by Stacey Mcclure

Created on: November 08, 2009

Penny Pinching 101

Everyone pinches pennies, it's just that some people are "tighter" than others. If you are new to penny pinching, here are a few basics that every seasoned tightwad will agree are "no-brainers" when trying to save money:

Don't be shy - ALWAYS ask for a discount. All they can do is say no, and 90 percent of the time (in my experience) they will come off their asking price. Every penny counts!

Get store discount cards - Sometimes the cashier will swipe their card for you, but more and more stores are getting strict on this. If you forget yours, or don't have one, ask the person in front or behind you in line if they have one. You would be surprised at how much comes off your bill when they swipe that card!

Re-Use - Save your cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, etc. containers. They make great FREE leftover containers.

Waste not, want not - Don't throw that chocolate syrup bottle away! Pour some milk in and shake it up, viola! One more glass of chocolate milk!

Freeze your leftovers - Whenever you make a big pot of anything like Chili, Spaghetti sauce or soup, freeze the leftovers and just thaw them out a couple weeks later. Instant meal!

Waste not, Want not - Have leftover baked potatoes? Slice them up and fry them in a pan! Scoop out the insides and heat them up with some butter for a mashed potato snack or side dish, then rub the skins with a little oil, add cheese and your favorite toppings (i.e. broccoli, bacon, etc.) for a great appetizer.

Marry your condiments - Don't waste, just turn the bottle upside-down on top of the new bottle. Restaurants do this with all of their condiments and have been since the beginning of time.

Take a shortcut - Do you know all the possible routes home? Find different ways to get to your house. With the price of gas, you could be saving some big bucks! I know an alternate route to my house that cuts 2 miles off the trip, plus it breaks up the same old routine!

Going to the movies? - Bring a paper lunch bag and easily share your popcorn without having to reach over every time. Most of the time the jumbo costs just a little more than the large size and there's plenty to share!

Leftover soap - Is your bar of soap getting too small to take a shower with? Move it to the bathroom or kitchen sink for hand-washing.

Re-Use - Use your empty coffee cans to organize small toys, crayons, nuts, bolts, craft supplies, etc. Have your kids decorate them!

On the go? - Make sure you have a good traveling cup for your coffee,

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