During the Depression, people had to get downright savvy in order to survive. They used tips and tricks to scrimp and save every dollar.
Nowadays there are often two members of the family working to make ends meet and they still need to be savvy and save.
Using a few Depression-era and modern money-saving tricks can get you much closer to that vacation you always wanted, a new car, saving for college, or starting a new business.
Here are 15 money saving life hacks to put some dough back in your pocket:
1) Know When To Buy A Car
Buying a car at the end of the year or month can save you hundreds if not thousands. This is the time when dealerships are trying to get rid of old inventory and meet quotas so they are more likely to give you a good deal, even if it means they lose out. Get more info on ways to save money when buying a car here.
2) Substitute Meat With Other Proteins
Meat can get expensive but you can still get your protein in without paying for the high cost of meat. Try substituting meat in one or two meals per week with other high protein, but less expensive, foods like beans or eggs. You’ll find some delicious recipes, like black bean lasagna, here.
3) Save On Prescription Drugs
Instead of going straight to your local pharmacy, you might be able to save big bucks by shopping elsewhere. Places like Sam’s Club and Costco offer discount prices on drugs and you don’t need a membership to buy them there. Drugs are regulated by the government and they can’t require a membership to use the pharmacy.
4) Buy Second Hand
You can get fantastic deals and find gems in thrift stores, second-hand shops, and tag sales. You can also buy second-hand on the internet on places like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. This will save you tons of money when it comes to buying designer names or on things like furniture. Some sandpaper and a paint job can make that furniture look like you bought it brand new.
5) Do It Yourself
I saved more than $200 by installing the side mirror of my car by myself instead of bringing it into the auto shop. If it’s something small and not too technical you can buy the part yourself and watch a YouTube video on how to install it. Just be careful to read the fine print in your warranties because installing your own parts may void the warranty.
6) Fix It Instead of Tossing It
Got a pair of shoes that you love but are shot? Take it to the shoemaker instead of spending big bucks on a new pair. You can get your money’s worth and have your shoes last even longer by spending a few extra bucks.
7) Be Your Own Seamstress
I am super short so it’s a given that I’ll end up having to hem just about every long dress or pair of pants I buy. I would end up spending hundreds each year if I didn’t hem them myself. It’s super easy to do if you watch a YouTube video and can easily be done by hand without a sewing machine if you take the time. They also have tape or Velcro option to hem your pants if you’re not into sewing. All you have to do is measure, cut, apply the tape or Velcro, and iron over it to seal.
8) Cut Where You Can
Do you really need cable and a phone line if you already have Netflix and a cell phone? Do you really need all that data on your cell phone plan? Look for ways where you can cut corners and save.
9) Barter
Look for ways to barter with your family and friends to save money. Don’t have a lawnmower? Tell your neighbor you’ll mow his lawn and buy some gas if he lets you use his mower. Trade your neighbor a pie you baked for a few of his fresh eggs. Are you a painter? Offer to paint your dentist neighbor’s house in exchange for some dental work.
10) Upcycle Your Clothing and Furniture
There are loads of ways to upcycle your clothing and furniture. Use old nightgowns or t-shirts to make pillowcases or turn an old door into a headboard. You can find ideas on upcycling clothing here and furniture here.
11) Ask For Extra
Asking for extra sugar packets, wet naps, napkins, and condiments can pay off. You may literally never ever have to buy soy sauce. So don’t feel ashamed to ask for extra.
12) Dry on a Clothesline
Your dryer takes uses a lot of electricity which costs money. It is believed that using a clothesline instead can save you about $200 a year. It will also help your clothes last longer which also saves money.
13) Don’t Buy Swiffer or Dryer Sheets
Why pay for them when you can make your own for a fraction of the price? Use can use fuzzy socks from the dollar store as a Swifter dusting sheet and just toss it in the wash. You can learn how to make Swifter wet pads here. Learn how to make your own dryer sheets here.
14) Pay In Cash
Carrying cash makes you aware of how much you spend. Budget your cash and place each budgeted amount in a separate envelope. Research shows it’s much easier to overspend when you use a credit card and can’t physically see what you’re spending. Carrying larger bills will also prevent you from making impulse purchases because you’ll be less likely to break it until you really need to.
15) Change Holiday Traditions
This one sounds a little harsh but can save you so much money. Try changing your holiday traditions around so that the Easter Bunny arrives on Easter night and brings his gifts the day after Easter. This way you can go shopping when everything is on sale the next day. Thena Reading-Franssen’s parents used to tell her that the Easter Bunny got lost, but if you start your own traditions your kids won’t be any the wiser when they are super little.
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