SPEND LESS – SAVE MORE Presenter:

Diane W. Vitale

$ SAVING MONEY – USING COUPONS $

Coupons Dos

Find a coupon buddy and a coupon binder

Some stores will double or triple the coupon’s value

Pull coupons out to match grocery list

Online coupons sites such as RetailMeNot.com

Have an alternate e-mail address, so not to fill up your in box

Check your cash register receipts for coupons for future purchases

Don’ts

Don’t buy items that you would not normally buy

Don’t spend more in gas than the coupon is saving

Don’t pay for coupons online

SHOPPING TIPS

$100 new bill at home trick, if the purchase doesn’t warrant returning home to get the $100 bill, you probably do not need it

Place nonessential items in shopping basket, then only keep one, do not buy the others

Do not buy magazines, the library has them for free

Refer to Consumer Reports Magazine before purchasing major items

Buy cosmetics from a store or company that will allow returns

TIPS Hairstylist once a month appointments – often give discounts

Children eat free at some restaurants

If ordering online, contact customer support and ask for free shipping or discount, or a coupon for next time

Change the default setting on printers to draft.  They will use less ink/toner.  You can always change print quality for specific print jobs.

Cranking mowers once a month will help lengthen the life battery

Have a yard sale, designate money from sale for credit card payment – not more stuff

Cash coins in for groceries coupon or take cash and apply to credit card balance

Gas up in the mornings

Check the air pressure on tires 5% savings on gas, if inflated properly

Buy generic brands when possible

Lithium batteries last longer

Breaking down boxes will save on garbage bags

ELECTRICAL BILL

Tips For Lowering Your Electrical Bill

Ceiling fans clockwise (Winter)counter clockwise (Summer)

Open south facing window blinds, during the winter

Use thermal curtains to retain air conditioning, and prevent drafts during the winter

Unplug chargers, cell phones, iPods, e-readers, computers, when not in use

Once a month change out filters

Put a timer on your electric water heater that turns if off while you are asleep

Install door sweeps, can help as much as 5%

Turn off exhaust fan when exiting bathrooms

Install weather stripping around windows and doors

SPEND LESS – SAVE MOREREVIEW

Choose one of the areas we have discussed today to start your savings

Use free resources to learn more about spending less and saving more, the library has many resources

Don’t forget to ask about discounts that may be available to you

Review your monthly bills and concentrate on the one area that you need to save the most money and review the tips shared today