…but in these economic times, you can never have too many. I was thinking the other day about ways to save my pocketbook a little abuse, and a few things came to mind that one might not normally think of (one thing you can count on me for). Here are some of them, along with the no-brainers mentioned all the time in articles and books on how to save money (but does anyone ever take heed to them?):
Don’t argue that you don’t have time. If you’ve got a coffee machine, use it. It probably takes less time to make a pot of coffee or boil a kettle than to stand in line and wait to order something.
If you absolutely have to grab a beverage from your favourite coffee shop, go for flavoured coffee or tea instead of cappuccinos, lattes, etc. It’s cheaper, and your craving for hot, frothy beverages should go away with coffee or tea.
Bake for the Office
Instead of buying a bagel or muffin to go with your coffee every day, why not agree with your coworkers to take turns baking muffins or bringing in bagels, toast, etc. for the office. Bulk is always cheaper. Come on – it costs about $6 to make 24 muffins, yet you’re paying $1.50 every day for one? Get that apron on!
Pick up the shift
Work a part-time job? Pick up any shift a colleague asks you to take. Ask your boss for more hours. Work overtime if you can. Deal with it: those student loans aren’t going to pay themselves.
Save your empties
Make sure you’re keeping your empty bottles and not throwing them away. It may seem like a dime-a-bottle isn’t enough to pay the rent, but it really does add up. A 24-pack of empties is enough to buy you breakfast!
The Tim Horton's Experiment
This is for you true penny-pinchers – If you’re aching for a muffin, coffee, bagel – anything you can find at your local Timmy’s or store of the same sort, go in when they’re about to close and order something that you know will be unavailable (like soup or a sandwich). When they tell you they’re sorry but they’re out, act disappointed and scold yourself for not realizing they were closing. Order a coffee or beverage, and just wait…they’re likely to offer you something for free because they’d have to throw it out anyway! (Note: I discovered this the other day when I walked into Tim’s and ordered chilli but was told they were closing. I got a free muffin out of the deal without asking, and it tasted just fine). Just make sure you don’t go into the same store every time.
Do work for your parents on the side
For you younger folks who aren’t afraid to go to mom or dad for a few bucks, why not offer your services to them in exchange for your adult allowance instead? Clean the garage, do some weeding, organize the basement, etc. That way you won’t feel so bad asking for money, and they won’t think of you as their freeloading child.
Get the card
Some places offer discount or points cards if you buy a certain amount of items over time. Take advantage of this if you already go to the place often enough. I got a Subway card a few months ago and have already gotten eight free lunches out of the deal (so far!). Just don’t commit to buying anything you normally wouldn’t, and if you have to pay a one-time fee for the card, only do it if the math works in the long run.
Volunteer at the gym
If you fancy working out at the gym but can’t afford a membership, look into their volunteer opportunities. Some gyms give volunteers free memberships. Some YMCAs, for example, require only a couple hours a week of cleaning gym equipment, making retention calls, and other simple things and offer a free membership in return.
Bring your own lunch
Here’s a no-brainer! You’ve probably heard this about a zillion times, so I’m going to make it a zillion and one. I can’t stress enough how much money I’ve spent by going out for lunch every day. No time? Really? It takes less than five minutes to make a sandwich, and less to throw in a couple pieces of fruit, or some sealed soup. Even better: ever hear of a thing called leftovers? And if you like to get out of the office during your lunch break, a little walk won’t kill you. Eat outside. Want to meet friends? Bring your own lunch and eat it before, then if you still have room, order something light at lunch like soup or a salad.
A little bruise never really hurt anybody
Why not opt for that dented can, discounted no-name brand, or bruised peach? The grocery store wouldn’t try to sell it if it was harmful to your health and/or not edible. This also goes for clothes: I got a 10% discount on a pair of shoes the other day (without even asking) because they had a little dust on them. If you can sew, buy the designer shirt with the missing button or barely-noticeable tear.
Read on
Broke bookworm? Dig out your library card, or borrow the book you’ve been dying to read from a friend. Buy it when it’s on sale.
Turn down the heat
If heat/hydro is another bill you’re trying to consolidate for every month, turn stuff off! If you’re not going to be home all day, you’re computer doesn’t need to be on. Turn down the heat or AC. Cold? Put on the newly sewn sweater you just bought. And don’t forget the lights!
Call your credit card company
My wonderful mother recently informed me that if you call your credit card company, you might be able to cut down your interest fees just by asking. If you’re credit is decent, you’re likely to get at least 5% cut off. The company doesn’t advertise this little-known fact for obvious reasons, so you need to make the move.
Carpool
Been meaning to get to know your work colleagues but never find the time during your busy work day? Try carpooling with them instead of driving in alone. You’ll save money, contribute to the environment, and maybe even make a friend. Shy? Look on the Internet for carpooling services. Some people are actually looking for just a carpool and nothing more. No small talk necessary!
Winners - you really should go
Need to add a little more to your wardrobe? If you’ve got time to hunt, shop in discount stores that sell designer clothes like Winners or
Had enough? Me neither. There’s more to come as I continue to pinch my pennies and make new money-saving discoveries. Stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment