It's all about saving: 10 tips on how to minimize spending.

Here are 10 tips on how to save as much as possible even on a tight budget.

#1 Prepare a list before shopping – and stick to it.

One of the easiest ways to save money is to shop only when you have a list. Without it, you typically end up with impulse buys and unplanned purchases.

#2 The Leftovers.

Don't throw that leftover chicken breasts! Make some chicken sandwich instead. Innovate and experiment new dishes from leftovers. You'll have something to eat for merienda and you also save money, win - win!

#3 Don’t spend big money entertaining your children. Most young children can be entertained very cheaply. Teach them simple cooking. Bake some cookies. Frost a cup cake. Play hide & seek. Play ball in the backyard. Build fortresses using old blankets. Plant some trees. Teach them to ride a bike without training wheels.

Just give them your precious time, not expensive electronics, and you'll find money in your wallet and happiness in your children's hearts.

#4 Bring your own lunch. Instead of going out to eat at work, bring your own lunch — whenever possible. With some careful planning and few minutes of your time, you will create a meal that will satisfy your hunger and will save you lots of cash everytime you do it. Prepare some for your coworkers and you'll gain friends too!

#5 Make your own cleaning supplies instead of buying them. Heard about the magic of baking soda? It's true! Use it for cleaning your kitchen, freshens the odor inside the refrigerator, takes away stains and grease from pots, pans, plates, stoves, microwave oven, kitchen counters, bathrooms, laundy, and it even whitens you teeth. The possibilities are endless!

#6 Do it yourself. Tons of tutorials and how-to's can be found all over the internet - and it is there for a reason. A lot of fixes and creations can now be made in the comfort of your own home. Try it, and you might be amazed as some of these "paid services" are easy to do by yourself. Just be careful and use your commonsense.

#7 Buy in bulk - for items you use a lot. For items you use a lot and don't have expiration dates (like soap, trash bags, and the likes) buy them in bulk. This will cut down on expenses quite a bit and you'll save in the long run. Manufaturers also give discounts and additional quantities for their products in large packs.

#8 Start gardening. If you have a yard or a small space outside, start a garden. Plant tomatoes, garlic, onion, and rosemary. Ypu may also try planting flowering plants. You can buy seeds from the grocery or just use the seeds from the fruit itself for FREE!

#9 Avoid the mall. No to "window-shopping"

When you have a tight budget, going to the mall to window shop is a nightmare. There are temptations every step of the way. So avoid the mall if you don't actually need to buy someting important.

#10 The 10-second rule. Whenever you pick up an item and add it to your cart, stop for 10 seconds and ask yourself why you're planning to buy it. Is it a "need" or just a "want?" If you can't think of a good answer to why your buying it, it is better to put it back.

#tips #saving #budget