101 Painless Saving Ideas

[Ima saver]

We save a forturne by having my husband brown bag his lunch every day. When i use the dishwasher, I do not use the dryer in it. That saves over 30 minutes of running time.

[Haku]

Oh yeah, don't forget about all the things you do to maintain your car. Even properly-inflated tires can save you money, and regular oil changes will save your engine in the long run.

[Haku]

Ok, maybe some won't see this as a savings, but I love energy-saver bulbs. Sure, they're costly at first, but it's suppose to save you more in the long run. What I like best about them is that you don't have to replace them very often.

[Haku]

I don't know why I thought of this, and I don't know if this is actually painless, but you can save a ton of money by using cloth diapers on babies instead of disposables. At least, that's what I've heard.

[Haku]

Incidentally, I am LOVING baking soda as of late. They have these ones that cost more, but are marketed as odor fighters where they also include a nice scent. I bought a box for less than $2 for my closet, and it's been doing wonders. Much cheaper than those plug-in liquid types you buy. If you don't care for the scent, ordinary baking soda is cheaper still.

Plus, baking soda as a zillion other uses that you can put on your list to replace other, more expensive household items. I wish I could have invented baking soda.

[markio26]

budget advantages:
goal achievement
debt reduction

i might add:
avoid debts in the first place.. don't create new debt..

[Ima saver]

My husband can maintain almost every thing in our house, cause he is a builder!

[Haku]

Oh yeah, save money by having a handy hubby!

Too bad I can't use that one.

(As in, NO I don't swing that way. )

[Ima saver]

Learn how to do it yourself!![Automated by GetSmile]

[Haku]

Yes, yes, working on it!

Now let's see. This nail... goes into that electrical outlet....

[lrjohnson]

*do an extra spin on the washer before drying (for painless, or hanging, for folks willing to do extra)
*buy a six pack instead of a can from a vending machine, or a 12 pack instead of a six pack, or a case (for painless; many of us do switch to water)
*turn water heater way down when vacationing, leaving house for a few days (for painless; of course you can step this up)
*find out if any stores in your area price match, so that you can painlessly get the lower price (me, I'm fine shopping around)
*see if gym does a corporate membership (for painless)
*prepay a lump sum instead of make payments for any items that will save you that way (car insurance, gym)
*if you have AAA, use member benefits at places/services you already use
* if you have Public TV/Radio membership, identify and use the member discounts for dining and other items
* Early bird specials
* no ice/less ice in drinks without free refills (again, we are talking painless)
* extend the time just a bit between hair cuts/lawn mowing/any other regular service ( painless, remember?)
* use rechargeable batteries
* check your trash collection: are you paying for more than you need? Can you go to a smaller can?

[Thrifty Ray]

Borrow or trade instead of buy
Barter whenever possible
Make frugal a hobby- My grocery shopping is a challenge to see how low I can go!
Use it till it dies.
Do not waste...anything.
Use the library, often!
Grow it yourself.
Cut back on meat.
Drink water.
Pay bills online and use the envelopes that come in bills for other needs.
Know your skills, then use them!
Dont buy calendars, banks give them out for free!
Realize that convenience costs, and figure out an alternative.
....

are we there yet?

[Thrifty Ray]

Originally Posted by Haku

Yes, yes, working on it!

Now let's see. This nail... goes into that electrical outlet....

no silly, you have to dip the nail in water first....

[Ima saver]

color your own hair!! I haven't been to the beauty parlor since I was a teenager!

[flash]

Make good on those lifetime guarantees...it takes same time and costs NO money to return a pair of boots to LLBean than to buy a new pair

Think before you buy (okay, may not be painless for everyone)

Don't pay for printed checks or all those extra add ons

Use 0% plans and pay them off before they come due.

Evaluate the deductibles on your insurance regularly...risks and ability to cover the cost changes

Use a library instead of buying books/movies

Exchange DVDs and movies with friends

Buy calendars after Jan 1, or get them free.

Don't pay for memberships

Skip the gym and run/walk/garden

Don't buy trial sizes.

Don't stockpile from warehouse stores

Insulate your home

Don't buy warranties unless you plan on using them (and then why are you buying the product?)

Don't print coupons if they will mail them to you

Take baths instead of showers; they actually take less water

Only use 1/2 to 3/4 the recommended amount of laundry detergent, soap, etc...manufacturers recommendations are based on making SURE you have enough to work on all loads/situations, which is usually overkill for every day needs.

Don't stock up on fresh produce/meat/etc. unless you have a plan to use it or a freezer to hold it.

Prepare meals in the morning, so only heating is required at the end of the day. Improves chances you will actually use what you buy, and eat at home instead of stopping on the way home.

[flash]

Make friends and be friendly with customer associates, cashiers, clerks...

[Ima saver]

I take the free lollipops from the bank to pass out to little children, when I see them.

[getforfree]

Which bank has lolipops? I would like some for my children, and for me too.

[Ima saver]

United Community bank always has free lollipops!

[poundwise]

This thread has some very good suggestions. Thanks to all who have contributed thus far. Keep the ideas coming.

Here's one from me. The comment above about printing made me think:

(good) Always use draft or ink saver mode when printing unimportant items.

(better) Don't buy name brand ink jet refills; use 123injkets.com, or similar. {Even better, do that through Ebates, or similar}

(best) Use a laser printer instead. My printer's counter is about to flip 2500 on one toner cartridge. Inkjet cartridges typically are good for only 350-500.