Most of us would like for our money to go a little farther each month. Not only do we want the money needed to pay our bills and provide for the essentials of life, but we would also like a few extras along the way. Tough economic times have resulted in an avalanche of bankruptcies and foreclosures. That has resulted in the typical person looking for ways to save money on almost everything imaginable.

Fortunately it is possible to save on most purchases. Savvy consumers have learned how to stretch their funds as far as possible. This article will cover some of their secrets.

Let us begin with the basics. Mortgage loans can consume the biggest bulk of our income. Worse than that is the fact that the biggest part of our payment is often going toward the interest. The more we can pay upfront in discount points, the more we will save because we will be lowering the interest rate accordingly.

Another way to save on your mortgage is by paying a little extra each month. If you can pay the equivalent of 13 monthly payments instead of 12 you will pay a thirty year mortgage off in about 24 years. That will save you thousands.

Credit cards are another necessary evil that can drain our wallets. Paying the monthly payment before the due date will save you money each month. This is because the interest charges are based on your average daily balance. Paying online can save you in postage fees as well as saving your checks.

Look for restaurant coupons when you want to eat out. You can find websites that provide coupons for popular restaurants. Just do a Google search. You might also check your local newspaper. Consider buying movie theater tickets in bulk to save money. Most theaters require a minimum purchase of 50 tickets to get a discounted rate but that purchase would cover your movie tickets for months or even an entire year.

When it comes to medications always use the generic form when available. When you need medical testing done shop around for a good price. Surprisingly not all facilities charge the same. You may find that getting a test done in an outpatient clinic will save you lots of money when compared to having it done at a hospital.

When you are traveling long distances by automobile you may find that you can save money on gasoline by driving a little ways from you exit to fill up. As you get farther from the interstate you will likely find lower gas prices.

As for household purchases it is often wise to buy during the off-season. For example, air conditioners are less expensive during cooler months and so are gas grills. As stores are preparing to receive new merchandise they usually reduce the prices on in-store items. Just before the fall line of clothing arrives you may want to stock up on summer clothes. The same is true for furniture.

By carefully planning your purchases and really managing your finances you will be able to make a dollar go much farther. It takes time to incorporate all the little ways to save into your life but once you do you will feel better when you do spend money.