Ideas to help you economize

Here are a few ideas to help you economize during these trying economic times:

Lower the thermostat in your home

Utilize the $1.99 dry cleaner

Look for ways to cut your cell phone bill

Look for ways to cut your cable/satellite bill

Take your lunch to work

Eat out less

Air dry your clothes after washing

Turn off lights

Close vents in rooms you are not using

Replace burnt out light bulbs with compact fluorescents

Use the resources at the library

Go longer between hair cuts/colors (or do it yourself!)

Shop at thrift stores

Keep your home organized. You'll have less waste!

Drive the speed limit

Keep your car well maintained

Go the museums and the zoo on free days

Clean your car yourself

Review your insurance coverage to cut deductibles (if prudent) and remove collision coverage on older vehicles

Turn off Air Conditioning in the summer

Make gifts instead of buying them

Buy gifts and holiday decorations at after-holiday sales. Store them until next year

Keep track of where your money is spent. You may be surprised!

Make your own wrapping paper or purchase gift wrapping items at the dollar store

Wash and resuse ziplock bags

Avoid debt

Subscribe to freecycle.org to receive emails about giveaways in your area.

Utilize craigslist for discounts on items you are looking to buy, but make sure to do your homework!

Here's a few ideas for cutting your grocery bill:

Eat less meat

Use a list and buy only what you need

Shop the weekly grocery sales

Use coupons, when appropriate

Find the grocery discounters in your area (Dacono Market in Colorado, Market Square in Salt Lake City)

Cut out soda. Drink water instead

Double or triple recipes. Freeze the leftovers

Grow a garden

Use your oven to cook several items simultaneously - main dish, dessert, bread and veggies can all cook in the same hot oven

Don't let food go to waste. Check dates on canned foods and meat. Freeze bread and use veggies and fruit before they go bad

These and many other ideas can be found at: Getting Through Tough Times or 45 Easy Ways to Economize At Home Every Day

How do you save money? Please share your tips and tricks!