Everyone can learn to adjust to cutting back, be it through a local ski trip instead of Vail or the Alps, waiting for the Black Friday sale to buy that flat screen TV for 30 percent off, or opting for a classic purse you can coordinate with year-round instead of a seasonal designer bag. But real savings don’t start with the triple or quadruple digit purchases. They start with the smaller ones you make daily. Let’s see just how much you can save on those everyday items when you look for clever ways and alternatives to cut costs on a smaller scale.
Soap
Before: Body by Victoria Body Wash, 6.7oz ($15)
Try: Oatmeal and Honey Pure Vegetable Soap by Trader Joe’s (2 bars for $1.50)
Shampoo
Before: Nigella AX B Shampoo ($25)
Try: Kiwi Shampoo by VOS ($0.99) or Green Apple Shampoo by Suave ($0.99)
Haircut
Before: Cut and blow dry at a salon ($60 plus tip)
Try: Bumble & Bumble hair model cuts if you live in NYC (free—usually offered on Mondays only), or you can try doing a search under the free section of Craigslist for other salons offering their services for free if you’re willing to change things up with a cute bob or a new hair color. Another great option is your local beauty school; they often do services for free or at least for a fraction of a salon-priced cut.
Music CD
Before: Full price at Virgin Records or iTunes (average new CD: $12.99)
Try: Being patient enough to wait for a CD by mail through Amazon (average “very good” or “like new” new released CD: $5.99 including shipping)
Movie Tickets
Before: Full price ticket ($9 to $12)
Try: Kicking back in the comfort of your own home and renting something from Blockbuster, Netflix, or even watching a movie online for free through Hulu.com. For some theaters, like the AMC/Lowes in NYC, all shows before noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are half price. Check your local theater for your local discounted shows.
Pasta Sauce
Before: RAO’s Gourmet Marinara Sauce ($9.89)
Try: Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce from Trader Joe’s ($1.99) or Del Monte’s Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano ($1.99)
