7 Savvy Ways to Save Money in 2011

Almost two weeks into the New Year. How's your spending? Is there already room for improvement?

 

It is never too late to make simple changes to your spending habits. There are thousands of websites and blogs that will teach you how to save money. Many offer the same old advice: clip coupons, menu plan, budget... and so on.

 

Those ways are certainly valid, but what if you have tried those methods - and failed? {Raising hand}. As mothers, we are the ones doing the shopping (most of the time). We are the ones who can have the biggest impact on our families' finances. IF we know how.

 

Let's think outside the (coupon) box and learn 7 ways to save money you may not have tried before:

 

1. Invest in your health.

 

Your health is your greatest asset. Spend more in areas that benefit your health, including nourishing foods and supplements. Not only will you feel better, there will be fewer visits to the pharmacy or doctor's office. All those co-pays can really add up!

 

2. Shop online more for basics.

 

This one may sound odd. Shop MORE? Shopping online for basics like diapers, foods, clothes and other needs is shopping smarter. Why? Fewer impulse buys. A store can lure you into spending money you do not have. Only choose sites that offer free shipping to your door, like Diapers.com and Amazon.

 

3. Drink more water.

 

North Americans love their fancy carbonated beverages. Drinking gallons of soda every month is not only bad for your health, but your wallet too. Learn to love water with a spritz of lemon instead of soda. An occasional soda as a special treat makes sense, but don't make it a grocery staple.

 

4. Do-It-Yourself (DIY).

 

One of my personal goals this year is to get creative around the house and learn to do things myself. Anything from decorating, gardening and repair work to more traditional skills like sewing and canning - these life long skills are a valuable asset and set a great example to your children.

 

5. Change banks.

 

Most friends I have surveyed are not exactly thrilled with their banks. A fee here and fee there can really hurt your bottom line. The best bank is one with minimal fees, a high interest rate on savings, and cash back on every purchase. If you use your debit card for most purchases, consider an online bank like Perk Street or SmartyPig. Both offer generous cash back rewards on every day spending, much like credit card companies. But the difference here is that you do not have to go into more debt to rack up those benefits!

 

6. Shop second-hand.

 

Every budget can benefit from purchasing previously owned products. If you have never gone treasure hunting at Goodwill, or garage-saling on a Saturday morning, you may be surprised by deals you score. Especially children's clothing, which is only worn for a few months. If you looked around my home, most of my furniture and clothing was purchased second-hand, but you would never know it. The key is buying quality products built to last.

 

7. Stop comparing yourself to others.

 

If your neighbors get a new car or the latest toy every few months, it can be tempting to try to "keep up". We've all heard of the Joneses, right? But what if your neighbors are super frugal? Do their money-saving ways leave you feeling pressured or gulity? Relax and realize that every family is different. Embracing a more frugal lifestyle does not happen overnight. Small changes over time will make an impact.

 

These seven savvy ways to save can make or break your New Year's goals. Shop smarter in 2011 with Lifetime Moms Steals & Deals bloggers.