Penny Pinchin'

Today is my last day of work. I feel such a mix of emotions. I am excited to move and start a new life in a new place, but I am also scared to leave the only area I have ever really known. I am sad to leave my family and friends and the employees I have worked with for the past two years. Here's a scary thought, my last paycheck comes today. Tomorrow I will wake up with no job and no more money coming my way. So I am also anxious to move so that I can continue my job search. I am stressed because I have never moved this far. I am just feeling every emotion possible right now! I started thinking about ways to save money while I search for jobs, and why not share with everyone, because we all know how the economy is right now...

Penny Pinchin' list:

1. Goodbye gym. I won't be signing up for a gym membership until I have a steady cash flow. This will save me $20-$50/mo. I plan on running to and on the beach, learning how to surf (maybe) and riding my bike everywhere I can. I have stairs in my new place so I might run up and down those too. The Internet is a great place to learn how to develop exercise routines that cost $0, so I plan on taking advantage of that information.

2. Make lists. Creating a list of needs and wants can save $$$$. This is actually similar to a diet. Many people suggest keeping a food log so you are held accountable for what you eat. It really is a way for people to see the good and the bad of what they do. So why not try the same thing for buying. I will make a list of wants versus needs. If I buy something it will be classified in one of the groups. This way I can see what I am buying that is useful and what I am wasting my money on. It will make me more conscious, and hopefully help me spend less!

3. Buy in bulk. Not only can I eliminate multiple trips to the store each week, but this method will help save a little gas too. I plan on taking full advantage of Costco for things like toilet paper, meats, bread, fruits and veggies. Since our groceries will be split in half, hopefully we will not waste anything that is perishable also.

4. Downgrade cable. I am sure going to miss my DVR, but until I get a job, I can live without it. It may also encourage me to get off the couch and get some exercise, which really is just an added bonus to saving money. And for those of you living without cable, I raise a glass to you, but I can't eliminate it completely. I need to stay in the loop.

5. Cancel subscriptions. This one doesn't apply to me, but I thought I would add it for others. Considering all of the information that is readily available on the Internet, why would you even need to buy a magazine?

6. Garage sale. I plan on having a garage sale once I settle. I know I have clothes, shoes, purses and home decor that I never use. Packing it up has actually made me discover how much I have. A garage sale is a great way to get some quick cash.

7. Dine in. Eating in can save a lot of money. You don't have to tip anyone for your food (minus giving yourself a pat on the back) and you don't have to pay for gas. I already do this a lot, and will continue to do so. It will be a little more difficult living in a new area and wanting to try new restaurants, however the positive is that I can polish my cooking skills/learn how to cook something other than tacos, taco salads and nachos.

8. Stay away from stores. Unless it is impossible for me to live without something (food, water, etc) I will not visit a store. If you are like me and go shopping just to "look," your going to buy something, don't lie to yourself. I really believe this theory that when you are looking for a specific something, you can never find it, but when you are not looking for something in particular, you find so many things that you want. I have to eliminate this completely. I'll save money, gas and prolong the life of my credit cards. Also, making lists for what you need helps you stay on track when you do need to visit a store.

I know I am missing a ton of things that would be helpful in saving. Feel free to add some of your own tips. And please keep your fingers crossed as my job search continues!