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10 Tips On How To Save Money

By: Mike Biscoe

Break Studios Contributing Writer

No matter how much money you make it is never seems to be enough. Regardless of how much they're making, it seems like everybody is asking themselves how to save money. But with even a modest amount of thought it is possible to begin saving, lowering debt and dreaming of bigger and better things to spend your hard earned cash on. The following list offers suggestions to get started.

  1. Pay off that evil credit card balance in full. Though perfectly suited for emergencies and flights, credit card companies live off poor souls like you who pay heaps of interest because they make minimum payments.
  2. Leave the car at home. Cars are losing investments in general. Drive your car less and it lives longer, which means you pay less money in fuel and repairs while giving the environment a break as well. Walk, ride a bike or carpool instead.
  3. Convince yourself you are an amazing cook. Eating out is a common money leech. Opt for cooking your own meals and reap the benefits of a heavier piggy bank.
  4. Fix that leaky faucet yourself. Save money by picking up the adjustable wrench yourself instead of calling that expensive plumber.
  5. There is no need for two phones. Keep the cell phone and drop the land line. Additionally, opt for a pay-as-you-go plan to avoid that obnoxious monthly service charge.
  6. Buy cheaper beer. By the tenth can of Pabst Blue Ribbon, you will find that there is not much difference between PBR and an expensive microbrew draft.
    Even better, make your own at home and forget about the tip.
  7. Visit your local library. If you want to know how to save money, a sure way to do so is by stopping at the library instead of Barnes and Noble. Bonus points for having less clutter at home.
  8. Pay the IRS on time. If you owe the man, pay him by April 15th. If you need to know how to save money this tip should not be taken lightly. The IRS imposes stiff penalties and interest for the negligent.
  9. Shop at the Salvation Army. Save money by buying your jeans at a thrift shop occasionally instead of at the Gap. Salvation Army t-shirts, jackets and furnishings are also sure to lower costs.
  10. Keep purchase records. Saving money means keeping tabs on how much you spend in any given month. Get a notebook and list everything you buy everyday. Do this with everything other than necessities such as food and utilities. At the end of the month, review the record and determine which items could have been left off. This teaches you to monitor your spending and is a great way to educate yourself about how to spend.
Posted on: Apr. 22, 2010