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I am sure I am not alone here, but I gave up Starbucks and started making my own Starbucks brand coffee at the office. Saved money and get to work a little bit earlier.
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| Posted by
KReed on December 19, 2008 11:26 AM |
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I finally gave up cigarettes. it was tough but figured out that my pack a day habit was costing me close to $1500 a year. That kept me going. |
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| Posted by
justinsvr on December 19, 2008 12:03 PM |
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My husband and I have saved oodles of money by quitting eating out so much. We go with friends for lunch after church on Sundays and rarely go out to eat any other time. You won't believe how much money is spent eating out - unbelievable! And the food at home tastes so much better. Just add up what you spend in one week and you will soon find how much cheaper and tastier it is to eat right where you live. |
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| Posted by
Doris on December 19, 2008 3:14 PM |
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We've eat vegetarian meals 1/2-2/3 of the time. We don't go out to eat or to the movies. Our kids no longer go to gym classes, but do spend time outdoors or at the Y every day. Lattes are gone. So are babysitters. This hasn't always been fun, but my spouse has been laid off for 2 years and the prospects for his return to employment in his field are slim
What we've gained: more money, more health, more time together, fewer waits in line, less gas consumption
What we haven't given up: 100% organic diet and donating money to the charities we've committed to |
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| Posted by
Laura on December 19, 2008 3:18 PM |
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Highlighting my hair at the Beauty School $48,
manicures $15, Movies $7.50. Eating out at budget restraunts 3 times a week $60, driving the car $20 aweek in gas. |
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| Posted by
K Wilson on December 19, 2008 3:25 PM |
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To save money we cut down our cable package and sent back the dvr/digital cable box. This saves us $50 a month. we have just basic cable and it runs through the whole house now. this amounts to about 600 a year.
We gave back our jeep and borrowed an older beater from a relative who didn't want it anymore.
This saved us $650 a month between car payment and insurance. this amounts to about $7,800 a year.
We also work all our trips into one trip versus joy riding..this saves us about $100 a month which is like $1200 a year.
We shut off our security alarm system(we live in a ridicously safe neighborhood) we still get to keep all the equipment since we paid for it, the alarm still rings if the doors/windows get broke or open when turned on,it just doesn't call the cops. this saves us about $46 a month which is $552 a year.
That is a total savings of $10,152 per year. There are other things i have done but didnt include them in this post. all in all between the cut backs on this post and others in my own home I estimate we will save $15,000 or so in about 12 months from now. For some that is an entire paycheck.
in reflection it makes me realize how much money i have been wasting all these years.
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| Posted by
anonymous on December 19, 2008 3:37 PM |
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I gave up internet at home. I am online mostly when I am at work anyways plus with the wireless connection built into my Laptop I really don't need internet. I can get online almost anywheres. In my town we have 3 public wireless internet locations. Two of which are right near my house. So I can use them. It doesn't make sense for me to have internet at home. It's a waste of Money for me. The only draw back I have is that I can't always get online. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 19, 2008 3:57 PM |
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I ordered the Magic Jack from www.magicjack.com and now get a free phone through my computer. You must have internet connection for the Magic Jack to work. I get free local and long distance calls with Magic Jack. I cancelled my Verizon landline and saved $25.35 monthly ($304 annually.) THe cost for Magic Jack for the first year is $39.95 plus $6.95 shipping. All later years, the cost is $19.95 a year. If you pay for five years in advance, the cost is $11.95 per year. Check it out at their website. I am thrilled with my Magic Jack savings! |
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| Posted by
anonymous on December 19, 2008 4:02 PM |
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We've cut out cable completely!! There is nothing on TV anyway and it isn't good or good for us to watch anyway!
My husband and I both drive standards, so we coast down the hills as much as possible to help save gas. |
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| Posted by
sthrash1993 on December 19, 2008 4:09 PM |
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We gave up our land line phone (saving $600 per year), we use our cell phones with unlimited plans. We gave up eating out, we used to eat out on a Friday night and spent about $80 a time (saving $4160 per year).We shop at the 99c only store and only buy items they don't stock at a regular supermarket, (saving over $2000 per year). We only buy Christmas gifts for our 2 grown children, our wonderful Christmas meal and being together is our gift to each other. I only buy underwear and socks "new" all other clothes are from the thrift store.(Saving about $500 each per year). We recycle all cans, bottles and plastic containers for money, about $200 per year. Not much but it pays for our small Christmas. We use the air-conditioning very rarely and turn the heating down to 68 in the Winter. All these things help us to live credit card debt free, and sleep easier at night. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 19, 2008 4:33 PM |
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The changes that my family of three have made has been quite extensive, but I will only list some, in hopes that maybe someone will benefit from these ideas:
1)cell phone and cable tv packages were reduced
2)grocery items consist of mostly BOGO's, sale items, and store brands. "Convenience" items or "snack packs" are not purhased.
3)clothing and toys for our baby are mostly bought second-hand (but clean and in excellent condition). Only socks and "underwear" are bought new.
4)clothing for my husband and me consists of sale items or thrift store items only.
5)we only buy one Christmas gift for each child in our families. Our son is limited to one big item and four smaller items. We do not buy for each other or other adults. Spending time together is our gift to one another.
6)Wal-Mart brand diapers and formula are utilized
7) We make our own baby food and limit using jarred food only for when we are going to be out a good part of the day.
8) My husband and I work opposite shifts so that we do not need a babysitter
9)A tip from a few hairdresser friends: Suave shampoo & conditioners are the best.
10)we rarely eat out
11)the amount of soft drinks and snacks purchased for the household have been cut in half. We never buy small bottles of soda. We save an empty water bottle and fill it at home from a 2 liter of soda.
12) we take leftovers to work for our lunches
13)coffee is made at home or bought at work at the "community coffee pot" (everyone pithes in $1/mo for supplies then pays $.25 per day for a bottomless cup)
14)we are not a "gadget-happy" or "latest-technology" kind of family. we make do with the basics and essentials.
Again, this is just a small part of what we have done to save money. By doing these things, it has freed up enough money per month to put extra towards a credit card payment and has given us a little extra wiggle room.
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| Posted by
laurilynn72 on December 19, 2008 6:51 PM |
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We've done quite a bit over the past 3-4 years and it all started when we switched all of our lightbulbs to CFL's and realized how much money we saved each month just doing that.
Editor's Note: We were so impressed with this comment that we turned it into its very own tip. To read "24 Ways to Change Your Spending & Change Your Life", click here:
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_688_24-ways-to-change-your-spending-change-your-life.html |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 19, 2008 11:05 PM |
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I also changed light bulbs to more energy efficient ones. Also,when I buy groceries I try to buy only items on sale. Unplugging electronics when not in use saved us tremediously on our light bill. I'm not good with the coupon thing yet, but I'm trying. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 20, 2008 2:46 AM |
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We have not tv service- I figure I would have to watch 59.00 worth of TV to make it worth having and I haven't figured out how much TV time that amounts to!
We have always been very frugal doing above mentioned (other posts above) things and it has paid off- we still are very frugal but have the freedom to splurge here and there- of course when I talk about splurge I am thinking- not having to think about how much you are spending at the thrift store!!! I just received $50 from in laws for Christmas and can't wait to see how far I can go having fun via yard saling and thrifting!
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| Posted by
on December 20, 2008 12:41 PM |
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I stopped purchasing organic food, supplements and vitamins. We feel the same - I now realize I was falling for every health claim out there and it was hurting us financially.
I also came to the realization that my cooking usually tastes better than restuarants. If they do make it better, I try to figure out how they do it.
Groom my poodles myself every other time they need a cut. They don't look perfect when I do it, but they don't know the difference!
Spend lots of time in my church library - they have over 2000 books to choose from!
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| Posted by
Rachel on December 20, 2008 5:05 PM |
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I gave up eating out. I cook all my meals and have started a garden for fresh fruit and veggies to cut more costs in my food bill.
I also reduced my phone service to a measured service which lowered my bill by 15.00 per month..I had to keep some sort of phone service going to keep my internet service from going up if I dropped phone altogether.
I have also stopped shopping for new clothes and am making do with what I have for now.
I have also stopped getting perms in my hair and am living with a very short haircut. I'm tired of spending $40-$60 every 3 months for a perm. I've never worn makeup or did my nails so that has never been an issue.
I'm in the process of purchasing a tv antenea a piece at a time so I can drop my cable tv carrier...I did the math..spending a one time of $165 for antenea, cabling, mounts and amplifier is cheaper than almost $200 per year for crummy cabletv at about $16 per month. I already have my dtv converter boxes thanks to the dtv coupons.
I also conserve as much gasoline I can by lumping my shopping together on one day..and plan which stores I need to go to so I'm not running all over town..but keep my stores as close together as possible. Example if I need to shop at Meijer, walmart and the petstore..I head south to Washington st so I can hit all three right down the street from each other.
My roommate and I also will combine our shopping together and go on Wednesday's since we both are off on that day and do our shopping together to save gas and mileage on the cars. Each week we alternate which car we take. |
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| Posted by
Karen on December 20, 2008 8:30 PM |
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It is currently 27 degrees outside with about 5 inches of snow, and my indoor thermostat is at 60 degrees. I have on two pairs of socks, two pairs of sweats, a tea shirt, turtleneck and fleece and I am comfie and warm!
I randomly visit the grocery store outlet and stock up on large quantities of bargain items. I say random because it's like a treasure hunt, you never know what you'll find. Sometimes I come away with nothing. Great savings because I can usually go up the street to a regular mainstream grocery store and see the same item for twice as much. Of course, you have to watch the pull dates on the outlet items.
I no longer go clothes shopping every Friday after work (or window shopping, which can lead to clothes shopping).
I no longer pay $170 every other month to get my hair done.
I no longer have acrylic nails or "fills" at $15 bucks every two weeks.
I am a book junkie. My books now primarily come from a second hand store, Amazon.com or Half Price Book Store.
I buy the 50 lb bag of regular dog food and the 50 lb bag of really expensive dog food and mix the two to make the expensive food last longer.
I buy bulk boxes of teeth cleaning dog bones from Costco.
I used to have both a Sam's Club and Costco membership, now I just have one for Costco, which is closer to where I live anyway.
I buy many of the dog rawhide chews from the dollar store. It pains me to purchase $5-$10 chews and the dogs chew them up in 5-10 minutes!
I take my dogs to the local Petco who has a vet inside that will do free vaccinations once each month. I do have to pay for the office visits though.
I recently spent $5 to confirm delivery of a rebate request. Good thing, since it probably would have went into the big black rebate hole otherwise. They still sent back a card saying that I wouldn't get it, but I called them and ended up getting it. It was for $100 so worth a little time, money and effort. I think they were hoping I'd just give up and go away. Not!
I now wash my car in the driveway instead of paying to have someone else do it.
I no longer stop by Starbucks to pay $1.50-$2.00 for a tall green tea. I go to Big Lots and get a box of 100 green tea bags for $2.99 and make my tea at home.
I started a part time business to generate extra income to put toward savings and retirement.
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| Posted by
Pat on December 22, 2008 1:12 AM |
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have been doing my own 'professional' hair coloring for a few years now. go sally's beauty and purchase professional dye. cost per color is less than 5.00. my beautician used to charge 35.00. great savings and i do it more frequently. it's easy once you get the hang of it. |
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| Posted by
susan on December 23, 2008 9:58 AM |
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bought a brand new George Foreman grill from thrift for $8.00 (family size); grills meats on all sides & discovered I LIKE hamburgers when grandson made some! (yuk 3 times to all fast food restaurants!) uses less electricity & makes all foods taste super yummy! Do make a mix so all I have to do is to add eggs, water, oil instead of paying for convenience & packaging; when you make a meal, you make a mess so cook enough for several meals & freeze so ready & convenient for "fast food" from home! Frozenassets group on yahoo groups is wonderful! cook once, eat for a month! not there yet but do cook for several meals when I do cook. |
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| Posted by
MzScarlett on December 23, 2008 12:58 PM |
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Ok everyone, listen up - STOP buying a different cleaning product for each cleaning job in your house.All you really need in your arsenal is an all purpose CONCENTRATED cleaner, vinegar and baking soda - bleach is a good one too, and for some really bad floors, amonia - just please remember - DO NOT MIX AMONIA WITH SOAP - IT IS TOXIC!!! |
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| Posted by
kath on December 26, 2008 6:06 AM |
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My list:
-Use half the laundry detergent called for.
-Cut dryer sheets in half.
-Mix dish soap with water half and half and keep in a drip type bottle on the counter, you'll use less.
-1 to 5 bleach/water for shower spray instead of store bought.
-Re-use peices of cut up flannel for the swiffer floor duster instead of buying the throw away pads.
-Remove and wash the zippered couch cushion upholdstry cover and put back on cushion to dry. Saves from paying for funiture cleaning.
-Don't subscribe to newspapers or magazines.
-Never buy dry clean only cloths.
-Always pay for the cheapest shipping alternatives when ordering via the internet.
-Gradually turn the hot water heater down until it will get you through a shower comfortably. You don't need it as hot as you think. Turn it way down when away on vacation. Wrap it with a heater blanket.
-Make sure all heat/air vents are completely open throughout the house. If closed they put stress on the unit and make it ineffecient.
-Paint all mismatched garage sale furniture in the same room the same color.
-I buy only solid nuetral color cloths, you'll look thinner and they don't go out of style.
-Make mini bouqets from yard foliage and flowers to use as bows on presents.
-Brush/floss thoroughly and see DDS regularly- would rather pay $100 for cleaning and $90 for a filling than pay $800 root canal, $800 crown and $900 for deep cleanings later. And stop soda, it's the biggest culprit of tooth decay.
Prevention pays! |
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| Posted by
Pam on December 27, 2008 4:00 AM |
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I do all of the above - it's important to note unplugging EVERYTHING that you're not using until you use it - especially the dryer - because it saves TREMENDOUSLY on your electric bill. Lamps, don't use scented plug in's, night lights, your computer, coffee pot - you'll be amazed. I also grill outside whenever possible. I also use heyitsfree.net and sign up for freebies. Not only do you get free samples in your mailbox, but it's fun to receive them! No obligations to request samples but be sure to read the blog first. I order everything i.e. diapers even though I don't have children and then give it to people who need them. Household cleaning items such as vinegar and baking soda are cheaper and easier on the environment - there are cleaning recipes online. I don't know about ya'll, but I have a much deeper appreciation for my money and where it goes - I'm trying to keep it all in MY pocket! Good luck! |
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| Posted by
Susan Bartlett on December 27, 2008 10:27 AM |
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All electronic storage. No paper except if non-email correspondence is required. Initial cost is higher but long-term cost should be lower. Solar flashlights so I don't have to use batteries. If an item can't be bought secondhand or at a Black Friday sale, it's purchased online to save gas.
And--I quit wearing jeans. They take too long to dry and often require ironing. Plenty of other fashion choices are available which are more energy-efficient. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 27, 2008 1:02 PM |
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What have we given up to save a little extra cash?
Editor's Note: We were so impressed with this comment that we turned it into its very own tip. To read Linda's tip on how to save on laundry expenses, click here: http://www.tiphero.com/tips_736_laundry-tips-to-save-a-little-extra-cash.html
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| Posted by
Linda on December 27, 2008 1:57 PM |
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We have cut our heater back to 66 daytime 64 nightime,also have heaters in the rooms we are in.We got a deer($1.78lb)cow($2.02lb)this includes processing,food ect.In the summer we stocked up on veg(can,frozen).Went berry picking and put up apples and peaches.Not only does this save money,gas but time.
We usually need milk and bread and a few other things we like.
WE all play,watch tv and work on the computer in one room. |
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| Posted by
Pamela on December 27, 2008 6:56 PM |
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I have a question. Why does a clothes dryer need to be unplugged when not in use to save money and how much does it save?
Thank you. |
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| Posted by
Donnie Kirby on December 29, 2008 9:31 PM |
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Because appliances that are plugged in, still consume electricity. Albeit in small amounts. EPA calls it Vampire Electricity. So you are wasting energy by leaving unused items plugged in. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 30, 2008 12:47 PM |
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Other ways I have saved money this year so are:
Saved on clothing by:
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Shop for cloths at thrift stores and yard/estate sales in wealthy neighborhoods versus the mall.
I saved Money on beauty by:
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Use Dove soap and a nubby wash cloth versus expensive cleansers.
Use cheap sally hansen clay mask or blore strips versus a professional facial.
swapped pure almond oil for my fancy face and under eye creams(works better & cheaper to) a bottle of almond oil lasts a long time.
Saved $ on cosmetics by switching from department store fancy to drug store. plus only using when I go out.
I use baby wipes versus makeup remove wipes.
(and I shop the sales with coupons with my safeway card to get gas discounts and save $)
Saved money on entertainment by:
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My family and I rent movies at the $1 kiosks instead of going to the theater.
buying an annual zoo pass.
I save on vet bills by:
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Instead of paying for expensive vet bills to clean my cats teeth,trim his back claws,clean his fur..we do it as a family.
We saved on non family gifts by:
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either sending out cards,free ecards or giving baked goods to friends and neighbors.
honostly gifting has gotton out of hand anyway,now its an expectation.one of my kids came home the other day with requests her teacher had made for desired christmas gifts that her teacher told each student she would like most from each one of them,my other child came came home with requests for their normal holiday party with very pricey items such as: specifically store bought party trays from restaurants or stores with fruit and cheese and a hot dish,even thou the school was serving them hot lunch!(versus just fruit and cheese)added(what ever happened to cocoa,cookies and fruit)our paperboy added a line to our envelope letting us know where we can send a gift to them if we would like to (in addition to the tip)and it would be soooo apppreciated.
We saved money on food by:
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freezing a portion of our fresh proudce that is freeable. Eating it the last week of the month versus buying.
Shopping for food at costco,sams,food share america and anywhere there are sales,then stockpiling up on the items we use a lot of.
using coupons 24x7 coordinated to sales whenever possible.
paying attention to the days my local store regularly marks down meat,and trying to consistantly shop on those days.
We saved to enable us to be charitable by:
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Donating checks to tax deductable charities that we know are valid and stable. Honostly a portion of our income is going to be taken by the IRS anyway,we'd prefer to know where it goes.
We also made sure to get tax donations reciepts from thrift stores we donated gently used or like new goods to...
which is also tax deductable.
We also found out our zoo pass was a tax deduction as well.
in addition we have a book dedicated to this and keep excellent records along the way.
How my best friend saved on bills
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Last but not least.Thou my BMF was an ideal consumer, paid his bills etc. he did carry a balance but he paid over the minimum each month on time if not early.. When the credit card companies jacked up his rates, his arm mortgage balooned and everyone refused to work with him, early this year he fought back by filing for chapter 7 and won. Yes he lost his credit score,his car and his season tickets. all his credit cards....but he got most of his bills down to a reasonable rate that he can now afford, and he will never ever carry that much debt again! he now drives an old borrowed beater and had no cards and no debt. and he will keep it that way for the rest of his life.
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| Posted by
anonymous on December 31, 2008 3:38 PM |
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instead of sending lots of cards we email free ones or hand deliver to friends,neighbors or teachers.
We also use the instant messenger or Email versus long distance phone calls too.
This saves so much money over time.
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| Posted by
anoymous on December 31, 2008 3:50 PM |
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For anonymous who posted on 12-31-08, how do you clean your cats teeth yourself? This is a necessity for our poor kitty (I thought the vet was insane until I realized poor kitty's gums were bleeding!), but for the two cats it was over $200 and they need it again after only a year...thanks. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on December 31, 2008 9:01 PM |
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My fiance and I have an 11 mo old son, two dogs, and a cat. Our combined yearly salary is less than $38,000.00,but we are still able to maintain a considerable balance in our checking account each week. By all means, I am not bragging. It took a long time to get to this point.
The following is a list of what we have done to save or to make a few extra bucks. I hope someone out there will benefit from reading this:
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First and foremost, we live a simple life. Nofrills or unneccessary gadjets.
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Income tax refunds are socked away
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Department store credit cards were paid off with a low-interest major credit card. The money that would've been put out each month for the department store cards is used as extra money put towards the major credit card payment.
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We have the basics on cable tv, land line phone, and cell phone packages (cell phones will be eliminated once the contracts are fulfilled)
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CFL light bulbs are used. Initially the cost is more significant than standard bulbs, but the monthly savings made it worthwhile...and, so far, we haven't had to change a bulb in two years.
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Electrical household items are unplugged when not in use.
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My fiance's job is furthest from home, so he takes the more fuel-efficient vehicle
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We work opposite shifts so that we do not need a babysitter (TREMENDOUS savings!)
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Coffee is made at home rather than purchased at a coffee shop or convenience store
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Generally, leftovers are taken to work for our lunches
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I do not use coupons because most are for items I wouldn't normally purchase. So to save on groceries, I watch for sales and BOGO's. Meat is only purchased when on sale. *Note, because it is pricier, I do not buy skinless chicken. I buy skin-on and then remove it myself. Also, I will buy tougher cuts of beef and pork (cheaper) and put them in a slow-cooker.
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We never buy convenience foods a.k.a "snack packs" (i.e. chips and puddings). These items are bought "regular-sized" and we use sandwich bags or plastic containers to make our own "snack packs."
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We do not purchase high-priced/gourmet or "organic" foods. Wash your fruits and vegetables before eating and as I once heard: real women do not buy Shitakke mushrooms.
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I make my own baby food. Jarred food is only used when we will be away from home for a little while.
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We buy Wal-Mart or Target brand diapers and formula, which are 50% cheaper than name brands and, in my opinion, work just as well if not better.
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Money-maker: Unused toys and clothes are taken to a second-hand children's shop. We are paid for these items. The extra money is used for a small "splurge."
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Our clothes are bought on sale or second-hand or we just make do with what we already have. Only undergarments, shoes, and socks are bought brand-new.
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Tip from a few hairdresser friends: Suave brand shampoos/conditioners are not only one of the cheapest, but also one of the best.
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We use Ivory soap. No body washes, no high-priced soaps.
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I use white vinegar, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and Borax as my household cleaners. Also, "magic erasers" work wonders for many cleaning jobs. I buy mine at a dollar store.
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I throw a dry towel or two in with wet clothes before I run the dryer. This cuts down the drying time quite considerably (tennis balls work well, too). *Note: during the warmer months, I hang everything out on a clothesline.
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We winterized our small home by using a roll of plastic drop cloth (cheaper than window-insulating film) that we cut to fit each inside window. We also sealed up as many drafts as possible. Also, we keep the furnace turned way down when we're not home and while we're sleeping. During the winter months, our son shares our bedroom so that we're able to run just one energy-efficient space heater at night. Since October, we've gotten by on less than 80 gallons of home-heating fuel. Our electric bill has gone up because of the electric heaters, but the savings on fuel has made up for it.
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During Christmas, we now only buy one gift for each child in our family under the age of 18. Our son gets one big gift and five smaller gifts. We do not buy for each other or any of the adults in our family. We consider the time spent with one another a gift.
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Tip from my veterinarian: for pet food, as long as meat or meat-product is listed as one of the top 5 ingredients, it should be safe to feed to your pet. Knowing this has saved us a lot of money on pet foods (some generic and/or store-brands have one of these listed as a top 5).
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Another tip from my veterinarian: do not buy pesticides for flea control. A 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and a little bit of dish liquid can be sprayed on the lawn to control fleas (and it works well for fertilizing) and use dish liquid to bath the animals with. I have found this to work very well...better than flea shampoos. It also rinses out quicker, which saves on water.
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Money-maker: my fiance takes soft-drink cans and other aluminums to our local metal recycling facility, which happens to be located close to where he works (no special trip is made). The payout is minor, so he just keeps it for pocket money.
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After a few lessons learned the hard way, we now steer clear of "As Seen on TV" products. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
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Within reason, we do all of our own car maintenance (i.e. oil changes, tune-up's, brakes)
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We do as many of our own home repairs as possible
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I do not waste money on cheap curtains, bed sheets, pillows, or bath towels. Rather, I keep my eyes open for sales and clearances at higher-end department stores for these items. Just recently, I purchased $40-per-panel drapes for $5 per panel and a $60 set of queen-size flannel bed sheets for $14.99.
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I occasionally stop at a yard sale. If you don't already do this, you'd be amazed at some of the things you'll find in good/excellent condition for a fraction of the cost to buy these things brand-new.
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Money-maker: have a yard sale instead of throwing things out. As the old saying goes, your trash could be someone else's treasure.
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We buy value-pack batteries from dollar stores. Oddly enough, I've had better luck with these rather than name-brands.
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We raised the deductible on our homeowner's insurance, which drove down the premium.
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Baby lotion and toilet tissue are great for removing eye make-up. Baby wipes also work for this.
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I use Witch Hazel as a facial toner
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Rather than pricy mouth washes and teeth-whitening products, we use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse and teeth whitener.
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We have found that cheap and/or generic is not always the way to go. And what has worked for us may not work for you. You just have to learn by trial and error. So, if you've made sacrfices in other areas, "splurging" on pricier and/or name-brand items will not break your bank. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on January 01, 2009 2:26 AM |
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This tip will be obvious to most readers, however this is my tip and I'm very proud of it!! I live in Las Vegas. I stopped going to casinos - cold turkey. |
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| Posted by
Catheline on January 02, 2009 1:50 PM |
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Tip:
Buy one box of soap pads and cut each pad in four pieces with scissors. Now you have four times as many for the price of one box.
Save old stained or worn dish cloths and wash cloths for workshop and garage use.
Use old bath towels to dry pets with. |
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| Posted by
Willa on January 02, 2009 2:57 PM |
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We stopped our subscription to Blockbuster and started using Redbox (they are popping up all over) only $1/night,no late fees, can be returned to any Redbox in the country, and no ambiguous return times. They update every Tuseday. I Started making my own Laundry soap using a recipe I found on the internet. For the $40 I spent on equal amount of detergent I spent only $3.43 and this lasts our family of 5 about four months. I shop at Aldi and Sav-A-Lot and can get most everything I need. I cut my grocery bill by 75%. We can even have steaks. The food is very comprable to name brand. I noticed the butter that I had left from a high priced grocery store and the butter I had just puchased from Save-A-Lot were packaged in the same factory-they had the same exact lot numbers on them.From then on I was hooked. Most of these stores have money back guarantees if not completely satisfied with their products-in some cases it's double $$ back.
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| Posted by
Jane on January 02, 2009 3:37 PM |
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We do almost everything listed ~
biggest savings -- I do my own hair and get it cut at a walk in place -- find someone you like and go back to them.
Coupons ~ use them all the time. I save at least 50% by using coupons on sale items and only buy what yuo need. I use refundcents.com and used to use thegrocerygame.com (great if you are new to coupons).
I also go to the Grocery Outlet and usually save 60-70%.
We eat healthy - not junk.
Go to the library, kids love story time.
ask yourself it is worth the time you spend working to buy whatever you are planning to buy. Many times it is not. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on January 02, 2009 5:03 PM |
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We have two sons and I bought a set of clippers and barber scissors and learned to cut their hair myself. My husband buzzes his own hair. That saves $10-$12 per person every 2 weeks.
I've started paying more attention to grocery ads and have been doing rebates and coupons...even doubling up on coupons when I can. I also stock up if something is a really good deal.
I found out when the meat department marks down meat and buy as many deals as possible and freeze them. Same thing with bread and some produce. |
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| Posted by
Michelle on January 02, 2009 8:58 PM |
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i put myself on the food stamp budget 21 dollars a week and learned that i still had the same amount of food thAT i had been spending on for 60 dollars a week. of course i used coupons, sales and portion control,but i actually saved the money that i was wasting before in a new money market fund. |
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| Posted by
marilynn Gamble on January 03, 2009 7:26 AM |
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I buy the cheapest mouthwash in the biggest bottle, then cut it 50% with peroxide.
Facial astringent is 50% green alcohol, 50% peroxide. I use antibacterial dish detergent in the hand soap bottles and bathe with it as well. This means no soap scum on the shower walls and cuts out one more cleaning product.
Someone recommended Save-A-Lot: they now have generic Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine) as well as Motrin (ibuprofen) and other basic analgesics, for a lower price than the discount drugstores. |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on January 03, 2009 8:27 AM |
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I was wondering what exactly Pam means when she said to leave vents open throughout the house as it would put stress on the unit if they were closed? We close vents in rooms we do not heat since our children have moved out and we have such a big house to heat. We thought this would save us money? |
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| Posted by
Linda S. on January 03, 2009 10:26 AM |
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STOP: please stop using any/all antibacteria soaps! The reason is this: they contain toxins & enter through your skin making you immune to antibiotics creating "super bugs"! INSTEAD: do this: Make your OWN "body washes" by simply grating a bar of glycerin no scent added soap: & add to at least 48 ounces of water & heat til dissolved; once cooled, put into recycled dish soap or whatever kind of bottle you have (opaque!) it will gel; dilute with hydrogen peroxide 3%! THIS kills germs, bacteria, etc; yet will not harm you or environment! IT ALSO KILLS VIRUSES FOLKS! THIS same recipe used on ACNE works BETTER than ANY THING ELSE on the market! |
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| Posted by
MzScarlett on January 04, 2009 11:01 AM |
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I also want to know how to clean a cat's teeth without taking to vet....??? |
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| Posted by
Margie Smith on January 04, 2009 9:18 PM |
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I have a question for MzScarlet, in your recipe for 'body wash' you said dilute with hydrogen peroxide 3%, but you didn't specify how much to use? Did I just miss it, or did you not make it clear how much to add? Then you stated 'IT ALSO KILLS VIRUSES FOLKS!'I don't understand that either. Sorry, can you elaborate?
thank you so much |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on January 05, 2009 1:06 AM |
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Instead of renting movies I check them out for free from the library.
Cut cable TV (but kept high speed internet). Savings=$480/yr. See my blog (link below) about living without cable TV.
Shopped around and found better and cheaper auto and homeowner insurance. Savings=$480/yr.
Stopped eating out 2x per week. Savings=$840/yr.
Use Vonage vs. Qwest for local and long distance home phone. Savings=$360/hr.
Emptied the large rented storage unit and had 3 garage sales. Savings=$1932/yr. |
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| Posted by
on January 05, 2009 10:52 PM |
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I buy bananas and made a double batch of banana
bread at home. Not only does this save on prepackaged snacks the kids love it. We get family time togather, I use organic sugar I find on sale. I use extra bananas, and 4oz of applesauce for extra moisture and sweetness. Use mini loaf pans, and take some to work, I guaratee your coworkers will love it too! |
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| Posted by
kl on January 06, 2009 8:55 AM |
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I started smoking again but I buy 100% natural cigarettes made by Native Americans that cost $14.00 - $17.00 per carton. They have several different brands and all the features of market brands (lights, 100's, king's, menthol, etc.).
I buy from Black Hawk Tobacco, Inc.
Good luck..!! And if you're going to smoke, at least make smoke signals..!! :P |
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| Posted by
anonymous
on January 06, 2009 6:03 PM |
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We gave up junk food and prepared processed foods a long time ago. It was for better health but it saves a lot of money too.
We do a lot of cooking from scratch so we gave up some time for healthier cooking and doing some preparation myself instead of paying for stuff that is ready to use or microwave. We are much better off without all the high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors and preservatives.
We bake our own bread, cookies and cakes. We make our own chicken broth from bone in chicken breasts and use the meat for casseroles. We make our own mixes, like taco mix - cheaper and healthier. People who are busy during the week can do some once a month cooking on Saturday and Sunday and freeze meals.
We have a vegetable garden.
I say we because my 11 yo nephew lives with me and likes to help with all the cooking. So the time I spend cooking is also family time and my nephew is learning some very useful skills - cooking, healthy food, not wasting money on stuff you can do yourself.
To answer a question asked above, hydrogen peroxide does kill germs. You can use it to clean some things, wipe your counters, soak your sponge. Look for a book called Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck at the library. It has nformation about safe inexpensive cleaners you can make yourself and talks about using hydrogen peroxide. |
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| Posted by
Dianne on January 07, 2009 12:29 AM |
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Dianne - what is your taco mix recipe? We buy bulk el paso taco mix powder, but would much rather make my own. thanks. |
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| Posted by
jill on January 07, 2009 10:40 AM |
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I thinned out shampoo and conditioner just a little tiny bit...I actually think it cleans better now.
I also discovered the joys of ebay and the local park.
I share certain items(such as movies) with friends.
I cleaned out my closet and consigned a bunch of clothes...and purses...and make-up...and unused knitting needles. |
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| Posted by
Jennie on February 01, 2009 11:02 PM |
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FIRST OF ALL, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE INFO ON THE MAGIC JACK ON THE WEBSITE "www.whatreallyhappened.com"!!! It explains how the magic jack is REALLY a trick of the government to plant something in your computers that CANNOT EVER BE REMOVED!! EVER!! The government than uses WHATEVER info that's on, or goes through your computer, to track what websites you visit, what books you buy, etc. YOU CANNOT REMOVE IT, by wiping the hard drive, whatever. It's there FOREVER once you plug it in!! Please check out the above mentioned website!! Secondly, I personally have given up ALL perfume, nearly all make-up, buying clothes anywhere, even the second hand stores, anything special for my hair, getting a haircut, gave up my car, and never buying anything personal, except for like the cheapest
deoderant that I can find, shampoo, etc. I no longer buy any cleaning solutions, just use Dawn w/ hot water, we never go out, NEVER, eating out for us is always cheap, like Micky D's, Taco Bell, etc. This last valentine's day,
we didn't even have enough $$ to buy something,
even something CHEAP, for valentine's day. Didn't have $$ to buy my Sweetie anything for his b-day, not enough food in our fridge or
cupboards, can't get food stamps 'cuz don't have any 18 y/o or younger, kids in my home, can't go to food banks cuz my Sweetie is employed full time, I honestly don't know what else to do to save $$!! I re-wash plastic bags, re-use paper towels to wipe up spills or clean ashtrays, save all of my half-smoked cigarettes for the days when I don't have $$ to buy one pack, don't even ride the bus. I'm broken emotionally, which in turn, affects my Sweetie and the 23 y/o emotionally/mentally disabled Adult son who also lives w/ us...haven't even rented a movie for over a year now...what else does someone like us do? I water down my shampoos AND conditioners, all of the bulbs in our house are 40 watts or under...I've done almost everything that I can find on "frugal", "thrifty" websites, we are freakin' STUCK!!! |
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| Posted by
on February 18, 2009 10:09 AM |
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I try to buy all of my necessities at discount stores (my favorites are Dollar Tree, Big Lots, and Dollar General) and thrift stores. The discount stores even sell food items (including milk!), which really stretches a food budget. I've also reduced the amount of meat in my diet and try to use it as an ingredient instead of a main course.
I'm trying to get my diet soda addiction in check as well; I now buy cases of Winn Dixie's store brand, which is much less expensive than the Coke and Pepsi products I used to love. I'm gradually cutting down on the number of cans I drink each day, while I'm gradually drinking more water.
I've also stopped going to the nail salon and now do my own pedicures. I've invested in all of the products that the salons use (nail trimmers, scissors, pumice stone, polishes, etc, from the discount stores) and have learned, through practice, to do a pretty good job. My mom and I sometimes "exchange" pedicures with each other and have a "nail party." If I can learn to do this, anyone can--it's not hard, with practice! Pedicures cost AT LEAST 25.00$ (without tip) in my hometown, which is a big incentive to do one's own nails! A friend, who absolutely loves wearing acrylic nails, now buys a 6.00 kit at the drugstore and does her own manicures rather than visiting the salon and paying nearly 70.00 each month! |
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| Posted by
SiameseBelle on February 21, 2009 4:19 AM |
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