12 Sensible Money Savings Tips for 2012

Unemployment is 8.4% but many Americans are still struggling to make ends money. There are tons of ways to save money and make your dollar stretch farther. Here are 12 sensible money savings tips for 2012.

1. Bundle Services. If you have multiple services with different companies, combine services with the same company to save money.
2. Budget. Create a budget to help save money and ensure that your money goes the furthest to buy wisely.
3. Use coupons. Use coupons found in your local newspaper or use online sites such as groupon.com, coupons.com, couponmom.com to find coupons. Shop at stores that double coupons to save even more money.
4. Compare. Comparison shop to see which stores have the best sale each week and shop at that store for the items you need. Don’t spend a lot of time and gas shopping at multiple stores to find bargains especially with the increasing gas prices.
5. Generic. Buy generic instead of name brand to save money. Most generic brands and just as good as the name brands.
6. Needs vs. Wants. Buy more needs vs. wants. Avoid impulse shopping.
7. Reduce spending. Reduce spending by 30-50%. Buy in bulk, on sale, at discount stores or online. Try websites such as freecycle.org, ebay.com or craigslist.com to find bargains.
8. Clothing. Shop at discount stores, buy clothes in off-season, check out discount racks at stores and ask if stores if they honor competitor coupons. Buy a few jackets and mix and match pieces to stretch your wardrobe.
9. Cash. Pay for everything with cash; don’t use your credit card except for emergencies.
10. Groceries. Buy fruits and vegetables from Omish markets or local farmers to save money. Buy packaged foods, canned goods, household goods or paper products from discount stores such as Walgreens, Wal-Mart or Target.
11. Utilities. Adjust thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off electronics and lights if you are out of the room for 20 minutes or more. Buy energy efficient appliances.
12. Taxes. Review tax laws and find ways to reduce your tax bill.