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1. Turn off the lights (and other electrical items when you aren’t using them). This also helps the environment by saving energy. While you’re at it, don’t let the water run and run while you’re doing things like brushing your teeth, scrubbing a dish etc.
2. Spend money buying good food (not eating out). Each time my husband and I go out to eat we spend $30-$40 minimum. We can cook a gourmet meal for $20 total. That’s $10-$20 savings per meal (if not more). The savings grows even more if you order beverages or desserts.
3. Plan your outings well in order to save time, gas and extra expenses such as eating out.  Try to do all the things you need to in one part of town all in the same trip. Make sure you aren’t driving back and fourth, which can take up a lot of time and use extra gas.
4. Use coupons. I have saved hundreds of dollars by using coupons. Like any family, we occasionally go out to eat, go to movies, and we love to do fun outings such as art classes, family friendly tours, community activities (zoos, museums etc.) and my husband loves getting out to golf. We would not be able to do half of what we do without coupons. We use many websites, clip coupons from our weekly mail and use free apps such as Cartwheel (Target), Joanns, Michaels, Starbucks, and grocery store apps when available. Here are links to some of our favorites. Community Activities, Classes, Kayaking, Local Dining, Pampering:Groupon, Living Social, Restaurant.com, Entertainment.com.Golf Deals:Golfnow.com.
5. Use ebates. Ebates is a website that allows you to shop through their site and earn cash back on your purchases. Simply givtobtheir site, login and select the store you were heading to. Shop as normal and start saving. Ebates will send  check. It’s that simple. If you are skeptical, sign up for free and try it once. Just for signing up you get a $10 gift card (current promo which may expire) and it’s completely free so why not try it? Here’s a link to sign up.
6. Use Amazon Prime. If you shop online, you know Amazon is a great resource to buy many if not most items in one place. By joining Prime, you will get free 2-day shipping and access to the Prime media collection and other member perks. If you plan ahead, this can be a real time & money saver. The last few years I have purchased many Christmas gifts through Prime and since most of my family lives out of state, I am able to ship everything directly to them at no additional cost to me. PLUS Amazon has great prices on most items, so you save even more. Recently they added Prime Pantry, which allows you to purchase grocery store items and have them delivered to your doorstep as well. I could go on and on.
7. Join a local BuyNothing group on Facebook. Just do it. It’s amazing. When you join, remember you get what you give. If people in your group are giving high quality items, everyone benefits. So be sure you contribute what you can, even if it’s your time or talent rather than actual items.
8. Shop smart. When it comes to clothes, I enjoy a shopping trip to Nordstrom as much as the next girl. However, if I only shopped there, I would literally have two outfits and 1 pair of shoes. I highly value quality and I try to find high quality items particularly when I’m buying wardrobe staples. For example, if I need new black pants for work (something I wear super often) I will go to Nordstrom or Macy’s. Usually I can find something I like on sale and if it’s not on sale it’s not the end of the world, because I know I will get good use out of it. For other more trendy items, I shop all over. I love going to bargain stores such as TJ MAXX, Marshalls, and possibly my favorite, Macy’s clearance. I find that I get better quality and just all around better deals by going to these three stores, rather than trying to buy clothing for my husband or me at stores like Target or Fred Meyer. For my daughter’s clothes I do occasionally go to Target. I’ve also found thrift stores to be a great place to buy like new, name brand children’s clothes. I don’t seem to find as much in adult sizes at second-hand stores. If you do shop second-hand stores, remember NOT to buy things just because they are cute. Go with purpose and know what your family actually needs or will need in the near future. If you buy ten things just because they are inexpensive and cute, you will not save in the long-run.

1. Visit local parks, museums and other free attractions. In most cities there are dozens of parks and attractions that can promote hours of family enjoyment. If you aren’t sure where to go, google your city with the keyword parks. Our favorite in Seattle is the Washington Park Arboretum. We never get tired of the lush greenery, winding paths and ever-changing whimsical gardens. It’s perfect for an afternoon walk or full day exploration.
2. Trade and Barter. I’m not talking wheeling and dealing everywhere you go, but if you know someone who has a certain talent, see if you can trade their service for something you’re able to do.
3. Be generous with your time, and others will often do the same (not everyone will, and that’s ok, because the idea isn’t to always get something in return, but to promote a community of kindness, sharing and generosity for the greater good).

I would LOVE your ideas, tips and tricks about saving money. Please share in the comments or email me directly via my contact page.