You can save money without changing your life completely. Try doing one thing differently and you'll move toward an improved bottom line, and less anxiety. Here are some ideas from Thrivent and AARP to get started:
Write it down
Our minds were made to think of ideas, not hold on to them over time. Help your actions and goals get accomplished by capturing them on a list. For most people, if they have a plan in their head, they don't have a plan.
First, name the things you want to do (items to save for or debts to pay). Then do the math and list the things you need to do to reach goals like "save $50 more dollars a month to have enough for a vehicle down payment by the middle of next year." Finally, keep the list visible - put it someplace where you'll see it so that you can remember to work toward your goals.
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Go generic
Store brands are usually as good as the brand name - they may be made with the same ingredients (as in the case of food and drugs) and may even be made in the same factories. And they're often cheaper because they don't have nationwide marketing campaigns to support.
SNAP
Of those eligible, 68 percent don't sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. More than 40 retailers accept SNAP in Casper. Apply for benefits through the Wyoming Department of Family Services. See their programs and contact them at http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/.
Gave at the office
If you made charitable donations via payroll deductions, don't forget them when you do your taxes. There is no line on W-2 forms for them, but they will be listed on pay stubs (for you to track your generosity, and prove it too).
Combine plans
Look at three providers for car and renter/homeowner insurance together to increase your savings.
No co-pay
The new health care law provides for free preventative tests by participating Medicare providers, such as wellness checkups, mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings. Your workplace may have a wellness program that, if you participate in it, could save you money.
Have a spending lockout
Try a two-week spending lockout. Have everyone in your family make a running list of things they think they "need." Ask them to wait to purchase these "needs" for 14 days. The delay will give them a chance to consider, "Do I really need it?" Perhaps not.
Performance matters
With the recession and economic uncertainty, you may have looked at your investment portfolio. Were their some underperforming dogs in it? Where the fees charged worth the return? Commissions and high cost mutual funds eat at returns; low-cost mutual funds and index funds can help you easily avoid unnecessary costs.
Avert your eyes
Turn away from the ads and throw out the catalogs. Looking at sale ads that are emailed to you or in magazines and newspapers only entices you to spend more money. If you didn't need it before you saw the ad, why is it a good idea later? Revisit the Spending Lockout if you're tempted, and unsubscribe from the store lists.
Use warehouse stores wisely
Shop from a list; buy what you need. A good deal isn't so good if you wind up throwing half of it away.
Lay down the law with your free-spending friends
Inform them of your interest in spending less. You'll find most will be supportive.
If you're still looking for more ways to save, you can peruse the popular 66 Ways to Save Money publication: www.66ways.org.
