How to Make the Most of Your Money

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Pack simple lunches instead of eating at restaurants.

   Sandwiches and bulk snack items will help your food bill drop.
   
   Observe your grocery bills to see what foods or other items (e.g. toilet paper and toothpaste) you buy a lot.
   
   Buy these in bulk to save money and gas.
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   Step 2: Try cheaper

   ,, Take a bus or train and get to know your area better.
   
   Give your car's gas tank and your wallet a break. ,, There are some great deals to be had, if only you check them out.
   
   A lot of thrift stores have $1 Sundays.
   
   You just have to take the time to do a little research, exercise patience by driving a bit out of your way, and show some determination by sifting through disorganized piles to find what you’re looking for. , For example, holiday items go on sale immediately after Christmas.
   
   Buy cards, decorations, perhaps even some generic gift items for next year! , For little trinkets for your house, apartment, or room and for great deals on a variety of other items, shop at low-priced stores such as Target, Walmart, or IKEA. , Sometimes there'll be large furniture pieces that simply need to be picked up.
   
   In other cases there will be really cheap deals offered to the first taker. , Be adventurous! You might find some hidden gems. , Utilize comparison shopping sites such as , , , , , or to get a list of the best deals available.
   
   Don’t settle for the prices you see at Best Buy or similar major retailers. , It will probably go down in price. ,,,, The tickets are a relative bargain. ,, Theater management frowns on this practice, so be discreet. ,
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   Step 3: healthier alternative snack items at stores like Trader Joe's.

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   Step 4: Make coffee at home just the way you like it

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   Step 5: and take it to the office or school in a thermos

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   Step 6: rather than spending $5 for a cup at Starbucks.

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   Step 7: Try walking or biking and get some exercise instead of driving.

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   Step 8: Embrace bargain clothes shopping destinations such as Nordstrom Rack or Ross

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   Step 9: or simply make it a point to check out the sale area in a store first before falling in love with the higher-priced items located in the front of the store.

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    Step 10: Hit the thrift stores!

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    Step 11: Try to strategize your shopping.

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    Step 12: Use the low-price outlets.

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    Step 13: Check out Craigslist for free giveaway items.

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    Step 14: Don’t be skeptical of yard sales.

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    Step 15: If you’re making a rather major purchase

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    Step 16: particularly electronic items

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    Step 17: be sure to do your research.

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    Step 18: When it comes to phones

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    Step 19: wait for new models to come out

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    Step 20: and then check back on the model you've been eyeing.

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    Step 21: Check for group discounts and promotions at theme parks or large events.

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    Step 22: Go to a public library to borrow books or movies and read newspapers or magazines instead of buying these items.

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    Step 23: Hang out at bookstores to read.

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    Step 24: Watch matinee movies.

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    Step 25: Look in the paper for free events.

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    Step 26: Sneak a little snack and some water into the movie theater to avoid their high concession prices.

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    Step 27: Invite friends over for game night

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    Step 28: or hit the beach and split the cost of gas instead of eating out and going to a movie.

Detailed Guide

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