10 Money Saving Tips for the Average Home

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I am always looking for ways to save money. I coupon, and it only goes so far in an area that doesn’t double, so I am constantly looking for other ways that I can save our family money. Here are 10 out of the box tips I use to see how far I can stretch a dollar!

1. Cut products in half.

I do this for wipes and paper towels, among other products.

For wipes, you will need:
Bulk pack of wipes
Wipes container

Step 1. Tear wipes in half
Step 2. Place both halves in reused container
Step 3. Stagger each half for ease of use later
Step 4. Fill container

We run though wipes in my house and a lot end up wasted! Now when I use ‘6’ wipes to change a diaper, I’m really only using 3!! I usually prep multiple containers and put them in various rooms for whenever I need them.

For paper towels, you will need:
Roll of paper towels
Napkin holder

Step 1. Buy rolls that are not ‘select a size’
Step 2. Tear in half
Step 3. Fold and keep in napkin holder

For this tip I also keep a full roll on the paper towel holder. This is more of a replacement for the times you have a small mess, or when setting the dinner table. IMO, napkins are flimsy, but paper towels can be pricey! With this tip, I can buy I keep both of these items on my short ‘only buy name brand list’ and still save money.

2. Wash Baggies.

Ok you’re probably like, ‘umm what…?’ This tip is a two banger. Money saver, and planet friendly!
My Great Aunt Bernice lived through the depression and had an old school ‘save everything’ mentality. I used to think she was crazy when she would wash her baggies, that is, until I had to pay for my own. Now granted my washes top off around 10 per bag, she had baggies she would reuse for YEARS! Any kind from sandwich to freezer bags! If you don’t want to ‘wash’, you can also soak in a full sink and add a cap of bleach!

3. Check best by dates on meat.

“Use or freeze by’ does not mean bad. In reality, you hit the JACKPOT! Granted, I would like to eat grain free, free range, grass fed all the time, but the fact is we don’t. And when I can save a buck, I do. Most stores put their meats on sale a day or so before the sell by date. Don’t buy it if it looks strange. Super lean, high quality meat can be upwards of 25% off retail! With this tip, every 4th meal is free!  Every time I go to a big box store I check the meat section. I will buy a roast to take home and freeze when I only came to buy dish soap.

4. Use ‘refill packs’ and small bottles to cut down cleaning supply use.

I keep a mini bottle of dish soap for the counter filled to less than half full. I only refill it to less than half each time. It seems I am more aware of how much I use when the bottle is ‘almost gone.’ You can apply this idea to all of your cleaning products!

5. Buy in bulk, and split in smaller portions.

Simple. Split bulk packages into meal size portions and freeze that way. (in your rewashed baggies if you dare!!) If we are having chicken, I make enough for everyone and no extras. We rarely have left overs, and let’s face it, no one eats them anyway! (also makes for a cleaner fridge!) I take it a step further and split the ‘extras’ we buy into snack size baggies. (crackers, pretzels & etc) It removes the boxes, and saves space in my cupboards.

6. Recycle!

I’m not talking separating your trash. We save all of our plastic bottles and aluminum cans and take them directly to the scrap yard ourselves. If you pay for trash service, and set your soda cans by the street, in reality you’re paying someone to haul off your money!

7. Buy different brands and shop at different stores.

I used to shop at the same stores over and over. Quality differs across the board. I buy generic and name brand. I found that ‘one stop shopping’ wasn’t saving me money. Most stores price match, just do your homework!

8. Ditch your contract cell phone.

Two years ago we switched to a monthly plan. I had to buy the phone (that I LOVE) upfront and prepay my plan. Right now I have a plan with TRUE unlimited talk, text, and 4g WEB for $80/mo! My phone tethers and also becomes a hot spot so my entire house uses the WiFi. I can even use streaming video services on my smart TV without buffering!

9. Make a meal plan and stick to it!

Whether you plan out a week or a month in advance, time saved = money earned. Knowing what’s on the menu makes life much easier. When I combine making a monthly meal plan and buying/freezing beforehand, I see the greatest savings!

10. Sell Online.

Who has the time to set up, run, and clean up a yard sale?? Not me! I started selling the things we no longer use on social media. I joined local for sale groups in my area on Facebook and thousands of eyes see my items instantly. No more hoping people show up! No more hassle!! I have made hundreds of dollars with my old junk!

These tips have saved my family so much money, and some have made us money! Please share your money saving tips on this post by commenting below!!

About the Author: Megann resides in California with her husband and their two daughters.