6 Quick Ways to Save Money Today

The phase “don’t sweat the small stuff” does not apply when it comes to ways to save money. In fact, just the opposite is true. The truth is, saving money requires an awareness of the hundreds of ways we spend our dollars. Tune in today, and focus on the many small decisions that you make because those decisions quickly add up. Should you go out for lunch? Will you stop at the mall after work? Really pay attention because you determine how much money you spend, and how much you save.

Saving big money takes time, but there are some quick and easy things you can do right now to get started. Here’s my list of 6 quick ways to save money. Continue doing these and you could save thousands of dollars each year.

1. Set the thermostat up 1 degree

Keeping the temperature just one degree higher in summer can save money on utility bills by as much as 5%.

2. Bring your lunch today, or pack one for tomorrow

When you are stuck all day in an office, or home with kids, it is very tempting to go out to eat at a restaurant. Eating out sure sounds better than eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. Set a goal to pack a lunch (or eat at home) one additional day this week.

3. Visit your local grocery store website, and make dinner tonight using sale items

Eating dinner out really runs up the food budget. Make a shopping list, and plan to eat at home using what’s on sale.

4. Look online for free or low cost activities for the weekend

There is plenty of free fun, if we take the time to look for it. Check out your city’s website, and local newspaper for free events this weekend. Plan ahead now, and you will avoid weekend spending splurges.

5. Use cold water to wash your clothes, instead of hot

It's more economical to wash your clothes in cold water since your not using hot water from the water tank, which costs money to heat. 90% of the energy used in washing clothes can be attributed to heating the water.

6. Avoid Shopping Temptation

Toss all the catalogs. Turn off the shopping channel. Only surf information sites (like mine!). You won’t be tempted to buy what you don’t see, so take some precautions to guard against buying what you want, and focus only on buying what you need.

That's it, that's 6 quick ways to save money. Want more? Click here for additional ways to save money.