Money Saving Tips for a New Year

Lot’s of New Year’s resolutions have to do with saving money. Maybe yours is one of them! One of the ways I've decided to save this year is by cutting out fast food and sugary drinks but I found out saving money here and there can be a lot easier than you think – it just takes some planning ahead.

8 Tips for Saving Money in 2015

1. Start meal planning – You’ll be surprised to see your grocery bill shrink when you go to the store with a specific list because you've planned your meals for the week. This is also a simple way to cut back on fast food and eating out.  Casseroles make great leftovers, especially if you’re only cooking for two.  Plan ahead so that on your busy nights you can simply reheat something from the night before instead of ordering take out.

2. Stock up when you find a deal – You don’t have to shop at Costco or Sam’s Club to find great savings on everyday items. When you see a special deal on paper products, condiments or pasta sauce, take advantage! You can even find great deals online.

3. Buy produce from the local farm stand – This may not be possible if you live in the city, but try shopping the local market or produce stand instead of the big box stores for produce during spring/summer. You’ll find great savings on sweet corn, tomatoes and seasonal fruit like strawberries.

4. Grow a garden – If you've got the space and a green thumb, try growing your own herbs and veggies. Tomato plants are super cheap and easy to maintain. It’s also fun to grow your own pumpkins and gourds in the fall!

5. Cancel your home phone – Save on your TV / Internet / Telephone bill by cancelling what you don’t use. Maybe for you that’s going from a million channels to basic cable. With apps like Netflix and Hulu you can still watch your favorite shows. Not sure how you can cut back, call your cable or internet provider and ask about any recent promotions or deals - they want to keep your business and may be able to offer you a better price. 

6. Stop wasting plastic bags and switch to reusable food containers – How cute are these Disney Princess sandwich containers for lunch at school?

7. Save manicures and pedicures for special occasions – There’s tons of affordable options that look just as good as a professional manicure! Check out Impress Press-On Manicure and Jamberry Nails - both offer stick on nails that adhere to your natural nail and cost just a fraction of the price you'd pay for a regular gel manicure. Plus, they last just as long!

8. Shop online for great deals on everyday items – Good Buys All the Time has bargains on the brands you love like Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees and Tom’s of Maine. When you shop online you're not distracted by in-store gimmicks and end of aisle sales so it's a lot easier to stick to a list. Give it a try!