It's not easy taking care of a family on a limited budget. Limited budget here meaning "BROKE". We are a one income family. I stay home and teach our children, take care of our home, cook our meals and more. This is a lot of work not too mention it costs money to live. When our income slowed down this year (slowed down here meaning "STOPPED")I knew we needed to do something quick. I had to come up with some ways to save money to help out with finances. Just because I don't bring in a paycheck doesn't mean I can't help out financially. Below are some money saving tips I found useful.
Of course the first tip is CLIP COUPONS. Get your sunday paper and comb through it finding coupons that you can use.
*Only use coupons for items you are going to buy anyway. If you buy items you don't need then the coupon really didn't help. Also check the store brand. Sometimes even a coupon doesn't mean savings. The store brand is sometimes cheaper even if your using a coupon. So don't rush. Research. It may take more time, but the time will be worth it when you find that you saved money.
Try coupons.com to view and print coupons.
Check the store paper for sales. Again only buy items you need and are going to buy anyway or need very shortly. Shortly here means within the next week or two. Also check to see if any of your coupons can be used with a store item. This will be even a better discount.
Of course FREE is BETTER so try this:
Go to websites and look for free samples. This is a chance to get free stuff while also trying new products to see if you like them. You can then get coupons for these items. Sign up for there newsletter for upcoming sales, coupons, etc.
Do this every few months to see if new samples are available.
For example:
Go to walmart.com, in the search box, type "free samples" and click search.
Click on "free samples" then scroll down to find a column of available samples. Just sign up for the sample you want. It takes 4-6 weeks to receive the samples, but it is worth it. After all it is FREE.
I've gotten samples of shampoo, diapers, gum, etc. Also since I signed up for the newsletter I receive updates and coupons for future purchases.
If you drink cokes or know someone who does. Obtain the red caps. Underneath the cap is a code. Go to mycokerewards.com to sign up and enter the codes. You can use the points earned to get products like magazine subscriptions, gift cards, t-shirts, etc. Again it is FREE.
Tip: the code is not always easy to read so just remove the plastic covering to reveal a clear view.
Even if you do not have a web address, just google a product you like. You'll find the website easily this way. Click on it and search for free samples or coupons. It's easy. Just take a little time.
These are a few things I do to save money. As I find more ways or remember others I will add them.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please fell free to share. I welcome all feedback. I just hope this helps someone else.
