Are  your finances getting tight? Well, you are not alone. Everyone else is cutting back, trying to save, and trying very hard to make the most of every dollar. Well, did you know that you can also save a ton of money every single day by following just five simple rules? It is true. Shave hundreds of dollars per month, or even per week off of your spending platform so that you have more money for the things that matter!

1. Buy things in the cheapest manner possible. Did you know that you don’t really have to forgo the things you love? For example, soda. You don’t have to give up soda just because it costs money. But you can find cheaper ways to buy it. For example, if you usually buy it at the convenient store, try getting it at the grocery store instead. This will often save you a lot since soda is considerably cheaper at the grocery store. And if you usually buy cans, try buying two liters instead! This can save you even more money, because soda is cheaper if you buy it by the two liter bottle.

2. Buy generic brands. Name brands are great, but you pay for them too! Buying generic or store brands can save you TONS of money. And actually, store brands really don’t taste all that different, nor are they of lesser quality. And you don’t have to give up your favorite name brand things, just the ones you wouldn’t notice, like Spaghetti noodles, cooking oil, or bread.

3. When you eat out, get the good deals. Everyone loves to eat out, but why spend a ton? It is very, very common to drop $10 per person eating out, and it is usually more. And unless you want to eat fast food all the time, this is going to get expensive. Or, you could try to find the good deals. Find out what days of the week specials are on. When is the buffet half price at your favorite Chinese restaurant, and when is half-price enchilada day at your favorite Mexican eatery?

4. Save on electricity costs by shutting things down. Did you know that you computer, if left on all night, eats up a ton of electricity? And things like lights left on in the bathroom can lead to noticeably higher electric bills. You can save a lot of money just by making sure you don’t waste electricity.

5. Buy cheap entertainment. Some entertainment is cheap, and some isn’t. For example, if you want to watch a movie, why pay $10 or more per person to go to the theatre if you can watch a movie at home? You could rent a good movie, make some popcorn, and buy some drinks for $10, and that would be enough for everyone! Yeah, maybe the screen isn’t as bit, but it is still fun, and isn’t that what matters? Besides, now you will be able to afford something else with the money you saved!