On behalf of Sony’s MONEY MONSTER we’re sharing some money saving tips and giving away a $200 Visa gift card!
Do you know what I think is a little bit scary? It's the fact that the majority of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings account. 21% of us don't even have savings accounts!
I've always been a big believer in emergency funds. Life has taught me that completely unexpected accidents, surprises or discoveries can cost a lot of money. Here are just some of the unexpected expenses I've had over the last 12 months:
- Over $500 for a new windshield wiper motor (you can't drive in winter in Minnesota without it)
- $300 to cover the deductible for my son's broken arm.
- $900 to pay for a plumbing issue that was discovered during a pretty basic plumbing repair.
- $800 on an electrician to fix something related to the plumbing issue.
- $300 to pay a dentist's office who mistakenly told me they accepted my insurance.
I didn't plan on any of those things happening, and the thought of not being able to pay for any one of those things makes me feel panicky.
If you don't have at least $1000 in the bank set aside for emergencies, you need to make this happen, and you can start working on it today!
5 easy ways to save money
I asked a few of my blogging friends for help with the easiest way to save money. You'll see links to their sites at the end of their tip.
- Start a change jar. I know change jars aren't a new idea. The trick to successfully saving a significant amount of money in them is discipline. Change can only go INTO the change jar, not out. Choose a container you already have, and drop all your change into the jar every single day. If you do this for two weeks I promise you'll be surprised by how much you've saved without giving it much thought at all! (MomLuck.com)
- Every two years shop for cheaper auto and homeowners insurance. I know this is a pain, but my sister just saved almost $800 by filling out ONE online form to get an insurance quote from a different provider.
- Use your library, it's not just for books! Let me tell you a few things: I read over 100 books a year and I've only paid for two books for my Kindle. Ever. I get ebooks from my library for free! I also get online classes from Lynda.com, access to ConsumerReports.com, I took a live class on how to create a solid business plan, I take my family to music performances and my kids take art classes at the library. All for free! All of those things would cost a fortune. Instead, that money stays in my wallet.
- Automate your savings. It's hard to part with money, even if you know you're saving it for the future. Take your brain out of the transaction by automatically transferring just $10, $15 or $20 each week from your checking account to your savings.
- Do your grocery shopping online with a shopping list. A few local grocers offer delivery service for a $5 fee. I know I spend more than $5 in impulse buys when I grocery shop! If you shop with your list and only order what you need, you'll avoid distraction, save time and save on unnecessary, unplanned items. (www.grinningcheektocheek.com)
About Money Monster:
In the taut and tense thriller Money Monster, Lee Gates (George Clooney) is a bombastic TV personality whose popular financial network show has made him the money wiz of Wall Street.
But after he hawks a high tech stock that mysteriously crashes, an irate investor (Jack O’Connell) takes Gates, his crew, and his ace producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) hostage live on air.
Unfolding in real time, Gates and Fenn must find a way to keep themselves alive while simultaneously uncovering the truth behind a tangle of big money lies.
Check out the trailer for Money Monster:
Money Monster opens in theaters everywhere on May 13th. Get your tickets today!
Enter the giveaway!
Sony and Money Monster are offering one lucky reader a $200 Visa gift card! All you need to do to enter is fill out the mobile-friendly form below.
Thanks so much for entering! If you have any issues with the form please contact me.
I'd love a Retweet to share this giveaway on Twitter. Thanks!
$200 #GIVEAWAY thanks to @MoneyMonster!
Enter to #win here → https://t.co/T6jWf0eiPI
See #MoneyMonster on 5/13! pic.twitter.com/BvxzqYCStK
— Marybeth: BabySavers (@BabySavers) May 12, 2016
Disclosure: This giveaway is provided by Sony Pictures Entertainment. All opinions are my own.
Kristen says
Do not use credit cards except for emergencies!
Lisa Brown says
Save money by buying items online, in bulk.
Janet W. says
My favorite tip for saving money is to shop clearance racks at the end of a season for next year to find the best deals – when it comes to clothing.
Kimberly G says
Using coupons when shopping to help save money.
Lorri S says
Use coupons and always buy on sale
Tim C says
Use coupons to buy items is a great way to save money, and also look at unit price, sometimes what seems like a good deal may actually cost more!
Natalie says
My favorite tip is to stack sales with coupons and rebate apps, such as Ibotta.
Julie Wood says
Save up your money and use cash to buy big ticket items, instead of putting it on credit!
Joe Kelly says
Discounted gift cards online!
Tina G. says
I like to save coupons and use them when the item is on sale. I try to never use charge cards and save up for an item that I want instead of charging it and paying all that interest!!
Jacqueline says
Want vs Need
Lisa says
Always try to find a coupon for what you’re buying.
Mami2jcn says
Keep a shopping list and stick to it so you don’t make impulse buys.
Karen Behrman says
shop only once a week
Ender says
always look for a cheaper site when buying something online
Cathy French says
Make sure you are matching coupons with store discounts. Amazing how much money I’ve saved.
MICHAEL CHEVILLOT says
I TAKE ALL MY LOOSE CHANGE AND THROW IT IN OLD JELLY/COFFEE JARS DAILY. ONCE FILLED I MOVE THEM OUT OF SITE AND OUT OF MIND. EASILY SAVE A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS WITHOUT EVEN TRYING.
Amanda D says
I never buy anything online without thoroughly searching for a promo code. I never buy anything in a store without thoroughly price comparing, especially with Amazon.
K Smith says
I send a little to savings each time i get paid!
Kelly D says
My tip is to look online for coupon codes before shopping.
Ashwani Parmar says
wish to win
Elena says
Use coupons and shop sales
Elle says
My best tip is to match up coupons with weekly sales for optimal savings and always pay cash if possible to help you keep track of exactly how much you are spending.
Gracie Kahl says
My favorite tip is to make meals at home, freeze them, and use them when you would have otherwise ordered takeout.
Kristi Kellberg says
I use the envelope system to allocate cash for groceries, gas , entertainmemt, ect.. I have to pay for the items
with cash and the money has to last until the next paycheck.
Christopher Mason says
Learn to say no to your children.
Mike says
Google for discount codes prior to making online purchases.
Mahad Omar says
Always, always, ALWAYS look for online coupons or special deals when you want to buy a certain item online, because you will almost always find something to help you save money!
Kevin King says
Benjamin Franklin once said
“Watch out for the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves”
Abby G. says
My favorite money saving tip is to always put away money in savings at the beginning of the month versus the end of the month. That makes me work with what I have for the rest of the month, no excuses!
Alex Powell says
Great idea to have a Visa gift card as emergency funds.
doug gerard says
my best money saving tip is to buy many necessities at the Dollar store like detergent, foil, tylenol, cookies, dish towels, garbage bags etc.–you can save a LOT of money there
Shannon Weel says
I always use coupons to save money and wait for sales and promos.
Betsy Barnes says
One of my favorite money saving tip, came from my mom, keep a journal of everything you spend. By doing this, you can go back and see exactly where your money is going, enabling you to find things to cut out and where you can save. 🙂
Tomerg91 says
Using cashback sites allow me to save money.
Crystal Sell says
Use coupons and the cash back sites! They are all great!
collinc2343 says
Yay winning things
vjsett says
Coupons. Always make a shopping list. Generic brands whenever possible.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I shop sales and use coupons Plus I save my change in a jug and put that in the bank every month.
Cody says
Hold off on buying expensive items if they’re not on sale, and compare prices!
Heather says
I buy meat in bulk when it’s on sale. I then divide it up and freeze it. My mom gave me a vacuum sealer years ago and it’s great for meats you know you won’t eat very soon.
Christine Labelle says
We save our change. It usually adds up to a fun day out.
Patrick McGown says
Patience, Everything goes on sale eventually. Money gets you convenience and that product now but if you can wait, search, and buy second hand you can live outside your means with out going into debt
Serena S. says
put the maximum amount in your 401k or retirement plan
Carrie Keifman says
Don’t spend what you don’t have
Birdiebee says
When shopping, I price match with stores closer to home to save on gas as well as use coupons to get the best deal around.
V2KMGS says
Save money by using coupons, buying online, and looking for deals and free offers.
Daniel M says
always look for coupons and sales
Jason says
Any time you have change in your pocket or in your bank account, either put that change into a jar or put the change into your savings account. it adds up!
Julia says
It’s garage sale season and I buy ahead and label tubs so I know where to look when my kids are ready for the next size clothing
brad says
Discounted gift cards and promo codes for online purchases. Also, I recommend setting an automatic daily transfer of at least $1 from checking to savings.
Joe Fanning says
Say no to live normal, free is a good thing. and win win win contest!
michaela says
make lists and keep money sorted in envelopes
shelly peterson says
Make a budget and keep it. Also use coupons when possible.
Sharon says
My best money saving tip is always hunt for coupons online before making purchases, shop the seasonal sales, stack coupons, and even subscribe to mailing lists to receive discounts.
Jessica To says
I try to order online when there is free shipping.
Lauren says
My tip is to never pay full price for anything.
natasha lamoreux says
Do not rush to purchase something, shop around for the best price.
Steve Weber says
My favorite money saving tip is to never use a credit card.
Megan R says
It is already stated in the article, but a change jug is such a good idea. We get cash out for spending about twice a month and never spend coins. Straight into the jug. Last time we deposited it into our account (hooray free counters at the bank), it had been about 6 months and we had almost $70.
raymond kimmell says
save money only buy what you need.
Jennifer W says
My best tip is to travel during the off season. It will save you money as hotel prices will be cheaper.
eric k says
pay off your credit card in full at the end of every month and most times i make 2 payments a month to guarentee i never get hit with a late fee
Darlene Wright says
Wash your car yourself!
Will G says
I like the automate your savings tip.
Jill Jackson says
We set aside 20% of each paycheck and it adds up quickly. Also use points rewards cards for gas and groceries.
Ellie Wright says
I always use coupons and try to match to store sales.
Julie Murphy says
I use sales with coupons.
Cheryl B says
I use online coupons and store apps to help save money.
Rachel says
My favorite tip for saving money is to use coupons.
Laurajj says
My favorite money saving tip is I stop at Target in the mornings, and they always have coupons on meats that need to be used that day or soon. I stock up and freeze them.
carol clark says
use coupons when on sale or not save your change till end of year for christmas or birthday i had 600 by june one year so it works
Shawn Stover says
Don’t buy coffee from coffee shops on a daily basis
Thomas Murphy says
I like to use lots of coupons.
Melanie Montogmery says
I caparison shop to save as much money as I can
Tabathia B says
Download moving savings apps to help compare cost
Matt R. says
Don’t but things you don’t need.
Lee Mckeon says
WE all take homemade Lunches to school and work, no processed overpriced junk food!
Dawn Monroe says
I use cash back sites, coupons and price matching. I also try to pay cash.
Tonya Elekes says
Taking my mom to go see this movie! Looks like it’s gonna be a great one!!
Stefanie Gladden says
my money saving tip is to always look at the deals online before you go buy anything. there are a lot of forums and sites that give you the best deals and you can usually find a great buy!
Cathy Thompson says
Coupons are the best for me, I also use apps while shopping as well.
Michelle Bartley says
Save more than you spend!
Mya Murphy says
Using coupons, finding sales, and save $20 every paycheck into savings.
Barbara Montag says
My favorite tip – I check the Sunday paper ads for the best deals.
thank you
Anthony P says
Discounts
Nadia Martin says
I use a lot of coupon and also i shop wherever there are sales !
Anita L says
My favorite money saving tip is Start a change jar! My husband and I have been doing this for the past several years and it’s amazing how quickly our stash builds up! By the time Christmas rolls around, we usually have enough saved to pay for at least half of our gifts!!
Heather Hayes Panjon says
My Favorite Monet Saving Tip Is To Use Coupons.
Gloria Walshver says
I always use a list for grocery shopping so I shouldn’t overbuy items I don’t need.
Sharonc says
I only buy what I absolutely need. No recreational shopping.
kim s says
I use coupons and also try to just use cash! Thank you!
aaron reck says
Shop at thrift stores and car pool!
Annmarie W. says
I’m all about the rebate apps like Ibotta and using the Cartwheel app in addition to coupons at Target!
Donnie Johnson says
Save money, buy more booze with it.
Andrea Woodard says
save money by using coupons and shop the clearance aisles.
Rena Walter says
Pay cash, do not use credit cards.
Rita A says
Make your own coffee drinks at home. Invest in a good travel mug. Save dollars on each cup!
richelle bowers says
the night before my paycheck is deposited I take any money left and put it into savings
Catherine R says
Contact your utility companies (especially trash) to see if they will reduce your rate. Ask them if they have any specials. The reduced rate is good for a year, usually, so mark it in your calendar and call them back the next year.
Ty says
Shop year round for gifts, you can get great deals around the holidays for birthdays. Also do laundry or dishes after 7 at night. That is generally an off time and your rate is lower.
tammy says
I always pay cash for everything and make a grocery list
Courtney H says
Prepare food ahead of time and eat home when you can.
Stephanie Phelps says
My favorite money saving tip is to always shop with a list and with cash only!
Ashley O says
Coupons is what saves me money!
Mita says
Use coupons and shop sale
Dave D says
My favorite money saving tip is to LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS! Just because you can afford something doesn’t mean you should.
Barrie says
PAY YOURSELF FIRST!! Put money in an account just for savings for emergencies or for a big expense so you don’t use a credit card!
Trish F. says
Use coupons and if buying things online, take advantage of Ebates!
Nannypanpan says
Have. It taken directly out of your paycheck and put a n savings so you don’t see it to spend it
Lee says
Sign up for a customer rewards program to earn points/discounts on purchases .
Breanna Pollard says
My tip is to use coupons and shop the sales.
Karrie says
i price match everytime i shop
Stephanie Larison says
My fave money saving tip is use coupons when you can, or if it’s still more expensive to buy the name brand with a coupon, don’t, just grab the generic to save money.
crystal martinez says
I like to save all the change I get because it adds up when it keeps building up!
john says
Use in store sales flyer and internet for coupons
elishia bakle says
my money saving tip is do NOT go shopping with my HUSBAND!
Debbie F says
I save tons of money by buying things in bulk online.
No need to buy 3 dollar tiny bottles of exotic spices at the grocery store when you can buy 5 pounds of it online for 20 bucks.
I think I worked it out one time and the same amount of spice (turmeric) bought at my local grocery store would cost me close to 700 dollars!!
thanks!
Debbie Penney says
We dont go out for lunch we save money by always making out lunches.
robyn donnelly says
Don’t use a credit card unless emergency only.
Mary Cloud says
Whenever you get a paycheck pay yourself first and put a little of it back
Lisa Coomer Queen says
We have a change jar that we put all our spare change in. We never use a credit card.
Bruce says
Use credit cards for everything (to get cash back) – but only buy what you can afford to pay for in full
amanda whitley says
my favorite money saving tip is to buy clothes off season when they go on clearance.
Stacey Roberson says
My best money saving tip is to skip the fast food and eat at home
GC says
Don’t spend it and you’ll save a ton 🙂
Chris Martinez says
When you get your paycheck, put 5 percent into a savings account.
rita leonard says
I always have an automatic transfer to a mutual fund every month
Luke B says
I subscribe to stores’ mailing lists to get extra coupons in the mail
Liz says
Bring your lunch to work
Jim Hayes says
Always go through coupons first before shopping
Loffy says
Buy on sales only, and don’t forget that coupons exist.
Kim Henrichs says
I say use coupons definitely on the things you are already buying!
Kamella says
I save money buy using coupons.
Sarah Hayes says
I save money buy using coupons and shopping around for the best price
linda says
sign up for customer rewards programs
Billy Lilley says
I save money by never carrying cash. If I leave it at home, I can’t spend it.
Holly Guerrio says
Save all your change in a piggy bank.
Faye Gates says
I pay for everything with paper money. I put all my coin change in a coffee tin when I get home. At the end of the month I cash it out.
Sarah Oswald says
The best way I save money is by using coupons and I sometimes can use more than 1 coupon . Like a buy 1get 1 Free store sale or regular coupon and use another coupon for the one you that was the buy 1 as long as it says you cant use more than one coupon which most don’t. You can even get free items or money back. You can use coupons at dollar trees and other dollar stores to get free but they won’t give you the extra money back so I try to only use the 1.00 off coupons there.
Heather Y. says
I combine sales with coupons and/or discounts
Joni Mason says
My favorite tip for saving money is tracking a shopping coupons, sales papers and consideration of the location of the stores that would, all together, save money all the way around.
angela lazo says
Using cash instead of a debit card to control spending
DeeAnn S says
I have a change jar. When I buy something, I use bills to pay, saving the change I get back and putting it in the jar at the end of the day. Before you know it, you’ve got a hundred dollars or more! And that goes right into savings. 🙂
Glen Hough says
Give the kids a budget and teach them about clearance
sheri anderson says
I clip coupons and use at the grocery store to save money and also use the restaurant coupons that I find in weekly mail and newspaper and print online coupons, thanks!
Nora T says
Except for major purchases where it’s foolish to be lugging a large amount of cash around,use cash ofr your purchases….it really does create a sense of how much you are spending.
sheila ressel says
My biggest tip is to use coupons everywhere you can. I save around between $200-300 a month this way.
Sarah Mayer says
My favorite tip for saving money is to use coupons.
K H says
DEBIT > CREDIT
Elicia P says
Use whatever you can find to stack. Meaning coupons, apps, mobile coupons. It is amazing how much money can really add up in savings!
Debbie Yoder says
Dont live beyond your means, save every penny you can in a jar,use coupns and dont use credit cards!
Sara Zielinski says
Clip coupons and take advantage of any freebies you can.
Claudia M says
Yard sales, goodwill store or consignment stores can save you a lot of $$
debbie campbell says
When I buy gift cards at my grocery store I get fuel perks for gas. I always buy amazon cards before I buy online and I get lots of free gas each year!
DeAnna Keller says
I save money by only buying what’s on our shopping list.
kathy agate says
I love when the store has double coupons up to $2 and I get FREE items!
Brandon Sparks says
Always set $20 a side out of each pay check
Christy Maurer says
Don’t have credit card debt!
kelley foulk says
use coupons when ever possible
Hollie Jahnke says
I use coupons and I don’t spend any of my change. It’s a big surprise at the end of the month.
Tyronne Crisfield says
I try to not buy things I don’t need when I am trying to save, such as soft drink or sweets. Such a thing also helps me stay healthy.
Laurie Nykaza says
I always buy when items are on sale and use coupons too.
Maggie Smith says
I like to always save my $5 bills. It adds up quick!
Connie H says
Take my lunch to work and put the money I would have spent in savings.
Bruno Tapia says
The first one, I always do that. I have bon used since a kid to put my coins in a piggy bank