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money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
there are a lot of "little things" i've noticed adding up in the last year or so. i've already taken care of some, like not going out to eat as much anymore/not ordering food at work and tipping the barback to go pick it up. i have some new ideas though. anyone have anything to add?
#1 - coffee! - my bf and i drink a lot of coffee. i used to manage a coffee house, so i'm a bit of a coffee snob. i'd rather not drink it at all than drink maxwell house. buying bags of starbucks adds up though.. to quite a lot, actually. i'm planning on looking around to find a local roaster to buy in bulk from. i may even order online, but i will definitely start buying bulk. i'm also going to try to stick with my french press and only press a cup or two at a time to avoid making more than i need.
#2 - water! - we buy way too much bottled water. i'm going to invest in a good filter instead. i may still buy (in bulk) water bottles for taking to work, but that's it. (recommendations on filters would be great, actually).
#3 - grocery shop AHEAD - i'm very very busy, so i have a bad habit of going to the grocery store every day or two to pick up things i need to make dinner. i need to start scheduling a time during the weekend and making a list so that i can get everything we need for at least a week.
#4 - buying pet meds online for my dogs heartworm prevention/flea repellent/mouth care stuff. i had a REALLLLLLLLY terrible experience with petmeds.com so i'm kind of against using them, but i'll be trying out other places soon.
#5 - need to buy a fairly inexpensive but decent juicer. i have a bad habit of picking up "jamba juice" 2 to 3 times a week on my way to work. at a little under 4 bucks a drink, that's around 50 bucks a month. i could probably save loads (in the long run) by buying a juicer and juicing my own vegetables and fruit. i could get the exact blends i want that way too.
i'll add more if i think of any....
you add your own too! either things you already started doing or things you've thought that you need to start doing....
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
this probably sounds silly to everyone, but i like to buy things prepackaged so its easier to throw together a lunch. like, i buy pre-scliced apples because its faster and i can just throw them in a bag. but i pay more for extra packaging, so lately ive been trying not to do that. its really just my laziness.. i can take the extra few minutes to wash and cut up an apple, put pretzels in a bag instead of buying a hundred calorie pack, etc.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
I clip coupons and shop at Walmart for most of my groceries/toiletries. I won't go to any drugstores unless they have a sale...........same with other grocery stores.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
I save a ton of money on lunch now. I buy a loaf of bread, some type of prepackaged lunch meat (the turkey stuff is quite cheap and better for you) or pb&j, and make sandwiches. Instead of $7-$9 on fast food per day, I spend around $4-$5 for a week and a half. In a five day work week, I save $30! Plus, I never realized how much I missed sandwiches.
I also cut back on my drinking.... alot. Saved a ton there too.
I ride my bicycle most places within 10 miles now. It's cheaper and better for me.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Instead of buying bottles of juice for my son to drink, I've started buying the generic brand packs of powder you can add to water and make a cuple quarts. It's pretty good and calorie free, and it's about $2 for 6 of those. I'll make up a pitcher and put it in the fridge and it lasts muuuuuuuch longer than a bottle of juice that's twice as much.
Oh, and I also schedule all my errands on the same day in one trip to save on gas. Plus, it's better for the environment. Sometimes there are emergencies I can't help but I've been going longer in between trips to the gas station!
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
stop buying stuff online.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
I just got the CVS card (seven years after everyone else, dur). You get money back!
I'm going to the store tonight to get ingredients for paninis, since I'm always on a panini-hunt. So expensive.
I also try and go to the cheaper grocery store if possible.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
katie941
stop buying stuff online.
for the most part, i only buy things online because it's cheaper. it's a lot cheaper to get work shoes, work clothes, etc. online. plus, like i said about pet medication. oh and books (school and otherwise), also way cheaper online.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
living with my parents while i save money.
applying for scholarships and grants for college.
not racking up tons of auto-pay bills linked to my bank account (like netflix, flexcar, cable, internet, phones, tanning subscriptions, greenpeace donation).
only driving when necessary.
I FINALLY bought one of those amazing stainless steel Sigg bottles so I stop buying plastic water bottles when I'm out and thirsty. I just fill it up before I leave and it stays nice and cold and the flavor doesn't get all plastic-y. http://www.mysigg.com/. They cost like 20 bucks, but if you spend a dollar on bottled water 3 times a week, that's still around 150/year you're spending on bottled water when you could just spend 20 dollars once.
juicing/smoothie making- it's a lot cheaper than getting jamba juice (i'm addicted too, penny)
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
I second the 'make your own sandwich' suggestion...I also like wraps...
I buy in bulk a lot, and just store it. Toiletries, snack foods, or non-perishables...
I also ride my bike EVERYWHERE. Everywhere I need to be is within a 10min ride.
One of my FAVORITE (new fav) money saving tip is to MAKE A LIST for the grocery store and STICK TO IT. Maybe allow yourself one special treat under $5 (for me it's nail polish or a good gossip mag), but other than that, stick to the list- I've found myself leaving with a $50 bill as opposed to a $120.
I also buy generic as much as possible. There are sooommmeee things I refuse to substitute for generic (cream cheese, toilet paper, paper towels, canned soups) but other than that, I buy as much as possible generic. I did it once as an experiment (to test flavors and whatnot) and I was very much surprised with the comparison. Most things really are just as good as name brand products and food. I like the wal-mart Great Value products. I am very happy with everything I've gotten and I use to REFUSE to buy generic. ( I was a food snob, lol)
But yeah, between buying generic and sticking to the list, my list has gone from $100+ EASILY, to less than $50 everytime.
Sometimes you gotta treat yourself though...
But I will NEVER give up my waxing or keva juice!
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
use public transportation when possible.......who knows how high gas will go???
buying in bulk is a big item, as well as cooking instead of ordering out.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Taking the bus to school instead of driving and paying the $7 parking tickets I almost always get for being in the garage too late.
Cut down on junk food, and use all of the groceries. Freeze what I can't use right away.
I'm moving from my semi nice apartment to a run down but evry quiet one in august to cut over $100 a month, and getting a roomate, so that'll cut on bills too.
Buying produce thats on sale
I want to buy a bike
Started buying walgreens vitamins instead of gnc or vitamine shoppe - saves a ton there.
Got subscriptions to mags so I don't but one at full price off the stand every month.
Used up all of my old foundation and powder makeup, and now don't wear any, just drugstore blush mascara, and liner. I still buy Mac glosses though. I save a ton not buying department store mascara.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
I live a frugal life every day with food and beverages, so I can't really make improvements there.
I think I make smart choices with clothing, makeup and shoes, and accessories. Most of us spend waaaaaaay to much on it, and most of it never gets worn/used....such a waste. I have a few quality items and I will use them until they run out/wear out. I can justify high end cosmetics if I use it all.
oh, and trading in my gas guzzler for a Prius. That's obviously saving me big bucks these days, but also my insurance went down AND I got a tax break.
And not paying interest for anything except real estate. Interest is the biggest waste of money and sometimes debt is necessary, but realistically, most of us are still paying the interest on stuff that could have waited.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
britt244
this probably sounds silly to everyone, but i like to buy things prepackaged so its easier to throw together a lunch. like, i buy pre-scliced apples because its faster and i can just throw them in a bag. but i pay more for extra packaging, so lately ive been trying not to do that. its really just my laziness.. i can take the extra few minutes to wash and cut up an apple, put pretzels in a bag instead of buying a hundred calorie pack, etc.
A few days ago I precut apples, mandarins, bananas, grapes and kiwis and put them in individual containers. All the food cost less than ten bucks and I had snacks for a week. That works really well.
Also, instead of prepackaged lunch meat it's FAR cheaper to have the butcher slice it. I saw salmon was packaged $15 for 250 grams last week or $29 for 1kg at the butcher, which LOOKS more expensive but is really half the price. Pay attention to those details, as the butcher meat is also fresher and healthier.
Speaking of petrol... is it a wonder I'm getting a motorcycle? After spending FIFTEEN GRAND this year in petrol (*sigh*) buying my bike for 4 grand will save me 7 grand in petrol which is -baddadum- 3 grand a year I save. Not to mention rego costs are lower, insurance is lower and tolls are cheaper. I spent over $300 this year in piddly things like tolls. No joke, that $2.60 to cross the bridge and that $1.90 to go on that shorter highway REALLY add up. For a bike it's a dollar for both tolls. (I really cannot use public transport for work - it causes me to be late since I have to be across town in exactly the time I've been given)
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lysondra
A few days ago I precut apples, mandarins, bananas, grapes and kiwis and put them in individual containers. All the food cost less than ten bucks and I had snacks for a week. That works really well.
I want to do this but doesn't the fruit go brown?
Oh, and I forgot-I'm getting an EZpass. Discounts on toll roads.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own)
Goes a little brown at around day 3. Doesn't taste any different though...
I recommend getting an air tight sealer if brown is really a big issue with you.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
Taking the bus to school most days ($2 for a day pass.) Even though it's also only about $2 in gas money, it saves mileage on my car for work. I can use those 16 miles I would have driven round trip for my work (I delivery drive and spend enough for gas!)
Shopping at the Neighborhood WalMart. So much of their groceries like bread, and especially their vitamins are cheaper than even the Dollar Store and conventional grocery stores with card savings programs like Fry's (Krogers) or Safeway.
Shopping at the Dollar Store. Especially the one that has groceries!
Getting clothes at cheap clothes shops like Outlets, Goodwill, and a place called Suzie's Deals which has great stuff for only $5.99! I also frequent WalMart too. Get most of my shoes there and also got my work shoes there. Got work pants for $3.99 at Goodwill. Goodwill is also good for bedding and kitchenware.
Better driving habits. Even in the effing hot Southwest, if I don't have to look nice where I'm going, I'll roll the windows down and sweat and enjoy the natural cooling :P I also coast to lights more often and brake lighter.
Keeping the AC at 78 in the daytime, 75 at night.
Buying generic.
Doing laundry at my mother in law's apartment complex laundry room instead of the laundromat. I save at least $0.50 per load that way.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
I try not to shop at WalMart but they have the best prices - hands down.
I roll my own change. You can get wrappers from the bank and it saves the money they would take from you at the store (sometimes the bank too).
Turn the A.C. off when driving. A.C. kills your gas mileage. Which sucks because it's hot out.
NO MORE FAST FOOD! I didn't realize that I was spending like 5-10 bucks a day on Wendy's or Taco Bell. I did the math last night and if I don't freaking to T.B., I'll save $1820 a year!
Stop drinking alcohol.
Shop at the Salvation Army, a second hand store, eBay... or Snaz75 (sorry for the shameless plug, their stuff is INSANELY affordable)
Also selling your books on Amazon and other things on eBay can turn a small profit. Not always though, and stupid eBay charges fees even if you stuff doesn't sell so watch out.
OK, I'll admit it. I do this thing - http://www.clixsense.com/?2102028
It's a pay per click site, where you're supposed to watch 30 seconds of advertisements and they pay you a penny per ad. I was silly and upgraded my account ($10 bucks) but I make about that a month - considering how much time I spend aimlessly online. I always minimize the window and turn my speakers off. It amuses me what I'll do for a penny. LOL
Generic, generic, generic! I agree with what crazybeautiful said - do not sacrifice certain things! Especially toilet paper.
NYC make up company is pretty cheap and is pretty good. I never pay more than like 3 bucks for nail-polish, or any of my make up really.
As for fruit turning brown: It's oxidation. While if you chop all your fruit early in the week, it won't go bad any faster than normal - it may turn brown. Take a little brush and spread some lemon juice on it to keep away the brown. :)
Make your own pillows. Super easy. LOL
Summer's here too, so garage sales are everywhere. And dollar stores. Mmmm... thrifty.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
I seriously love this thread.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pretty_Penny
#2 - water! - we buy way too much bottled water. i'm going to invest in a good filter instead. i may still buy (in bulk) water bottles for taking to work, but that's it. (recommendations on filters would be great, actually).
Hell YES girl. We have been saving so much on water, not having to buy cases of it anymore. Our friend that we moved in with has a pretty fancy fridge with a water dispenser that shoots out cold, filtered water. When we lived in out apartment we had to buy cases of bottled water and it added up. We were getting ready to invest in a filter of some sort then held off cause we were moving in here with the fancy fridge.
I doubt you have the dough for a $3000 dollar fridge so go grab a Brita pitcher. Also those ones you put on your tap (called Pur, I think) are good but they're more expensive than the Brita. I used a Brita pitcher for years when I lived in CA and loved it but you have to keep up on changing the filter on it, or it's pointless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AnnKatherine
I clip coupons and shop at Walmart for most of my groceries/toiletries. I won't go to any drugstores unless they have a sale...........same with other grocery stores.
Thank god for Wal-Mart neighborhood market. Coupons are a MUST and Walgreen's clearance items
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Some Guy
I save a ton of money on lunch now. I buy a loaf of bread, some type of prepackaged lunch meat (the turkey stuff is quite cheap and better for you) or pb&j, and make sandwiches. Instead of $7-$9 on fast food per day, I spend around $4-$5 for a week and a half. In a five day work week, I save $30! Plus, I never realized how much I missed sandwiches.
I also cut back on my drinking.... alot. Saved a ton there too.
I basically have forced my husband to take sandwiches to work. It all started when I opened the bank statement one time to see swipes of the debit card for lunch every day, sometimes up to over $20. I was like "no more" from then on, and he's been taking cold cut sammies to work ever since.
As far as cutting back on alcohol, now is a great time more than ever. Food is necessary for survival, vodka is not. I (we) simply do not have the money to include beer or liquor in our grocery cart. Well, maybe Milwaukee's best, but I just refuse
I've also been cutting corners with my toiletries and makeup
-No MAC for a while. Wet-n-Wild it is. Or Rimmel.
-I've also narrowed my bathroom objects down to just the basics.
-Basic disposable razor and shave cream. No more fruity fancy Skintimate and
cartridges for my Venus Vibrance, which are like $13.
-Basic bar soap instead of body wash, and no more Oil of Olay in-shower body lotion
that I love so much:(
-Plain 'ol generic brand lotion instead of Bath n Body works and VS.
-Suave shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray (Goodbye, CHI!!! See ya later on when I can afford you...)
Also I dyed my hair as close to my natural color as possible. Which means no trips to the salon every two weeks. Haircuts for free by my sister, in the kitchen.
Acrylic nails....GONE.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
I second the Brita. Which reminds me I need to change the filter....
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
I just changed the filter in my fridge for the ice and water. It was 40 bucks and the guy at sears told me that i am good for 6 months. I fill bottles with that water and take it with.
Starbucks coffee at Costco is a pretty good deal.
I get my work shoes fixed at least once before i retire them.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
this saving money thread looks more like a spending money thread to me.
i gotta buy this, get that... save on this, change to that... ::)
me, i just cut things out. i know it's not sexy and rather old fashion but, hey... it works.
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Re: money saving ideas i'm going to try - add your own
Okay, here are mine.....
1) Shopper cards at CVS and my local grocery stores...they're free (I didn't get a check cashing option or whatever) and they save a TON!
2)Local Sunday papers...I spend $3 a week and easily save 10x that in coupons and finding sales.
3)Generics over name brands. I'm a label reading ho so if a generic product (lotion, medicine, whatever) has the same ingredients (VERY IMPORTANT!) I grab it over the name brand.
4)One trip for errands per week. I plan my 'errand day'. Hit all the stores at once, get everything we need, and eliminate being in the stores every day and feeling the impulse buy urge. Also eliminates wasting gas on numerous trips all over the place.
5)Make lists! I shop with lists I make ahead of time. I go from room to room, check cabinets etc to see everything we're low on or out of. Then I also check the sales flyers. Then I grab the coupons to match the list. IF IT'S NOT ON THE LIST, I DON'T GET IT! :)
6)Clearance racks are your best friend. Srsly.
7)'Fast food' and 'drive thru' have been eliminated from my vocabulary.