You're already clipping coupons and cutting cell phone plans. Looking for some more creative ways to save money? Most people enjoy taking advantage of money saving ideas, but coming up with them is key. When an unexpected job loss occurs or there is a decrease in the overall amount of money earned, it may take some creativity to scrimp in areas that currently drain the bank account. 

Barter for Goods and Services

Bartering was the common means of exchange before currency gave things a price and people started using printed money. Even though bartering has historical roots, it’s one of the best modern ways to save money. This method can work for obtaining clothing from friends, getting homegrown fruits and vegetables, and receiving services such as cleaning, dog walking, and child care. All that’s required is a comparable good or service that the other person wants in exchange for their good or service. Rather than hiring a lawn service, see if the neighbor kid wouldn’t mind mowing the grass in exchange for helping him customize his car. (Source: Survival Insight) 

Save Loose Change

Designate a can or jar as the loose change jar. At the end of the day, throw all loose change into the jar. When it fills up, take it to the bank and have it deposited into a savings account. 

Financial institutions, such as Bank of America, offer keep the change programs that work to help build up a member’s savings account. When using a debit card, the bank will round the amount up to the nearest whole dollar and deposit the difference into your savings account. On top of the change savings, some financial institutions will offer to match the savings or contribute a certain percentage of the total savings into the account. (Source: Bank of America)

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Glass, floor, and countertop cleaners can increase a grocery bill by $10 or more. Homemade cleaning supplies not only save money but are better for the environment. Vinegar and water cleans windows, mirrors, and chrome finishing. Vinegar mixed with baking soda is a scouring cleaner for bathrooms and countertops. Peroxide will disinfect a germy surface, such as a cutting board. Vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water can unclog drains and prevent buildup. (Source: Ecology Center)

Dumpster Dive

Dumpster diving is a movement in which people rummage through dumpsters of businesses, specifically grocery stores, and try to find salvageable items for free. As long as a dumpster is not locked, behind a fence, or posted with no trespassing signs, the garbage is free to take. Dumpster divers can find bakery items, dairy items, cards, furniture, and landscaping supplies for free using this method. Some towns may have ordinances against this practice, so it’s always best to make sure it’s legal before diving over the side of a dumpster. (Source: Paghat's Garden)

Hold a Swap Party

Swap parties are a fun social event that can help families save money. Anything can be put in a swap party. Groups can swap clothes, books, educational supplies, toys, pet supplies, and even boxed foods. Swap parties can be a free-for-all type of event or a more organized event where people are given points to spend based on what they brought to swap out. 

House Swap

Ever wanted to visit Hawaii but couldn’t afford the plane tickets, plus hotel? Try swapping your home for someone else’s home when planning a vacation. House swapping websites help people advertise their home, including the dates they’d like to vacation. People interested in swapping will contact the homeowner or website and arrange to swap homes. No fees are charged since the people will be using your home for their vacation. The only fees incurred outside of the normal vacation expenditures are fees assessed by the house swapping website, many of which charge to list a swap. (Source: MSNBC)

Learn to Shower Quickly and Turn Off the Lights

Saving on household bills can be hard, especially since the mortgage payment and insurance payments tend to be the same every month, regardless of practiced savings methods. The water and electric bill are two areas where a homeowner can try to decrease the amount used each month. 

Showering quickly, in as little as 60 seconds, is one way to reduce the amount of water usage. Filling up the kitchen sink in the morning and using it to wash all the dishes for the day can also help reduce water usage. Turning off the lights and opening the blinds during the day, and using candles at night, can greatly reduce the electric bill. Another way to reduce the electric bill is to use the clothes dryer only during rainy or extremely cold days. An outside clothesline is ideal for saving money on the electric bill, and helps towels and sheets smell fresh.

Saving money can be tricky when a person is used to certain conveniences or luxuries. However, finding a few creative ways to save money in your daily life can help reduce bills and save big. 

See also: Ways to Save money around the Home