Save Small, Save Constantly

Saving money and sticking to ones budget has become a near obsession in most households. Families attempt to  save money by avoiding wasting costly things like food, water or electricity and by dropping activities and favourite pastimes. Too often these drastic measures cause resentment or little real improvement in the bank balance. There are a lot of smaller, everyday things, which many probably don’t realise can make an enormous difference. The key is to save small and to save constantly.

Although “Use less of everything to save money” might sound like an obvious tip, its surprising how many budget conscious households overuse certain daily items. Any dieter will know that portion control is paramount to a steady and consistent program to weight loss.  So to, if a household wishes to trim down the expenses, that they must look at portion control in a variety of areas. Some every day things which most households use in portions which are larger than required include:

• washing up detergent
• clothes washing detergent
• hand soap
• shampoo
• conditioner
• over the counter painkillers

With things like shampoo or conditioner, follow the instructions on the package.  Despite most manufacturers stating that all you need is a coin sized amount in your hand to work through your hair; most of us have to admit we squeeze the bottle liberally. ( and its the same with detergent and other things too)

Although its difficult to track the actual savings on these items alone, by using just a little less every week and aiming to half the amount ultimately, the dollars saved will pad your margin every week, making it easier to stick to your budget.

Other items which can also be trimmed include:

• condiments – especially sauces and jams which are generally dolloped out liberally.
• Butter and margarine ( which will also help the waistline decrease)
• the added sugar in things like hot drinks and on cereals. (it’s horrifying how much sugar a household uses on these things alone)
• cutting down on the hair products, creams and lotions a family uses at one time.

You can also automate the savings on portions by restricting the flow of soaps or hair products with dispensers.

Scaling back also applies to larger items and events including dining out and going shopping. A frugal mindset is not one which restricts or denys for the principal of it.    Simply ask yourself before the item goes in the shopping trolley; “Do I REALLY need this?  Could I make do with something less expensive or something that I already have at home?”

Just by getting in the habit of asking those two questions, you will begin to notice the things you and your family don’t really need and how you can get by on less. Again, its not about rejecting some of your families luxuries, but rather avoiding waste. Its recommended that you scale back your usage on items gradually. With a little more ‘ease’ in your weekly shopping budget; it is then up to you to choose to spend it on a few luxuries or to splurge out on a different item the household can enjoy together.

Annie is a freelance writer and describes herself as a Thaumaturg (what mother isn’t?).She is also a teacher and lover of words and movies. Start your adventures into Annie’s other writing here.

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