10 Savings Strategies

Saving money is an ongoing challenge for most people. Paychecks, dividends and an occasional bonus go only so far. Therefore, it is worthwhile to develop some money-saving strategies, such as the ten listed below.
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1. Track spending and evaluate results: By tracking your spending habits, you will get an idea of where you are spending money. By evaluating the results, you can see if you are throwing money away. For example, do you monthly membership fees to gym you never have time to visit? Do you buy coffee every morning when it’s freshly made in your office for free? Look at all the places where you are wasting money.

2. Pay yourself first: This idea is certainly not new, but it is a strategy that starts a consistent savings program. Unless your entire paycheck is earmarked for monthly bills and necessities, you should be able to put money into savings every month. If, you get a raise, add that money to what you are putting aside.

3. Company savings plans: Many companies offer 401(k) plans. Take advantage of them. If one is not available, open an IRA. Use direct deposit for these retirement savings accounts so you are not tempted to spend the money elsewhere.

4. Forget the plastic: Limit yourself to one or two credit cards with the best rates and use them only for major purchases or emergencies. Also, pay off your credit card balances monthly.

5. Learn how to shop: The Internet provides a very easy way to compare prices. Look for lower prices, discounts, sales and coupons. Check out the price comparison Web sites, such as AllBusiness.com, Shopping.com, and BizRate.com. Avoid paying surcharges, late fee and other fees for convenience. Shop from lists rather than browsing the aisles and establish a firm "no impulse buy" policy.
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6. Look to save on your home: Look for lower mortgage rates and refinance. Also, while paying off your home mortgage each month, round up. You can pay off the loan a little faster and save a surprisingly high amount of the interest over time.

7. Save on utilities: Review the offers from competing phone and electric companies. Look for energy saving appliances and save some money by opening windows when it’s warm and using a second blanket when it’s cold.

8. Be car smart: Find a mechanic you can trust before paying big bucks for unnecessary repairs. Don’t buy a second or third car that will hardly be used or will sit at the train station. Look for lower gas prices in your neighborhood and keep your engine tuned, trunk uncluttered and tires properly inflated to save on gas.

9. Get everyone onboard: Discuss ways of saving money and establishing good spending habits with everyone in the household.

10. Read the fine print: Review your bills carefully, including your credit card statements. Errors in billing cost customers millions of dollars each year. Also, in the new age of warranties with every major purchases, read the fine print carefully and buy only those you feel will be valuable for those products that are most likely to need service.

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