If you are like the majority of us, then you probably have a great desire to optimize your income; and find ways to save money. this is even more true if your family is one one income. But how easy is this? With all the inviting products and advertisements around us, is it any wonder that we often fall into the trap of spending/buying on impulse; often only to realize later that we really didn’t need what we bought….and sometimes we actually don’t use them!

The best thing is to “plan before you spend”, especially if you have a family to care for. Personally, I strongly believe that God is not wasteful. He is abundant, but not wasteful, and this verse confirms it to me: ‘”When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are leftover. Let nothing be wasted’ -John 6:12 (NIV). So what do we do? How do we keep within our means and reasonably put our money to the best use?

The first step is to analyze what we ordinarily spend our money on, and identify the excesses and areas of waste. We also need to categorize our expenses in order to take charge of our spending habits. A good question to ask ourselves as we make our purchases is “Do I really need this, or is it just a want”. Now, of course, there will be times when it will be okay to indulge our “wants”, but when such times become too frequent, and our needs begin to suffer as a result, then we need to caution ourselves.

Once we identify our genuine needs, the next step is to look for ways we can make the most of every dollar we spend.

Below are some ideas that can save you money in the long run.

1.  Plan Ahead

Plan your shopping ahead of time. Make a list prior to shopping and stick to it. This helps you guide against buying what you don’t need. Impulse buying is one of the main ways we waste money. Develop a habit of noting things you need around the house, for example. That way, when you go to the stores, you have a list to keep you in check.

2.  Buy On Clearance When Possible

Buy items like clothing and shoes on clearance at offseason. This is when the items are anywhere from 60%-90% off. This works so well if you have young children. Simply buying a size ahead for the kids not only gets me ready for the following year, but I also won’t be paying the new seasonal high prices! Also buying from stores that sell name brand items at reasonable prices (like TJ Maxx, Marshalls etc) will save you money…why pay more for what you can get at a lesser price?

3.  Buy In Bulk

For items you regularly use, buy these in bulk, or when on sale, and store. Just make sure these are items you either need now or will need in the near future. For expecting moms, a good money saver is buying diapers and other basic baby essentials on sale even before you have the baby. This will greatly reduce the financial burden and stress when the baby finally arrives.

4.  Get Cash Back When You Shop Online and In-Store

If you shop online, Rakuten (formerly Ebates) or Mr. Rebates are great at giving you coupons and cash backs on items you buy through these sites. I love using these sites and never buy online without first checking if the company is registered with them. You can use the company’s coupons, and still, get cash back on your purchases! That’s double savings right there, especially for big-ticket items! 

Rakuten and Mr.Rebates have a wide range of companies registered with them offering you coupons, sales, and cash backs. Some of these companies include Amazon, Walmart, Bestbuy, Target and a host of others.

Simply Log in, search for the company name, and click on it. It will open up the company’s website, but you will still earn your cash back on purchases.

You can also use Rakuten in stores by linking the store’s cash back offers to the credit or debit cards you will be using in the participating stores. When you go shop in-store, and use your registered cards, you get cash back on every purchase.

If you use the Google Chrome browser, you can install the Rakuten Cash Back Button on your computer after you register with Rakuten. This is a Chrome Extension that automatically brings up coupons and cashback offers anytime you’re shopping online if the company is registered with Rakuten. That way you will never forget to activate cashback on your purchases.

5.  Use Coupons When Shopping

Another way to save money is to use coupons, both online and in-store. Search online for coupons from stores you intend to buy from. You can find printable coupons online to use in the stores. Many times, stores will also send coupons to your email or house if you sign up with them for email sale alerts, coupons and freebies. I love to shop with Bath and Body Works, and the email alerts and coupons save me tons of dollars each time! Most stores have a free rewards program and will send you coupons or reward points in your mailbox and inbox from time to time that you can use online or in-store.

6.  Search Groupon For Deals

I absolutely love using Groupon and have saved so much, on things like spa services, entertainment, and fun activities for the family and much more. You can use Groupons for a variety of purchases such as vacation packages, restaurant visits, and general purchase of goods and services that offer Groupons. You can even use Rakuten cashback when shopping on Groupon, that way you will be saving even more.

7. Shop Lower Prices

PriceBlink is a great browser add-on that searches and suggests lower prices to you when you shop online for an item. This is equally good for in-store shopping in that you can see if stores around you have better pricing for an item, and just go get it. PriceBrink gives you “instant automatic price comparison”, and also gives you alerts on money-saving coupons available for the item you are shopping.

8.  Reduce Your “Eating Out” Spendings

Avoid, or at least minimize, your visits to the vending machines. Take your lunch to work (and breakfast too) – also your drinks and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save over time by buying your drinks and snacks in bulk and either keeping some at work for your lunch or snack time or simply taking them to work every day.

Minimize eating out. You will most likely spend less when you cook your own food and eat in…and it’s more healthy and hygienic too!  If getting to the stores is a challenge, places like Amazon Fresh and Peapod make it easy to buy your  Groceries and Gourmet Food online

9.  Save on Your Entertainment

If you need movies to watch at home, your local libraries carry movies you can borrow. It’s way better than buying movies and even cheaper than renting. 

10.  Check “Raise” for Discount Gift Cards

You can buy discounted Gift Cards for stores you shop regularly at. Most of these cards range from 10% to 50% off their value and will be good savings for stores you always visit. The good thing about these cards is that on sites like Raise, Gift Card Granny, and even Paypal Digital Cards, you can do an instant download of these cards when purchased and use right away. You can also find discounted cards on eBay, and Craigslist Ads.

11.  Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Are you subscribed to any services or memberships you don’t use often? Cancel them. These can be money wasters if they are not needed or being utilized. Check your current subscriptions, and re-determine if these are serving you as intended. If they are not, then stop wasting money, cancel them.

12.  Pay Your Bills On Time

Pay your bills on time. Late fees and charges can eat deep into your finances. And if for whatever reasons, you get charged a late fee, call the company. Many companies will usually waive these fees if you ask them, provided you are not habitually late. Some may not, but there’s no harm in trying. Sending yourself reminders on your phone, emails, etc may help you avoid late fees and charges in the future; or you can set up auto-payments if you’re comfortable doing that.

13.  Reduce Your Auto Insurance Bill

A simple phone call can sometimes save you a lot on your auto insurance. Calling them and asking for a review of your auto insurance bill may lead to a reduced monthly payment. Also, you can shop around for cheaper insurance rates. Your current auto insurance company may be willing to match the cost or negotiate a lower payment with you.

14.  Start and Stick to A Budget

Budgeting can save you lots of money over time. When you know where your money goes, it is easier for you to identify and cut off areas of waste. Having and sticking to a budget will also help you in developing the discipline to expend only on what is necessary, and also to pay off debts, or at least start a plan towards debt payment.

15.  Live Within Your Means

The next point is simple, but many don’t abide by it: Live within your means! Don’t try to impress or compete with anyone. Be content with what you have. “So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG)

In conclusion, there are several ways to live within our means. Start by being disciplined enough to stop impulse buying. Be more alert, and pay attention to everyday money-saving opportunities around you.

I’ll like to know what ways you have saved money in the past? Share them with us in the comment session below :)Th