Confession: I am a big spoiled baby. I want what I want, and I want it now. Trying to save money sure can interfere with all that wanting, so it just don't come natural 'round these parts. But I fancy myself a clever girl, and one of my most magical tricks in my Marry Poppins (get it? wedding nerd alert!) bag-o-tricks, is finding little ways to save that add up to some phat-ass savings in no time! And, cuz I loves ya, I'm about to divulge 10 good'uns to get you started!
1. Ditch your pricey shaving cream, and use your hair conditioner instead. Its a moisturizing and soothing lubricant generous with clean shaves and soft skin. You should have plenty leftover, after all, you really need only condition the lower half of your hair on any given day.
2. Kick Pam and her spritzy sisters to the curb. Fill a dollar store spritzer bottle with your favorite cooking oil, and control your flow for less! Forget pricey spray-oil aerosol cans, for good. Psst, this also works with salad dressing, yo. DIY calorie cutting, made easy.
3. Cancel your home phone. Use your cell and get a Skype account (its free) to stay connected to your loved ones, and your money.
4. Cut the cable cord. Get a digital antennae to get the basic channels, and sign up for netflix to keep up with your favorite cable series, new releases, and old favorites. It might even help save you time by eliminating the temptation of hundreds of channels.
5. Special occasion? Go out for a late lunch date and call it early dinner at your favorite restaurant and avoid the nighttime markup. See the matinee instead of the evening show. Go to the zoo or museum.
6. Get your R&R on: Refill & Recycle. At 7-11 you can refill your Big Gulp (or any cup) for just $0.99. Starbucks offers free refills to card carrying customers, and is starting a rewards program beginning Dec. 26th. Now you can justify your habit by saving green and being green.
7. Shacking up? Get your plans in order: car insurance, cell phone and other types of rate plans often offer family discounts to cohabitors. Even if you're not married yet, you can whet your palate with those sweet family bonuses! Also double check your used minutes for the past few months - you might find that you don't need so many after all.
8. If you're anything like us, your clothes are endlessly wrinkled (and possibly notsofresh). But don't waste your pennies on Wrinkle Release or Febreeze sprays! An old theatre trick is to mix half vodka (use something cheap) and half water, with a few drops of your favorite scent, in a spray bottle. Mist over clothes that need a pick-me-up and smooth down. The vodka not only helps release wrinkles but also freshens the scent of your clothes! Works like a charm every time.
9. Practice patience. This is a hard one, but it really works. If you are on the verge of making a purchase that you fear feeling shopper's remorse for later, put it down and say to yourself "if I still want it tomorrow, I'll come back for it (or buy it online)". The pressure of wedding plans can make a girl feel rushed into many decisions just to be able to cross another item off the list. But don't fall prey to panic spending. Use a sleep on it policy as often as possible, it could save you a bundle!
10. Forget your troubles, c'mon get happy... hours, that is! Learn the happy hour deals at your favorite haunts to score stellar savings while maintaining a social life and blowing off some steam. Within blocks of our house there are $2.50 margaritas to be had, people. I ain't afraid to tell you, I know a good happy hour within 10 minutes of my house for every day of the week. It's essential.
So go forth and save! ... but first dish up some tips of your own, maybe they'll be in the next top ten.
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