1. tending or serving to save; rescuing; preserving. 2. compensating; redeeming: a saving sense of humor. 3. thrifty; economical: a saving housekeeper. 4. making a reservation: a saving clause.
In my quest to find information about being healthy, I ran across this article that is "a to z guide to everyday savings" This article comes from Better Homes and Gardens , August of 2009, p 227-234. What does this have to do with health? Well... I don't know about you, but I feel better about myself when I stay within my budget and feeling good about myself is a part of my health... at least I think so! I have shortened the article so you can get the idea of the article, if you want to read the whole article; Better Homes and Gardens, August 2009.
A is for automate. Do you know where your money goes? Keep track of it for free at Mint.com.
B is for beauty. Hit the local beauty school to save half or more on the cost of kids' haircuts. If you like what you see, try it for yourself!
C is for credit cards. Does your credit card pay you to use it? Look for a card with rewards that match the way YOU spend. READ THE FINE PRINT.
D is for dollar bill. Unless traveling, leave the plastic at home and carry cash. If you have a grocery budget of $100 a week, only bring the $100, if you go over, put it back!
E is for eating out. The average family spends $2668 in restaurants per year. Get coupons at restaurant.com or entertainment.com.
F is for food shopping. Make a shopping list and stick to it. Find coupons at Redplum.com or smartcource.com. USE THE COUPONS.
G is for gas. Gasbuddy.com can show you where the cheapest gas is. Keep your car maintained and tires properly inflated to get the best gas mileage.
H is for household products. Mix your own cleaners. For tips see BHG.com/features/living-green.
I is for insurance. Review your policies every year. Did something change, get the adjustment right away. Insurance.com is a good place to shop prices.
J is for java. Drinking coffee out once in awhile is good but grind your own beans at home for a fresh cup. invest your savings in a quality programmable coffeemaker and couple of thermal to-go cups.
K is for kids. Kids should have chores and get an allowance early on so they can learn to earn and spend and budget. Pearbudget.com and JustThrive.com are great money management tools.
L is for library. The computer allows you to request books, audio books and movies are available from your home.
M is for medicine. Go to Pillbot.com or PharmacyChecker.com to check on prescription pricing. Find the best price!
N is for negotiating. Sometimes cable, internet and phone companies are motivated by the statement " Times are tough. I would hate to leave, but this is too much money. Are you sure there isn't anything else you can do"
O is for online deals. Dealnews.com and pricegrabber.com are good shopping sites. Gazaro.com and Pricespider.com shop electronics while shopittome.com has clothing, bags, and shoes. Manufacturer discounts can be found at promotionalcodes.com and freeshipping.org for free shipping and codes.
P is for pets. Buy the big bags of dry food at a pet center and use coupons. Keep it fresh in a plastic tub. Flea medicine is cheaper online than from your vet.
Q is for quality. When it comes to furniture, pay more for quality. Buy the sofa that may cost you more but will last five years versus the cheap one that will last two years.
R is for repairs. Build a relationship with a mechanic while your car is running well so they will be less likely to gouge you when in need.
S is for school supplies. Staples.com, OfficeDepot.com, target.com and amazon.com are easy shopping sites. Shop early so you can find everything you want at one store rather than using up your gas running all over the place.
T is for telephone. Drop your landline if you're not using it. Check out cell phone plans to make sure you are getting the best deal.
U is for utilities. Replace lights with compact fluorescent bulbs. Install a programmable thermostat. Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
V is for vacations. Priceline.com can save you money or try cheapcheapcheap.com. Ask the manager when you arrive at a hotel if there is a better rate available, sometimes you get lucky!
W is for workouts. If you're an infrequent use, cancel that gym membership and buy a day pass here and there. Or buy a video and do it at home! beachbodycoach.com/kellefitz
X is for x-ray. If you don't have insurance, negotiate. A Harris interactive poll found that 54% of people who negotiated with their doctor for lower rates were successful.
Z is for zen. Let go of your desire to acquire, and you'll be richer in more ways than one.
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