5 Tips for the Cheap…er…I Mean, the Economically Savvy

I am a major-league cheapskate, so I have always liked to stretch my dollars like they’re Gumby figurines. Now that the economy is sinking like an anchor, I have collected a few more tips to stretch them even further. And I’m happy to share.

By Carly

1. Reuse plastic bags.

Does this seem like a no-brainer? I hope not, because for the longest time it just didn’t occur to me. You can reuse plastic grocery bags to carry your lunch (or various other sundries). You can also reuse plastic Ziploc bags—unless I’ve filled them with raw meat, I just rinse the bags with soapy water, run clean water over them, and let them dry. Ta-da! Ready to be used again.

2. Shop thrift.

You guys probably do this anyway, but try doing it exclusively for a month, just to see what happens. For clothes, shoes, and accessories only, pick up everything you need or want at thrift stores, secondhand shops, or consignment stores. You’d be amazed at some of the great stuff you can find. Last month I picked up a brand-new French Connection dress at a thrift shop for six bucks, no joke.

3. Look at the big picture.

Yes, the giant bottle of olive oil is $17, and the little one is only $6. But if you use olive oil every day, and you know you’re going to eventually use up every drop of that giant bottle, then it’s worth it (and actually a better value) to buy the big one. This applies to all sorts of other areas, too: phone cards, cell phone plans, comfortable shoes, etc.

4. Walk, bike, or take public transit.

If you’ve got wheels of the auto variety, you’re probably in the preliminary stages of heart failure right now due to the current gas prices. Instead of sucking it up and paying them, why not rebel? Walk or bike to work, and take the bus or carpool if you need to go to the grocery store, or out with friends. It’s good for the environment and your wallet.

5. Do an energy assessment.

Cut down on the heat, air-conditioning, water, or electricity bills you pay by figuring out how you can use less of each resource. Try a fan instead of an air-conditioner. Fill up the sink once to wash dishes instead of letting the water run constantly. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them, and watch a little less TV every week. Before long, you’ll find some extra bucks in your pocket that you’ve saved on bills.

[Image courtesy of finetune.org .]