Save money by creating quirky rituals: Save all the $5 bills from your wallet at the end of the day.
Bring your lunch to work every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until the end of the year. Boost your 401(k) contribution by 1 percent every time you get a raise.
Comparison shop for your auto or homeowner's insurance the day after your birthday each year.
Small rituals become habits -- and take a lot less time and energy than watching every penny you spend.
1. Cable TV: If you pay for premium cable services -- extra channels, HBO, etc. -- call your cable company and put your service on "vacation mode" between now and the end of the year. You'll still receive basic service, but save temporarily on the extras.
2. Prescriptions: Only about one-third of prescription drug purchases are mostly or fully covered by insurance, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey, and prices can vary by as much as $100 for the same drug. Always ask your physician for a generic equivalent, which can cost up to 40 percent less, then shop around.
3. Cell phones: 4. Food: This one takes a little more effort, but with about an hour of planning, I typically cut my grocery bill by one-third. I start at my grocery store's online circular, creating five to seven dinner menus based on what's on sale and in season (click on the item and the site creates your shopping list for you).
5. Drycleaning: 6. Utilities: 7. Taxes: 8. Money rituals: |
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