How to Become a Money Saving Expert

For many people the thought of saving money brings to mind images of deprivation and misery; however, that is far from the way it really has to be. It is learning to become smart with money and spending it wisely.

Becoming a money saving expert can be an enjoyable journey of self discovery - of learning how to set limits for yourself and improving your financial health, future and well-being.

Scrutinize every single purchase by asking yourself "is this something I need, or something I want?" We have three very basic needs: food, shelter and clothing - everything else is extra.

Those three things we all must have in order to thrive and survive on a daily basis. Paying less for those things becomes top priority on the road to being a money saving expert.

Secondly, if you are going to make the purchase you need to ask yourself is "can I buy this item used, or can I find this item elsewhere for a better price?"

When practicing those two techniques, a really strange thing happens - as they become second nature, you tend to find bargains anywhere and everywhere. You begin tor recognize real bargains immediately and are not lured by deceptive advertising on the part of marketers.

• Become a cherry picker. Stores will sometimes advertise a certain number of products at rock-bottom prices (called loss leaders), to get customers into their store. Purchase only items that are on sale. Planning all or some meals just around sale circulars on a weekly basis can save a ton of money.
• Keep a record of prices for several months. Having some type of system to track prices will allow you to purchase them at the lowest possible price. This is also a good way to begin stockpiling non-perishable groceries like canned goods, condiments, etc.

• Research online trade sites like FreeCycle.org. Often these resources are overlooked; however, it can be a great opportunity to find awesome bargains for free or next to nothing.
• Visit second-hand, surplus and thrift Stores. Purchase clothing at thrift stores where high quality, name-brand goods (some with the price tags still attached), await the bargain hunter. Making purchases at these stores also provides support to your local community.

• Consider sharing housing with others. Typically, the difference between a one and two bedroom apartment is only a couple of hundred dollars, so it may be wise to share expenses with another person.
• Negotiate the monthly rent. Talk with property managers or owners directly and make an offer if the rent is higher than you would like to pay.