best advice to save money?

[rabbitfoot]

I'm looking for creative ways to save money. i would like to hear any ideas that people have or use

[2moretrees]

Re: best advice to save money?

Cook your own meals. I used to spend a fortune going out to eat. An added bonus is that you will have a healthier diet, too.

[jeffrey]

Re: best advice to save money?

Before you start cutting expenses by trying to change your current habits, evaluate the places you can save money without making any lifestyle changes. I know that sounds a little strange, but there are a number of places you can save money without changing a single thing you do. For example, shop around for a better rate on your care insurance. If you are able to save $50 a month over what you are currently paying, that puts and extra $600 a year into your pocket without changing a single thing you are currently doing. Do the same with your house insurance, car insurance house mortage and the savings can really start ot amount to big numbers and you haven't had to change your lifestyle in the least bit. Most people can save enough in these areas to start paying off their debt...and you are much more likey to succeed if you aren't forced make lifestyle changes you really don't want to make.

[rabbitfoot]

Re: best advice to save money?

Jeffrey, thank you for your suggestion. That seems like a good way to start. i'll give it a try

[DivaJen]

Re: best advice to save money?

To pick up on Jeffrey's ideas...

DH and I just changed to a new cell plan. Our monthly costs will go own about $25, we both got free phones and each phone came with a rebate!

Health insurance has also been a big expense for us, as we have to buy our own coverage. We've been able to change plans this year and are paying about $130 less per month now, if you can believe it.

I also agree with the eat-at-home tip. This is a big money saver for us.

I shop consignment and thrift stores, as well as eBay, for casual clothes for me and my daughter. I also resell on eBay from time to time. It doesn't reap huge rewards, but it's nice to get $1.50-$2.00 back on something that may have cost at most $5.00 to begin with.

When DD was still in diapers I switched from disposables to cloth. A year and a half of that saved us some money, even with the initial investment in diapers.

[Tree0164]

Re: best advice to save money?

It is all the little things that add up and it really depends where you are at what point in your life.

What can you give up? Or what are you willing to give up?

I couldn't do cloth diapers in my house. I buy the generic brand here and that works out fine for us.

I still have my cable and high speed internet access. Cable is basic and I use high speed internet for my business.

Since I work out of the house, we eat in mostly every night. Lots of homemade dinners not too much from a box. We are starting our garden soon so lots of fresh tomatos

[rabbitfoot]

Re: best advice to save money?

Thank you all for your advice. It has help me focus a bit more. I have been making a list of areas where I may be able to cut some fat. I'll let you all know how it goes and please continue to post any other suggestions you may have.

[DivaJen]

Re: best advice to save money?

Something else we do - collect water in the shower in a bucket and then use it in our gardens. I'm amazed at how much water we get in a week! It only takes 2-3 showers to fill up the bucket. It's an easy way to cut down on our water bill, and we feel good about not wasting quite so much water when we shower.

[aveigel]

Re: best advice to save money?

a couple of practical things i do are...
shop the rebates that are offered monthly at walgreens, rite-aid and longs drugs (the rebate books are at the front of the store). there are offers for free items and $1-5 off many items, and when coupled w/ coupons, this can mean saving a lot. i get numerous things for FREE every month--from deoderant and toothbrushes to printer paper and film.
also, we rarely eat out, pay off our credit card every month so we never pay interest (and it also gives airline mile rewards--i flew to maui last year for free), and shop thrift stores or marshalls and tjmaxx when we need stuff. don't ever pay full price for anything! also-check out books at the library instead of buying them.
hope that helps!
aveigel

[emily1067]

Re: best advice to save money?

I find that keeping a change jar works for me. Everyday I put all the change in my purse and all the change in my boyfriends pockets in a jug. We're taking a weekend trip with all the change we've save and it feels like we're getting a free vacation!

[Tree0164]

Re: best advice to save money?

Emily
We are putting all of our change in a bucket too. It is our Disney fund

[emily1067]

Re: best advice to save money?

I just counted all our change last night...we even have enough to order room service for breakfast! That's so exciting to me.

[Tree0164]

Re: best advice to save money?

Yeah Emily! I hope you enjoy it.

[contrary1]

Re: best advice to save money?

I evaluate my regular bills, both monthly and those that come periodically during the year............each year. Normally, I use January to do this. (no outside chores at this point)
I look at each bill & often call the provider & ask point blank, "is there anything I can do to lower this bill?" Amazingly, I always come up with a couple really good tips/changes and make money this way each year.
The only one that really backfired on me was my homeowners insurance. I called 2 years ago & just asked my normal questions........... They ended up sending someone to my house to re evaluate my coverage & ended up cancelling my policy. I had to get re insured quickly, since homeowners insurance is required for me to continue working........ I did end up with a better deal, but it was a frantic time for me.

[Ima saver]

Re: best advice to save money?

I read that 35% of your energy cost comes from hot water usage. Keep your hot water heater turned off at all times and just turn it on 20 minutes before you need it. (for showers or dishwasher) Also, don't use a heat pump for heat!