Living on a Budget and Having Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Your cash is low but you still want to have fun with your friends. You hate that you are starving all the time. But your paycheck only comes every two weeks. You are tired of eating tuna and ramen noodles all the time. Here are my suggestions on how to stop making this your reality by effectively using your money wisely for traveling, shopping, eating and other party entertainment based activities. 

Look at supermarket circulars carefully for their sale patterns. Certain items go on sale at certain times of the year. For example, load up on lasagna noodles, during Christmas, when it is on sale. If you read, one newspaper a week, buy the Sunday paper. This is where all the coupons and sale circulars are included. Some supermarkets will even double manufacture coupons. Also, look online at supermarkets’ websites where they may list additional discount coupons. Many supermarkets have clubs that you can join for free to save money also. Again, take some time to look at different store circulars for who has the best sales. Avoid small grocery stores where the prices are so much higher and they give no incentives like discount clubs that save you money. When you buying some products like oil buy generic. You are paying for the name of the product and its advertising budget. Also, some stores reduce slightly braised fruits and vegetables, which supermarkets sell as rewraps, at half the cost. Meat is also reduced in price if it is close to expiration. Think about joining a discount club like Costco, which comes in handy when you are having parties during the holidays You can share a membership with your roomate. Costco also sells many gift baskets at a cheaper price that comes in handy during the holiday season for gifts. Also, look around and search for a good 99-cent store where they sell refrigerated items like chicken for a buck. Not all the 99 cents stores are the same with their merchandise. These stores are another good source for inexpensive party favors, cards and some presents.