How have you saved money?

[doGooD]

Forgive me if a thread of this nature has already been posted. I am curious about how folks are saving money. What changes have you made in your spending habits? Maybe answers can serve as tips on how we can save money- ideas maybe we had not thought of but truly make a difference.

 

[traderx]

Forgive me if a thread of this nature has already been posted. I am curious about how folks are saving money. What changes have you made in your spending habits? Maybe answers can serve as tips on how we can save money- ideas maybe we had not thought of but truly make a difference.

With groceries, I buy private labels. The only private label food that has disappointed has been Kroger's cottage cheese. But everything else from dishwasher soap to peanut butter to apple juice to soft drinks has been fine.

I buy everything I can through the internet. I have done this for years but now, I really scour for good deals. I just bought a couple of pairs of pants and got a great deal. Another trick is to look for discount coupons online before you checkout.

I called my cable TV/internet service provider and told them I wanted to cancel. They turned me over to the retention department who discounted my monthly fee by 30%. The only expense area I have not saved money on this year is heating. We are having a cold winter and I cannot stand the cold so my natural gas bill has increased over the past year's bill.

 

[Matt J]

Same as traderx, in addition we wait for sales on shelf stable items like pasta, rice, and things we can freeze. Do a search for Publix chicken and you'll understand the frenzy the ensued.

Calling various companies like traderx said cable company, cell phone, and XM. Next one is car insurance, me and other half have seperate policies and really need to combine them for the multi-car discount. We are both safe drivers so it should be a pretty good savings.

 

[kathydwells]

Bringing my lunch to work. I have only gone out to eat 1 time in 3 weeks. I figure it has saved me about $200 a month. Also, I go to Sam's and buy in bulk. When I get home I separate all my meat. Leave out what I will use for the week and wrap and freeze the rest. I also bought some of those Debbie Meyer Green Bags to keep my produce in. It lasts so much longer so that I can buy in bulk. I used to hit the roads on the weekend shopping, usually for things that I really didn't need. Just wants. I have cut those trips out all together.

Instead of drinking a case of beer I just settle for 6 at a time. I figure my liver and butt are really happy about that change!!!! ;-)

 

[sunspotbaby]

What money?

 

[Rudyjohn]

This is a great thread and I hope it continues with more useful tips.

I watched Oprah recently and Suze Orman was a guest & suggested some good challenges that I am considering. One is try to not spend any money for 1 day, then 2 days, and so on until you go a full week. I've been thinking about that. It's so easy to pull thru a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and only have a slight feeling of guilt. But if you are challenging yourself, it seems to make a difference.


KDW, where do you get those green bags for the produce?

.

 

[scooterbug44]

I am eating out less and started getting my prescriptions at Target which saves $$. Am also changing my health insurance to save $ (that isn't an economy issue, but a tired of getting screwed by the insurance company issue).

I was raised to be thrifty regardless of the economy, so there wasn't much room to cut expenses further.

There are a few food items where I have tried and rejected the generic/private label (generic Cheerios suck), but in general I buy on sale and by unit price, not brand. I do have certain brand foods that I was raised on and do not care for their competitor's brands, but I can easily justify that one because if I bought the cheaper one I wouldn't eat it and it would be wasted. Plus, I wasn't exactly raised on the "premium" brands. ;-)

I am also used to planning my week's menus based on what is on special/in season at the store, so it is reflex to "wait" until something is the right price - especially at Publix where an item can vary by several dollars week to week.

 

[grace]

I also bought some of those Debbie Meyer Green Bags to keep my produce in. It lasts so much longer so that I can buy in bulk.

I've always wondered if those really work.

 

[Teresa]

yes, we have talked about saving in other threads recently, but we should continue the discussion, so good thread doGood!


I am just not organized enough to shop for what's on sale at publix, when I have a list of what I need whether its on sale or not. how I've saved is buying only what is on my list. no extras. don't need them. It's a trip to Publix every few days, in and out!!! (If I drive 20 miles to Walmart to do my grocery shopping I'm sure I could save some bucks on certain products. however, I found they will not carry many of my brands, I overspend on products I don't really need but, I've come all this way and while I'm here I better buy this or that. plus, nearly my whole day is shot by driving into Destin for food. not to mention the stress I feel just shopping there! my mom shops at Walmart but refuses to buy any meat there (not sure why). Walmart shopping doesn't work for me, and I'm relieved about that. I do remember when trips to Walmart were essential. we just did not have a choice. I cannot tell you how grateful I am now that we do have local grocery stores!!!).

I do not buy much meat. just don't eat that much anymore. so that helps.

I am not out shopping all around town, at least not unless I really need to. then I try to stick to my list. I have saved on time as well as money.

not much in the way of nonessentials! with a few exceptions, such as a facial and hair cut now and then. those are still essentials.

I do much better shopping for food when I've planned out menus for several days. and then stick to them. (still working on this part of the plan).

I MUST REMEMBER to start putting my publix shopping bags in my car!!!! I'm embarrassed to say that I have only remembered to do this a few times. I have a pile of them to use. any suggestions??

Someone mentioned online shopping. what kind of time/money savings do you get and with what items? online shopping drives me nuts, but may need to rethink this.

 

[traderx]

Someone mentioned online shopping. what kind of time/money savings do you get and with what items? online shopping drives me nuts, but may need to rethink this.

I buy almost everything online with the exception of stuff like gasoline and groceries. I should add that not everything online is a bargain but I enjoy the convenience. I have not bought clothes in a brick-and-mortar store in years. Same with shoes but then I wear shoes of unusual size and cannot find them in local stores. I also buy computers and electronics stuff online. I trust Crutchfield more than BestBuy. No restocking fees. I have even bought furntiure from dealers in North Carolina, site unseen. I did have prior exprience with the dealers however.

A good site to compare prices online, especially tech stuff, is pricewatch.com.