Tough times call for tough measures and you mostly feel it in your wallets. Saving money, especially in hard times can be challenging but if you follow these 50 simple saving tips, you will be on your way to putting back money into your pockets without too much inconvenience to your life.

Auto

1. Fuel costs are expensive but you can save money if you buy at the station nearest you with the cheapest gas. Utilize the internet to shop for cheap gas near you. Do not worry about gas quality it is the same no matter where you buy it. If at all possible, try to keep your tank at least half full. It is more fuel efficient. Also, try to fill up in the mornings because rising temperatures cause gas to expand so you get less.

2. The car wash does the same job you can do yourself. Plus it costs you. Try taking up car washing as a hobby. It can be fun to wash your car yourself.

3. Buying a certified pre-owned car is not a bad idea. You could save about 30% on a 2 or 3 year old certified pre-owned car with warranty. Do some research and find cars that are reliable and not theft prone and you could get a bargain on insurance rates.

4. Save on gas by carpooling. The environment will thank you for it too.

5. Ride the train or the bus instead of taking a cab. It is far cheaper. Walking should not be out of the question if your destination is close enough.

Insurance/Tax

6. If you can afford it, consider raising deductibles on all your insurances. This will lower your monthly insurance payments. The savings you derive from lower monthly payments will offset the costs of new deductibles in the future if something tragic happens.

7. Review your insurance rates yearly to take advantage of discounts if any. Make sure to ask if discounts are available if you are not getting any now.

8. Compare term insurance prices to whole life or universal life insurance. Term life insurance is a cheaper alternative but with similar benefits.

9. You can boost your income tax returns by donating items that you no longer need, i.e., cars, clothes, appliances, furniture, etc. You will get a tax write-off when you file your income tax.

10. Convert you hobbies into a business venture. If you enjoy doing something, find a way to make money doing it. You will benefit from tax write-offs and other tax advantages.

11. If you have a car with high insurance premiums, trade it in for one that requires lower insurances premiums.

Home/Household

12. Keep a cell phone instead of a home phone/land line. Make sure to check with your carrier to get a plan that includes free long distance and unlimited calling. If you have home computer that requires the use of a land line, you may want to invest in a laptop computer that uses wireless technology. Check to make sure you get good reception in your home when you use the cell phone. Just be aware that bad weather may cause service interruptions.

13. If you must have a land line, get basic service and use your cell phone with the free long distance.

14. During winter time, turn down or turn off your thermostat when no one is at home. Do the same in the summer time with the air conditioner.

15. Save on energy by turning off lights and appliances that are not being used. Use energy saving light bulbs to save on your electric bill.

16. Do laundry only when you have a full load. This goes for the dishwasher as well.

17.Use the internet yellow pages instead of directory assistance when looking up phone numbers. You can use Google or Superpages.com for free as well. Some cell phone plans carry free 411 calls. The only obligation is that you listen to their featured advertisement.

18. Where possible, find a roommate to share living expenses.

19. If you are a homeowner, transfer high interest credit card balances to lower interest credit cards and deduct the interests when you file your tax returns.

20. Learn to be handy and conduct DIY projects. Try learning how to do minor car repairs and home improvement so you can save you a bundle.

21. When looking for a place to live, consider areas that have cheaper cost of living, (property taxes and school taxes) but are safe to live.

22. If you are able to, you could save on interest costs if you make your mortgage payment bi-weekly instead of monthly. Find out from your mortgage company if there is a penalty if you make higher mortgage payment so you can finish sooner.

Entertainment

23. Do a price comparison on cable and satellite and go with the company that is less expensive. Cable is generally less and is not susceptible to bad weather like satellite is. You pay extra for premium and movie channels. If you do not need it, skip it.

24. Smoking is bad for your health and is an expensive habit to maintain. Quit smoking or cut back if you can’t quit. You will be surprised at how much it adds up.

25. Find alternative means of exercising if health clubs expenses are cutting into your budget. You could make plans with friends or family members to go running, biking or walking in your neighborhood. Find a free tennis court. It provides a complete workout routine.

26. Try going to the matinee instead of prime time movie night. It is less expensive and you get to enjoy the movie without the added distraction when the movie theatre is full at night time. Movie food is expensive. Try bringing your own snack.

27. Going out for drinks is a lot of fun but can run you up a tab. Arrange with your friends to have a happy hour rotation at each other’s home and use the liquor you were saving for a rainy day.

28. If you like watching movies at home, do some research on the most cost effective way to rent them. Try the library.They may have movies you can rent for free. Also, some large supermarkets offer movie rental services for a fraction of the cost of renting from local video stores.

Dining/Food

29. Make time to prepare breakfast and lunch at home and bring to work with you. It is way cheaper than buying it everyday.

30. Prepare dinner at home instead of eating out. Make enough for leftovers if you do not like to cook everyday.

31. If you like coffee, invest in a coffee maker and buy your own coffee to make at home instead of buying it at expensive coffee shops.

32. Vending machines are convenient and offer a variety of goodies but every little purchase adds up. Bring a snack from home or buy your soda and water in bulk and bring with you to work.

33. Save money by incorporating a vegetarian meal into your menu at home a few days a week. It is cheaper and healthier.

Shopping

34. Buy clothes that don’t require dry cleaning. No one likes to iron but it is way cheaper than going to the drycleaner.

35. Collect coupons. It is a proven way to save money!

36. Do you shopping at the outlets if possible or buy at stores that offer brand names for less.

37. Buy energy saving appliances for your home. They may seem expensive at first but works out better in the long run.

38. If you are so inclined, do some of your shopping at the thrift stores or consignment shop. You will find cheaper items. Most of the times, they are new.

39. Credit unions give great discounts. Join one.

40. Do most of your shopping on sale days. Most stores give discounts around major holidays. Don’t forget your coupons.

41. Buy clothes ahead of the season. Buy sweaters during summer and summer clothes during winter. They are much cheaper when not in season.

42. Learn to negotiate prices when you shop. Explain your budget to the store clerk. Be courteous. Do not try to push the sales people around.

43. When filling prescription, ask for the generic version of the drug. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Also, try wholesalers like Cosco or BJ’s for huge savings.

44. Instead of shopping for greeting cards, send e-cards online to your friends and family. You can personalize them to fit the occasion and they echo the same sentiments as the ones sold in stores. Plus you also save on stamps.

Personal

45. Try doing your manicures and pedicures yourself or alternate between doing them yourself and going to the salon for a professional application.

46.Use the ATM at the bank that you joined. Using ATM at other banks will cost you a service fee every time you use it. If you must use other ATM’s take out enough cash so you won’t have to make frequent trips.

47. If you like to color your hair, have a friend help you if you can’t do it yourself. Coloring your hair at the salon can be pricey. If you must visit a salon, shop around for inexpensive ones where quality is not compromised.

48. Pets can be a little expensive to maintain but all they require are food, love and affection. They will adore you even if you do not buy them cute outfits, toys or treats.

49. Pay your bills online for free. No envelopes, no postage and no worries it will get lost in the mail. It is quicker and cheaper and guaranteed.

50. Re-gifting is becoming acceptable these days, especially gift certificates. If you don’t need it, give it to someone as a Christmas, birthday or graduation gift. You won’t have to spend a dime and everybody is happy.