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Saving for Retirement

There are many small and easy ways to save for retirement. Basically, they fall into four basic areas: recycling, personal, family, and financial.

Recycling

1. Wash and reuse foil wrap, plastic wrap, and plastic sandwich bags as well as paper lunch bags.
2. Save reply envelopes from junk mail. They can be used to file receipts and recipes.
3. Save empty food containers for storing leftovers and freezer use.
4. Use plastic bread wrappers and produce bags also for freezer use.
5. Try to avoid spending money on throwaway items like disposable razors, flashlights, pens, toothbrushes, paper cups and plates, diapers, and cigarette lighters.

Personal

1. Tie soap remnant into a piece of nylon net and use as a body sponge.
2. Give yourself a home perm instead of one at a salon.
3. Shop at discount and variety stores for big savings on cosmetics.
4. Dilute shampoo with a small amount of water. It makes for easier rinsing.
5. Before buying new clothes, ask yourself do you really need them? Try your local thrift shop for vintage styles.

Family

1. Trade things you don't use or want with friends, neighbors or family.
2. Restrict family between meal snacking to healthy, cheaper things like fresh fruit, popcorn, raisins, etc.
3. Lunches for everyone should be brown bag specials.
4. Use washable dishcloths instead of paper towels.
5. Consider cutting your family's hair yourself.
6. Organize a baby-sitting club with friends and neighbors. Everybody should take turns.
7. Trying doing home repairs, painting, garden and lawn chores yourself. Magazines are great for research in this area.
8. Swap services with friends and family who have expertise in areas you do not have.
9. Start your children saving and earning at early ages.
10. Don't spend money buying ice cubes. Get ice trays and store cubes in plastic bags in the freezer.
11. Store bread in the refrigerator or freezer. It stays fresher that way.
12. Get cuttings of plants from friends. Start your own herb garden in windowsill pots.
13. Brew only as much coffee as you need.

Finances

1. Attend movies early in the day when prices are lower.
2. Don't buy expensive gifts. Bake a cake or give a homegrown plant.
3. If you are not going shopping, leave your credit cards home.
4. Pay your credit card balance before the due date so interest and late charges are not added to your bill.
5. Before you make major purchases, read about the appliances in consumer magazines.
6. Consider the value of thrift shops and flea markets for selling and buying.
7. Do pay your insurance premiums annually. Paying quarterly or semi-annually can cost more.
8. Check all bills carefully including the one at the restaurant. People do make errors.
9. For big savings, try buying after a holiday.
10. Do your own car upkeep. Try to do minor repairs yourself.
11. If you need legal assistance, investigate fees in advance.
12. Beware of gimmicks that banks use to lure you into a new account or services.