Job change and relocation often add more expenses (or sometimes less). Since I started at the new job, I find myself spending more on housing and food. Housing is obviously more in this part of
Jersey. I also eat out more.Well, like yummy saves recommended, I'm putting some efforts to save a few dollars a day:
Save $3.06 (2 x $1.53) on Starbucks coffee
:: I usually drink 2 cups of coffee. Since there is decent free coffee at work, no need to buy!
Save $2 on gym membership
:: Instead of $60/mo on gym membership, I use the free gym (although small, but it has tread mill and free weights I need) at work.
Any tips on effortless ways to save a little here and there?
November 3rd, 2006 at 01:03 pm 1162558998
when it comes to eating out: take advantage of loyalty cards some restaurants offer. you know, buy 9 burritoes and the 10th is free sort of thing. if you don't mind leftovers, take home some of what you eat for dinner, and eat it for lunch. or use it to cook with: leftover steak from a restaurant dinner makes pretty good stirfry.
November 3rd, 2006 at 08:13 pm 1162584794
November 4th, 2006 at 03:09 pm 1162652952
My goal for me (I quite often blog what I spent in the day) is to be aware about my spending. I often buy a meal or a coffee out. But now I look for cheaper alternatives and spend a second to decide if this is going to get me to my longer term goals.
I think I blogged this one the other day but a great way for me to save money is to delay my purchases by a day. If you really reallly want and need it, just wait a day until you buy it. Amazing how after a night's sleep you can think of a less expensive alternative or how that $100 blouse is suddenly less sexy, perfect etc..
November 4th, 2006 at 03:54 pm 1162655690
November 5th, 2006 at 07:18 am 1162711103
Assuming you work 200 days a year (rounding it off kind off), and drink coffee and eat lunch outside only during your working days.
Saved on starbucks coffee: $3.06 * 200 = $612
Saved on lunches: $6 *200 = $1200
Even if you don't eat lunch/drink coffee everyday..it can still be a very significant amount.
November 5th, 2006 at 07:36 pm 1162755385
As many have said before, I also try to brown bag my lunch. If coworkers go out, then I do ask to check out the specials. Even fast food places sometimes have discounts- ie subway features "Sub of the Day" where a different 6 inch sandwich is $1.99 every weekday. I never buy a drink and just ask for a cup for water. At restaurants, sometimes I order an appetizers as an entree if that place is known to have large portion sizes. And I always ask for a 'doggy bag.'
November 6th, 2006 at 04:27 am 1162787238
thank you all for the awesome tips! so practical and useful.