Where to Find Money to Save and Invest

Who hasn’t felt the thrill of plunging their hand into the pocket of a jacket and coming up with an orphan $5 bill?

While you can’t count on such fluke discoveries all the time, a little ingenuity can help you find money in lots of everyday places − your budget, for instance.

And, what to do with this newfound cash? Instead of frittering it away on something you don’t need, consider planting it where it has the opportunity to grow, like in your retirement investment portfolio. Remember, investing involves market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

13 lucky locations where you may find a few extra bucks

(Under the sofa cushion isn’t one of them.)

1. Clip and use coupons for groceries and other purchases and shop at stores that double and triple their values. Organize coupons in a grab-and-go filing system for convenience.
   
   
2. Invest with a few friends in one of the discount entertainment books found in many cities. Trade the discounts and coupons you won't use with friends who will.
   
   
3. Think resale and consignment for clothing and household items. Purchase gently used items you need for pennies on the dollar, and pick up a few bucks selling the clutter from your attic, closet and garage.
   
   
4. Check into buying and selling on Internet auction sites. Be sure to evaluate the time spent online with your actual dollars-and-cents earnings to make sure it’s worthwhile.
   
   
5. Become a volunteer usher or docent to see live theater or the latest cultural exhibit in your community free.
   
   
6. Take a hard look at your cable and cell phone bills. Are there features you're not using or could live without?
   
   
7. Many cable and phone companies bundle their services: TV, Internet, cell and regular phone service in a single package that is often cheaper than piecemeal pricing.
   
   
8. Consider driving your car an extra year before trading it in, especially if it’s paid off (and in good condition). Imagine no car payment for a year!
   
   
9. Keep tires properly inflated for better fuel efficiency, buy gas midweek (it’s usually cheaper than on weekends) and learn to change your own oil.
   
   
10. Buy in bulk. Run the numbers on buying lots of basics for your family, such as ground beef, pasta or rice, and portion them out. You may find the strategy saves over buying in smaller quantities during weekly trips to the grocery store.
    
    
11. When a big sale hits on items your family uses often, stock up. Buy enough to last until the next sale.
    
    
12. Find money in your holiday gift-giving budget by making or baking presents. Handmade gifts are much more personal. And wouldn't you rather spend a few days in the kitchen than in a crowded mall?
    
    
13. Pack your lunch a few times a week. Noon meals out five days straight can gobble up your budget. And when you do go out, look for restaurants that have regular business card drawings for a free lunch.

Now, quick, call your investment professional for help with investing your potential newfound wealth!