In the spirit of St. Patricks day, here are a few tips on how to stay lucky by saving your green.

Walking to work, paying your bills online, lighting more candles and using coupons are all ways that people are trying in efforts to save money.  But to be honest, its hard sometimes to go without and it always leaves me looking for a cheaper way instead of the way out.  I’m the believer that you don’t have to cut out too much save your money in little ways.

Use a Library Card. Dust it off and dig it out of the back of your wallet.  Try using your library card to check out books and support your local library.  Books can be expensive to buy even if used.  But libraries have a great selection of books, magazines, music and (my personal favorite) books on tape to check out.  Books on tape from the library are great to check for next to nothing and listen to on a trip or while you are at work.  Keep yourself entertained!

Wash dishes by Hand.  I’m not sure how much it costs to run a dishwasher, but I do know that it takes little to nothing to fill up your sink with warm soapy water and wash them by hand.  Using less water is friendlier to your wallet as well as friendlier to your environment too. 

Mini Mani/Pedi.  For me, getting a manicure or pedicure is a great way to relax and feel like I have taken care of myself. But lately I haven’t been able to justify spending $30 - $40 dollars on such a luxury.  Now that it is spring and time for open toed shoes I had to give it a major reconsideration.  My wallet said otherwise.  So I went down to CVS and bought some bath salt, creams and oils and decided to give myself an in-home treatment.  Not only did it look almost as good (I’m not quite so good at painting with my left hand) but it was cheap and the products will last for months. 

Used Home Items.  Furniture usually lasts a long time.  If you’re in need of an upgrade or just in need of a replacement, look for it online.  Couches are so expensive to buy new but a slip cover and a used couch is a great way to transform your room and keep your wallet happy.  Also, keep in mind that wood furniture in bad shape can be transformed with a coat of paint.  Go to your local thrift shop and paint store and turn something dingy into something new the smart savers way.

Rent Movies.  It is always nice to get away from it all and absorb yourself in a movie.  Don’t give up on going to the movies all together, but start renting movies with your family or having a movie night with your friends.  Some movies are great on the big screen, but others are best when shared in the comfort of your own home.  Try hulu.com for downloading some of your favorite movies or try NetFlix for something more recent.  Anyway, when you watch a movie from home you can pause it for bathroom breaks or scream “Don’t open the door!” and it wont bother anyone.

Have you had to modify your habits to save a little money?  Tell us what you do!

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