5 For Friday: Frugal Tips

Who’s a fan of saving money? We DEFINITELY are! For today’s “Five for Friday” we are giving you five quick tips that will hopefully lead to a little more cash in your pocket! Have a wonderful weekend!

“PERK” System 

According to CBS Money Watch, most people who do this simple exercise save at least a few hundred dollars every month. List all of your expenses and decide which ones you can “Postpone,” “Eliminate,” “Reduce” or “Keep.” Don’t let the simplicity throw you. It’s easy but incredibly effective and helps you prioritize and get your spending in line.

“Budget” Nights Out 

A night out can be much needed, but dinner bills, movie tickets, and admission fees to events each month can quickly start to resemble a mortgage payment! Don’t skip the night out completely, but consider eating at home before the movie or event. You can even invite your friends over for a cooking night — and they can return the favor the next time.

Pay with Cash Only:

Studies have shown that when you pay with a credit card, you’re more likely to buy something than when you pay with cash, and you’re more willing to pay more for it Psychologically, it’s just harder to part with actual greenbacks than it is to whip out the plastic. Try paying for everything with cash for a week and see how much you save.

Borrow don’t Buy

Instead of buying new books and DVDs every time your children or family wants something different to read or watch, make weekly trips to the library and get a new array of books and videos. The media can even have a theme: For example, if your child is starting a sport like soccer, they could get books and DVDs about teams, history, etc.

Here’s a list of libraries near Carson Tahoe Health

Douglas County Library: https://library.douglascountynv.gov/

Carson City Library: http://www.carsoncitylibrary.org/

South Reno Library: http://www.washoecountylibrary.us/

Dayton Library: http://www.lyon-county.org/index.aspx?nid=238

Make a list…For everything

Shopping smart will help you to live below your means. Everyone’s familiar with the grocery list, and how it helps curtail impulse spending at the market. Try making a clothing list to keep you from the temptation of impulse shopping at the mall. Make a list of what you must have in your wardrobe: number of shoes, blouses, suits, jeans, jackets, and coats. Take an inventory of what you already have, and make a list of what you need to complete your wardrobe. That’s your clothing-shopping list. Goodbye recreational shopping and hello increased savings. You can also do this for other items including kids’ clothes, gardening items, and school supplies.