Speak up for yourself and make a habit of asking what discounts are available
Speak up for yourself and make a habit of asking what discounts are available. Many retailers and service providers have discounts that are not disclosed unless you ask.
"Resist impulse buying!"
"Resist impulse buying. You’re on a mission. Those enticing distractions are costly."
"Use cash or debit cards and not credit cards"
Use cash or debit cards and not credit cards. Keep a credit card for emergencies and credit score but only use it if you can pay off the balance in full every bill.
"Never pay full price when shopping"
Never pay full price when shopping. Do research and find competitors, wait for the item to go on sale, use coupons or resist buying the item.
"Use free and trustworthy tools to get cash back and/or discounts."
"Use free and trustworthy tools, like ebates.com or grocery store loyalty cards, to get cash back and/or discounts on needed purchases. Don’t use these perks for unbudgeted items."
"Walk instead of driving."
Walk instead of driving. Use public transportation instead of driving or private transport. If you lack public transportation, join or create a car pool.
"Switch to pot-luck events where everyone contributes"
Cut back on in-home entertaining or switch to pot-luck events where everyone contributes.
"Cut back on high-cost entertainment."
Cut back on high-cost entertainment. Take advantage of free or low cost entertainment provided by your city, county and state including parks, museums and concerts.
Start talking to your family or friends more about budget and financial issues
Start talking to your family or friends more about budget and financial issues. Not talking about money helps hide problems and keeps you in a victim mode. Talking about money also helps others bring you information such as good financial investments.
"Sell or donate goods you no longer need"
Create an annual, quarterly or monthly habit of selling or donating goods that you no longer need.
