best advice to save money?

[cash4life]

my guess is that it would be more convenient to leave the gas on and instead find somewhere that sells gas/propane cheaper. My dad always gets great deals from competing gas companies in the area. Sometimes they make you sign a contract---always get that in writing!

[acezz4e_tish]

i believe theirs a red handle on the water heater, but im not sure about it, i would call the gas provider for your area and ask to be sure, you dont want an explosion cause gas is running and theres no flame. im pretty sure tho there is a handle, and if its only for temp, you could always turn it down. that also depends on your convienence to do so. mine would not be convienent to change, it has its own room off my closet. gotta get my sons clothing out of the way and use a drill driver to get the screws out to open the wall. mines electric tho so turning it off is easy. maybe you can even ask your provider about a switch for convienence. they are suppost to help with energy conservation. i use propane for my stove and mfa is really helpfull. hope this helps. i would always, when its about gas, ask your provider first, and even a second opinion if it sounds flighty.

[Ima saver]

I amsorry, I meant to ask my husband about gas water heaters and how to turn them off, if possible.

[funnyvalentine]

I have to say that NOT buying impulse food is a huge money saver. I buy a giant jar of peanuts and pack them in little Tupperwares so I always have something to snack on instead of hitting the vending machines.

[getforfree]

My car is always full of all kinds of snacks. I also refill a bottle of clean water to take with me in case i would get thitsty. Wherever I go, my car goes with me, so can get a snack from my car instead of paying triple for something that I can get really cheap with coupon at the supermarket.

[getforfree]

And I also keep at least a few pads or tampons in my car too in case I the "thing" would start unexpectantly, so I don't have to stop and buy them somewhere where it might be not on sale.
I hate when I run out of something and have to buy it and it's not on sale in any of the places I usually go. or even worse if I also don't have a coupon for it. But I have a huge stockpile, so that doesn't happen often, maybe twice a year or so. :

[Ima saver]

I try to carry a small cooler with water and ice when we are going somewhere. If I get thirsty, I want water, but I don't want to pay for it. I always keep a small bowl for the dog too,

[boefixepa]

I'm with get for free -- my glove compartment has...tampons, advil, allergy med, napkins (from a fast food place). In the trunk--gallon of water, dog dish, anti-freeze (and other car fluids), window washing fluid, first aid kit, flash light, flares, camping chair, mequito replant, general 72 food kit (snacks), a jacket, and misc other stuff I always find myself needing. All in a bucket. Usally this stuff ends up helping someone else, but that's the idea.

[Ima saver]

My husband is such a neat nik that he takes all that stuff out and brings it inside. I like to keep toilet paper in my car too!

[shelbylovesmelby]

I also stock my trunk w/ juice boxes & spare sippie cups

We also bring a few sodas with if we're going to be out for a while since it's cheaper to have it on ya than pay over a $1 for a soda somewhere.

[funnyvalentine]

I start all my own veggies, etc, from seed. I have a couple of online sites that sell them for .99 a pack,

c

[debtdude]

keep a spending journal. Every day, write down every purchase you make. Pack of gum, cup of coffee, etc. Review your journal after a week and you'll see how much money you spend on the "nice to have's" and see what you could/should live without.

[Ima saver]

I have been doing that, it is amazing how much cash I spend each week.

[markio26]

i would say to keep a record of everything you save, spend, assets, etc.. then start brainstorming on ways you can save.. if you set goals, it is easier too.. all of the posts were very informative.. try to stick to some of their suggestions.. good healthy habits, if you are happy at home, you will be happy at work.. ppl. like to give helpful info. to happy ppl.. and above all be yourself... be committed to what your budget tells you... there are correct times in the year to buy... it is harder to manage the family budget this year, due to all of the increases from all of the businesses, that we buy from.

[Ima saver]

Take a shower with your neighbor!! Think of all the money you will save.

[funnyvalentine]

I have heard that Bank of America has some program that "evens off' your checks or charges and deposits the differenc; anyone else heard of this one?

[Ima saver]

I have heard of that, they round up to the next dollar. I think they even match for a short time.

[funnyvalentine]

I want to know more about this!!!!

[Lori63]

Originally Posted by Ima saver

My husband is such a neat nik that he takes all that stuff out and brings it inside. I like to keep toilet paper in my car too!

Hubby used to drive me crazy when the kids were young. I'd take them somewhere, only to discover that all the books, magazines, Cheerios and whatever had been removed from the van.

[getforfree]

Originally Posted by Ima saver

Take a shower with your neighbor!! Think of all the money you will save.

I usually take shower with my husband. That way we waste less water. Sometimes kids will come in and want to take shower too, so sometimes there are 4 of us in the shower. Our kids are still little, they don't know the difference between being girl or boy. We all get cleaned up in like 20 min.