AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

 I started a spreadsheet sheet in the month of January and logged all my normal spending.  I didn’t cut anything that way I could see where I was over spending and then adjust my habits.  Starting in February I readjusted my spending and now pay more attention to my habits and have been able to save a lot.  This was successful for me because I could see a breakdown and know where I spent more money than I needed to or purchased something I really didn’t need.

Keeping in mind Warren Buffett’s adage…”Price is what you pay and value is what you get.” When traveling, I always check at least three sites for the best price I would pay versus for the value I get in return. On occasion, it’s proved beneficial to pays a bit more for the extra convenience and benefits of the upgraded experience. For example, I may purchase priority boarding to ensure overhead bin space for my carryon luggage and avoid the possibility of getting my carryon gate checked. What is the cost / benefit of convenience and peace of mind. 

One of the best things I did was get a clear savings/piggy bank with no opening, the only way to get to the money inside is to physically break it, I have no idea how much money is inside but its been 4 months and its filled with 1's 5's 10's and 20's - Ikeep it on the kitchen counter to keep me motivated; anytime I have money in my pocket thats not spent I drop it in their. My goal is to keep it for 1 year.  My 2nd good tip is to budget your self, I made a spreadsheet with all my bills, I divided my monthly/quarterly and yearly bills, with due dates and late fees, I can see how much money I need to keep aside for monthly bills, when their due and when I can push the grace period, it does help me at times and believe it or not has freed up money for me, its easier to put 25 aside then to come up with the full insurance bill when its due.  Just my 2cents, hope they help. I bought the savings bank at Walmart  for under 10 bucks 🙂 

My best money saving tip is to get support from other like minded individuals. I joined an online social media group where we help help each other to stop spending money. The reasons vary from credit cards out of control, unexpected repair expenses for cars or homes, emergency medical situations, etc. Everyone shares how they were able to resolve their problem or gives suggestions to help resolve a problem someone else is having. You learn from everyone sharing. 

The best tip I learned was to declutter. We often hold onto things that we do not need. Those things take up space and require storage which causes you to spend more money. We keep things that no one wants but us. This also keeps people from having to go through things once we pass on. We remove a hardship that so many people go through which is helpful. I no longer overbuy anything as I  strive with a minimalist perspective.

I save alot of money by not purchasing items that I will have to dust (I hate dusting!).  I can shop and look at the pretty items but never put them in my cart. Even my family knows not to give me gifts that will need dusting.

This may sound counter intuitive. But when I see a really great deal on something that I think is a quality item at a fabulout price, I will purchase two of the items. Stash one until you're original wears out or you've used it up. 

I I put money into a high yield savings account online (capitol one) but there are others.Earns more interest than your bank.I also Have a capitol one cd that pays a nice interest rate but when the interest from cd is paid every month i have that put into my high yield savings account instead of cd,That way im earning interest on top of interest,

 I save money by purchasing canned pumpkin and green beans in November & December for the entire year. Because the cans have great expiration dates, I know the cans will last. Starting in late October stores lower the prices for these two items because of holiday meals. I save about $1.00 a can on pumpkin and about .30 cents on green beans, buying a years worth during these months. Over the course of the year, these savings really add up. 

• I only run big appliances such as washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc on the weekends which is off peak and electricity rates are lower. 

I go to grocery story early in am ,go to meat section and buy reduced meat! Usually has that date stamped or sometimes 2-3 days . I go home and use that day or freeze it,and save alot of $ .especially if its like steak or higher cost meat,it saves ton of $