Every Dollar Counts...Budgeting Tips
By DFJ Real Estate

If you're looking for money-saving tips to help keep up with interest rate rises and the cost of living, consider our top 20 tips.

1. Create a budget and track your expenses to identify areas to cut back.
2. Search for coupons and promo codes when shopping online.
3. When buying costly items, search online to compare prices before purchasing and ask retailers if they will match prices.
4. Wait for sales and discounts before making big purchases to save money.
5. Review your credit card options and choose one with rewards like cashback offers or where you can purchase items with your points.
6. Cook at home instead of eating out, and plan your meals to avoid food waste.
7. Bring your lunch to work, saving you money over time.
8. Don't shop hungry; this can lead to impulse buys and overspending.
9. Create a grocery list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases and save money on groceries.
10. Always check for expiration dates before buying food or other perishable items to avoid wasting money on items you won't be able to use.
11. Consider buying generic or store-brand products instead of name-brand.
12. Buy in bulk for items you regularly use to get a better price per unit.
13. Cut back on subscriptions and memberships you don't use or need.
14. Negotiate better deals such as electricity, Internet providers, insurance, or phone bills.
15. Reduce energy usage by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use.
16. Avoid impulse purchases and think twice before making a purchase.
17. Sell items you no longer need or use to make some extra money.
18. Look for free or low-cost entertainment options instead of expensive activities.
19. Take advantage of loyalty programs that can help you save money over time.
20. Trial using cash for two weeks to see if it helps to reduce overspending and accumulating credit card debt.