Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota

Make a grocery list before shopping. Be sure to check out local ads and estimate your bill before you are at the checkout counter.
Accumulate your loose change and put it in a “piggy bank”. You will be surprised how fast this adds up.
Use warm or cold settings when washing clothes to save on water bills. Wash clothes only when you have a full load.
Line-dry your clothes instead of using a dryer.
Wash dishes by hand or make sure you have a full load before using a dishwasher. Let the dishes air dry instead of using the “heat-dry” cycle.
Keep thermostats set at 68 degrees.
Purchase only the basic services for cable and telephone.
Use free internet services.
Use coupons or discount cards when possible.
Instead of going to the movie in the evenings, take advantage of afternoon matinees.
Plant perennials instead of annuals.
Use your microwave instead of your oven.
Use travel discounts and make reservations two weeks or more in advance.
Get a roommate.
Participate in employer benefit programs such as 401K, Cafeteria/FLEX Plans, etc.
Shop at discount merchandise and clothing stores.
Pay cash instead of using credit cards, unless you pay off your balance in full each month.
Carpool.
Shop for the lowest insurance rates.
Choose free checking and savings accounts.
Make investments even if you start out small.
Buy generic drugs.
Purchase products in bulk.
Check out books, videos, and games at the library instead of purchasing.
Pack lunches instead of eating out or using a vending machine.
Take your own soda or beverage to work instead of purchasing out of the vending machine.
Use email rather than calling long distance.
Buy clothing during the off-season or during special sales throughout the year.
Check rummage sales or second-hand stores for household items, children’s clothing, and other miscellaneous things.
Purchase extra school supplies when the stores have back to school savings so you won't have to pay full price later to replenish.
Check with your local community for school supplies give-away opportunities.
Swap times for childcare with a friend or join a childcare co-op.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Tracy Gran, Director
705 East 41st Street, Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
1-605-330-2700
1-888-258-2227
Fax: 1-605-357-0150
Email: Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.
A member of National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
A HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency.