How to save $500 in the next month!

Everyone can learn to adjust to cutting back, be it through a ski trip upstate instead of Vail, waiting for the black friday sale to buy that flat screen TV for 30% off or opting for a classic purse you can coordinate with year round instead of a seasonal designer bag. But real savings doesn't start with the triple or quadruple digit purchases. It starts with the smaller ones you make daily. Let's see just how much you can save on those everyday items when you look for clever ways and alternatives to cut costs on a smaller scale. 

Soap

Before: Body by Victoria Body Wash, 6.7oz ($15)

Try: Oatmeal and Honey Pure Vegetable Soap by Trader Joe's (2 bars for $1.50)

Shampoo

Before: Nigella AX B Shampoo ($25)

Try: Kiwi Shampoo by VO5 ($0.99) or Green Apple Shampoo by Suave ($0.99)

Haircut

Before: Cut and blow dry by Hairmates ($60 + tip)

Try: Bumble & Bumble hair model cuts (Free - usually offered on Mondays only) or you can try doing a search under the free section of Craigslist for other salons offering their services for gratis if you're willing to change things up with a cute bob or a new haircolor.

New Music CD

Before: Full price at Virgin Records or iTunes (average new CD: $14.99)

Try: Being patient enough to wait for a CD by mail through Amazon (average "very good" or "like new" new released CD: $5.99 including shipping)

Movie Tickets

Before: Full price ticket ($12)

Try: Kew Gardens Theater in Queens or Cobble Hill Theater in Brooklyn ($6.50 for shows before 5pm, first showings on Saturdays and Sundays before 2pm and all shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except for holidays) or all shows before noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at any AMC/Lowes theater in NYC ($6). You can also scout out places for free movie preview tickets like the Curbside Booty blog but be prepared to wait in line at least an hour before the movie to guarantee seats.

Gourmet Pasta Sauce

Before: RAO's Gourmet Marinara Sauce ($9.89)

Try: Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce from Trader Joe's ($1.99) and add Del Monte's Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano ($1.99)

Getting around town

Before: Cab (average ride: $8) or Metrocard ($2/ride)

Try: Biking (if it's not raining and you own one), walking (you could probably use the exercise) or hop on this month's free shuttle bus, the HOB Connection (courtesy of Heart of Brooklyn), from Bryant Park or the MET to various locations in Brooklyn.

Yoga Class

Before: Average yoga studio class ($20/class)

Try: Yoga to the People ($10/class suggested donation) or try their free yoga podcast anytime at home

Weekend trip to Boston, D.C., Atlantic City, Philly or Niagra Falls/Buffalo

Before: Flights or roundtrip bus tickets ($50-200)

Try: Megabus trips around the east coast between January and May, 2009 (Free!)

Caffeine

Before: Double tall soy vanilla latte ($4.50)

Try: Doppio, cafe au lait or tea ($2.50)

Chanticleer performance

Before: Holiday concert at the MET on December 3rd, 6:30pm ($70 each)

Try: Special holiday show at 5th Avenue Apple Store on December 5th, 2pm (Free) 

Brunch

Before: Farmer's omelet at Sarabeth's ($12.75)

Try: French breakfast at Mudspot ($5.95)

Romantic/Intimate Dinner

Before: Pre-fixe at Kings Carriage House ($49/pp)

Try: Pre-fixe at Spice Cove ($9.95/pp + $5 glasses or $20 bottles of house wine)

Wine

Before: Erath Pinot Noir, 2006 from the Wine Warehouse ($32)

Try: Red Diamond or Blackstone Merlot at Trader Joe's Wineshop ($7-9)

Cocktails

Before: Late night cocktails at full price ($10-12 each)

Try: Happy hours are key and will not disappoint with deals at places like The Dove Parlour (4-8pm daily) or The Blue Owl (5-8pm, weekdays or all night Wednesdays). Both of these great little hotspots offer $6 specialty drinks including winners like the Dove's French Lavender or Cherry Tart Cocktails and the Blue Owls' Moneypenny or Carpetbagger Martinis in cozy atmospheres.