by Carmel Brulez

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: October 27, 2009

With some forethought and logical thinking we can all cut down our living expenses so that we have more to put by for a rainy day, for a holiday or for when we are old and grey. In fact, the less money we have coming in and the tighter things are, the harder we need to. It is those who are rich and have pots of money who can ignore the concept.

Here are my tips for saving money, without leading a miserable existence....

1. When going to the shop to buy food instead of buying expensive brands of tomato ketchup, pickle, baked beans etc buy the supermarket own brands. When you can make your own. Making your own jam is not difficult and if you have fruit trees the fruit will be free. All you will need to add is sugar. Likewise if you have fruit trees pick your own fruit to make pies so that you do not buy pies. If you have room in your garden or yard or you are one of those people who have an allotment for growing things, grow some vegetables and/or fruit so that you cut down on what you need to buy at the grocery store.

2. When possible do not use your car, walk or use a bicycle. It not only saves petrol, it saves wear and tear on your car and it gives you needed exercise.

3. Do you really need that phone, and that mobile? Is it really on the right tariff? Do you really need to make so many calls? No. Thought not!

4. Look through charity shops, sales and cheaper shops for clothees. Nowadays cheap shops sell good quality clothes, not rubbish. Nobody else will know it did not cost you much. It will still look nice, feel comfortable and be wearable for a long time. You do not need designer clothes.

5. Use the internet to shop for expensive one off items such as a television. You will often find what you want much cheaper than in the shop.

6. If your home is large enough think of getting a lodger to move in and pay towards the rent or loan. You could give them a room as their own, where they sleep and live away from the rest, if the place is big enough you might also allow them to share your lounge with you. Usually lodgers share the kitchen and bathroom and sometimes they have their own bathroom. If you live in an average place in an average neighbourhood this would probably pay you approximately $150 a week, which is quite a bit if you are struggling.

7. Have you got a garage that is just standing there full of toot? Maybe you could clear it out and let it out to someone who needs to garage their car? Or turn it into an extra room?

8. Instead of buying fresh cut

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>