Time to share my money saving tips and tricks. Yes, I understand you have heard some of these before, implement some everyday, or don't care to work so hard to save money. I am writing this blog to all of my friends and family that think I spend a lot of money. What they don't realize, is how thrifty I am every day and able to leverage my cash and goods to even out in the wash.
1. Sell your old clothes, jewelry, purses, dolls, etc on Ebay or Etsy to pay for your next wardrobe. You can buy almost all of your designer goods at the Premium Outlets (sign up to get coupons online) and usually resell them at a profit when you are tired of them. Make sure you take extra good care of leather, hang all of your clothes instead of using a dryer and only by classics or limited edition styles that become collectible.
2. Pre-plan your trips and vacations! Spend some real time online researching where you are going and what there is to do and see. We usually take a 4-5 day vacation, which saves a lot of money, opposed to 7-10 days. I shop extensively for the best prices, sign up for deals and join frequently fliers email lists for sales. Buy discount tickets online, look for coupons you can use while on the trip and always have a budget. We usually have a garage sale to earn extra money to pay for our trip. We only take cash to pay for things, and keep a daily budget. Consider getting snacks, drinks and small meals from a local grocer for your room, it will save eating out 3 times a day.
3. Always look polished without breaking the bank! I do at home facials, give myself pedicures and manicures weekly. Once you buy your supplies, they will last 6-12 months.You can learn how to do these services online or from magazines and books. Get rid of tired, faded, old clothes! Freshen your wardrobe with tshirts and accessories from Walmart, Target, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's and Sam's. Clean your shoes, yes, condition leather and clean off dirt on a regular basis - nothing looks more unkept than a person with dirty old shoes.....
Never buy anything that doesn't make you look good! Know what colors and cuts look good on you. Make lists of what you need for updating your wardrobe, and never buy something just because it's cheap! It's better to shop for a bargain on something you need than buy something cheap you will never use or wear. Buy basics!!! You can wear basics for years with a few updates, belts, shoes, etc.
4. Cook your own food! Stop wasting money eating out several times a week. You should only dine out if it's a special occasion, or you have a gift card. Plan your meals and shop only once a week, using coupons from the newspaper, online and the store fliers. Stock up on sale items you use frequently, avoid buying the "deals" if you wouldn't normally buy it at full price. Stop wasting money on junk, pre-packaged and frozen meals. Make fresh meals from whole food, you will save a lot of money, have better health and lose weight. Budget your shopping, know how much a meal will cost, make sure to include several cheaper meals 3 or 4 days a week. Such as: soups, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet salads. I think if you can make a fresh meal for 4 under 10.00 you are a great cook! It's not hard, just do a little research on "the food network", they have amazing recipes.
Never buy bottled water, unless you are traveling or it's necessary. Buy a home distiller and make your own distilled water, carry your own bottled water with you. (I use a Waterwise 9000)