Save Money the Easy Way

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calculator pennies When times are tough we are all looking for every way possible to save money. Suddenly paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee seems outrageous, when a few short years ago it seemed perfectly acceptable. It is really eye opening when money is not flowing how expensive things are that we took for granted. There are easy ways to save money in your every day life while still planning for the future.

Take some time and actually sit down and write out what you spend each and every day. Did you stop for a quick donut this morning? How about lunch, how much did you spend? Did you hit the vending machine at work this afternoon? Did you stop at the closest gas station because of its location instead of its gas prices? Maybe you even went out for dinner tonight. Make a complete list of every penny that left your hand today. Do this for a solid week, every night just take a few minutes and jot down what you spent and on what.

After a week, look at your itemized spending habits. A few quick calculations can show you exactly how much money you spent needlessly that could have been saved. For most this is an eye opening experience. Somehow writing it all down and seeing it in black and white really makes it hit home. It is amazing how quickly small items add up!

You can take from this list the things you need to change in your daily routine. You can make small adjustments that will end up saving you a lot of money in a very short time. Consider packing lunches and mid afternoon snacks from home. This alone can save hundreds each month.

Cutting out the little extras that are not necessities but have become more purchases of habit can significantly change your financial outlook. Often times we make purchases out of convenience like getting gas on the corner instead of down the block just because it’s easier. Even when there is a significant price difference! Or buying that magazine just because it was staring at you while you waited in line. Realize that retailors place impulse items by the registers on purpose! They know our resolve is weak and they capitalize on it. Being aware that those candy bars are sitting here because they know you will spend the dollar on your way out of the store can help you resist the urge.

There is a reason most pharmacies are located at the back of the building. Walk into any RiteAide or CVS or Walgreens and you will see exactly what I am talking about! You have to walk through the entire store to get that prescription filled! They know you need that medicine so they tempt you all the way there and back! Take advantage of the drive-thru pharmacies to avoid this marketing ploy!

Pay attention to what you are buying and why you are buying it! When you can easily see that you are purchasing the item out of convenience, or instant gratification it is much easier to put it down and walk away! Saving money can be easy, if you think before you spend.