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Many people across the country are having a hard time making ends meet at the end of each month. With the price of many goods and services increasing at a faster rate than people’s pay checks, it is easy to see why this has become an overwhelming problem for so many families.

This can be especially true for low income earners, who are already feeling stretched to the limit and have very little resources left after paying just their basic bills.

20 Money Saving Tips for Low Income Earners

The good news is that there are some basic ways that everyone can save money on their day-to-day purchases. Below is a look at the top twenty money saving tips that are perfect for anyone, including low-income earners.

1. Change to a bank account that does not charge account-keeping fees or requires a minimum balance in their accounts. Some banks also refrain from charging low-income people additional fees like overdraft charges.
2. Look for ways to save on transport expenses like walking instead of driving, when possible, or using public transportation instead of driving yourself.
3. See if a couple of co-workers are willing to carpool, so everyone can save on transport costs.
4. Eliminate your Pay TV services and use Free-to-Air TV instead.
5. Instead of stopping at the coffee shop for coffee on your way to work, make your coffee at home and take it with you or wait until you get to work.
6. Instead of heading out to the movie theater where tickets are fairly expenses rent a movie or watch a free movie at home.
7. Never run the washing machine or dishwater unless you have a full load to help reduce your water bill.
8. If you have a cell phone plan already, you may be able to eliminate your home phone, or consider running your phone through your internet service at a reduced rate.
9. Shop for sales items at the grocery store and purchase items in bulk, to get the cheaper per unit price.
10. Rent books and movies at your local library instead of purchasing them at the store. They usually have a wide selection to choose from.
11. Limit the number of times you eat out each month and choose to eat at home instead. When you do eat out, be sure to ask for water instead of more expensive drinks, and skip dessert at the end of your meal.
12. Consider making homemade gifts or offer to provide a service, such as dog walking, instead of going out and purchasing a gift.
13. Lower your energy bills, by turning down your thermostat when you are not home, turning off your air conditioner when you go to work, turning off your lights and TV when you are not in the room, and unplugging your appliances at the outlet when not in use.
14. See if you can group all of your insurances into one package to get a reduced rate on all of them.
15. Sell and buy items at a local consignment shop or thrift store when buying clothes, household furnishings and miscellaneous goods.
16. Contact your utility companies and ask about bill smoothing to keep your bills consistent and budget better.
17. Check your bank statement each month and make sure that no additional charges are added on. If you do have additional charge find out why and if they can be eliminated.
18. Instead of going to the gym, start a walking club with some of your friends, or purchase inexpensive fitness videos that you can do at home.
19. Purchase generic-named medications, cleaners and groceries instead of the more expensive brand-named products.
20. Trade services with someone else. For example, maybe you can babysit a friend’s children in exchange for a manicure or haircut.

Combined these twenty money savings tips can help you spend less on the everyday items you purchase, so you have more money available. While not all of the tips may be applicable to you, just doing five or ten of them on a regular basis can help you save a lot of money over the course of just a few weeks.  You should always be on the lookout for ways to save money, no matter how much you earn.