35 Smart Money Saving Tips

If you are struggling financially to pay down your credit cards, keep up with the never ending bills, or just want to save some money for a special vacation, here are some simple suggestions to save money every day. Each one might not be that much individually, but implementing many of these small steps together will add up to savings that will surprise you. Start today and see how much of a difference it can make in just 1 month.

1. Eat at home instead of eating out.

2. Make gifts with stuff around the house instead of buying gifts.

3. Re-gift (make sure the person you're giving the gift to did not give you the gift originally).

4. Pay with cash instead of credit cards.

5. Rent movies instead of buying them or going to the theater.

6. Use public transportation or carpool.

7. Take advantage of your "flex" account at work to save on taxes.

8. Maximize your deposits into your 401(k) or 403(b) to take advantage of matching funds.

9. Walk to the back of clothing stores to find the sales or closeouts.

10. Shop "out of season" to take advantage of drastically reduced items. The only risk you take is knowing if you'll fit into everything once that season arrives.

11. Make holiday gift purchases throughout the year so that you are not so financially strapped during the holiday season.

12. Turn off lights, radios, and computer when not in use.

13. Go to the grocery store no more than once a week and stretch it to 1 1/2 or two weeks if possible to avoid all the extras we buy.

14. Use a fan instead of the air conditioner.

15. Borrow books from the library rather than buying them. The library can also order books they don't have from other libraries. Libraries also lend CD's, videos, and DVD's, saving on rentals.

16. Make your own gifts or cards.

17. Do NOT use pay day loans.

18. Turn off cable TV or reduce down to basic-shut off the TV and play games or have a conversation.

19. Get rid of the gym membership and exercise at home or with family or friends-walk, bike, roller blade, skate, etc.

20. Reuse freezer or sandwich bags by just washing and reusing them (unless they had raw meat in them).

21. Have a garage sale and get rid of all your clutter. It will open up space in your home

22. Concerts-the schools around town have lots of free ones and they are really good!

23. When you are depressed, pray and give thanks. It is cheaper and more effective than a shopping spree.

24. Get involved in church activities as they are usually free and a great way to meet people.

25. Make extra chili, soup, stews, etc, on the weekend and freeze in single meal containers-perfect to grab for lunch at work instead of eating out.

26. Use public parks.

27. Stay away from convenience stores: prices are always higher.

28. Always look around for a better price or deal when buying a large purchase like furniture, car, home, etc.

29. Fix or repair broken items or clothing instead of buying new.

30. Buy in bulk to save money-toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, etc.

31. Buy at garage or rummage sales.

32. Always ask yourself if it is a NEED or a WANT.

33. Cut all expenses that aren't used enough-gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, cable, internet, cell phone.

34. Create a loose change bowl. Once full, put into a savings account and repeat.

35. Family vacations: camp out or stay with relatives to save on motel costs.

Hopefully more than a few of these tips can apply to your life. The key is to remember to combine a bunch of these pointers together in order to quickly pay off the credit card or start saving for a big purchase.

Joe Larson is one of the certified Christian credit counselors for Family Life Credit Services, a nationwide Christian credit counseling agency since 1986. The goal of FLCS is to strengthen and encourage families and individuals through Christian faith-based financial counseling. They offer financial educational materials free of charge as well as the opportunity to work with a certified counselor in your area of need.