Money saving techniques for the budget conscious

Managing the daily household activities is exhausting but rewarding when everything is spic and span.  What is much difficult for a homemaker like me is how to keep up with the family budget and save something for the rainy days. Through the years I have learned money saving techniques for the budget conscious like yours truly.

Each of these techniques that I will share can save significant money over the long time.  Though not all of these tips can apply to everyone, you may choose whatever is applicable to help you save some of your hard earned money.

I buy grocery supplies in bulk, doing it on a weekly or twice a month basis. I acquire big bottles of cooking oil, soy sauce, vinegar and other condiments and spices good to last for the next grocery schedule, likewise with laundry soap, fabric conditioner, cleaning agents and bath essentials.  I do also make a grocery list and stick to it, so that I will not forget an item needed to buy. Reading labels and comparing can goods can do great savings. Why go for imported goods wherein locally made are of quality too.

I also do a price comparison among grocery stores and supermarkets. I do my routine shopping in a nearby supermarket that offers the best deals on my most common purchases. As it is  close by, it saves us money on gasoline too.

When I do shopping for clothes or shoes, I refrain from dilly dallying inside the shopping venue, well, not unless there is a mall sale. I go directly to my favoured outlets and stores which can cater to my shopping needs most of the time.

Being a family of collectors, we cut down spending on our hobby for a while now. Our leisure pursuit can wait until finances are in good flow again.

Signing up for free customer rewards program is of great help too, discounts can be availed over accumulated points.  Most big supermarkets and drugstores offer reward cards.

I repair damaged clothes too, sewing a nice patch over a hole in the pants can make them look fashionable. Moreover, replace missing buttons on shirts or polo shirts that needs only simple sewing instead of buying a new one when you don’t really need to.

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps or CFL makes sense, as it consumes less electricity. I also regulate the use of our air conditioning units, I set number of hours to keep it running and automatically shuts off 2 hours before waking time. All electric appliances are unplugged when not in use. Maximizing the use of day light by opening windows and installing light colored curtains, thus lights are on only when needed.

Doing the laundry twice a week saves water and electricity too. Used water from rinsing clothes is utilized to water the plants.

I hide our credit cards, we only use it for emergency purposes or if there is a need to buy something which is really important.

Recently, I cut back on food deliveries.  It is healthier to prepare and cook meals at home.

Cut cost on fuel or gas expenses, walk or commute if the place you need to go is only in close proximity.

Sell your clutter, those old magazines and newspapers that pile up in the garage can be converted to money to buy merienda or snacks for the kids.

There are many things we can do to avoid overspending and save a bundle of our hard earned cash.  Penny-pinching through making a financial plan and funds management by practicing proper frugality and spending money wisely can give us more savings for the family’s future needs.

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