More and more people seem to be sharing the same boat these days.  In a though economy, every bit of good or creative advice to save your hard earned dollar, helps.  Here’s a hundred money saving tips, just to start you off.

Surf the internet for free product samples.  It’s like shopping for free!

1. Utilize coupons.  Double them when possible.
2. Take advantage of “buy one get one free sales.”  But, make sure that the price has not been inflated.
3. Re-invent leftovers.  Study some recipes, learn new food tricks.
4. Squeeze toothpaste to the end.
5. Save soap shavings in a jar, and make a new bar of soap.
6. Utilize natural food products (eggs, oil…) as beauty aids.  Research ways to use these products which you already have in the kitchen.
7. Learn the many uses of baking soda (cleaning, beauty, cooking…)
8. When products are almost at the end, dilute with water, and you will get more uses.
9. Use a multi-purpose cleaner.  Commercial strength multi-purpose cleaners are strong, and because they need to be diluted, you get more for your money.
10. Learn how to make your own shampoo/detergent.
11. Makeup – Have a fall-winter/spring-summer makeup palette, so you can easy replace the used up item.
12. Clothes – Buy basics and classics that you can mix and match.
13. If you have the skill, mend or convert pieces of clothing.  Alter for different outfits.
14. Trade in with friends and family.
15. Ditch your home phone line.  Utilize a family program for your cell phones.
16. Do you really watch all those cable channels?
17. Have you heard of the meal portions of the 1940-50’s?  That’s how you should eat!
18.  Buy foods and ingredients that have a long shelf life, like cornmeal, all purpose flour, rice, pasta.  These can be turned into different meals.
19. Learn to make things from scratch (cookies, cakes, bread).
20. Visit your local farm market to save money on veggies and fruits.
21. Turn off the lights.  If you are not in the room, the light should be off.  By now, all your fixtures should have energy saving bulbs.
22.  Unplug appliances when not in use.  For an easy way, buy a power strip.
23. Visit your dollar store.  It is a source for many good items such as party favors, school supplies, cards, cleaning supplies and many more.
24. Visit consignment shops, garage sales, flea markets.  You never know where you can find what you are looking for.
25. Make a trade in party with family and friends.  Anything goes, bring any items and exchange for others.  Invite your neighbors.
26. Sell your unwanted items for extra cash.
27. Collect rain water.
28. Do full loads of laundry.
29. Dilute fabric softener.
30. Paper towels can double as napkins.
31. Make your lunch to take to work.
32. Make coffee in the morning.  Take some with you.  Use a travel mug.
33. Reuse plastic bags for pet waste or to line small trash cans.
34. Forget gym memberships.  Do it the natural way – walk, hike, bike, become active in sports.  A can of beans can double a weights.
35. Think of a second life for items.  For example a cup that has a small chip can become a key holder, change holder; a small saucer can be a soap or sponge holder; a tall glass can be used as a makeup-brush or toothbrush holder.
36. Shop on EBay.  Sell on EBay.  You can get brand new books for 99 cents and free shipping!
37. If you have a very expensive pair of shoes, take them to the shoe maker before ditching them.
38. Donate clothes or other items, a car, and take the tax deduction.
39. If you live in the country, decorating for the holidays (a la natural) should be easy and fun!  If not, take a trip, enjoy it, and collect pine cones, leaves, branches, and anything that you can use to decorate your home.  If you are in a coastal area, the beach is full of treasures!
40. Take advantage of a friend’s garden.  Ask for seeds (before going to the nursery).
41. Learn to use natural products (coffee grinders …) as fertilizers and bug repellents.
42. Ask your bank, mechanic … for freebies such as pens, note pads, calendars.  They are usually available for customers; people don’t ask.
43. Learn to make gifts, its fun!
44. For big families, have a secret pal during the holidays.
45. Don’t leave the faucet running.
46. Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.
47. Trade music, movies and books with friends and family.
48. If you don’t have carpet flooring, go back to basics:  a broom, a mop and a bucket.  It will save you some bucks!
49. Start an all year garden.  Cut your own flowers, don’t buy them.  For winter, pines and holly arrangements will look gorgeous!
50. Use your library.
51. Scout your township for free events (concerts, movie night, festivals).
52. DIY – when advisable.
53. Make use of your free weekends (cell phone) and use the email or social networking sites to say hello.
54. When you donate to some organizations, (whatever amount) they will send you mugs, calendars, stationary, address labels, and even t-shirts.  You get tons of freebies and your donation is tax deductible.
55. Schedule your errands – to save gas and wear and tear in your vehicle.
56. Plan your menus.
57. Old towels/clothes/sheets can become cleaning rags.
58. Adopt an animal, don’t buy one.
59. Dried summer flowers can make beautiful fall arrangements.
60. If you don’t have the budget to replace a rusty fence, paint it, or plant vines to cover it: morning glory or honey -suckle will do.  It will look beautiful and fragrant.
61. Repaint garden items; they will look like new again.
62. Sell your metals (old appliances, pots, iron, and aluminum).
63. Sell good parts of appliances that you no longer need (timer, motor …).  There’s a market for it.
64.  Maintain your vehicle (wash, tune-ups …).  It will last you longer, perform better and save you money.
65. Some clothes, sheets, can be converted into pillows.
66. Bundle services, but beware.  Do the math first, to see if you are saving money by bundling.
67. Take advantage of free credit card rewards.  But use your credit wisely.
68. Save on postage.  Pay electronically.
69. Leasing is a waste of money.
70. Trade services:  “I’ll do your taxes for a tune-up.”
71. Reuse computer paper as scrap paper/notes.
72. Start healthy habits; you’ll save on medical bills.
73. Sell your old gold jewelry (I made over $1,000.00).
74. Can you cut your husband’s hair?
75. Old pillows + old bed sheets = good pet beds.
76. Bundle up in the winter, and lower your thermostat.
77. Dress appropriately in the summer, and use ceiling fans.
78. Take advantage of rebates.  Send them out.
79. Easy on the pedal, save gas.
80. Have a change piggy bank.  And please, bend over and pick up that cent or nickel on the floor.  It adds up!
81. Old nail polish can be used on craft projects.
82. Shake your printer’s ink.  You can get more from it.
83. Use old Christmas cards as bookmarks.  Cut the part that is not written on and use it as post cards or note cards.  Perfect for those Christmas recipes.
84. Be creative with pet toys.  Balls made of old socks, an old computer mouse …but, always make sure – safety first!
85. Evaluate your purchases.  Buy what you need.
86. Cook your own meals.
87. Compare brand ingredients with store brands.  Why pay more if it contains the same ingredients?
88. Grow your own veggies.
89. Do your own pet grooming.
90. Cancel subscriptions of magazines that you don’t read.  Keep one subscription and tell your friends to do the same, and then trade in between yourselves.
91. Networking pays.
92. Visit Craig’s list for great bargains and free stuff.
93. Air dry clothes, when possible.
94. Do some freelancing.
95. Ask your doctor for generic drugs.
96. Ask your vet for multiple pet’s discount.
97. Take advantage of discounts for having multiple policies with an insurance company (auto + home).
98. Organize your home.  If you know where things are, and what you have, then, you won’t buy things twice.
99. 100.   Do you really need that boat?

There are many other ways of saving money.  These are only 100 tips to get you started.  Apply what you learn, otherwise is money down the drain – your drain.