Have you noticed that your dollars just aren't stretching as far as they used to? Well, you're not alone. With the prices of oil and gas soaring, credit card debt increasing and adjustable rate mortgages fluctuating, a lot of people are feeling the pinch. But there are smart ways to cope. By modestly reining in your spending and reviewing your monthly bills, you can end up with hundreds, if not thousands, of extra dollars in your pocket this year. Follow these money-saving tips and you'll be well on your way.
Cut grocery costs
How does saving more than $1,000 per year on groceries sound? With a little planning, it's easy. Trim just $25 per week from your food bill and you'll net $1,300 by the end of the year. Here's how:
1. Eat out of your pantry. Take an inventory of what's lying around and plan meals around those items. You'll not only get rid of lingering groceries, you'll reduce your shopping list for the week.
2. Get in and out quickly. Statistics show that after 30 minutes of shopping, you'll spend 50 cents for each additional minute you're in the store. Stick to your list and you'll save about $60 a month.
3. Know your prices. Keep a list of the items you buy often and their cost. You'll know when you're getting a bargain.
4. Buy sale items. Build your grocery list around sale products. If one of your nonperishable household staples (such as canned goods) is on special, buy extra.
5. Use coupons. Clip coupons in store flyers, newspapers and magazines and at Web sites such as , and .
6. Choose generic. Trim 10 percent off your bill with store brands; they're often the same as name brands where it matters--inside the box.
7. Shop less. Shopping monthly, not weekly, at warehouse clubs can save you more than $2,000 a year.
8. Shop seasonally. Fruits and veggies taste better--and are often cheaper--when they're in season. Substitute frozen or canned varieties for out-of-season produce.
9. Find a bakery outlet. Pay $1 for a loaf of bread instead of $3. Outlets generally don't sell outdated goods, so bread won't go bad any sooner than a grocery store loaf would.
10. Check your receipt. Cashiers can make mistakes that cost you money, so look over your receipt before leaving the store.
Bonus tip
Plan your meals: Draw up a weekly menu and grocery list. You'll save time and money by making your shopping more targeted and efficient.