by Helium01

Created on: October 08, 2010

In this day and age and with the looming economic tussles, many people are concerned with saving money as much as they can. Jobs are scarce, companies are greatly cutting back, and life is tough.

There are many ways that you probably haven't thought of when it comes to saving money. What’s more, for whatever little money you have got, there is always an option; you don’t have to sacrifice all the things you love!

Watch cinema movies at half the price

Most people think of going to the movies as pretty expensive. It can be. The cost to see a movie at most first-run theaters is at least $9 these days for an evening show. But you don't have to go to the first run theater. Try the budget theater.

Some budget theaters normally cost as little as $3, and $1.50 on weekdays such as Tuesday. That is a savings of over 66%. It’s the same movie, only you see it a month or so later; no big deal anyway!

Watch more movies with cheap video rentals

Alternatively, if you really want to save as much money as possible and still get your dose of Hollywood; rent movies. Most video rental stores have a “Classics” or “Favorites” section where movies cost $1 or less. There are probably some good classic movies you never got around to seeing. Now is a good time to catch up.

“DIY” - Your best friend in saving money

People embracing “DIY”, Do-It-Yourself, can bear witness to the hundreds, even thousands of dollars it saves them on anything and everything, be it renovation, dressing, cooking; you name it, doing it yourself will save you money.

Saving money with homemade pizzas at a pocket-friendly cost

Learning to cook is a fantastic way to save some cash. Remember how much it cost you the last time you went out for pizza?

Try this: go to the grocery store, look at all the ingredients, and figure out how much it would cost you to make your own pizza. You might not get it perfect on the first try, but after a couple of times you should have a pretty good idea of what you're doing. In the end, you're not only saving money, but also learning a new skill at the same time.

Shopping smart as opposed to shopping brands

When you go shopping, do you only buy brand-name products? If so, this is a great hindrance to saving money.

You only buy brand-name products because you recognize the name. You only recognize the name because of advertising. Thus “advertising” is what makes those products cost more than their generic counterparts.

What’s in a name if it won’t save you money?

Try some generic products. Stores often have very similar product brands for a much lower price. If you don't like it, you can always switch back. But most of the time, you won't be able to tell the difference, if any, and can start saving money for the same products that previously cost you much more.

Go “Pre-Loved” in saving your money, not your face!

If you need clothes, consider shopping at second-hand thrifty stores. A lot of people balk at this, but does it really to matter if you buy some extra jeans for yard work at Goodwill? You don’t need to spot crisp new clothes for housework! Besides, some “pre-loved” clothes are such a good value, nobody will even be able to tell unless if you met at the economy store; and that makes the two of you fellow shoppers!

When it comes down to it, smart people know that they might have to pinch pennies and cut some corners in tough times and there's no shame in that. The only shame is in living beyond your means.

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