closet, and when I run out of something, I just head to my little inventory area.  When it comes to those type of items, we are seldom “out,” and because I stock up during sales, I save more on future grocery trips.

5) Wait until you can afford it.  Again, not rocket science.  Getting approved for a credit card does not mean you can afford it.  Maybe you want a new couch, but you’re still living paycheck to paycheck.  Want a new car even though yours is running fine?  Wait until you have the means and/or a huge sale happens.  (Most things do go on sale eventually).  Your future self will thank you later.

6)  Be aware of budget busters.  Are you eating out for lunch every day you go to work?  There goes part of your paycheck right there.  Do some meal-planning.  Make things that reheat well and can serve as leftovers for the next day.  Are you drinking the $5 coffee every day, rather than having it as an occasional here and there treat?  Or at the least, is there somewhere else where you can get it for $1-$2 instead?  Are you heading to the nail salon and swiping that credit card when you’re struggling to afford groceries and your car payment? Are you still paying for cable when you could possibly just be happy with Netflix?  Are you paying for delivery when you could easily drive 2 minutes and pick it up yourself?

Sometimes we have to think about what’s truly a necessity and what isn’t.  We can’t be perfect all the time, but continually falling prey to budget busters when you don’t have the means is a sure way to end up in eventual financial distress.

7)  Find cheap entertainment.  Sure you need to go out sometimes.  You need to go to the game, head to the movie theater or buy the concert tickets every now and then.  It’s good to reward yourself and good to get out of the house.  But, are you out of the house to where you have your wallet begging for mercy?  It’s not a bad thing to sometimes watch the movie you already have, or to pull out the board game you already have, is it? Play corn hole in your back yard, build a fire or go on a walk.  Google fun in-home science experiments and crafts you can do with your kids.  Utilize your Pinterest account. Learn to organize your house and learn to enjoy the process (Dollar Tree is full of cheap organization items, FYI).  Listen to YouTube videos, how-to’s, free podcasts, etc.  Better yet – serve at your church and help out your community.

8)  Take advantage of savings apps.  Here is another thing I am going to get into more on my next post.  Since this is a big detailed topic for me, I decided to do the apps topic completely separate.  In short though, there are A LOT of great savings apps out there.  You can earn cash back and gift cards simply for buying items you need……or just scanning your receipts!  Not only am I going to reveal the ones I use in the next post – I am also going to take the time to actually explain all of them.  I don’t recall ever reading any big tutorials on any of them prior to using them, so I am going to try to be that person for all of you!  (Stayed tuned for part 2).

Aside from all of that, I will leave you with this:  Whether it’s a free sub or a free car wash, try to go get it if you have it (and of course if it’s something you like or actually need).

While you’re at it, sign up for those reward programs, earn your points, clip coupons, do price comparisons and search the net for additional savings.

What are some of your favorite savings tips?  Feel free to share them in the comment section!

Part 2 coming soon!

The post Fabulously Frugal: Holly’s Humble But Helpful Savings Tips (Part 1) appeared first on Homestead Holly.