The holidays are right around the corner and you’ve found the perfect gift for that special someone. One problem; the perfect gift is out of your budget. “If I only didn’t buy that caramel, expensive-chino and chive-wondrous bagel the other day,” you mutter. Instead of worrying about past expenses, The Lite Source uncovered a few things you can do to stay within your economic means this holiday season.
Shopping
You can shop till you drop with these penny pinching suggestions:
· Use coupons
· Take advantage of Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals
· Drop into the nearest dollar store
· Stop at a garage sale
· Check out a thrift store
· Browse Craig’s List
· Seek out weekly sales flyers
· Swap an item with a buddy
· Download the ShopSavvy app on a smart phone and scan barcodes for lower prices while out shopping
· Buy generic or store-brand products
Dining
Dine on a dime with these tips:
· Go out for lunch instead of dinner
· Eat at home more often
· Bring a bagged lunch to work or school
· Make your coffee at home
· Don’t let leftovers go to waste
· Check for restaurant specials or coupons online
· Grow your own food
Driving
Dive into savings this way:
· Carpool
· Plan routes ahead, so there’s no backtracking
· Keep up on your engine maintenance, oil changes, etc.
· Find the cheapest gas prices in your area at gasbuddy.com
· Maintain proper tire air pressure
· Fix small car problems yourself
In General
Generally speaking try to:
· Shut off lights, TVs and electronics that aren’t in use
· Use energy efficient products
· Fix or patch up leaky faucets or sinks
· Reuse items
· Turn down the heat or air-conditioning when gone
· Plug up or seal drafty windows or doors
· Make your own home repairs, if possible
· Change out old light bulbs to money-saving OttLite bulbs
Hope these tips help and if you have any other thrifty tips, let us know!
Happy savings!
~ Charlene Marie
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