10 Smart Moves for Stretching a Tight Budget

1. Stay out of stores! There are more important things for us to do than spend all of our extra time and money shopping. When is it okay to shop? When you have a need and the cash to pay for that need.


2. Split meals at restaurants and order kids' meals when possible.


3. Don't buy more than you need.


4. Return impulse buys if you don't use them soon after they are brought home. Make note of the "return-by" date and repackage the item so it stays in new condition. Put the sack back in your vehicle and file the receipt back in your wallet so you can make a hassle-free return the next time you're in that store.


5. Buy generic gifts in bulk. If you find a great deal on an item that would make a thoughtful gift, buy several and store them away for later.


6. Use coupons and carry them with you. Maximize a coupon's value at the grocery store by redeeming the coupon for an item on sale.


7. Price match as much as possible. Many stores are doing this now, so save yourself some time and gas by taking the advertised special to a convenient location to make your purchase.


8. Make sure you really owe it before you pay it. Verify any unexpected charges or unusually high fees before you send money. People on both sides of a bill can make math mistakes. Caution could also protect you from a potential scam.


9. Remember that convenience always costs more. Planning ahead will usually save you more money in the long run.


10. Be honest. When the cashier at the grocery store returns more change than she was supposed to, it is not God"s way of blessing you. It's a great opportunity to take the moral high road and protect the company you're doing business with. Besides, taking money that's not yours is stealing!