Looking to keep your money instead of running out by the month’s end?  By saving only a few dollars a month, you can keep your wallet (or savings account) full without sacrificing the items you’ve come to depend upon (and some of the others that you just really enjoy).  Try using these strategies to keep your money in your pocket- you’ll be amazed at how much you can save on a monthly basis.

1. Commit to using at least $5 in coupons each week. Using coupons may require a few minutes of your time, but they’re a great way to ensure you’re keeping money for yourself instead of overpaying at the checkout counter.  Total monthly savings: $20
2. Barter. Have a friend who gives haircuts?  Offer to watch her children or make her dinner, or trade your professional services instead of payment.  Total monthly savings:  $20+
3. Make your own coffee (or just get a smaller cup). If you just can’t live without your daily Starbucks, ask for a “Short”- this 8 oz. cup of coffee will give you the flavor (and caffeine) that you love at a reduced price.  Even better, try making coffee for yourself or switch to a cheaper café.  Total monthly savings: $10-$75.
4. Limit the amount of cash in your wallet. Every time I have a few extra bucks in my wallet, I have an urge to splurge it away (why walk when I have money for a cab?).  I’ve found that a great way to keep your money is to keep it safe- and only keep a bit of cash in your wallet for emergencies.  Keeping your cash safely tucked away will make you think twice before making a purchase or withdrawing money from the ATM.
5. Fill up your own gas. Believe it or not, I just learned how to fill up my own gas after years of driving.  It might sound crazy, but I never wanted to go to the trouble.  Now that I’ve realized how much I save each time I fill up (which is often), I can’t believe I’ve waited this long. Total monthly savings: $5+
6. Order in. If I wanted to be radical, I’d suggest that eliminating your entertainment budget can exponentially increase your cash.  But I recognize that everyone needs to relax a bit…and that’s OK.  A great way of keeping money and still enjoying yourself is to order your favorite dinner in- you’ll save the tip and the cost of the babysitter.  Ditto for the movies.  Instead of going out, consider renting in.  (Who knows, you may even enjoy the ability to pause for a bathroom break!) Total monthly savings: $15-$150
7. Turn off your electricity during the day. Less usage means less expensive bills. It’s that simple. Total monthly savings: $10+
8. Clean your own house. It may be difficult for you to give up your house cleaner- but what about cutting back his or her hours?  As a neighbor if she wants to go halvsies each week or employ your cleaner every-other week. Total monthly savings: $50+
9. Avoid the mall. Even if you’re a shopaholic, you can train yourself to avoid the mall, a place in which impulse buys are almost always inevitable.  If you need something new, shop online or go to a specific store where you might find it so that you won’t be tempted by other offers.  If you need nothing, stay home entirely- there are less tempting places to hang out.  Total monthly savings: $10+

Use the library. It’s really not true that libraries are becoming obsolete- why spend money purchasing books or movies when you can borrow them for FREE?  Total monthly savings: $5+

10. Air-dry your clothing. You might think that I’m being unreasonable, but really, in most cases, there’s no reason not to air-dry your clothing.  And avoiding the dryer will definitely keep your money in your pocket each month.  Total monthly savings: $3+

If you’ve tried any other strategies for how to keep your money from flying out of your wallet, I’d love to hear them!

Happy Couponing,

Billy