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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 10:28
OK, the economy is slapping us around. I can't turn in my busness related expenses because the work is having money problems. It is in my salary package but now I can't use it. Of course, I had a pile of them ready to submit.
Anyway, with people struggling all around I want to start collecting money saving tips. Hit me with 'em. What are you/ or would you like to do to save money?
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dilnatmom
Style Addict (1377)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 11:38
I am buying less scrapping stuff! Honestly, I spend way to much on it and I don't have the time to use all the great goodies I have! I end up making smaller projects like cards or decorate boxes and such. So when I am not spending money on all the stuff that I am not using I save about 50+ dollars every month. I have resolved myself not to buy anything unless I need it for something I am working on, I will go through my stash first though as I pretty much have everything I have wanted in the past two years.
I am also eating out less. On an average I am eating out atleast 1 time a day for either dinner with the kids or lunch with my work girls. I have given myself. Since I sometimes eat out more than once a day it is changing how I am doing things. So I have limited myself out to three meals a week, total. I have a week coming up where I will be out of town and there will be some meals provided. I am bringing cereal to my hotel room and buying some milk for the fridge and eating breakfast in my room before I report to the conference and I will go out to dinner one night with the group and the other ones I will go somewhere to eat but not a 15 dollar meal all three nights.
I am also learning to be a bit stricter with my kids! I need for them to know that the economy is changing so I need to show that to them buy my spending habits.
I am also turning up the air a bit at home, I can feel it being warmer but it is really helping our bill.
Also unplug everything your not using, it is said to really help with the electric bill.
Hope that helps some???
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livingroomfloor
SISter Elle (1896)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 11:47
Coupons, coupons, coupons. I know some people say that they only make you buy higher priced items, but if you play your cards right, you can get some items for free or almost free. I bought a half gallon of Mayfield Ice Cream (it's our local premium dairy) which is usually almost $6 because they had a sale and I had a coupon - I paid $1.50.
It's a mindset you really have to be in...and I know it's hard for some people to get into the habit, but it's like putting on your seat belt. Before you know it, you feel naked with out them. Also, shopping the clearance racks at Target and such...we stock up on laundry detergent when we see it on sale or for really cheap, because it's better to have it and have bought it on sale than to have to go buy it at full price if you're in a rush.
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 11:50
Yes! Every idea matters. Thank you.
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BlessedinTexas
Favorite SISter (10065)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 12:18
I am turning everything off that is not being used as well..turning the thermostat up and turning on all the fans.....
I tried the coupon thing..but when i go shopping I can never seem to find the products....I spent hours and came home with very little? any helpful hints here would be appreciated.
Gas too - I just found out teh one place I get gas has been charging me an extra dollar to get gas there with my debit card...you got it I dont go there any longer...a dollar is a dollar!!
I am like Stephanie - I stock up on laundry detergent too when it is on sale and the same with other products such as shampoo -
buy huge quantities at Sams and split them somebody....
Also light bulbs that are flourscent are supposed to save you money too - last longer.....
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 12:26
Have you all seen this?
http://www.publix.com/publixbrand/
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Big SISter
Big SISter
Big SIS (4182)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 12:50
Since my family depends on me selling scrappy supplies, I can't really tell you all to stop buying them (LOL), BUT I am coming up with a lot of cool ways to use your supplies for things other than scrapbooking to help you save money. I've always been a practical crafter. When I am not making pages, I always try to create things that I will really use in every day life. I am planning to do some webisodes around this, also showing how to do some really cool home decor things that you would normally spend big bucks on that you can make at home for cheap. I'm really excited to show you all what I've been working on that will help you save.
JJ
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 13:17
That is awesome JJ! I LOVE to make practical gifts with my scrappy supplies!
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Lindalou
Fashion Plate (264)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 13:56
I just started to carpool with a girl from work.We trade driving each week. I save $70.00 a month so far. We are thinking of adding one or 2 more just to say another 35. more.....
I have also cut back on food shopping. We use to send 100. a week and bougth stuff we did not need that week.
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:07
The carpool is a great idea.
I think saying no to children is the hardest thing to do.
I read someone else say she was rolling her pennies. Sounds good to me.
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cassie
Vogue SISter (3039)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:10
I am the coupon queen! I just got back from the grocery store and saved $80 and spent $70!!
I only use coupons for things that are on sale. Sometimes I buy things when I don't need them, because I know I will need them soon enough.
I have a family of 6 so we always need stuff.
I don't know if you have a Walgreens where you live, we do...they have coupons and they have a rebate program. After you buy things, submit the form and they send you a gift card to use in the store. I love this!!
I turn off lights, change to the ones that look like screws...they are going to stop making the regular light bulbs that we use now anyway...
If you have appliances or anything that has little green light swhen you plug it in...even when it is off, it is still ON. You have to unplug it. Turn your computer on its energy setting as well. You can really save here!! I used to not turn my computer off, ever...now I do...I think it saves something like $200 per year...no kidding...
I know that everyone can't do it...but we have a Harley...they hardly use anything for gas.
We have dinner prep places here...you go there and make a meal for 6, freeze it and pop it in the oven later...I go here and make a meal for less than $20...if you do it right, you can get them WAY less than $20...I buy the Package plan where I got 10 meals for 6 people for $120!!!
I will think of more later and post them!!!
:)
I love to save money!!! It is a sport for me!
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:14
Awesome! We are doing the meal prep things, too. We can get a meal for a family of four for $10. It is a full meal, too with out wasted ingredients.
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:18
What about beauty items. How do you save money there? I buy online and at Ulta with coupons. Believe it or not, I have even taken the drastic measure of only wearing make up when I am at work. I take care of my skin every day but save the rest for work days.
I have been using paint and glimmer mist on cereal boxes and junk mail and stamping on them to make focal pieces for cards I am making out of scraps. That is turning out to be pretty fun.
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livingroomfloor
SISter Elle (1896)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:24
Oh beauty products. Here is where I might not be much help. I don't wear makeup. And I only buy my face wash/mascara/powder when I have a coupon, which means I buy it somewhere like Target. I don't think it's a bad thing to splurge on something you really love, but you just have to think of what's really important. 20 different kinds of eyeshadow or 10? 5 kinds of lip gloss or 10?
Makeup has gotten really expensive and I think a lot of companies know that women will spend on makeup before they'll spend somewhere else. I think if you look at what you use and what you have, you can cut out some things.
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:36
I am with you but I am not sure that the people who have to look at me with out make up on would agree. ;)
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BlessedinTexas
Favorite SISter (10065)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:36
JJ - you should see what Demi and my neice have been doing with my decorative balls/bling dots - they are pink, green, pearl. blue colors not sure what brand but they came out the other day with one on their nose and one in their belly buttons - I lost it? Piercings....creative huh?
Just thought I would share -
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livingroomfloor
SISter Elle (1896)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:37 - Edited by: livingroomfloor
And something else about saying no to your kids.
Let me preface this by saying that I don't have kids, but I did grow up in a household with two working parents who didn't make a lot of money. I remember the power getting cut off and us having to eat ramen noodles. But because of that, I am grateful that I can now afford an iPod and digital cable now... but I look at things like that as luxuries, not something I am entitled to.
There were also times that I didn't get to do lots of things...like senior year when every one of my friends went on the NYC trip and I stayed at home...I was really upset at the time, but I got to go two years later, went for less than half price and had an awesome time.
I don't fault my parents at all for saying "no" to me at times. Sometimes I didn't need another video game or new clothes, it was all about what I wanted. And I think the more you are able to say no and get your children to understand why you have to say no, they'll start to get it and they'll adjust.
I'm not saying at all that your kids are spoiled, but I know most kids today are (I didn't get my own TV until I was 16!) and they could learn to live on a lot less. And you never know, you might ingrain in them what my mom did in me...and later on, they'll be able to live on a lot less and keep themselves out of financial trouble.
Oh, and a recipe for you. Cheap, cheap, cheap.
Pot Roast
1 large pot roast (I dunno the oz, I guess whatever normally feeds your family)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of water
1 onion, cut into rings
Cook in crock pot for 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Pour over steamed rice and cook some veggies on the side. It doesn't seem like a lot without carrots and potatoes, but believe me, it is.
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BlessedinTexas
Favorite SISter (10065)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:40 - Edited by: BlessedinTexas
Oh yea, here on tuesdays and Wednesdays in most restaurants kids eat free....chick fil a on tuesday for example...I went and had some grouper and demi got her meal for free at RJ Gators where kids eat free on Wed - Spring Creek has coupons if you buy one you eat free...there are a lot of those that come out in our city coupon book - that helps and I love it!
Also not stopping to get starbucks, sodas (although I love mine when I have to I do without because it does add up) -
also planning meals and precooking - I know a lot of folks cook several meals n sunday to enjoy during the week - I love cooking..not fancy meals but I know that has saved me a lot of money -
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BlessedinTexas
Favorite SISter (10065)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 15:48
Steph - I love that recipe but I use potatoes and carrots - Del Monte ones when they are on sale...but man the cost of pot roast has gone up so high
That reminds me, my sister and her husband buy meats reduced when they buy them on the last date stamped and then freeze it...so they get meat for cheap from Krogers....and it is all good too -
I agree -= after 9/11 I could barely keep the roof over my head and did without everything but the necessities and can live that way now and demi just knew we didnt have the money...it was good for both of us...(quit coloring my hair, took my nails off, took and appreciated my friends who passed along clothes to my dd - I love doing that and never sell anything because I know they will go to good use by piffing...
Freecycle.com - you can get some good things here
Craigslist - place to shop now...
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livingroomfloor
SISter Elle (1896)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 16:06
Oh, and one more thing. I LOOOOVEEE Starbucks frappucchinos. But instead of dropping $4 a few times a week, I keep the pre-mixed ones from Target or other stores in the fridge and when I'm hankering, I drink one of those instead. It ends up being $1.25 vs $4...and I can have the "real thing" as a treat.
I have so many ideas...I could write a book...
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 16:21
Well, keep going cause I love 'em! There are a few things at the coffee shopes in Barnes and Nobles, Books-A-Million and places like that, that come in kids sizes. They have a kids lemon bar, smoothy and other things at a reduced size for a reduced cost. I noticed a group of adults come in and order all children's sizes. That was fun because we still got to have something but at a lot less cost and calories.
We do Freecycle all of the time. I have not done Craig's list, yet.
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lorwilb
SISter Elle (1656)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 16:53
Tammy, look at Big Lots---I know a lot of the stores are crappy, but if you find one you like, they have great deals! A lot of times I find make-up, office/school supplies, canned goods, etc REALLY cheap...and good stuff too..Revlon makeup, etc. Sign up for their free email list and you'll get coupons and notices of what is in stock.
This is a great thread!:)
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bythebeach
Style Maven (564)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 17:00
Due to losing my job at the end of July, I've been drastically reshaping our budget. I'm reading "Miserly Moms" right now. Really good book & they have a website too. Some of the tips are a little extreme but most of them make sense. I buy lots of store brand stuff especially at Walmart because the only difference is the price. I actually prefer some of their brands over the name brands.
As far as makeup & hair stuff. Check out Sally Beauty Supply. For $5 a year you can get a discount card (you actually get the $5 back in a coupon to use after the first month of membership). They have their own generic brands of popular name shampoos, hairspray, etc. They also carry some brands of makeup that are cheaper.
I'm now planning a weekly menu & make my list based on that menu. I also inventory household supplies before I make my weekly trip to the store. And if it's not on the list, I don't buy it. When I was working, I made about 3-4 trips each week to pick up stuff. Shopping once a week & planning a menu has cut my grocery bill in half.
I only use a few coupons because the store brands usually end up being cheaper anyway.
Save leftovers like pieces of chicken. Once you have leftovers from a few meals, it will be enough meat for a casserole or stew.
Hope this helps. :)
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BlessedinTexas
Favorite SISter (10065)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 17:04
These are all good ideas!!
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lpmkate
Favorite SISter (9453)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 17:18 - Edited by: lpmkate
I have so many ideas...I could write a book...
Me too sistah!!
I don't wear makeup.
Ha! I wear mascara (Great Lash) which costs about $5 a year (2 tubes) and that's it. I used to buy the fancy dept. store stuff but it mostly sat in a drawer. And I've decided to go back to bar soap rather than liquid...totally lasts longer and less waste - no plastic bottles.
So where to begin....this is totally on my mind daily because I have six mouths to feed. Saving money takes work and time but is obviously worth it. I have a budget for groceries but I'm constantly trying to go under budget....so that I have extra money in the end for luxury items (babysitter!!!!!).
When my grocery has 10 for $10 on spaghetti sauce, hot dogs, salad dressing whatever....I stock up. I read the flyers for the 2 groceries I like, make a list and buy ONLY what is on the list. I find that even buying massive quantities at once - I spend less than if I go in without checking/planning around the sale flyers. And I really don't use many coupons b/c I buy a lot of store brand stuff.
Because I have picky kids we do a lot of the same meals each week. Spaghetti is a staple (Tuesday nights). I've started making my own pizza instead of ordering it each week. Saves about $15 a pop.
Another huge thing for me is I'm trying very hard to not waste any food. It's ridiculous how much stuff gets thrown away. So at the end of the week I try to make quesadillas (saute up little bits of whatever veggies you have leftover) and pizza to use up all that extra stuff that gets buried and mushy in the veggie drawers!!
I have been only buying produce that is on sale and plan my menus around it. When boneless chicken breasts on are sale I fill my freezer. I refuse to pay $5.99/lb for chicken!!!
And non-grocery related....I buy ahead MAJORLY for my kids. For example...I was at Target today. Crayons are 22 cents a box so I bought 5 instead of the 2 we need. Swim goggles are on clearance b/c it's the end of the summer so I bought a couple pairs to put away for next summer. My girls are on swim team - Costco has Speedo swimsuits on clearance for 6.98 (normally $20-$40)...so of course I bought them. I guess about sizes of course but I also have three girls....one will eventually fit someone!!
Using cash at places like the grocery and Target is also a BIG money saver. If you take $100 in cash with you and no credit/debit cards you can't spend any more than what you have. To do this you have to add up in advance how much you are going to need...add a little for wiggle room but it really helps stop the impulse buying.
All right...I'm out of breath...awfully windy...good luck on your saving adventures!!!
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Iris1975
Big SIS (4410)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 17:22
Just don't have a lot, 'cause of illness at a young age. So I try to save on everthing. I save a lot of money on little things.
Like to close curtains if it's cold outside to get the heat in.
I've got a double meter for electrity. In the night and weekends it's cheaper. So I always do the laundry in the weekend and also the disswasher, always after 23h or in the weekend.
But also things as what to put on your sandwich, you can make it so cheap and expensive if you want.
When I cook, I mostly cook more meals (I'm alone), that's a lot cheaper, the rest goed into the freezer (also easy sometimes). Always go for the discounts in the supermarket.
Don't have a car (luckely I can use my dear moms car sometimes), only a bicycle.
Almost everything I have is second hand, and I don't mind.
I get my clothes from an outlet store.
I do spent all my 'extra' money on scrapbook stuff... But I don't do a lot of things so I can get them, so I earned them, and I only get them when they are on discount, like when stores close down and give 50% discount, or on fair or second hand. And I also try to save big time for something as a digital camera or budgetholiday.
And when I don't use something anymore, I just sell it.
So it gives me some money to buy something again I will use.
Hope it helps and you can get some tips out of this.
In my case it's almost surviving... I really live from very little money.
Also red some great tips here!
Thanks!
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charinkellie
Model SISter (2988)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 17:43
Something my Mom and Sister have been *really* nagging me to get into (haha, I love them, but it has been kinda nagging me) is to start getting Angel Food.
It's restaurant quality food for a whole lot cheaper than you could buy it in a store. It's not only for low income famililes, anyone can get it. :)
angel food
Rent movies instead of going out to see them. You can even get some free from the library :)
Limit eating out, my husband and I have found that it's the biggest money waster out there!
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TammyGray
Favorite SISter (8511)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 18:02
OH! I saw something about Angel Food but I did not know what it was. At Walmart the other day I saw people renting movies out of a machine at the front of the store. There was a line to do it and they were $1 a movie. I thought that was cool.
One thing that I think is mega cool is using competitor coupons at the Michaels and you can also do that at the Office stores like Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, etc.
I really appreciate all of the ideas and there are so many here. Keep 'em coming because I think there are enough people struggling with the gas prices there has to be something for everyone.
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cassie
Vogue SISter (3039)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 18:06
oh yes...the Redbox...go to redbox.com and sign up. They send me text messages for free rentals every Monday and Wednesday!!!
We love them!!!
You touch the screen to return your movie and then slide the movie in...that is it!!!
LOVE this!!!
Go to the website and sign up!!
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lpmkate
Favorite SISter (9453)
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2008 18:09
My library has most new DVDs...you have to wait a while to get them but they are free.
And of course they have everything under the sun on VHS and older DVDs too.
You can reserve them from home and pick them up when they're ready.
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