Save Money on Your Weekly Expenses

There's too much week at the end of my money, goes the old joke. Sometimes we all feel like we need more money these days in this tough economy. One of the toughest things everyone deals with is the brunt of our weekly expenses. Often your weekly expenses and getting these under control means that your budget is back under control. Fortunately there are some things you can do to save money on your weekly expenses.

Plug up any holes. Many of us have moments during our days when we grab a $5 coffee or we "always" grab lunch. These things add up. A $7 take out lunch every week adds up to $28 a month. That can easily pay another bill you have - while you eat a delicious meal from home that costs much less. Now is the time to plug up any holes in your budget and remove the fancy coffee drinks from your week. The best frame of mind is to leave yourself one or two special treats so your week isn't completely bleak - because that's when you're likely to blow your budget to pieces.

Batch your errands. One of the most common challenges people find is that they run all over during the week - wasting time and gas going everywhere. If you can do a little planning and batch your errands you'll save time, gas and money in the long run. When you know the post office is next to the drugstore and you are going on Tuesday - this helps you to plan a bit better. Stop criss-crossing all over town and your county. You'll wind up with more money in your pocket, more time for yourself and more gas in your tank.

Look for ways to make savings enjoyable. If you are cutting out buying take-out coffee to save money - then buy yourself some good coffee to drink at home. The good coffee you buy may be a little more expensive than regular coffee, but it will still save you money over the alternative and it will give you something to look forward to everyday. Treating yourself well will mean that you stick to the habit and save money.

Wear clothing that doesn't have to be dry cleaned - or use a home dry cleaning kit to save money. Dry cleaning is one of the bigger expenses that most people have during the week. Even if you have to send your clothes out to be dry cleaned a few times every month, you can cut down on this. Often ironing and steaming out your clothing can make them look as good as new.

Ask your telephone, internet and cell phone services if they have any special pricing. Often they do, especially if you "bundle" your services. This means more business for them and an ideal opportunity for you. Most of us have each of these services and cutting down on each of these bills will help lower your weekly expenses.

Learn to cut coupons for the grocery store and other services and to use them. The biggest challenge people have is that they forget coupons and leave them at home. Or that the coupons expire before use. Keep your coupons in an envelope and organize them according to how you want to use them. Make using the coupons a fun game as you realize just how much money you'll be saving. It will excite you as you realize you are saving more and more.