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 From every normal household expense to any money-spending activity (such as entertainment, sports, clothes, home decorating, and many others,) there are numerous ways to stretch your hard-earned dollars. Besides the number one way, which is to ask for a discount, we will be exploring various tips and strategies to reduce expenses, increase savings, and have fun on a budget. Are you read to see how many ideas you can implement and how much money you can save? Get the whole family involved! Everyone can share in the process, reap the rewards, and build family cooperation and communication.
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| Where to Ask for Discounts |
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ANY sales person |
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Automotive services |
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Utility companies (discounted time-of-use-plans) |
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Hairdressers, salons, barber shops |
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Restaurants, coupons, specials |
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Newspaper subscriptions |
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Furniture, mattress, and jewelry stores |
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Hotels when traveling |
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Auto insurance, multi-car, with life, etc. |
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Employee discounts |
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| For a Free Budget Sheet call 866-246-9952 |
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| Statistics |
| Did you know that people who are A-credit vs. those who are D-credit will pay approximately $250,000 less in interest over their lifetime? |
| (CBS MarketWatch) |
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| Employers, insurance companies, car dealers, apartment landlords, mortgage lenders, etc., may check your credit history and score. |
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Stretching Your Dollar
(and Budget) Tips |
| A budget helps you plan for all expenses. Nearly every expense can be reduced in order to save for emergencies, pay off debt, and reach future goals.
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 | Set aside each month for the once-a-year car license tags |
| Plan & save for vacations |
| Budget "no-questions-asked" spending money |
| Build an emergency fund |
| Have a debt-reduction plan |
| Think of ways to increase income. (Second job?) |
| Reward family members for money-saving ideas |
| Stay within your budget |
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| Get into the habit: |
| - Look for coupons |
| - Watch store ads |
| - Record spending |
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| Needs vs. Wants |
| The most important lesson to learn & teach is to know the difference between a need & want. |
| Ask yourself: "Do I really need this item to keep the household running, or is it just a want? Is this item within our budget?" |
| Be honest about spending and save for wants. Learn to wait & reap the rewards of frugal spending. |
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If you knew you could save over $1,000 a year, would it make sense to use coupons? |
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| Coupons - Sales - Discounts |
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| Free coupons can be found in your mail, newspapers, magazines, internet, and store ads. Clip only the items you think you will use. Place coupons in an envelope and carry it with you. (It's also handy to write your grocery list and meal plans on the outside of the envelope.)
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| Stores may accept expired coupons for their own store or valid coupons from competitors. Or, they may "price match" other stores...just ask! |
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| Look for "buy-1, get-1-free" specials on products or for restaurants. When dining out, order water to drink or when refills are free, order the small-sized drink and save!
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| Wait to buy an item until you see a coupon or sale and save between 20 - 50% or more. Ask the store clerk if a sale is coming soon for the items you need.
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| Use grocery store "saver" cards and buy the store brand when possible. Many grocers will double your coupons (only up to $1.00) or have triple coupon days. Check your receipt to see how much you saved!
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| In August, you'll find back-to-school bargains. Buy 10 spiral notebooks for a $1. College students: buy used books at school, internet, or from friends.
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| Grocery | $-Store |
| 3-outlet plug | $3 | $1 |
| 16oz an of nuts | $4 | $1 |
| Baby toys | $3 | $1 |
| Cooking utensils | $3 | $1 |
| Motor oil | $3 | $1 |
| Paint roller | $3 | $1 |
| Party supplies | $2ea | $1ea |
| Plant | $4 | $1 |
| Shampoo | $3 | $1 |
| Shaving cream | $3 | $1 |
| Window cleaner | $3 | $1 |
| Zip storage bags | $3 | $1 |
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| Shop Dollar Stores for items from A to Z. Find auto needs, baby things, cleaning supplies, crafts, first aid, fun stuff, paper & party items, tools, and zippers. Where else can you buy any of these for the $1 price?
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| Swap Marts carry tools, furniture, jewelry, silk plants, and more. Go there with a goal in mind or just for fun. |
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| Outlet Stores have clothes, belts, socks and other items, usually for half the price of regular retail. |
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| Second-hand Stores: Some are specific, such as carrying maternity & children's clothes. Others carry furniture, sports equipment, books, clothes and more. In addition, many of these stores also have half-off days or items.
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| For Going Out of Business sales, it's time to bargain for the sales price, even down to the wall decor and plants. |
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| Shop On-line, but use a secure site and a credit card for safety. You may avoid sales tax, but usually pay shipping & handling charges. |
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| Department Stores have end of season "blow-out" sales. Business attire may be reduced 50-75% or more. |
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| In any store: Go to the discount racks first. If an item does not have a tag or is damaged in any way, ask for a further discount. |
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 | We should enjoy our hard-earned money
~ A plan makes it all possible. |
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| Money: Let's Talk About It! |
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| Are you a miser, hoarding every dime, or a spontaneous spender that buys just because it was on sale? Neither extreme is healthy. Since disagreements over money matters are the #1 cause for problems in a marriage, communication with your spouse is paramount.
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| Discuss the family budget, needs vs. wants and come to agreements about household expenses and personal goals. If needed, seek counseling for your particular situation.
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| We offer free personal finance education materials and counseling. For comments, questions, or concerns regarding our publication, please contact: |
Phillip Day
Manager of Financial Education
Help Ministries Incorporated
1-866-246-9952 |
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