How to Save Nearly $5,000 Without Really Trying

HOW TO SAVE NEARLY $5,000 WITHOUT REALLY TRYING With gadgets, apps, and programs galore, keeping track of finances has never been easier. Still, 'most Americans seem to burn through their paycheck without even realizing where their hard-earned dollars went. Experts say that with out careful preparation and keeping track of your spending, you're bound to overspend. Here we show you how to recover from careless spending and save $5,000 this year! BECOMING THE SAVVY SPENDER According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $312.75 a month on groceries, while an average family using grocery coupons can save as much as $38.40 a month on groceries. This means a potential savings of $460.80 a year, thanks to couponing. SAVE WITH GROCERIES Groceries cost American households $312.75 a month. An average family using grocery coupons can save. $38.40 a month. That's a potential savings of $460.80 a year. 8 6. 4 5 I6 SAVOR DATE NIGHT U.S. adults spend an average of $232 a month on dining out, which averages out to $58 a week. This means foregoing just one week's happy hour can save you $696 a year. Dining out costs U.S. adults an average of $232 a month. This averages out to $58 a week. Skipping one happy hour each month can save $696 a year. 7. RETHINK THE COFFEE BREAK A 2012 Accounting Principals Workonomix Survey calculated that half of the American workforce buys coffee regularly at work, spending roughly $80 dollars a month. Signing up for a rewards card at your favorite çoffee shop, that gives give you a freebie for every 10 you buy can save you about $95 dollars, but brewing at home can save you nearly $1,000 dollars a year. Half of the American workforce buys coffee, costing $80 a month. Signing up for a rewards card can save about $95 a year. Brewing at home can save $960 a year. 4 66 percent of American workers also splurge on lunch daily, spending $148 a month. Using a dollar-off coupon for your midday restaurant outing of choice could save you as much as $240 a year, but packing and bringing your lunch to work can potentially save around $1,800 a year. PAPER BAG IT 66% 66 percent of American workers dine out, totaling $148 a month. 4.00 off Using a dollar-off coupon could save $240 a year. Packing and bringing your lunch to work can save $1,776 a year. lunch 4 Bundle.com reports that an average American spends $736 on monthly shopping splurges. By finding either a manufacturer's coupon or a store coupon online, you can easily shave off at least 10 percent, which would equal a whopping $900 in savings at the end of the year. RESIST IMPULSE BUYS 10% Shopping costs the average American $736 a month. COUPON Coupons can easily shave off 10 percent, which will save $883.20 a year. (7 8I9 45I6 TOTAL YEARLY SAVINGS WITHOUT TIPS: $4,776.00 BECOMING AN EXPERT SAVER FREE IS THE WAY TO BE GO SOCIAL DO YOUR HOMEWORK Sign up and get your freebies today! Like Like your favorite brands on Facebook and follow merchants on Always sign up for a free sample. In most Hard work pays off when it comes to cases, your freebie will also come with couponing and saving money. Do online Twitter. Many brands reward their coupons for significant savings and discounts on other related products. What do you have searches for the best price and search for loyal customers with exclusive coupons from stores as well as manufacturers. offers, so you'll stay up-to-date on to lose? Oh wait, nothing. contests and giveaways. Taking the time to research online before purchasing a large item or taking time to brew your own cup of Joe in the morning can make a colossal change in your finances at the end of the year. Track your savings so you can see just how successful and savvy you've become. SOURCES: BLS.GOV, BUNDLE.COM, ACCOUNTING PRINCIPALS.COM, BUSINESSWEEKDAILY.COM, REDPLUM.COM COUPON CABIN.COM