A few things that have made a big difference for us:
1) My Entertainment book for dining out. In my house, if there isn't a coupon for it, we don't go. (Well, not quite that extreme...) But it is fun to flip through the book on our date nights and pick a new restaurant or one of our favorites knowing that it will be a buy one get one free. They have coupons for sit-down restaurants, fast food, the MOVIES! ($5.50), rental cars, dry cleaning, and more. The 2005's were just completed...and they are offering $10 off + free shipping if you order online. (about $25 total.) I can tell you I've saved hundreds...and on things I would have done anyhow. I saved $100 on my dining room table because there was a coupon for the local furniture store! The site is
www.entertainment.com. Also, from about May - August, they usually sell them for $10 each to get rid of them. Look out for it next year... (it just ended on the '04s)
2) On the frugal side...I do not have long distance on my phone bill. Aside from having free nights on my cell phone, I use a calling card for my other calls at home. It may take a few seconds longer to dial, but the rate I pay is about 2 cents per minute! I pick up the cards at a wholesale club, like Sam's Club. I buy one, and it lasts me a year - for about $30. And I keep my home phone bill under $30 per month. There's also great to bring when I travel...no roaming, and I don't pay crazy hotel phone charges.
3) Using eBay...I've done more selling than purchasing on eBay, but I've been successful with both. Whenever I'm getting rid of my nice clothes (that I got on sale, of course), I post them on eBay. They always seem to sell, and the few minutes I put in is worth the pay I get back. Also, there are alot of sellers on there that sell brand new stuff cheaper than you'd find at a distributors. It's worth a look, if you haven't. If that's too much, I recommend a consignment store. I get checks several times a year for items that I've brought there for them to sell. They pay me 60% of the selling price, and do all the selling work! I love it.
4) If you are a big movie renter...or someone that rents a few, but pays ALOT of late fees - I recommend a membership for regular rentals. Of course, it's only saving if you're spending more now than you would on such a plan. I pay $22/month at Blockbuster for unlimited rentals. The only catch is that I can only have two out at a time. (no biggie...when I'm done, I go get two more!) Highly recommended for those that already spend upwards of $30/month on rentals or fees. I don't believe in spending money to save money when it doesn't make sense...
Sorry to be so long...this is a fun topic.
