Everyone looks for ways to save money, even the extremely wealthy. Here are a few tips that a reader sent to me. If you have money saving tips that you’d like to share, email them to me at retireplan.guide@about.com.
Replace your furnace/air conditioner filters monthly.
If you have a freezer, keep it full. This will make it run more efficiently using less electricity. If you don’t have enough food to fill the freezer you can fill plastic bottles (soda or milk) with water and put them in the freezer around your food. (These frozen bottles can serve a double purpose in the event of a power failure by helping to keep your food frozen and you also have drinking water available in case you need it.)
Have a yard sale.
Save your receipts and always send in warranty cards on large ticket items.
Don’t go to the grocery store on an empty stomach. You’ll end buying too much. Instead you should shop for groceries just after eating.
When grocery shopping pay attention to the “cost per unit” tag on the shelves. This will let you know which item is the best buy regardless of the size. If you are using coupons keep in mind the smaller size may become the better buy.
Instead of having your dishwasher dry your dishes open the dishwasher door and allow the dishes to air-dry overnight or while you are at work.
Buy electronic items like telephones, answering machines, VCRs, TVs, DVD players, stereos as separate components.
When using your clothes dryer do only large loads and dry all your loads one after another.
If you are taking a trip, pack a picnic lunch. It will cost much less than eating at a restaurant and you will enjoy it more.
Now, what to do with the money you saved……why not put it into a savings account or an IRA.
