You have to learn to spend less than you earn to win the money game.
We live in a microwave society of instant gratification. No one wants to wait for anything. We don’t want to wait in line; don’t want to wait to save up a down payment before buying a house; and on, and on, and on. We need to get a crockpot, not a crackpot, mentality where we accumulate the money for an item before we buy and not become discouraged when results take time to appear.
Part of our problem is our desire to “Keep up with the Joneses.” We need to stick to what we can afford regardless of any pressure that we might feel or what anyone else has. Competitiveness is a part of nature and to a degree, healthy. But when competition creates a buying war to see who can have the “best” when we have no business buying at all, then it becomes damaging.
People are always trying to save money, but most people are not in a position to save. After paying the mortgage or rent, utilities, car, credit cards, etc., there is little money to put aside. But we must learn to manage well what we do have; every little bit helps. Although some ways of saving money may not seem like much, once you add them up you will see how substantial they really are.
Here are some ways to spend less. 
Buy in bulk. Even if you have a small family you can split large quantities with other family members or friends. Some folks prefer that the stores carry the inventory; but in today’s economy with prices going up every day, it makes sense for you to carry some inventory at home. Also, think of how much you could save by replacing that specialty coffee with a big can of Folgers or Maxwell House from a warehouse club.
Use a shopping list and check your pantry and refrigerator before shopping to ensure you don’t buy what you already have.
Check your grocery receipt. It is not unusual to be charged twice for an item or the previous higher price for a sale item.
Eliminate those gym club memberships. There are a lot of inexpensive ways to exercise. Do yard work – doctors say that this is great for maintaining healthy bones. Take a walk around your neighborhood and finally meet your neighbors. Really clean your house or garage or basement or utility/tool shed.
Don’t write a check unless there is money in the bank. All of those bank fees for insufficient funds really add up. I know this is common sense, but sometimes, common sense ain’t common.
Shop around for insurance. Work with a good agent or insurance broker to ensure that you get the best deal. Get information on discounts such as good student, multi-car, multi-line, accident-free, etc.
Grow a vegetable garden. The food tastes better and you really get a sense of accomplishment. Just a garden of herbs for seasonings would be a cost cutter.
Pay your bills on time. All of those late fees add up. Companies are charging $25 to $50 for late payments.
Shop around for the best telephone and internet deals. Stay away from the bells and whistles and stick with the basic plans, and be sure that you understand your plan. Some people are shutting off their home or landline phones and using mobile phones. But there are ways to save on your landline phone, too. You can get just basic local service and use a cheap calling card for long distance or a long distance carrier with no monthly fee and a low per cents rate. If you are a long-time, paying-on-time customer, call and ask for a better deal. And be sure to review those bundling deals….the only thing that is getting bundled is your money for the company’s coffers.
Cancel subscriptions. Although it is always fun getting your favorite magazine or book in the mail, you should cancel them or at least some of them. Try asking your doctor or dentist what they do with their old magazines. Usually they are just discarding them and would be glad to keep them for you. And, you don’t need an appointment to get them, just set-up a convenient time with the office manager to pick them up.
Sell your stuff. While getting all that exercise from cleaning your house, garage, basement, etc., pull together all the items that you no longer use and have a yard sale, share a booth at the flea market or list them on eBay.
Squelch the smoking. This is one of the hardest habits to break. But in addition to saving your health and your life, you will also decrease your expenses. Cigarettes are quite expensive. If you can quit smoking, you will enjoy breathing easier and have more money in your pocket.
Make your own cleaning supplies. Adding ammonia or white vinegar to water is great for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. You not only save money, but prevent exposure to ingredients that may harm you and the environment.
Postpone the purchase of major household items until they go on sale. Did you know that the best time to buy furniture is during the Christmas holidays? No one is buying Grandma a sofa or little Suzy an armoire. So, deals are being made.
Insulate attics and install other weatherproofing to reduce utilities costs.
Use your public library. Why buy a book you’ll never refer to again? If you haven’t stopped by your local library lately, you may be surprised. You can check out the latest DVDs, attend networking events, and pick up New York Times bestsellers – or hang out and read the latest magazine issue – all for free! You can save on movie rentals, book purchases, and more.
Put the credit cards away. Credit cards are good for emergencies, but are often used for impulse buying to buy things that we can’t afford and really don’t need. I have heard that some folks avoid spur of the moment spending by literally freezing their credit cards and thawing them out for an emergency.
About the Author:
Myrtle Sanders is an online entrepreneur with varied interests. She has a network of websites offering ebooks, domain registration, hosting and more. Check out her main website at http://www.MyrtleSanders.com.