~Penny Pinching: 10 ways to save some money~

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We all need a little extra from time to time. Here are some ways to save that little extra for when you really need it:

10. Thrift shop:

You do NOT need $80 brand new jeans. You do not need brand-name shirts. You need to cover your bits, but you can do that in an affordable way. Thrift shops have some amazing clothes. It's not all your grandma's sweaters. It's those name-brand clothes that you want, which have been gently used and drastically re-priced so someone new can love them. You can get a pair of $50 boots for $6. That's pretty fantastic if you ask me!

9. Garage sale or craigslist shop for furniture:
The garage sale season is amazing. If you need a new set of plates and can't afford $8 PER plate, find a used set at a garage sale! Need a couch? Exercise machine? Baby stuff? Craigslist is a great place to look for bigger items and they are (usually) very affordable.

8. Save electricity:
This may seem like an obvious one, but shut off the damn lights. You don't need the whole freakin' house lit up if you're only in one room. (Mom scolding right there) You will be surprised at the difference it makes on your power bill.

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7. Coupons:
Another obvious one, but often overlooked. There are sights for most big chain stores that offer pages of coupons you can print off. They also show you how much money you could be saving while using them. SO, the next time you grocery shop - go to your grocer's website (if they have one) and check out their available coupons. You could literally save hundreds! Don't have a website? Make sure you pick up that sales pamphlet that is always waiting for you right when you walk in. The more you save with coupons - the more money you have in your pocket.

6. Stop eating out:
What the hell is the point in buying all those groceries if you're just going to eat at McDonald's instead? I'm not saying "never eat out again". What I'm saying is to limit it. Eating out should be special anyways. If you do it all the time, you won't find romance on a dinner date.

5. Grow your own (food):
Grow your own fruits and veggies.
Even if you live in an apartment, you can find a little space to grow some tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, strawberries, whatever you want. Fresh fruits and veggies are super expensive.
Also, did you know that you can regrow SOME of what you run out of? Stick that lettuce butt in a cup of water (leaving the top exposed) and watch it grow! Celery, garlic, onions, there are SO many you can regrow to save you from buying more.

4. Ride a bike:
This one is more for in-town folks. If you live in a city, ride your bike in the warmer months (if possible). It will save you so much money on gas. Also, it's fantastic exercise!

3. Upcycling:
I know you've heard this term. Now, shopping is in my blood. But, you know what? You don't always need new threads. There are TONS of tutorials on how to make your existing clothes that you've grown bored of into something new to you and amazing! T-shirts, jeans, your man's clothes into dresses, socks into fingerless gloves, the list goes on and on! Plus - you will be the only one wearing it because it was specially made by you.

2. Sell your crap:
You know that box of stuff in the back of your closet that you never use? Sell it. Go through your things and find everything that you don't use and don't need anymore and get rid of it. Sell it online. Have a garage sale. Sell it on Facebook. You'll be surprised at how much extra cash you can get out of those useless things.

1. Bottle your change:
This is a big one. This one has saved my family so much money it's unreal. Take all that loose change you have at the end of every day and throw it in a jar. Put it somewhere for emergencies and leave it alone. If you have an extra dollar or two, throw it in as well. When the need arises - an unexpected expense will be less stressful when you can just cash in that change to cover it. My family saved up over $800 one year in just leftover change.

I have my own private jar for the fun stuff. I am a stay-at-home mom and I don't get paid for staying home and raising my children. So, every time my husband sends me to the store - I take the leftover change and throw it in a jar. When I need it for something important to me or I just want a small reward for my hard work - I cash it in and treat myself.

There are many more ways to save money out there. These are just a few to help you start out. Try it for a month and see the difference it makes! It will be worth your while!