How do you save money!
 

Saving money can be a challenge and I am always interested in how others put away for a rainy day. Here is what we are currently doing. What's your saving tips?

Red and I are always thinking of fun ways to save money. We are currently on the $5.00 savings plan which means every time we get a $5.00 bill in change we have to put it in our hiding place. We did this for 4 months before fall break in October and had an amazing $700.00 saved for our vacation.

Here is another one we decided to also start for our Christmas spending money for next year.

http://savingabuck.com/

One way I save a few pennies is to keep my eye on the discount meat bin at super one store so by doing this I have gotten lots of great bargains on steaks roast and other cuts,today I found some thick cut pork chops and a whole pork shoulder.The chops were marked down to $5.99 and the shoulder from $35.00 for $12.75 I will get plenty of pork roast after I cut it up.I also get the store brand as I have found it's not much diffrent from the major brands.As I only eat whole wheat bread I found at the dollar store they sell the same bread for a dollar I would normaly pay $3.50 for,I get ten loaves then freeze it so when it thaws to us it is just as good as it was when I bought it.

I never spend change. I hate digging for it so I put it in a jar until it adds up and then I wrap the coins and put it in my savings. I also have an online savings account and every pay check I have an amount automatically transferred to it from my checking so I don't really see it. I do the same with my 401.

I also try to only buy food that's on sale. I make a list every Thursday and stick to it. Anything that's on sale I stock up on, divide up and freeze into individual portions.

I also have an excel spreadsheet with a 5 year budget but so I can see times that I might run short on cash :|

Ok now that's just crazy:rofl:

little things add up. I learned to make open faced PBJ sammiches. I turned off lites when I wasnt in a room. I reused plastic bags until I could afford to buy the plastic sammich keeper.

Some of it is to stop compulsive buying or buying into compulsive shopping gimmicks. such as

I dont supersize my meals. That helps with the diet too. In fact, when i can, I split a meal with someone. If we are still hungry, we can order dessert! Now thats nice!

I turn down offers of home demo parties. Or if they insist I go, I leave all my money, cards and check books at home and tell them I am going to do this. Thirty One bags are such a grossly overrated group of bags. I dont want to offend anyone but really? Fifty bucks for a bag that I can get in the dollar store for $5? Tupperware is another money eater. Nice product, hefty price. And then you see them at garage sales for a quarter in about 5 years..with no lids

I buy used everything. Clothes to furniture. I consign also, to other stores. It GIVES me money. Not alot but $5 is $5.

I make a list of all the things I wish i had, when I need them. If I end up not getting them before summer, I take that list with me and give it to some friends, for garage sale hunting.

I buy after holiday sales. LOTS of Christmaswares. Cards, paper, tags, stockings, trees, bulbs, etc. I can consign some of these too!

I go to cheap movies or not at all. If its a MUST SEE, I will go to a matinee.

There is just Chrissy and I...so buying bulk foods is a waste...but we have found some items we can buy in bulk and split w friends of ours. Like dog food. Cereal. Toilet paper.

I no longer buy most magazines. If I need to read one, I go to the library. Or I ask freecyclers to give me theirs when they are done with them. A few I have to buy because of my trade or because its important to me. But most I can live without

I use freecycle..its a group on yahoo and there is one for every area. The purpose is to recycle and reuse rather than throw it in a landfill. I have gotten furniture, clothes, books, magazines, purses, planting containers, urban rubble, tents, car parts, etc

There are also Buy Sale Trade groups on FB and Hand ME Down groups on FB. I watch carefully...I can get some pretty good buys on there. Most of my Christmas presents have come off of there

I mention consigning...if you do it all year and dont collect your money from the sales, you can pick it up for a lump sum. PLEASE tell the shop owner you want to do this, because you might catch her off guard and not have the funds at hand Its a nice way to plan ahead for a holiday, a graduation, a vacation, etc

We hit the reduced meat sales every week! It is a great way to save!

LoLoLoL !!!

Saving money? Whaaaaaaaaaat? What is this madness???

Staying away from Home Depot and Lowes helps a great deal.

I use to have a bad habit of see it, buy it cause I just wanted it,I finealy stopped doing that by thinking do I really need it or do I just want it.So now I save for the things I would like to have then watch for it to come on sale somewhere or get a diffrent brand that is the same in doablity for a lot less.I also have a change jar because I really hate to haul change around so in the jar it goes till it's filled then I pour it all into a one gallon plastic jar till it's full I have several jars so it's an on going process.Also as I use to ride a lot I often pick up used saddles hear and there for a refit project so when it's finished I put an add in the livestock journal then sell it for way more than I paid for it.

Jar your 5 Yr budget planned out is awesome. It is much easier to plan when you know where you are.

Red and I are not brand specific when it comes to a lot of different foods, so we will use coupons on top of sale items to purchase items for less.

I recently downloaded Ibotta and just yesterday alone I collected an additional $6.50on items they had listed that we bought and the money was deposited into my pay pal account before I even got home.

The stores on Ibotta have the exact same offers so you do not have to drive across town to purchase an item. All of our stores on our list are pretty much with in a 3 -4 mile radius so we do take advantage of a sale item that is at our Homeland grocery store because they have double coupons up to $1.00. There have been many items for the holiday meals that we ended up paying pennies compared to the normal price and they are on my ibotta.

I have all of my store reward cards on an app called keyring making it so easy to use them all.

:nothingtoadd: because I SUCK at daily budgeting.

I kick ass when it comes to retirement savings and larger vision savings (paying towards my mortgage every week instead of once a month to pay it off faster), but the daily stuff, I just don't...well, just don't do it.

I have some weird things, like I always get water with any meal out, will NEVER EVER under any conditions get "delivery", I buy generic/no name brand items in most cases, but the daily, "I always bring my lunch to work" type stuff I don't do.

I will eagerly read this thread for ideas from you all. I know the first step is more awareness as to what I spend/what I spend my money on, but I avoid this first step (so that I don't have to change my behavior). :blush:

This is another thread those here may enjoy: http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...ead.php?t=5819

It is a madness you are welcome to sit back and enjoy the ride!

We actually take advantage of Lowes deals. Bought our washer and dryer set and dishwasher this year at 0%. Paid them all off early!

We needed to replace our theatre seating and spent an entire weekend sitting in every chair we thought we might like! As always the ones we liked we could not justify the cost! One Sunday we were shopping at Big Lots and found a love seat on sale with an additional rewards member discount and walked out with a new leather loves seat for $253.00 bucks! We love it, it fits our needs and saved us big bucks! Red and I have learned not to buy on emotion and that has saved us a lot of money!

I punch people and take their lunch money and keep it in a jar.

Oh, I have apps to all my fav stores, so I will always have a coupon.

Now, where do I go, what do I do, to save time?

We save time by having everything thing we need monthly set up on Amazon. I have not shopped for any paper products in over a year. I make sure to check my subscribe and save items the week before the cut off. If any prices have raised to much then I switch the brand. I have only had to do this a couple of times. Amazon has always been spot on with my items and if anything has arrived damaged they replace it without having to return the damaged item at no charge. Now if I could get the drone delivery they showed on 60minutes that would be awesome. We also stock up on non perishable items which saves us time having to shop.

Okie,

Quick derail: I read about the drone delivery! Is that absolutely crazy or what? I don't find it so surprising that the technology is possible; but that we are so close to it being implemented scrambles my brain. I guess the FAA is skeptical that they will be able to put the necessary controls on it in that amount of time, though. It will be very interesting to see! They are only going to be able to stem the tide of air traffic for so long, in my opinion; with the flying cars, motorcycles, etc. in the works.

Okay, sorry everyone! Just wanted to say that and we aren't allowed enough characters in rep comments to satisfy my big mouth on this issue, lol. :)

Carry on....

I saw this just the other day on Pinterest! What a great idea!

Yesterday I was cleaning out the freezer and found I had let a few things stay in there to long,it wasn't much but was a waist of $ to put them in the garbage.So with that being said I now have a chart of what's where and how much,when I use something up I can check the chart and restock..hopefully no more stuff in the garbage.I also get thing in bulk if possable that are non perishable then put then in a air tight container.Another thing I have done is I have a large camp stove that runs on butain or charcole even wood chips if thats all I have,it even has a 21/2X21/2 oven on the side to bake with.We use to camp out a lot so I just put this equipment to contenued use in case the stove has a problem,it's a gas stove but the pilot light works with electricty so if the juice is out it wont light anything..a safety measure built in.
With old man winter having the possablity of being bad this year(we are due one) my son is putting a generator to kick in if the power goes out so we won't lose whats in the fridge or either freezer,replaceing the contents would cost a bundle.

We have started menu planning so we do not buy what we do not need or simply because it is on sale and forget about it. I like the list idea for the freezer. Think I'll put the dryer eraser board I am not using on the wall by the freezer and organize everything. That way I can quickly take note before shopping.

Thanks for the great tip.

Another tip.
 

I have always had an herb guarden so I can use them fresh when I need them,I also have a dehydrator that I use to dry the herbs for future use during the winter.As for spices,if they are kept in a tightly sealed container they will last a good while just also keep them in a cool dry place to help it last longer.

We use our fresh herbs year around. I have a small indoor greenhouse I keep going year around. Note: If we lived where you are we would be eating out more than we should at the little restaurant that use to be a gas station. :-)

I find if I plan meals for a week, then load the e-coupons and clip the paper ones for things I know I'll use, I can save much $ at the store.

Since I'm trying to be (ahem) smaller, I've been buying my "in-between" clothes at the Goodwill. I can get away with very basic, neutral colors. I buy for my two sons there, also. Just today I picked up a wooden magazine rack for the living room-$5. Most of my art is thrift store, then reframed if necessary.

I mostly watch for sales, if the store is very close. Too far, and it's not worth the time or gas. I have a Target, Kroger, Walgreen's, and a Kohl's all within 10 minutes. I try my darndest not to shop at the nearby Walmart, though.

Something I've noticed-yes, it's important to save, but I've been trying to get value when I do spend. For instance, the other day I was out and about all darn day and starving. Instead of going to McD's and feeling physically but not emotionally full, I took myself to my favorite deli place where I get a huge sandwich, chips, pickle, a drink, and dessert for the same money. I love it there, the people are nice, and I feel like I spent well. So that's my challenge for 2014; to save, yes, but not cheap myself out.

*le suscribes to the thread*
:rubberducky:

Going out to eat is something I am careful about,there is a small place I like to go once in a while that has the best Italian food that I have found since eating in my grannies kitchen.The family has owned it for five generations,the atmosphere is as old world as they come,they have known every generations of my family since the great grand folks came from Italy If I ate there as much as I would like I would be as big as a barrel.

We will in your town in March! Maybe we can meet up!

Great,let me know when.

I do a few things. For buying things like food I get all of my staples in bulk beans, quinoa, rice, spices, nuts. I buy fruit and veg that are in season and on sale at a huge ethnic produce stand, then fish/meat at a warehouse store. I do all of my cooking at home. Almost never go out, I like the food here better. :eating:

I also do a little game with my regular bills like utilities, insurance, etc. I have a Visa card that gets me Amazon points and I buy non-food items online. I pay all of my bills, most are auto-pay so no forgetting, with the Visa to earn the points and then just pay the card off each month. That way I get the extra consumer protection, maintain my Fico score (otherwise lack of activity drags it down) and net $20-30 per month in points.

All of my transactions are automatically recorded into an online finance tracker (mint.com). It is set with triggers to let me know if anything is off budget and it emails me a summary each week, you can set different intervals.

Mostly though, I just don't spend it if it isn't truly necessary.

Yes, to the paying off the credit card each month, that goes without saying. May parents do what Kelt did and I should do as well, pay all bills with a card (instead of autopay out of my checking account) that reaps me benefits.

Buying in bulk goes without saying as well. I am also super stickler for getting those Select -a-size paper towels. I also only use as much as needed. I find that for most things I only need half of the smallest Select-a-size piece. I also focus on not letting food go to waste (leftovers), that drives me nuts.

Oh, and don't forget to get energy effcient appliances. I also have my temperature control on a timer. The heat goes down during the day (when I am at work)/overnight, automatically. Other small things like keeping lights off in rooms, energy efficient light bulbs, and keeping blinds drawn in the winter to conserve heat.

My spending waste is modifications/upgrades for my sports car. Really though, I only do one project per year and I wait until I get my tax return for that.

Oh, I also hold on to cars. My "daily driver", is a 14 year old car, in fine shape. I have wanted a Wrangler Jeep for years, but have stayed strong! My sports car is 12 years old.

Ok, so it looks as though I could be worse! I am sure I would do better if I used mint.com, as it would motivate me.

Great thread!

I use mint.com myself. I love it. I also am a big fan of any kind of points I can earn.

Eight years ago I bought a 91 caddi for $4,000.00( in cash) it still drives very well with few if any issues,mostly the sensors but It runs good just the same.Having a son who is a mechanic is a plus for the few things that needs doing.
My son is bit by bit going green with the house,this summer we found out we were in a hail storm zone an were eligable for a new roof that the inshrance covered.Then he had blown insalation put in the attic,replaced the old a.c. with a new energy effenct one as the old fart wen't out when it least needed to as for the heater it was put in new right before we bought the house.The next two thing he is doing is a generator,then he is wanting to put solar panels on the roof to have a clean sorce of electricty then sell the excess back to the juice co.new windows are on the list to,probly next year.All the refit's are tax deductable to a point. We have also thinking about a green house with hydrophonic plant system,I have done this before and it worked really good,fresh tomatoes is a plus in the winter.

I don't.


LOL :blink:


I have a 401 K which I need to start investing more in.

We TRY to eat our leftovers and not waste food at home.

I look for the cheapest place to get gasoline.

I base my food consumption and meals based on what is on sale besides necessities.

I have a bank account that distributes 1.00 to a savings account every time I use my debit card which can be anywhere from 3-15.00 a week. I always tend to take that money out though when I have something coming up to use it for. I guess I'll be saving money in there for a few months for spring break and then our trip to LR next year.

I will be watching this great thread for other tips.

Make sure you invest at least "up to the match". Meaning, if your company will match up to 3% of the percentage you put in, put in at least 3%. 6% of your income will be being saved then!

Simply don't let it be a choice to not do this. Don't throw away free money!

What I need to get better at (meaning, actually do!), is increase my 401K/403b contribution each year when I get my raise (a measley 1%). I should automatically put that 1% increase into my 403b (or actually, in my case I would put it into my Roth, but, that is besides the point...)

Safety system.
 

We all can think of ways to be safe in our homes,with all the thing that we use an accidental fire or short can happen to anyone.In my kitchen I have two fire extinguishers (one was hear when I got the place) in case it's needed,I also have one in the laundry room,also I have fire & gas detectors in nearly every room.When I was in culinary school we had an issue with the large industrail mixer when it shorted out and the kitchen near went up in flames,there were several of us working there at the time so when it happened we called the fire department but also tried to put out the fire,one student ran to get a bucket of water to put it out,I stopped her then use the fire extengusher to put it out.After it was all over I made shure every student we had a safety class so everyone was up on kitchen safety.This is something we all should think about,first aid is another thing we all should be able to use if needed. Hear at home I have a placard on every front window so the fire department will know I have fur kids in the house so they can help them if they can.In doing all the safety step I have done has dropped my house inshurance to a lower rate.Many years ago I took a EMT class and have stayed current on any new training,one never knows when knowing how to save a life or the need for first aid.