Ways to save money

[blueeyetea]

Stop using shopping as entertainment. Shopping malls and stores are designed to sell you merchandise without you even realising it. (Read "Why We Buy" by Paco Undershill. Fascinating read on the psychology of selling.)

Only go to a store when you absolutely need something and stick to a list. If you run out of something, look for alternatives: wait until next shopping trip or use a substitute. It's very easy to go into a store for a carton of milk and come out with a bill upwards of $20.

[Insane]

Stop using shopping as entertainment. Shopping malls and stores are designed to sell you merchandise without you even realising it. (Read "Why We Buy" by Paco Undershill. Fascinating read on the psychology of selling.)

Only go to a store when you absolutely need something and stick to a list. If you run out of something, look for alternatives: wait until next shopping trip or use a substitute. It's very easy to go into a store for a carton of milk and come out with a bill upwards of $20.

Several months ago, my husband and I went to a pretty much cash existance. Every pay we take out the cash we'll need for the next 2 weeks. We go to the store with something in mind and only a fixed amount of money in our pocket. It's been nuts how much we've saved. Because you only have a $20 in our wallet, you don't buy things unless you specifically went there for it.

[lucy16076]

I went to my closet & pulled out a handful of clothes that I hadn't worn in months, & asked the kids to do the same. We donated to a clothing box around town. I don't think donating away things that I have already in my house will help me live frugaly, but definitely not buying more to add to my pile will help me stay within reason. I dont' have a lot of clothes as I wear a uniform to work everyday.
I don't buy the latest gadgets (my laptop is 6 yrs old and slow but still works), we eat in most days because I like to cook, groceries are bought 70% of the time with coupons, my teens have nice clothes bought only on sale (Hollister jeans for $20!!) & sometimes with coupons or SPC card discounts.
I drive a 11 year old car that seems to be doing ok but would love a newer one...only when this one is beyond reasonable repair.
I don't go to expensive home parties becuase I don't want to feel the obligation to buy something just because my friend is the host (did that MANY times before). I politely decline.
My fridge is never bulging with food because we eat fresh, home made food from the freezer most days. Usually there aren't left overs! When we eat out, it's a treat. (expensive when the teens now eat off the adult menu!)
My house is modest. I'm a single mom, homeowner working on getting my mortgage down & invest 10% of my paycheck. (comes off the top so I don't see it) I have a saving account that's more than most of my married friends because they have twice the hands in the pot spending! I'm quite proud of my modest stash.
I do use credit but I pay it off every month. I use 2 cards for points to redeem at Cdn Tire & RCSS.
I think I am in the "norm" of most people in my position.
What I am looking for are those little tidbits of information that aren't commonly known...the thoughts & suggestions that make you think "ahhhhhhhhhh.....never thought of that one!"
Keep the suggestions going! This is a great thread!

[jasperandchar]

I was told by the Hydro company today to use toaster oven, slow cooker or bbq - avoid your oven at all costs, I explained that I purchased energy efficient appliances 2 years ago and he didn't say anything.

So tonight I used my toaster oven to cooked 9 chicken drumsticks.

We also burn candles at night time.

[Darth Penguin]

You need to be caeful with kids and candles.

I've used garden solar lights in the past when I've wanted a small amout of illumination when the brood were younger.

[snipandsave]

Wow - lots of great suggestions to read through...not sure if this one was mentioned but I save butter wrappers in the fridge or freezer for greasing pans when baking. Works like a charm, just enough butter.

Snip.

[sweet sparrow]

DH had an old wooden cutting board that looked fit to be tossed. It had weird stains and marks that just made it look so weathered and beat up. I took a power sander to it yesterday in the garage and it looks as pretty as one you could buy in a store! The only down side was I had to kneel on one side of it for the good part of an hour to keep it from moving.

I also wish I could have done it on a weekend to save even more, but the temperature wouldn't have been as perfect.

[jasperandchar]

absolutely, we are always careful and out of reach, thanks for your concerns!

You need to be caeful with kids and candles.

I've used garden solar lights in the past when I've wanted a small amout of illumination when the brood were younger.

[Jackroy]

If you consider a money saving term for shopping, then i recommend to you for going with online shopping. Because, online shopping offers lots of opportunities to shop products with saving time and money. It's a finest way to save lots of money on shopping.

[Frugalbigmama]

My money saving tip at this time of year is to go through your closet, drawers and Rubbermaid bins and see what summer clothing you already own. Wash it and try it on. If you love it keep it. If you hate it donate it. If its so-so, wear it when you are gardening or cleaning lol I did this last month and realized the kids really don't need anything and I only need t-shirts/blouses. (I needed new clothes regardless) I even found brand new sandals for my youngest that I bought for the oldest but never fit him in the summer so now I don't have to buy any shoes this summer. I try to keep up on the laundry so nobody can complain that they have nothing to wear.

[jasperandchar]

up

[frugal50]

i rarely buy clothes

and only trim my hair twice a year.

[coupon girl]

-just took a few recent clothing (like a year and a half) from my daughter's and a pair of jeans from mine -got cash from a store that buys on the spot -don't get much -like 4.85 for the jeans(4.00 for tops )all depends on make of clothing ad If its trendy too for kids in their 20"s but better than donating -so I got 4.85 my daughter got 15.00

[Angela273]

Thanks for the ideas.

[lilo0003]

I cut my hair once every 8 months and ignore them when they suggest highlights/lowlights. I have red hair that many pay money to get and the grey makes it look like I have lowlights. So maybe going grey Is frugal