If you’re a frequent reader of the site, you’re probably no stranger to the fact that I’m quite frugal. Some might say too frugal, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to save some money and stay current on your budget! Although some of these are timeless, I do have a few new ways I try to save money where I can!

1. Charge phone at work.

Sure it won’t save much but hey; why not charge my phone at work and save electricity that I pay for?

2. Fill up water bottle at gym.

Save as #1, why pay for water when I can get it for free. Sure I pay for the gym but might as well get my money’s worth!

3. Love free samples, free swag, free things.

Take tonight as an example. Reebok was here at the gym with some swag and I left with: a new draw string bag, lotion, a recovery drink, a coconut water drink, and coconut paste. When I attended a parade of home a few weeks ago, I picked up: several koozies (despite having plenty at home), a couple of notepads and a few pens. Staying a hotel? Yup, snag some shampoo/conditioner/soap to take back.

4. Always am down to carpool.

If I’m going someplace and I know of someone else going to the same place, I typically ask if they want to carpool. Never hurts to ask and I’m always down to save some gas money.

5. Search extensively online before hitting ‘purchase’.

It takes a only little while longer to do a quick google search on “_______ store coupons”. It doesn’t always work but every now and again I’ll get a nice discount. I also search around online, there are tons of retailers all selling the same products. They just play games with prices and shipping costs. A little research can help find the best deal!

6. Do my homework to maximize credit card purchases.

I’ve got several rewards credit cards and although I typically have my one main card (Capital One Venture) but if I can snag a few more points or miles with another card, I certainly will! Take the Dunkin Donuts app for example, I use my Venture card to reload (getting points) and then use the app to buy coffee/donuts (more points for free coffee).

7. Coupons!

Each week I get a little weekly packet of coupons in the mail. Most of them I discard, but I typically find one or two good ones to use. Each month when we do our big grocery shopping, I’ll end up saving a couple of bucks. Hey, saving $3 might not seem like much but I’ll clip a few coupons for it!

Some of these might be a little extreme but sometimes it’s the little things that can really add up!