7 Simple Ways to save Money This Year ...

1. Pay Attention

This sounds almost too simple, but hear me out. Pay attention to the little things. It's one of the simplest ways to save money this year. There are coupons almost everywhere if you pay attention. Most grocery stores print coupons for other establishments on the back of their receipts, but we’re always so quick to throw out the receipt that we don’t notice. Usually there are awesome coupons printed on the back, too. Who knows, your favorite restaurant could have coupons on the back of your grocery store receipts and you haven’t even noticed! Just pay attention!

2. Use the Internet

There is almost always a coupon code to be found on the Internet. It’s one of the joys of Internet shopping. Use the Internet to your advantage. Scour the Internet for coupon codes, sign up for emails, or check out their social media profiles. There’s always something that you can use to save a little bit of money.

3. Don’t Settle for Retail Price

Never pay full price for anything, unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you simply can’t find coupons or a gently used version for a cheaper price, wait it out. If it’s not a necessary purchase that cannot wait, give it a few weeks and wait for the price to drop. It most likely will, and you’ll be glad that you didn’t spend full price on it.

4. Cut out What You Don’t Use

If you’re a member of a gym but haven’t gone in months (or even years, we’re not judging!), cancel the membership. If you’re a Netflix subscriber but don’t remember the last time you watched something on Netflix (is that even possible?), cancel the subscription. It might not seem like a big deal to keep your subscription going, but a few bucks every month really starts to add up!

5. Join Frequent Customer Clubs

A lot of different frequent customer clubs offer amazing benefits. If you have a Kroger in your area, they give you points to take money off of your gas. You can get up to a dollar off per gallon of gas, and that’s just one store that runs a promotion like that. So many stores run awesome loyalty schemes, so it’s definitely worth it to sign up for frequent customer programs to any stores that you go to fairly often!

6. Go Generic

There’s often a stigma against generic products, and there shouldn’t be. Usually the generic products are exactly the same as name brand products, with a fraction of the price tag. While I’m sure there are a few exceptions to this rule, generally it’s not worth it to buy name brand products when generic products are so similar. You’ll save a lot of money every week with very little sacrifice!

7. Skip Starbucks

Starbucks and other coffee shops in general are a huge, easily forgotten, money-suck. On the low end, you could spend nearly thirty dollars a week on coffee alone. Cut that total down immensely by making your own coffee every morning. Starbucks makes it especially easy by selling their coffee beans. It’s almost too easy.

How are you saving money this year? What are your tips? I’m always looking to save a few extra bucks, so let me know in the comments!