These Hacks Can Save You Hundreds Of Dollars A Month In New Jersey

Money is tight right now for almost everyone. I did some digging to see how we can save extra money by just changing our habits, and I found some really funny, genius, and even a couple of sketchy ways of doing just that.  I’ll share them all and let you decide what to do!

Power Drain

I was under the impression that you only used electricity with an item like a charger when it was in use.  Not true. It is using energy (and racking up your bill) the entire time it is plugged in.  When items are not in use, unplug them…things like your toaster, TV, phone chargers, and clocks can be unplugged to save lots of money. 

Go Big And Then Go Home

OK, ladies, I used to do this one in college.   Restaurants offer really large portions.  Some meals are more massive than others.  Find the largest meal on the menu, act dainty and shocked when it arrives and declare, “OMG I’m never going to be able to eat all that!” and then take a to-go box and you’ll have three free meals out of that puppy. 

Drive With A Bowl Of Water In Your Front Seat

Why in the world would you do that?  It trains you to not make quick and jerky stops and that saves a ton of gas.  Easy acceleration and stopping will pad your wallet and keep your tank full longer.  It’s a fun test, try it.  Use a cereal bowl and leave an inch of room from the top to see how you do.  Also, if you drive 55 mph on the highway, you’ll be amazed at how much gas you save!

The Drinks Are On Me

OK, I’m not the soda police so here you go.  Collect cups from your favorite fast food joints and bring the corresponding cup with you every time you go back and get free refills for life.  OR…you can use the free sweetener on the table and ask for extra lemons with your water and make your own lemonade.  

Never Ever Buy An Umbrella

Don’t believe me?  Go to your local lost and found in any public building and ask to see if your umbrella is in there.  Guaranteed there were be multiple umbrellas to choose from.

Be Unavailable On Major Holidays

Be busy, or “out of town” and offer to get together right after the holidays and you can buy everyone’s gifts during the massive after-Christmas blowout sales. 

Free Flowers

This one really bothers me.  I know someone who works at a cemetery.  He claims he has never had to buy his wife or family flowers for a special occasion.  He says after the person morning leaves the flowers they are only going to die so why not re-purpose?

Never Pay For Drycleaning 

You’ll get a tax write-off receipt so that will help at tax time. Also, buy back what you still like.  You’ll buy it for much less money than the dry cleaning bill.  They dry clean all the clothing before it gets put out. 

Be Frugal With Your Fruit

Buy fruit at farmers' markets or indoor flea markets for the best possible price.  When fruit gets bruised or too ripe use it for smoothies or making bread instead of tossing it.  Happy saving!