1. Marry rich.
2. Don’t sign a pre-nup.
3. Divorce.

OK, those aren’t MY secrets, but I know for a fact they’ve worked for some people (*cough* K-Fed *cough*).

About 6 months ago we (fiance and I) set a savings goal…it wasn’t outrageous, but was enough that it required a bit of pinching.  I’ve got the purse strings tied semi-tightly anyway…my Mom trained me that eating in is cheaper than going out, and coupons are my friends.  Even with this knowledge drilled into me, I had to change my habits a bit.  Here are a few of my tips:

• Pay off the car, and buy something reliable.  I paid off the Honda almost a year ago, and in that year I’ve been able to save an extra $350/month… that’s $4200 a year.  Tip?  Buy something that’ll last and keep it until it starts costing more per month than a payment or lease.
• Don’t order drinks if the price isn’t listed on the menu!  This one was learned the hard way.  We went to a Lebanese place and he was craving a Red Bull/Vodka.  I got an $8 beer (this should’ve tipped us off!)  Out came the bill and guess how much it set him back?  $15.  $23 total.  2 drinks.  0 buzzes.  That about sums it up.
• Pack a lunch.  $3 for a loaf of bread and $3-$5 for whatever meat floats my boat that week (AND is on sale). There’s your main dish.  Top it with a baggie of baby carrots and a tablespoon of ranch dressing and there’s lunch.
• Resist the vending machine!  I know they look delicious.  Trust me I know.  A year ago I would make it until around 2 and then fish through my enormous purse for change to blow on Fritos.  But not just any Fritos…Honey BBQ Twists.  I’m hungry just thinking about it.  Anyway, now I scan the weekly ads for snacks that look tempting, and then buy one bag for the week.  Snack-sized plastic baggies are perfect to prevent overpacking (and therefore overeating).  This brings me to…
• Stick to the weekly ads whenever you can.  If there’s a great deal on something (ground turkey, for example), buy a few pounds and freeze it.  Most veggies can be frozen too (see the link for which ones and how to do it)
• Cut coupons.  Harris Teeter is my favorite grocery store in Reston because it offers double savings on any coupons under $1 AND most, if not all, items that are offered as “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” ring up at half price (rather than having to buy two to save).  I subscribe to the Washington Post on Sundays only, just to snatch the coupons up.
• Hand-me-down furniture can save a TON.  This one is a bit harder to cash in on.  I’ve got a weird aversion to used furniture, unless I know the person I’m getting it from, although I snagged 2 bar chairs for $15 from Craigslist.  I’d also go for just about anything that my head doesn’t rest on (ex. coffee tables, end tables, nightstands, bookshelves, etc).  As far as the rest goes, in my living room right now I’ve got a couch, chair, and coffee table from my great Aunt Maudie, and a La-Z-Boy recliner from my friend’s grandfather.  All comfy and all free, although whenever I sprawl across the couch with a nice cold beer, I picture Aunt Maudie’s jaw dropping in shock…
• If you’re craving a big purchase, wait one month and re-evaluate.  I haven’t followed this one this month (see my previous post on the PS3), but it has saved me in the past.  When the new Nano came out my friend bought one and the craving for my own kicked in.  My current mp3 player felt heavier and looked more like a brick everytime I used it.  Having the latest and greatest is great, but if you’re trying to save just remember there will always be something later and greater.  For me, entering all of the Nano sweepstakes I could find and getting a couple of new CDs for my brick helped me stave off the urge.
• Slickdeals.  If you absolutely must have something, this is the place to go to find a sale.  Warning: for any one thing you wanted to buy, this site will make you want to buy 5 more other things.
• As far as wedding planning goes:
  • Almost every week Michaels prints a 40% off coupon.  If you have the patience to go once a week for a few months, you can save hundreds on invitations, centerpieces, place cards, programs, and more.
  • We’re renting out a restaurant that isn’t charging for Linens, place settings, chairs, or even an overall rental fee.  To top it off it’s locally owned and one-of-a-kind.