Smart shoppers 101: Five terrifically easy ways to tame that

Smart shoppers 101: Five terrifically easy ways to tame that budget!

Today’s economy requires that we all be very smart shoppers. A recent television consumer survey revealed that 73% of all Americans are taking serious steps to save money. So there is no need to convince you that taming the family budget is a national priority. Here are eight ways to bring your expenditures in line with your income. Once you start practicing these tips, you are not likely to stop, even when the economy improves. Saving money for a rainy day is the name of the game.

1.When it comes to groceries, the smart shoppers work is cut out for you! Get into the habit of looking through the weekly sales flyers. Plan your week’s menus exclusively around sale items, as possible. If coffee’s on sale this week, stock up if you can afford to, as you may not find that price for another six weeks. Use coupons and rain checks to save even more.

2.Clothing costs can add up quickly, especially in families with growing kids. Check out the second-hand consignment stores and thrift shops. These stores are picky about what they’ll accept to sell. You can find some fabulous deals. Instead of the dry cleaners, try home dry cleaning kits for good results and big savings.

3.Ardent smart shoppers are becoming disenchanted with the number of household cleaning products that seem necessary to a clean home, as well as the bite they take out of the household budget. Look online at some of the homemaker sites for dozens of multi-purpose cleaning products you can make cheaply and which do the job just as well.

4.Home energy costs have passed ridiculous. Here are several ways to save: turn off lights if you leave the room for more than two minutes. Use energy-saving bulbs. Wash full loads of laundry. Use a clothesline. If using the dryer, empty the lint trap after each use. Change heater and a/c filters when needed. Insulate your water heater. Keep weather stripping in good repair. Defrost the freezer regularly.

5.Even smart shoppers can not change the price of gas, but you can certainly improve your mileage. Maintaining proper tire pressure, changing your oil and filters, keeping your car tuned and driving 55 can gain you several miles per gallon! Organize your errands so there is no backtracking, as possible.

Once you have got the hang of the smart shopper philosophy, you will find there are many other ways to save. For example, entertainment costs can be slashed with a few thoughtful steps. With a fast DSL service and a movie source such as Netflix, you can watch the latest movies as often as you like for a nominal price. Make a big batch of popcorn and you have got cheap entertainment for the whole family, with no driving!

Get yourself in the smart shopper mode and see for yourself how much you will save!