| In these hard economic times, everyone is looking | | | | With bartering websites like e-bay, Craigslist and |
| for ways to make money or to stretch their | | | | Freecycle you can find good deals on used items |
| dollars. It may seem impossible when your budget | | | | or even exchange something you have for |
| is so tight, but there are many simple ways to | | | | something you need. Used clothing stores are a |
| make money and reduce your monthly expenses. | | | | good place to shop especially for kids clothing. You |
| You can save money on your health insurance | | | | can get together with other families you know |
| and life insurance by doing a few things differently. | | | | and exchange clothing as your kids grow. |
| If you smoke, quit. Though it isn't easy, it will | | | | Some money saving ideas may take an |
| reduce your health insurance rates and your life | | | | investment at first, but will pay off in the end. If |
| insurance premium and payout. In addition to | | | | your job does not have an advancement |
| saving on insurance, quitting smoking will put a lot | | | | potential, you can go back to college to increase |
| of money back in your pocket. A moderate | | | | your skills or start a new career altogether. Many |
| smoking habit costs over $2,000 per year. That's | | | | colleges offer night courses or online classes that |
| about $20,000 for every decade spent smoking. | | | | you can fit into your schedule. In the competitive |
| Just think what you could do with an extra | | | | job market we live in having additional skills and |
| $2,000 this year! | | | | education can make the difference. The |
| Small changes at the grocery store and while | | | | investment will pay off in the end, if it helps you |
| shopping for clothes and necessities can help you | | | | to get a higher paying job. |
| save too. Coupons may seem like a passing idea, | | | | Having a reliable car doesn't mean having an |
| but there are still many valuable coupons found in | | | | overwhelming car payment. Buying a used car is |
| weekly newspapers, magazines, and on line. Many | | | | much more economical then trying to take on a |
| stores offer discount coupons if you sign up for | | | | car payment for a brand new car. Or even buy a |
| their online newsletters. Simple things like making a | | | | running car for under $1,000 and a book for that |
| list before you shop, or shopping only during sales | | | | car for $20, and you would be getting rid of |
| can put money back in your pocket too. Or have | | | | having car payments all together. Buying a used |
| weekly BOGO (buy one, get one) deals emailed | | | | car can also save you money on some insurance |
| to you so you can shop where the discount are. | | | | costs. And speaking of insurance, make sure you |
| If you are single, consider getting a roommate to | | | | shop around about every six months for new |
| help with the rent or mortgage. A roommate can | | | | insurance quotes to make sure you are still |
| also help share the food bill and other household | | | | getting the best deal. |
| expenses. If you are a college student, consider | | | | By doing some or all of these simple things you |
| living at home or off campus to save on room | | | | can save money and stretch your dollar. Pretty |
| and board. | | | | soon it will seem like money is floating all around |
| Buying used items can also help you save money. | | | | you. |