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Subject: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: quirky_cat_girl on 07/23/06 at 9:17 pm

This thread is for any good way to save money, in basically any category (food, utilities, clothing, shopping, household items, etc.). Any hints/tips would be welcomed.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 07/23/06 at 9:23 pm

-- Buy in bulk.  Spend a few extra dollars to buy things you know you run out of quickly, like paper towels, toilet paper and pop.  That way, the next time you do your shopping, you won't have to buy those things, because you will already have plenty at home.  We do this for the above mentioned items.  Also, sometimes you can buy certain foods in bulk packaging, like chicken, steaks, hamburger meat....stuff like that.  This way you have plenty on hand for if you want fried chicken or a hamburger, and you don't have to spend money going to KFC or Burger King. 

-- Generic brands are just as good as name brands.  They often times are the same tasting food for a fraction of the price.  I buy mac and cheese, frozen veggies, cheese, lunch meat, salad dressing, oil, salt and pepper....the list goes on.  I've never once said "This doesn't taste like Kraft!".  If you dress it up yourself, you can make it taste better than name brand.  This saves a lot of money in the end, because when you buy Kraft or Velveeta, you're buying the brand, not the product. 

-- Coupons are cool and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  I once saved $20 bucks between coupons and buying generic when I did the shopping.  That's $20 that can go towards other things.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: quirky_cat_girl on 07/23/06 at 9:29 pm

Frugal Tips for food:


Bread
There is not a thing wrong with day-old bread, yet the grocery stores usually sell it for 10-50 cents less. See if your store has a regular rack for day old breads, rolls, and donuts from the bakery. If you have a freezer, stock up. I buy 2-4 loaves of garlic bread and 4-6 bags of rolls on almost every shopping trip and stash them in our freezer.
Hint: If you use the microwave to defrost bread, take it out of its plastic wrapper, wrap it in a napkin, and defrost for only 30-45 seconds at a time -- checking after each session. This will help avoid those hard edges that microwaves create on overcooked bread products.

Save bread crumbs from empty bread bags. You'll be surprised how fast they add up. Add them to meatloaf, use them to coat fried meat or top casseroles.


Coffee
I drink lots of coffee. If you do too (and if you're not one of those coffee fanatics that insist on a specific, exotic brand) then you might like this tip: reuse the coffee grounds.
If you drink coffee daily, you can save a substantial amount without significantly affecting the taste by using the grounds twice (or more!). Just add a small amount of new coffee to the old grounds. That old stuff still has some kick in it. This works best if you also use a permanent filter (wonderful thing!) instead of paper filters. You can store the used grounds in the refrigerator until the next day.


Household

To save money on garbage bags for the bathroom or a little wastebasket use your plastic grocery bag you get at the store. The handles on the bag can be tied up and tossed out in the garbage can.

A friend of mine taught me this useful trick to use little sample size soaps, hotel soaps, leftover soap scraps, etc. Put the soap in an old nylon and tye it around faucets outside in your yard. Voila! Now you can wash your hands with soap outside after gardening, walking the dog, etc.!








Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Marty McFly on 07/23/06 at 11:00 pm

Shop at Goodwill. :D


BTW I agree with buying generic brands (sometimes that stuff is actually better) and in bulk.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: whistledog on 07/23/06 at 11:03 pm

When thinking of buying a new CD, check the local pawn shops and used CD stores first.  Often at times, after I've bought a brand new CD for like $16.99 or more, I will see it the next day for like $9.99 in a used CD shop

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Marty McFly on 07/23/06 at 11:44 pm


When thinking of buying a new CD, check the local pawn shops and used CD stores first.  Often at times, after I've bought a brand new CD for like $16.99 or more, I will see it the next day for like $9.99 in a used CD shop


Yeah, used CD's are the way to go. Since 1998 that's what I've done most of the time.

In fact, I almost always first check the "bargain bins" (i.e. they'll have, say 5 for $15 deals. Some might be just in less demand 'cause they're older. Others may have a missing cover, etc. but that's cool with me).

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 07/24/06 at 12:20 am

Don't spend it!

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Red Ant on 07/24/06 at 3:15 am

Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry; I always spend about twice as much than I normally would if I do this.

Utilities are a fairly big expenditure. If your house has a lot of lights, and you tend to leave them on a lot, use those screw in flourescent bulbs. Yeah, they cost more initially, but the replacement 60W bulbs are as low as 2$ each now at places like Lowes or Home Depot (average is still about $7). They use about 12W of electricity, and last 4-10 times as long as incandescents. Over the life of the bulb, they more than pay for themselves, especially in the summertime where they generate less heat for your AC system to get rid of.

Only drawback is that flourescent bulbs aren't dimmer compatible.

IIRC, Windows are usually the main source of loss for both heat and cold. If the caulking is old or missing, go to a dollar store and get a caulkgun and to a hardware store for the caulk (~$4 a tube). Air leaks around windows are usually easily fixed.

Toilet leaks can waste a huge amount of water. To check your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If it shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Changing the flush valve flap is fairly easy on most toilets (if you need more info PM me).

Cars: Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressures. This is one of the biggest and cheapest ways to save on gas.

Food: Believe it or not it's sometimes cheaper to eat out. Submarine sandwiches, with all the fixings, wind up about $7 each the way I make them, whereas Subway would be maybe $6 (not as good, but cheaper). Same with pizzas; frozen pizzas are usually 3.50ea; add in 2.50 for pepperoni (per pizza - I like a lot!), 75c for pineapple, and 50 c for jalapenos, and that's $7.25 (plus running a 5000W oven for 40 minutes - roughly 26c worth of electricity) = 7.50 + the time to make it.

I can go to Dominos and, with coupons, usually come out about 6$ for roughly the same pizza.

If you like candy like I do, buy the 8 or 10 packs of it - about half the price of individual bars.

Of course, Ramen Noodles at 10c a pack work too.

A Brita pitcher or equivalent will make good water much cheaper than even off-brand bottled water.

Off brand batteries can be as good as name brand, yet might cost only 1/4th as much.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 07/24/06 at 3:17 am


Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry; I always spend about twice as much than I normally would if I do this.

Utilities are a fairly big expenditure. If your house has a lot of lights, and you tend to leave them on a lot, use those screw in flourescent bulbs. Yeah, they cost more initially, but the replacement 60W bulbs are as low as 2$ each now at places like Lowes or Home Depot (average is still about $7). They use about 12W of electricity, and last 4-10 times as long as incandescents. Over the life of the bulb, they more than pay for themselves, especially in the summertime where they generate less heat for your AC system to get rid of.

Only drawback is that flourescent bulbs aren't dimmer compatible.

IIRC, Windows are usually the main source of loss for both heat and cold. If the caulking is old or missing, go to a dollar store and get a caulkgun and to a hardware store for the caulk (~$4 a tube). Air leaks around windows are usually easily fixed.

Toilet leaks can waste a huge amount of water. To check your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If it shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Changing the flush valve flap is fairly easy on most toilets (if you need more info PM me).

Cars: Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressures. This is one of the biggest and cheapest ways to save on gas.

Food: Believe it or not it's sometimes cheaper to eat out. Submarine sandwiches, with all the fixings, wind up about $7 each the way I make them, whereas Subway would be maybe $6 (not as good, but cheaper). Same with pizzas; frozen pizzas are usually 3.50ea; add in 2.50 for pepperoni (per pizza - I like a lot!), 75c for pineapple, and 50 c for jalapenos, and that's $7.25 (plus running a 5000W oven for 40 minutes - roughly 26c worth of electricity) = 7.50 + the time to make it.

I can go to Dominos and, with coupons, usually come out about 6$ for roughly the same pizza.

If you like candy like I do, buy the 8 or 10 packs of it - about half the price of individual bars.

Of course, Ramen Noodles at 10c a pack work too.

A Brita pitcher or equivalent will make good water much cheaper than even off-brand bottled water.

Off brand batteries can be as good as name brand, yet might cost only 1/4th as much.


I find that off brand batteries do not last as long as better brand batteries.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: karen on 07/24/06 at 8:10 am


Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry; I always spend about twice as much than I normally would if I do this.

Utilities are a fairly big expenditure. If your house has a lot of lights, and you tend to leave them on a lot, use those screw in flourescent bulbs. Yeah, they cost more initially, but the replacement 60W bulbs are as low as 2$ each now at places like Lowes or Home Depot (average is still about $7). They use about 12W of electricity, and last 4-10 times as long as incandescents. Over the life of the bulb, they more than pay for themselves, especially in the summertime where they generate less heat for your AC system to get rid of.



Even better, turn them off when you leave the room

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: CatwomanofV on 07/24/06 at 1:42 pm

Make a budget. Put everything into two catagories: Needs and Wants. Get all the Needs first:  How much for utilities, rent/house payment, car payment (if you have one), insurence, food, etc. Make sure that you include a little to put away for a rainy day-it may only be about $10 or so, but put it away. Then, if there is anything left over, you can think about your Want list.

Making a list is a good thing and ONLY get what is on the list. Look at sales flyers and cut coupons-but be careful not to get something that you don't want/need only because you have a coupon. Discount stores are great. We have one that we affectionately call "The Dented Can" store. We usually shop there first and if they don't have what we are looking for, THEN we go to the grocery store.

When buying a big item (i.e. t.v. dvd player, etc.) shop around. Also, if you are buying anything on-line-definately shop around. Look at Google's Froogle and e-bay. Also, keep in mind S&H fees.



Cat

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Apricot on 07/24/06 at 1:47 pm


When thinking of buying a new CD, check the local pawn shops and used CD stores first.  Often at times, after I've bought a brand new CD for like $16.99 or more, I will see it the next day for like $9.99 in a used CD shop


Or pirate! :D

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 07/24/06 at 1:49 pm

Saving for a rainy day works even better if you maximize the return for your money.  There are numerous bank options that guarantee you a certain annual percentage yield.  Of course, if you'd rather bypass the bank and put your money to the test (you could lose in the short run, but in the time that the stock market has been in existence, history shows that the market always rebounds in the positive direction over the long run), you can find a self-serve brokerage account either through Charles Schwab, Fidelity or one of the other etrade sites.  I used to do securities, and I think Midas does it now as his career.  Never bet against the American economy ;)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: quirky_cat_girl on 07/24/06 at 2:55 pm


Shop at Goodwill. :D





heck ya! My favorite place to be! ;)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: BrianMannixGirl on 07/29/06 at 6:06 am

For most of the 90s I lived basically on the breadline as I mostly worked in temp jobs so I had to budget for the periods between contracts - and still be able to pay my mortgage.

Back then I was mostly paid in cash and paid all my bills in cash so the method I will outline below really worked for me (and for many others who liked my idea) these days I dont use cash so it wouldnt work.  But at the time it really saved me.

I made a folder with plastic sleeves.
In each sleeve I put a piece of paper with the name of a debt/bill and the amount (weekly amount) that had to go in the sleeve.

Here is my example from back then:
Mortgage - $100
Electricity - $10
Gas - $10
Phone - $10
Food - $30
Bus Fares - $20
Medical - $20
etc etc - basically a sleeve for every major and minor bill. Just work out what your bills cost per year then divide by 52 to get your minimum weekly amount - I rounded up to always ensure my weeky amount would be more than what was due.

then two more sleeves
Small Luxuries - $15 (small was things like renting a video, buying a bottle of wine, going to a film).
Big Luxuries - $50 (this was for saving for a holiday, or whitegoods or furniture etc).
(because I believe no matter how broke you are you always deserve a little luxury).

So each week I sat there and divided my paypacket up into the various sleeves and I only took out of the sleeves what I needed that day (ie the bus fares). When the phone bill arrived each month there would already be $40 in the phone sleeve. If the phone bill was only $35 - I would move the $5 change into the small or big luxuries sleeve.

It takes a lot of willpower. You have to really make sure you never "steal" from one sleeve to top up another sleeve etc. You have to be able to know that even tho you have wads of money sitting in your sleeves - each of those notes and coins have an allocated purpose and you cant just take it all and blow it on a spree. 
You also have to know its safe !  Obviously if you share a house with untrustworthy people it would pay not to advertise this method !  I personally had a safe in my home so it lived in there all locked up.

If I did overtime and got paid extra - I would divide the extra up evenly between each sleeve - then they would all be ahead.

I used this method for 10 years and it really saved me from losing my mortgage. I called it my "plastic sleeves method"  A couple of years ago I saw someone had patented the idea and called it "Money Bags". Sheesh - I never thought to patent my idea in 1991 !

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: danootaandme on 07/29/06 at 8:33 am

Leave credit cards at home, and don't get a debit card.  Only use the credit card when you need it to hold or verify a purchase, then pay with cash instead of putting it on your card.  At this moment the fee use for debit cards have surpassed the fee use for credit cards because people are using them and figuring, well it is only a dollar fee, or two, but add that up over a month and see what the convenience has cost.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 07/29/06 at 11:02 am


Leave credit cards at home, and don't get a debit card.  Only use the credit card when you need it to hold or verify a purchase, then pay with cash instead of putting it on your card.  At this moment the fee use for debit cards have surpassed the fee use for credit cards because people are using them and figuring, well it is only a dollar fee, or two, but add that up over a month and see what the convenience has cost.


You have to qualify for the right kinds of credit cards and debit cards are tied to the banks, which means you have to read the fine print before you apply for them.  If you get the right credit card, you can turn the tables on the banks and make them work for you.

For example, if you have an American Express Blue Cash Card or a Citibank Dividend Card, or a United Mileage Card, you can actually get rewards for every dollar spent on that card.  If (and ONLY if) you pay your cards on time, the EXACT amount spent per month, you will bypass the exorbitant interest charges, AND get the rewards promised by the card companies.  In essence, you have earned money for using money. 

If you cannot get these kinds of credit cards though, better not to think of them as an emergency fund.

Btw, Danoota, a $400/month mortgage?  :o  In Boston?  :o  You must be a good negotiator :D

Oh wait, that was BrianMannixGirl.  My bad.  But that's still a darn good mortgage in Aussieland right?

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: danootaandme on 07/29/06 at 2:47 pm



Btw, Danoota, a $400/month mortgage?  :o  In Boston?  :o  You must be a good negotiator :D

Oh wait, that was BrianMannixGirl.  My bad.  But that's still a darn good mortgage in Aussieland right?



My mortgage is 650 a month, damn good for Boston area.  It was twice that when I bought the house 10 years ago, but by paying up on the principal every month, and throwing in extra at tax return time, and taking advantage of refinance when the rates were low I have knocked 10 years off of my 30 year mortgage. I can do that because I drive a reliable used car(paid cash), use my credit cards in the way you stated, leave the debit cards at home, and I am not a sucker for "must have, must do, must look like" .  Oh yeah, and having a "fancy man" helps, too. ::)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: BrianMannixGirl on 08/05/06 at 6:27 am


a $400/month mortgage?  :o  In Boston?  :o  You must be a good negotiator :D

Oh wait, that was BrianMannixGirl.  My bad.  But that's still a darn good mortgage in Aussieland right?


As I said I was talking about an example back in the early to mid 90s ! At the time my mortgage was $40,000 (I bought at the right time in 92) so my payments were actually $89 a fortnight - but I always paid $100 a week when I was employed. That way I paid for my house in full 20 years earlier than my bank had hoped !

These days I have a luxury apartment in the city so my mortgage is somewhat pricier. The national interest rate went up this week so I havent seen what my new amount will be but its about $450 a fortnight now.

I have a revolving mortgage - also called a line of credit mortgage. Where my pay sits in there all month reducing the interest and I live on the credit card through the month - paying it in full on day 55 so no interest charges or fees etc.  A lot of people fail miserable with line of credit mortgages because they get too big a credit limit and think that the equity in their loan is there to spend. I ensured my credit limit was fixed at my salary minus my mortgage - that way I can never spend what isnt mine. The equity reduces my interest.

I believe that home loan interest is a tax deduction in the US. Here is isnt unless the mortgage is on an investment property not the sole lived in property of the mortgaged person. So we basically spend 30 years paying the interest before we ever start paying off the principal loan. The home ends up costing 4 or 5 times more than what price you started with. Its cruel. I am not a big fan of interest and thats why I chose the revolving mortgage - to reduce it as much as possible - plus whenever I have a lump sum of money for some reaso or another - I always put it straight onto my mortgage. With citibank my monthly interest was $2 less than my actual mortgage. Scarey !  Thats why I left them.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ultraviolet52 on 08/07/06 at 2:06 pm

I have found some excellent ways to save money.

For one, if you already are in credit card debt (like I am - but not too bad), just keep paying them off and whittle it down as much as you can, and you'll notice your monthly payments get lower and lower. Put the cards away where they are not around to temp you. Use them inthe most dire of circumstances or for deposit reasons (like I used mine for a $50 deposit on a rental car, in which I know I'll be getting the money returned. It would hurt my checking account more using my debit card in that case).

Shop at dollar stores for things that you'd usually buy for 2-3x more at other places.

Don't overdo fancy gifts - I find painting something for someone is more personal and more thought out than buying a gift card and a card, and handing it over. Be creative, because when you're penny pinching - creativity is always needed.

Reap the rewards - Once you've made it to your goal of paying off debt - keep it that way! Cut up the cards and let them expire and if they send you another one come renewel time, store them away for dire circumstances and pay them off the instant you get your bill in the mail. It will make it that much easier in the long run.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 08/07/06 at 4:02 pm


I have found some excellent ways to save money.

For one, if you already are in credit card debt (like I am - but not too bad), just keep paying them off and whittle it down as much as you can, and you'll notice your monthly payments get lower and lower. Put the cards away where they are not around to temp you. Use them inthe most dire of circumstances or for deposit reasons (like I used mine for a $50 deposit on a rental car, in which I know I'll be getting the money returned. It would hurt my checking account more using my debit card in that case).


The reason the credit card's minimum payment goes down is because the card company readjusts your payment to reflect a lesser principal so that they still reap the rewards of your interest.  So even if the minimum payment does go down, keep paying what you were before.  In fact, let's say you have three credit cards:

Card A has $1000 and usual payment is $50/month
Card B has $2000 and usual payment is $100/month
Card C has $3000 and usual payment is $150/month

For simplicity, assume that Card C has the highest APR and Card A the lowest.  Pay off Card C first, then apply Card C's payment towards Card B's payment so now Card B is getting slammed with a $250/month payment.  Once Card B is paid off, take that $250 and apply it towards Card A (if it hasn't been paid off already) and now Card A is getting slapped with $300/month.  This saves you the time it takes to pay off all the cards AND money in the form of interest dollars.  Just because you no longer have to make a huge minimum payment doesn't mean you shouldn't ;)




Reap the rewards - Once you've made it to your goal of paying off debt - keep it that way! Cut up the cards and let them expire and if they send you another one come renewel time, store them away for dire circumstances and pay them off the instant you get your bill in the mail. It will make it that much easier in the long run.


If the credit cards have reward points/miles/dollars you should keep them, particularly if they have huge credit limits.  This helps you garner rewards every time you use the cards (pay them off before interest kicks in too) and also helps your credit score and your eligibility for good loans when you want to buy a car or a house.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: CatwomanofV on 08/07/06 at 4:38 pm


The reason the credit card's minimum payment goes down is because the card company readjusts your payment to reflect a lesser principal so that they still reap the rewards of your interest.  So even if the minimum payment does go down, keep paying what you were before.  In fact, let's say you have three credit cards:

Card A has $1000 and usual payment is $50/month
Card B has $2000 and usual payment is $100/month
Card C has $3000 and usual payment is $150/month

For simplicity, assume that Card C has the highest APR and Card A the lowest.  Pay off Card C first, then apply Card C's payment towards Card B's payment so now Card B is getting slammed with a $250/month payment.  Once Card B is paid off, take that $250 and apply it towards Card A (if it hasn't been paid off already) and now Card A is getting slapped with $300/month.  This saves you the time it takes to pay off all the cards AND money in the form of interest dollars.  Just because you no longer have to make a huge minimum payment doesn't mean you shouldn't ;)


If the credit cards have reward points/miles/dollars you should keep them, particularly if they have huge credit limits.  This helps you garner rewards every time you use the cards (pay them off before interest kicks in too) and also helps your credit score and your eligibility for good loans when you want to buy a car or a house.



You got that right. You should definately pay off the higher interest cards FIRST. Credit card companies WANTS you to only pay the minimum. The best thing to do is if you are going to use them, make sure you can pay them off-EVERY MONTH. No interest charges (that's where they really get you). Also, make sure you pay them ON TIME. $30 late fees are a bit steep.




Cat

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Southern Image on 09/06/06 at 6:21 pm

My friend sent me this link.

Its my turn to pass it on

http://www.thriftyfun.com/home.ldml

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ultraviolet52 on 09/06/06 at 6:51 pm


The reason the credit card's minimum payment goes down is because the card company readjusts your payment to reflect a lesser principal so that they still reap the rewards of your interest.  So even if the minimum payment does go down, keep paying what you were before.  In fact, let's say you have three credit cards:

Card A has $1000 and usual payment is $50/month
Card B has $2000 and usual payment is $100/month
Card C has $3000 and usual payment is $150/month

For simplicity, assume that Card C has the highest APR and Card A the lowest.  Pay off Card C first, then apply Card C's payment towards Card B's payment so now Card B is getting slammed with a $250/month payment.  Once Card B is paid off, take that $250 and apply it towards Card A (if it hasn't been paid off already) and now Card A is getting slapped with $300/month.  This saves you the time it takes to pay off all the cards AND money in the form of interest dollars.  Just because you no longer have to make a huge minimum payment doesn't mean you shouldn't ;)


If the credit cards have reward points/miles/dollars you should keep them, particularly if they have huge credit limits.  This helps you garner rewards every time you use the cards (pay them off before interest kicks in too) and also helps your credit score and your eligibility for good loans when you want to buy a car or a house.


Well, what I meant by what I originally wrote was to pay more than the minimum. That's what I'm doing already. All my cards are about equal in their interest rates, so there's really no winning for me on that. Probably my lowest is with Dell and luckily I have been able to pay off a $1000 debt within a year.

As a rule, on my existing (complete mistakes, as I call them) credit cards, I pay a total of $15 to $20 extra + the minimum. If I am so low for money on a certain month, I will pay the minimum reluctantly without throwing extra towards it.

I like your idea of continuing to pay the same amount as you always did even if the interest rate does go down. Again, with me, it can fluctuate, but I could do that when on certain months I have more money to put towards them.

Thanks for the advice  ;)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 09/06/06 at 7:12 pm

I'm just going to elaborate on what a few others have said:

AFA Generics: many of them are made by the name brand companies (especially batteries).
AFA Coupons: see if any stores in your area offer double coupon days or take expired coupons.  I know Jewel/Osco (and I believe Albertson's since they own Jewel/Osco) does take expired coupons.
AFA "rewards credit cards", one thing you might want to check is if the card charges a yearly fee.  We have a Chase "Toys 'r' Us" Visa and we get "Geoffrey dollars" for each $$ we spend.  We charge EVERYTHING we can on it.  We always make sure to pay it off each month as well.
AFA eating out:  DON'T.  If you MUST, try to eat places where someone you're with eats for free.  For example, on Mon/Wed, kids eat free at IHOP....Tues, they eat free at Benigan's.
AFA buying in bulk:  hamburger is usually MUCH cheaper (sometimes as much as $1/lb.) if you buy it in bulk.  If you don't use that much at one time, go ahead and brown it all, then drain and freeze it.

Another thing I do to save $$ is I ALWAYS buy stuff on clearance.  I honestly can't remember the last time I paid full price for any piece of clothing (except maybe socks because they don't go on clearance too often).  I also check and see if the store/mall has a "frequent shopper" or "VIP" club because you get additional discounts and it usually doesn't cost anything (or, if it does, it's just a few $$).  Right now, I'm wearing a Cutter Buck polo shirt (Goodwill - NWT), CK shorts (Sam's Club), VS bra/underwear (out of the clearance boxes) and I think I paid a total of $16 for the ENTIRE outfit.  If I had paid full price, it would be close to/over $100. :o

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 09/06/06 at 7:24 pm

Unfortunately if you're a plus-sized person buying clothes in clearance isn't always possible.  I don't buy new clothes all that often, so that isn't a major expense for me.  However when I do, I always go to the clearance rack and see what's there.....I bought like 7 camis for $10 in a bunch of different colors since I wear them all the time. 

I don't buy generic batteries.....I tried that once and I went through more money doing that than I would if I had bought Duracell or Energizer.  I have a lot of things that take batteries like 4 remote controls and my personal CD player.  If I bought generic batteries for those things, I'd be spending money out the wazoo keeping them in stock.  That's one thing I'll spend the $9 on. 

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ultraviolet52 on 09/06/06 at 7:39 pm

^ plus, you can get good brand batteries for super cheap at Target or even dollar stores. I saw a 12 pack of Energizer Double A's at the Dollar Tree and I picked them up. Who can pass up 12 Double A batteries for a buck? Not me!  :)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 09/06/06 at 8:02 pm

^ You can try to get some rechargeable batteries.  They might save you money in the long run, but they do lose charge after a while as well.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ultraviolet52 on 09/06/06 at 8:09 pm


^ You can try to get some rechargeable batteries.  They might save you money in the long run, but they do lose charge after a while as well.


You know, I had some last year, and I lost them at a wedding when they lost charge and I used some new batteries from somebody else. They were an off brand, too, so I can't really remember the maker and get replacements. (or would that matter..? hmm)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 09/06/06 at 8:26 pm

You have to make sure that they're the same kind of battery, not necessarily the same brand.  Most rechargeables are nickel-cadmium or nickel-somethingelsium (forgot which) but mostly they'll be the first kind.  That should work in any nickel-cadmium specific charger.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 09/07/06 at 9:23 am


Unfortunately if you're a plus-sized person buying clothes in clearance isn't always possible.  I don't buy new clothes all that often, so that isn't a major expense for me.  However when I do, I always go to the clearance rack and see what's there.....I bought like 7 camis for $10 in a bunch of different colors since I wear them all the time.

I don't buy generic batteries.....I tried that once and I went through more money doing that than I would if I had bought Duracell or Energizer.  I have a lot of things that take batteries like 4 remote controls and my personal CD player.  If I bought generic batteries for those things, I'd be spending money out the wazoo keeping them in stock.  That's one thing I'll spend the $9 on. 


I usually don't buy generic batteries, either, but we bought some batteries at Menards on the day after Thanksgiving last year.....40 batteries for $2 (and we got 8 packs total) :o  They don't last quite as long, but for $.05/battery, you can't lose ;)

AFA rechargable batteries, you have to be careful with them.  We had some and they wouldn't work in some of the kids' toys.  Make sure whatever you're using them in doesn't say "Don't use rechargeable batteries" or it won't work and could damage it....

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: whistledog on 01/21/07 at 11:16 pm

Always clip coupons.  The other night, I felt like fast food, and didn't know what to get, until I looked in the local free newspaper and there was coupons for KFC

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ADH13 on 01/22/07 at 12:01 am


1) Make note of where things are cheaper.  Cereal, for instance, that costs $4.99 at the grocery store costs $2.00 at Target.  Same with pet food, laundry soap and other essentials.  Take the time to go to multiple grocery stores to take advantage of all their sales.

2) Be sure that at tax time you take advantage of all your possible write-offs.

3) Use your cell phone if you need to make a long distance call.  Most cell phone companies don't charge for long distance, while regular landline carriers do.

4) Go to annualcreditreport.com to get a FREE copy of your credit report from each agency each year.  No strings attached.  Don't use those other ones who offer free credit reports but then enroll you into a service that costs money. 

5) Remember to send in mail-in rebates.  I don't even want to think about how much money I have lost by simply tossing rebate forms in a drawer and finding them too late.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 02/07/07 at 1:26 am


Always clip coupons.  The other night, I felt like fast food, and didn't know what to get, until I looked in the local free newspaper and there was coupons for KFC
We have a stack of coupos for Burger King, but why Burger King?

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 02/07/07 at 1:29 am


We have a stack of coupos for Burger King, but why Burger King?



What do you mean? 

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 02/07/07 at 1:31 am



What do you mean? 
It is great to have a stack of coupons for free food, but we do not go to Burger King. Subway would be fine.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 02/07/07 at 1:45 am


It is great to have a stack of coupons for free food, but we do not go to Burger King. Subway would be fine.



Maybe one weekend in the paper, you'll see some coupons for Subway!

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 02/07/07 at 1:46 am



Maybe one weekend in the paper, you'll see some coupons for Subway!
I am now keeping my eyes open for such coupons.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Gis on 02/07/07 at 2:36 am


It is great to have a stack of coupons for free food, but we do not go to Burger King. Subway would be fine.
I know what you mean I always end up with McDonalds coupons!  ;D

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 02/07/07 at 2:38 am


I know what you mean I always end up with McDonalds coupons!  ;D



I have a ton of coupons for Pizza Hut for some reason.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Gis on 02/07/07 at 2:43 am

I know I'm not going to eat there but I still keep the coupons anyway. ::)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/07/07 at 7:24 am

Speaking of fast food places, if you're trying to save money, don't eat out AT ALL!  In most cases, you can make whatever you're buying for a fraction of what they're charging you.  If you're "out and about" and can't wait until you get home, keep a small bag of trail mix or something in the car to tide you over.  When I was living on my own (many moons ago), I kept track for 1 month and was astounded at how much I actually spent on food "out" (i.e. stuff I didn't make).  I thought I only ate out once in a while, but it was over $100/month I was spending on stuff I could've made at home for probably about $15-20 :o

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: bookmistress4ever on 02/07/07 at 7:31 am

I browse through the grocery stores online shopping ads.  The two major stores that are near me both have online websites, so I look at both, make a list of what is on sale, keep a lookout for stuff I might have a coupon for and basically just compare both stores.  Whichever store has the most sales gets my business that week.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: CatwomanofV on 02/07/07 at 12:18 pm


I know what you mean I always end up with McDonalds coupons!  ;D



Last year from Christmas, my step-daughter (who used to work at McDonalds) gave me a whole bunch of McDonald's coupons-knowing how much I hate that place. The thing was, they were all expired. She knew I wouldn't used them anyway. (Yeah, it was a gag gift-how nice.  ::)  ;D ;D ;D )




Cat

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ultraviolet52 on 02/07/07 at 12:43 pm

Have an automatic savings amount deducted out of your checking account each month... I just can't emphasize how much my savings has gotten me out of binds in the past. If you must, you can keep your savings at a steady $1000 and never let get under that unless you dip in, then rebuild it as quickly as possible - even if you have to eat Top Ramen for 3 months.  ;D

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 03/21/07 at 2:56 pm

Walk instead of riding on a bus if travelling a short distance.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ADH13 on 03/22/07 at 10:59 pm


Speaking of fast food places, if you're trying to save money, don't eat out AT ALL!  In most cases, you can make whatever you're buying for a fraction of what they're charging you.  If you're "out and about" and can't wait until you get home, keep a small bag of trail mix or something in the car to tide you over.  When I was living on my own (many moons ago), I kept track for 1 month and was astounded at how much I actually spent on food "out" (i.e. stuff I didn't make).  I thought I only ate out once in a while, but it was over $100/month I was spending on stuff I could've made at home for probably about $15-20 :o


See, I've actually been finding the opposite....  I suppose it depends on how creative you are about using the same items several times.  If I want a bean burrito, I can go to Taco Bell and get one for 79 cents.  (I just realized I don't have a cents sign on my computer keyboard! Odd, I never noticed that before :D)  Anyway, if I went to the store, I couldn't buy one tortilla, I'd have to buy a package of them, which alone costs about as much as 5 Taco Bell burritos...and I probably wouldn't use the rest of the tortillas unless I planned to make burritos over and over again....or tacos..in which case I need meat, lettuce, cheese... and I could have bought 4 tacos (and the first burrito) for the cost of just the pack of tortillas.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 03/22/07 at 11:41 pm

Where do you get tortillas?  ???  We can get a pack of 30 tortillas for a buck. 

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 03/23/07 at 7:38 am


See, I've actually been finding the opposite....  I suppose it depends on how creative you are about using the same items several times.  If I want a bean burrito, I can go to Taco Bell and get one for 79 cents.  (I just realized I don't have a cents sign on my computer keyboard! Odd, I never noticed that before :D)  Anyway, if I went to the store, I couldn't buy one tortilla, I'd have to buy a package of them, which alone costs about as much as 5 Taco Bell burritos...and I probably wouldn't use the rest of the tortillas unless I planned to make burritos over and over again....or tacos..in which case I need meat, lettuce, cheese... and I could have bought 4 tacos (and the first burrito) for the cost of just the pack of tortillas.
What I've done is make a bunch of whatever, then freeze what I don't use.  Also, stuff like tortillas will last at least a month if you keep them in the fridge.  We just finished a massive 30 pack last week that had a "sell by Feb 17" date, but they were in the fridge so they were fine.  Now, stuff like lettuce is only good for about a week or two, but if you use it in many different things, you get your $$ worth. 


Then again, I'm feeding 5 people now so it's probably much easier to go through a pack of tortillas or meat in a week than if there was only me & hubby.  Heck, it's getting to the point where a "value pack" of meat only lasts for 1-2 meals :-\\

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 03/23/07 at 10:56 am

I used to buy a head of lettuce, some lunchmeat, dressing and cheese and have salad all week.  Best $10 I ever spent :)

JessFood > all though.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/23/07 at 2:50 pm


Walk instead of riding on a bus if travelling a short distance.


An excellent way to save money.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: ADH13 on 03/23/07 at 11:12 pm


Where do you get tortillas?  ???  We can get a pack of 30 tortillas for a buck. 


Corn tortillas are about $1.79 for a big pack... but burrito size flour tortillas are about $3 for a pack of maybe 12 or so....

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Rice_Cube on 03/23/07 at 11:13 pm


Corn tortillas are about $1.79 for a big pack... but burrito size flour tortillas are about $3 for a pack of maybe 12 or so....


You're shopping at the wrong stores  :D :D

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Marty McFly on 03/26/07 at 12:16 am

^Discount-type grocery stores are good for that stuff, even if their selection isn't as big.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: GoodRedShirt on 03/26/07 at 4:00 am

Eat every second day instead of every day. Big saving.

Or:
- Walk/bike/take the bus/carpool instead of driving. Particularly with rising petrol prices.
- Go to discount supermarkets & produce stores. Much cheaper than upmarket places that sell the same stuff for double the price.
- Eat takeaways less. It's generally cheaper and more rewarding to make up food at home. For leftovers, most can be frozen (depends on the food) and eaten next week or whenever. Buy in bulk, especially when stuff is on special. Buy only what you need.
- Get a better paying job.
- Make sure your house is up to scratch to save on heating/cooling bills. Do away with open fires (ok maybe ripping a fireplace out is a bit drastic... just stick a board over it) & invest in central heating.
- Switch to energy saving fluorescent lamps and dump the incandescent ones (after they run out)
- Turn off appliances when not in use.
- Pirate music/movies/software instead of buying it  :D
- DO NOT get a credit card & DO NOT get a loan unless you absolutely must.

Not much else I can think of right now that hasn't been mentioned

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 03/26/07 at 8:43 am


Walk instead of riding on a bus if travelling a short distance.
Although, if you live where I do, there are no buses and not really anything within walking distance, but I DO try to combine trips so I'm not wasting gas.....

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/26/07 at 4:21 pm

Make your own lunch,It's cheaper.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 03/26/07 at 5:33 pm

Buy Malt-O-Meal cereals.  You can get much, much more of the kinds of cereals you like for a lot less.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/26/07 at 5:35 pm


Buy Malt-O-Meal cereals.  You can get much, much more of the kinds of cereals you like for a lot less.


Those are much cheaper where I shop.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 03/26/07 at 5:35 pm

I figured.  They're cheaper where a lot of people shop.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/26/07 at 5:37 pm


I figured.  They're cheaper where a lot of people shop.


The off-brand cereals.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Sister Morphine on 03/26/07 at 5:37 pm

That's what I just said.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/26/07 at 5:40 pm

Use enevelopes to separate your bills.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: karen on 03/27/07 at 10:20 am


Use enevelopes to separate your bills.


how does that save money?

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 03/27/07 at 10:25 am

Just don't spend it :D

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/27/07 at 1:25 pm


how does that save money?


I have 3 enevelopes to budget my money one envelope has 1's,the other has 5's and the other has 10's and 20's.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: karen on 03/28/07 at 3:41 am


I have 3 enevelopes to budget my money one envelope has 1's,the other has 5's and the other has 10's and 20's.


I suppose budgeting your money and setting aside various amounts and then spending only that amount would help save money

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 03/28/07 at 3:36 pm


I suppose budgeting your money and setting aside various amounts and then spending only that amount would help save money


Yeah,I've had that system for years.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 02/03/08 at 3:43 am

Don't spend it!

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 01/06/17 at 4:09 pm

speaking of saving money, does anyone still use bankbooks these days or do they just keep checking on-line, since everything is used by computer, I'm pretty sure bankbooks will wind up becoming passe one day.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: karen on 01/07/17 at 4:11 am


speaking of saving money, does anyone still use bankbooks these days or do they just keep checking on-line, since everything is used by computer, I'm pretty sure bankbooks will wind up becoming passe one day.


Not sure what you mean by a bank book?

My children have accounts at a building society and they have books to record when they pay money in or take money out.  The bank teller prints the transaction in it each time we visit

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 01/07/17 at 7:29 am


Not sure what you mean by a bank book?

My children have accounts at a building society and they have books to record when they pay money in or take money out.  The bank teller prints the transaction in it each time we visit


A bankbook keeps track of all your withdrawals and deposits that you've made with that bank you go to.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: annimal on 01/07/17 at 1:38 pm


Use enevelopes to separate your bills.


thanks for the tip.  Now they 'll be nice and stright

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: c_keenan2001@hotmail.com on 01/20/17 at 2:55 pm

Only buy the things that YOU NEED vs buying the things that YOU WANT!!

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 01/21/17 at 7:42 am


Only buy the things that YOU NEED vs buying the things that YOU WANT!!


and buy things you are going to wear or use.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Philip Eno on 01/26/17 at 4:51 am


Only buy the things that YOU NEED vs buying the things that YOU WANT!!

and buy things you are going to wear or use.
Only buy the things you are prepared to buy that is on your shopping list.

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 01/26/17 at 4:17 pm


Only buy the things you are prepared to buy that is on your shopping list.


Exactly, I definitely agree. :)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: 80sfan on 01/26/17 at 5:41 pm

I keep some dollars in a chocolate box so that I'm not tempted to spend it, because it's not in my wallet.  :)

Subject: Re: The Money Saving Tips Thread

Written By: Howard on 01/27/17 at 7:52 am


I keep some dollars in a chocolate box so that I'm not tempted to spend it, because it's not in my wallet.  :)


I keep a lot of my money in my bank account so that way if I want to buy something, I go to an ATM and take money out.

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