11 Simple Ways to Save Without Sacrifice

Think being budget-wise means cutting down on the things you enjoy? Not any more. These days, cutting back is positively cutting edge. Sure, there's a time and a place for clipping coupons or canceling the cable. But just because you're trying to curb spending doesn't mean you can't take advantage of life's many pleasures. Making a few simple choices means you'll still be able to do the things you want to do - you'll just be doing them smarter.

1. Stop paying to play. Chances are your city or county's parks and recreation department offers many free activities. Depending on the municipality, you may be able to take advantage of everything from hiking and golf to swimming and basketball. Also, check your town's community calendar, which probably has a lot of events - free concerts, family fairs, plays, educational opportunities and more.
   
2. Are you tired of carry-out lunches but the thought of a boring brown-bag repast seems even worse? Taking your lunch to work doesn't have to mean day after day of the same-old, same-old sandwiches. Instead, plan your family's lunches the same way you plan your dinners. Bring leftovers from a favorite meal at least one day a week; make a week's worth of pasta salads from one pot of noodles on Sunday night; jazz up your sandwiches with different toppings (add avocado to your turkey sandwiches, put some fancy honey mustard on your ham and cheese).
3. Child care is essential and something that can be tough to economize on. Here's your solution: Share with a neighbor. You can chip in to share a nanny during the work day, a babysitter for nights out or even arrange a childcare co-op where you trade off watching each other's kids. Not only will you potentially save hundreds of dollars over time, but your children will enjoy playing with their friends.
4. Invite friends over for a casual night in instead of eating out. Try a Spanish tapas party, where everyone shares “small plates” of affordable, appetizer-size dishes, or go with a more traditional potluck where everyone brings a dish to pass.
5. Your commute can cost you more than time lost in traffic. The miles of wear and tear on your car, fuel costs and even parking: they all add up. Consider carpooling! If you can't buddy up with a friend or neighbor who works near or with you, check out erideshare.com, an online community that helps people find carpools in their area.<
6. Snack smart. Instead of hitting the vending machine or convenience store when you get the munchies, pick up a few of your favorite (healthy) snacks in bulk, repackage them into single serving baggies and stash them everywhere: in your purse, in your desk, in your car, etc. It also works well for the kids. Not only will you save yourself from digging into unhealthy junk food, but you'll save money, too.
7. Remember your local library! Stop spending a lot for the latest bestsellers and multiplex movies. Whip out the plastic (library card, that is) and enjoy an almost endless supply of entertainment: books, magazines, DVDs. Bring them home for free or a nominal charge; some libraries charge $1 or so for movie rentals still far less than seeing first-run films in the theater or even renting DVDs from the store. Added bonus: Since you end up returning them when you're done, you won't be adding unnecessary clutter to your home. Many libraries also offer
8. Kick your expensive gym membership to the curb and take a hike to your local playground. You can burn all sorts of calories and strengthen your muscles playing just like you used to as a kid. Believe it or not, taking a vigorous ride on a swing can help work out your abdominal muscles; swinging on the monkey bars is a great aerobic workout. If it's too cold and rainy, turn your TV into your trainer with exercise DVDs. Yoga, Pilates,™ tae bo, step aerobics - you'll find an exercise video to suit your every mood (and fitness level). Check out your local library for free fitness videos to borrow.
9. Go shopping - in your closet. Most of us rely on the same old front-of-the-closet, top-of-the-drawer standbys, time after time. Try mixing it up by shuffling your clothes around. Dig through your drawers and you're bound to find a treasure or two. Check out the back of your closet for finds you'd all but forgotten about. Mix and match your accessories for fresh looks you haven't tried before.(Yes, you can wear that belt with those shoes.) Just changing them up will make your already-worn clothes look and feel brand new.
10. Think beautiful blossoms don't fit in to your new budget? When you buy a flowering potted houseplant, you'll enjoy lovely bursts of color over and over again. It's a one-time purchase rather than the recurring expense of cut flowers, and the rewards will just keep coming.
11. If you have access to broadband Internet, it's time to check out hulu.com. You'll find a treasure trove of classic and current TV shows and movies, all available for download and viewing - free of charge.

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