Simple Savings Strategies
by Mary Abreu

Most people would agree that they’d like to save money on regular expenses. However, few realize how easy it is to cut pennies here and there – which can add up to big bucks over the course of a year. Keep reading for real-life tips on saving.

Clip coupons
Melanie Scott of East Point does Internet searches for coupons she can redeem, in addition to clipping them out of the Sunday paper. “You’d be surprised by how much they add up,” says the mother of two. “There have been trips to the grocery store where I’ve saved about $30 and I thought that was a big deal.” She even uses the coupons printed on the back of her receipts. The best buys are coupons used on sale items – which might make it worthwhile to stock up.

Buy store brands
On the items where you’ll notice the difference in quality, go ahead and stick to the brand you love. When it comes to generic foodstuffs, there’s no reason to shell out extra for the brand name.

Home brew
Scott started making her own coffee at home, taking it with her in a travel mug, instead of hitting the coffee shop or drive-through. Trading that daily $1.70 gourmet cup of java for pennies-per-cup home brew could save more than $8 a week. That’s about $400 a year.

Comparison shop
Debbie Siniard, a mother of three who lives in Cartersville, has become adept at comparing prices on items she plans to buy. “Usually I go online first to see if I can find the in-store prices and compare that way,” she says. “If not, I just check all the local stores.” Siniard also will ask stores if they will honor a competitor’s price on an item – or even beat it.

Eat in, not out
Dinnertime is an afterthought for many busy families. Work, extracurricular activities and family obligations often send folks to a restaurant instead of the dinner table. Instead, take some downtime to plan a menu for the next two weeks, including a night or two for leftovers. Make a grocery list at the same time, then follow through and actually buy what’s on your list. Before you go to bed each night, assemble the ingredients for the next night’s meal and put it in the fridge. If you’re really organized (or pressed for time during the week)you can do the early prep work – browning ground beef, cooking and chopping chicken, etc. – on the weekend, then stick everything in the freezer. An added bonus to making menus, says Scott, is that she makes fewer trips to the grocery store, which keeps her from buying items that weren’t on her list.

When you do eat out …
Look for restaurants that offer specials aimed at families, like a free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchase. So many eateries serve giant portions, it may be worthwhile to split an entrée with your spouse or plan to take home half for lunch the next day. “I share meals with my daughter,” says Scott. “I also order water. Drinks may end up more than $2 each at a restaurant. I’d rather have the extra money to spend on the fun stuff.” Don’t forget to check your coupon stash for those you can redeem at restaurants. If the average restaurant outing sets you back $40, you could save $8-$20 by trying these tips.

Economical pampering
Siniard still gets her hair done regularly but schedules appointments every eight weeks instead of every six. If you spend $45 for a haircut and tip, you’ll save $90 a year by stretching out those hair appointments. Addicted to your weekly manicure? Invest in a bottle of quality nail polish and take it with you to the salon, then do your own touch ups at home. This can give you a couple of weeks between salon visits (and save you $15 a week). Don’t forget to check local beauty schools; student cosmetologists and estheticians offer discounted services so they can gain real-life experience.

Pre-owned goods
Consignment stores and sales, yard sales and auction sites like eBay are perfect for bargain hunters. Scott not only buys used clothes for her two children, 3-year-old daughter Jayce and 4-month-old son Caden, but she even sells their outgrown clothes.

Car care
Instead of taking your car to a detailing shop, wash it yourself. On a pretty day, this is a great activity to do with the kids Take care of oil changes yourself. It’s not only inexpensive and easy but a valuable skill to share with your children.

Babysitting solution
Swap childcare with another family. Your kids will enjoy having playmates for the evening while you and your spouse get some time off.

Tax holidays
For the past couple of years, the state of Georgia has provided a sales-tax holiday in August, giving shoppers a reprieve from paying sales tax for back-to-school items. Clothes, school supplies, personal computers and even some energy-efficient appliances have been included in the list of exempt purchases. The average U.S. family spent $527 on back-to-school shopping in 2006; taking advantage of the sales-tax holiday would have saved that family $36.89.