101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: See your Successes

It is important to have an understanding of money. Keep a journal where you can see your successes when it comes to saving money.

This is a difficult task and takes time to learn but worth it. By keeping a list of the situations or ways you have saved money in front of you, you will be encouraged to keep going.

These successes can be small or large.

For example, if you normally buy your lunch, costing you from $5.00 to $7.00 per day and one week straight you packed your own lunch for $3.00 per day that is a success.

If you wanted to buy a new dress but held off until it went on sale, saving 50%, that is another success.

Saving money requires some investigative skills, desire, determination, and creativity. Once you get in the habit of saving money, you will feel better about yourself and enjoy life much more
without debt hanging over your head!

Hopefully these tips will help you plug some of those big money leaks and I’m sure just by thinking about it you will think of many more ways to save money in your own life.

All the best
PRO TEAM

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Freebies

Check out freebie sites such as TotallyFreebies.com or SassySue.com where you will find all types of sample items ranging from cosmetics to books to clothing.

Most have no shipping charges and the ones that do are minimal. By filling out a few forms, you will receive sample size soaps, lotions, shampoos and conditioners, etc., which are ideal for the
traveler.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Pocket Change

Keep a jar or some type of container handy and each time you come home, drop in your change. Every time you break a bill, put the change in your container. You will be amazed how quickly
your money will build.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Seasonal Buys

One to three days after a holiday, stores mark their holiday items from 50% to 75% off. This is an ideal way to stock up on next year’s Christmas or Halloween decorations. This is true for stores
that sell seasonal clothing as well. Shopping for jackets or sweaters in the summer will provide you with great deals.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Rebate Programs

When you shop, always keep your eyes open for rebate programs. Although filling out the forms and clipping the UPC codes from a box is a hassle, the money you save is worth it.

Some rebate items are not listed as offering a rebate. Check out AsmartShop.com or Rebateplace.com to see if any of your recent purchases offer a rebate.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Squelch the Smoking

This is probably the hardest habit to break but in addition to saving your health, you will also save money. Cigarettes have become quite expensive and if you can quit smoking, you will enjoy breathing easier and having more to put away for a rainy day.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Baby Food

Instead of buying expensive baby food, make your own. You can use fresh vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn, run it through the blender, and then freeze individual servings in ice cube trays.

When it comes time to feed the baby, simply pop out a cube of food, defrost, and you have instant food. This is a real time and money saver.

Most foods can be frozen. In fact, if you make family foods like spaghetti or soups simply make a smaller portion with less salt and spice, puree, freeze just like the vegetables.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Discount Books

Purchase a discount coupon book, which generally costs around $25. As long as you use it faithfully and base your choices on options featured in the book, you can save hundreds of dollars. These books are great for restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and tons of entertainment and provide great variety and even better discounts.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Ball Games

Instead of spending your money on overpriced items at the ballgame, take your own cooler of food. Some professional stadiums no longer allow this so check before going. If you have a son or daughter that plays little league or soccer, this is a great way to save money over paying high concession stand prices.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Freeze Foods

When you grocery shop, look for bargains on items that can be frozen. Most people do not even think about shredding block cheese and freezing it.

Did you know that you could even freeze eggs?

You can as long as you give them a little room to expand. When ready to use, simply set them out at room temperature. If you find apples on sale, make your own apple pies and freeze them or
make applesauce.

Many food items can be frozen with no problem. Therefore, the next time you see a great bargain think about freezing. (Dairy products other than cheese do not generally freeze well).

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Long Distance Calling

If you do plan to use long-distance calling, shop around for the right carrier and be sure to read the small print. Even if you like your current carrier, you might be able to find an equally liked carrier for less money.

Long distance is a very competitive market so deals are easy to find. The same would be true for your wireless carrier. The plans range vastly from one carrier to another so check out all your
options for the best one.

Do not forget to look at the coverage area. If you choose a carrier that does not have the right coverage for your area, even if the price is better, there is no savings if you cannot send or receive
calls.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Instant Messaging / Microphone

Rather than spend a small fortune in long distance, contact friends and family via instant messaging on the Internet. In addition, you can download a program that will allow you to connect a microphone and actually have a voice conversation free.

All you pay for is the normal price of your Internet connection, which generally runs from $9.95 to $21.95 a month. Either option allows you to have real-time conversations for no extra money.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Dinner Guests

Invite friends over for dinner as a potluck. People love sharing their favorite recipe and by splitting dinner, everyone enjoys variety while saving money. In fact, make this a tradition amongst your friends.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Previously Viewed

Home videos and DVDs are hot items and perfect for any family entertainment. Now you can visit the major video chains and purchase previously viewed videos and DVDs for about half the
cost.

For example, at Blockbuster, you can purchase either one and get a 30-day warranty. This is still a wonderful way to have quality entertainment for a terrific savings.

Another great option is to record your own movies either from TV or any of the popular cable channels such as HBO, Showtime or Disney.

Rather than hitting the theater every weekend, make it a special occasion. Instead, pop your popcorn, grab a soda, spread out a blanket, and create your own theater-type atmosphere.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Christmas Fund

Many banks and financial institutions offer a Christmas Fund program. This is an excellent way to put aside some money for your holiday shopping so you do not end up with a ton of spending.

With these programs, you do not even miss the money and better yet, less stress around the holidays.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Appropriate Deductions

Rather than spending money just for the sake of spending, change the amount of deductions you have taken from your paycheck for your 401K or stock options.

This is especially great if your company offers a competitive matching program. Increasing the amount you have deducted can quickly add up to a nice savings and is especially nice for retirement.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Live Within your Means

The quickest way to get in debt is to live beyond your means. Sure, most people want more than they have but life is not all about spending money.

Be thankful for what you do have and learn how to enjoy the financial position you are in. This is where your budget will help identify the amount of money coming in against the amount of debt going out.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Life Satisfaction

Learn how to enjoy life and nature rather than possessions. The next time you feel like spending money, head to your local park where you can enjoy the warm sun, green grass, and towering
trees without spending a dime.

Being happy in life is far better than buying item after item. Having an inner peace is better than having a house filled with “things.”

That does not mean you cannot enjoy some of the finer things in life it just means learning how to be happy with yourself and not “things.”

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Computer Software

In order to keep on track with your debts and credits, you need to use some type of software such as Quicken or Quick Books. This will keep you focused on your goals and tasks while you strive to
achieve them.

Additionally, rather than buy software programs to download, first check Download.com or Freeware.com to see if there are free versions to download.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Coordinate Efforts

If you are married, make sure you and your spouse are working on the same agenda. If one is trying to save money while the other is busy spending, what is the point? When you work as a
team, you can encourage each other to keep on track with your saving.