Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Top 5 Weird Ways People Try to Save Money

Disclaimer: This was NOT written by me! My Top 5 Weird Things People do to Save Money (and the rational alternative)
inspired from money blog times. Written by Mr. Savvy at Budget Savvy Diva!

Save on flushing:
Put a weight, like a sealed plastic bottle full of sand, in the tank to displace water. Each flush should save about half a gallon to a gallon. If you have a family that flushes a lot you could save close to a hundred dollars in a year’s time.

Why it’s weird:
Granted, it’s better than the mellow yellow routine, but you’re toying with water flow in an area that I feel is very crucial.

The alternative:
If you really want to save water, the five minute shower is a time honored practice. Just go in there and get the job done without zoning out. Sure the hot water feels nice and you don’t want that uncomfortable cold wet feeling when you turn the water off, but you only make it harder on yourself by waiting. Cutting the time of your shower down to essentials eliminates waste of about four gallons a minute. Also, fixing leaks, washing laundry with a full load and turning off the faucet when brushing teeth all effectively eliminate waste.

Save on meat:
Stock up on holidays when the turkey and ham is cheap and freeze it. Invest in a stand alone freezer to maximize savings!

Why it’s weird:
Besides the up front spending on a freezer that can fit all your discount meat, there’s also the matter of excess electricity that makes me wonder how worth it this really is, just to have some turkey and ham on hand.

The alternative:
Chicken thighs are a great way to get your protein fix on the cheap. You don’t have to have a semi-annual stockpile. Pay attention to weekly ads for your local groceries. If you have a nearby Fresh and Easy they often have great selections on discount fish, steak and chicken.

Save at restaurants:
Request appetizer portions of entrees and save up to half on the check.

Why it’s weird:
Many places won’t do this. They call it a lunch portion and they offer it only at certain times. If they do grant your request, then you are likely going to spend no more than 20-25% less on a half portion.

The alternative:
If the entree portion is too big, ask for a box and you have a free meal later. That is an automatic save. You can also dine in the bar area and save by sharing a plate, or instead of an appetizer portion of an entree, just order an appetizer.

Save on tuition:
You can cut out a year of college by increasing your course load.

Why it’s weird:
Well, if you’ve been to, or attend college you know; But very few people can make it through to successful completion on such a heavy course load. You would have to do almost a year of college courses in high school to make this a plausible option.

The alternative:
Complete your Gen. Ed. requirements at a community college and transfer to a university. Don’t pay a cent out of pocket without first applying for a Federal Pell Grant and other scholarships.

Money Jar:
A lot of people save by charging themselves to do things like laundry, or tucking away a pledged amount $1 or $5 bills at the end of the day.

Why it’s weird:
You already have the money. You’re basically just tricking yourself into saving it and often times watching it slowly accrue without interest.

The Alternative:
Work out a budget. Figure out what you have to spend each week, or each month and put the rest away in a savings account. Now, you can do your banking online with some institutions, which makes transferring funds and achieving savings goals easier and faster than ever.

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