Are there just no ORIGINAL money saving ideas out there any more?

[pocomom]

Okay.... being the thrifty person I am, I am ALWAYS checking and Googling and Pinteresting around the internet for ideas to save/make money. But I swear, there are just no "new" ideas out there. When I clicked on a blog about "saving money on road trips" the other day, DD and I just chuckled because we started listing what the "new ideas" would be before the page even loaded (bring along your own food/drinks, check your tire pressure, drive the speed limit, etc, etc).

It gets discouraging to read the "top 10" ideas to save $100 in a month and to realize that we do them ALL on a regular basis (don't go out to eat, don't get manicures, cut your own hair, eat beans instead of meat, drive an older car that is paid for, cut coupons, buy used, use rags instead of paper towels, turn down the heat or a/c, etc, etc).

I admit there are areas that we could cut if we absolutely had to (satellite TV, third car for the kids, the occasional new article of clothing, the occasional movie date, Subway/Chipotle every once in a while), but while I'm looking to save (for a trip and tuition payments) we aren't at a financial crossroads and as such I am not ready to ditch these things.

So where do you look (besides the Dis Budget Board) to find NEW money saving ideas!!???..............P

I think unfortunately it IS new information for a lot of people. Schools (largely) don't teach financial education any more and many parents have little knowledge to pass on (just look at Americans' debt averages). But you are right once you are doing most things right, at least for your family, there is not much to add - but that's when I look at things that help us earn more or just enjoy what we have more.

 

[pocomom]

And it is funny on how many "savings ideas" are just living more like how your grandparents did (not eating out, using rags not paper towels etc)

 

[DisneynBison]

So I was flipping through the TV and saw the show extreme cheapskates. When I saw the one girl reusing toilet paper I then knew that all original money saving ideas had been taken and we were now into just crazy talk.

Saving money can usually be broken down to three words "needs versus wants". It really is that simple.


Now if you want to think outside the box, I know people that play the mileage game with churning credit card and award points and fly themselves and family around the world for very little. One just flew his wife and himself to China and back first class for very little actual money. Just his time playing the air mile reward mile game.

 

[kj2mom]

I know it is a repeat from earlier in the thread but within the last year I have really gotten into buying gift cards at less than face value. I rarely buy anything unless I have a gift card and I rarely purchase any card that is less than 10% off. It may sound small but it can really add up (saved $11 on a baby gift yesterday by using an ecode gift card).

 

[QVCshopper]

I feel like this at times too--like there are no more new ideas. I think, though, that I put so much time over the years into researching saving money that now I know tons and am bored by some of the information that I used to read like crazy. I still save and do a good chunk of it, but I also think maybe I need a new focus or hobby. In all honesty, we are just fine with money. I just like to save as much as I can from daily life to save for retirement, college savings, and vacations.

 

[pjlla]

I will say that I like the gift card idea for regular purchases ..... but I do hate tying my money up in gift cards that MAY not be used. This is one reason I have never jumped on the Target "save-5%-on-Disney-gift-cards" wagon. Sure, I always know there is a Disney vacation SOMEWHERE in my future..... but if I have an emergency and need CASH, Disney gift cards are NOT going to help me! I was on another thread recently about airfare and someone was lamenting that they didn't like the price of the fares on SWA, but she was essentially "locked into" using SWA because she had been purchasing SWA gift cards for a while in anticipation of this. Sure, she may have saved some money up front, but it didn't seem to pay off in the long run because she no longer had the cash available to buy the tickets on the cheaper airline.

So anyhow.... gift cards for gas, groceries, and a purchase that is DEFINITELY being made (like a big planned purchase) are great.... otherwise it just ties up my cash. We are planning to buy a new snowblower this spring (hoping to get a great clearance deal since we have been light in the snow department in NH this winter). DH was able to get a Home Depot gift card from a survey he took and I will be looking into getting a discounted gc or two soon. But even THIS is still a risk, since we could conceivably find a better deal at Lowe's or Walmart!

Anyhow, thanks for everyone's take on this. I'll give myself a pat on the back and try to remember that I already make a lot of good choices for my family's financial health!..............P

 

[pjlla]

I feel like this at times too--like there are no more new ideas. I think, though, that I put so much time over the years into researching saving money that now I know tons and am bored by some of the information that I used to read like crazy. I still save and do a good chunk of it, but I also think maybe I need a new focus or hobby. In all honesty, we are just fine with money. I just like to save as much as I can from daily life to save for retirement, college savings, and vacations.

My sentiments EXACTLY!!............P

 

[FINFAN]

Okay.... being the thrifty person I am, I am ALWAYS checking and Googling and Pinteresting around the internet for ideas to save/make money. But I swear, there are just no "new" ideas out there. When I clicked on a blog about "saving money on road trips" the other day, DD and I just chuckled because we started listing what the "new ideas" would be before the page even loaded (bring along your own food/drinks, check your tire pressure, drive the speed limit, etc, etc).

It gets discouraging to read the "top 10" ideas to save $100 in a month and to realize that we do them ALL on a regular basis (don't go out to eat, don't get manicures, cut your own hair, eat beans instead of meat, drive an older car that is paid for, cut coupons, buy used, use rags instead of paper towels, turn down the heat or a/c, etc, etc).

I admit there are areas that we could cut if we absolutely had to (satellite TV, third car for the kids, the occasional new article of clothing, the occasional movie date, Subway/Chipotle every once in a while), but while I'm looking to save (for a trip and tuition payments) we aren't at a financial crossroads and as such I am not ready to ditch these things.

So where do you look (besides the Dis Budget Board) to find NEW money saving ideas!!???..............P

well, I would force myself to be ready to ditch some of those areas one at a time, because those tuition payment hit faster and harder than you think. Keep the car because it should yield better than getting rid of to only to find you need to buy another in a few years at a much higher cost. I don't know if this is "new" or not, but every time I have a return, or a refund, instead of depositing it back into my bank account, it goes into the "saving for ____" account or envelope. I also pay in cash where I can, for me it is true, I spend less if it is actual bills vs debit card and I have the change going into my vacation change jar, lol. It is great your kids are on board and get the thrifty lifestyle, some are not and it makes it tougher. I think just as important as finding "new" ways to save is just plain staying on track and not getting lax about current ways to save. If possible, with spring ans summer coming, maybe pet sit or dog walk for a few extra $ that don't really cost you anything (like work clothing or much gas etc) REALLY go through the house for another garage sale~ a lot of work I know, and certainly not new, but the clearing out mode can really help the "I don't need it" way of thinking which leads to less purchases in the future. Mostly because I don't want a house filled up again, lol! I find I have to make saving "livable"~ as in if I cut too much and we are all miserable it isn't a livable situation anymore and need to adjust/juggle where things take a hit.

 

[Iowajes]

I think the tax discussion is relevant because so many people don't truly understand it.

For example, my employer allows us to cash out one week of vacation a year at 75 cents on the dollar. That payment ends up being taxed at the much higher rate applied to bonuses. So many colleagues had no idea they would get back much of that come tax time.

You totally have the right idea, but can I change one thing about how you spread this message?
"That payment ends up being taxed at the much higher rate applied to bonuses. " should be "That payment ends up being WITHHELD..."

As you pointed out, they will get it back when they do their taxes.

I am a CPA (practicing 23 years), so I am well aware of tax implications and I do not understand how earning $1 can cost you more than $1 in additional tax, unless it was a very strange or extreme circumstance.

It could bump someone's salary so they are no longer eligible for a number of income dependent deductions or credits. Or so they are no longer available for social assistance programs. So in those cases, earning just a tiny bit extra could cost you more than what you earn.

 

[eliza61]

Okay.... being the thrifty person I am, I am ALWAYS checking and Googling and Pinteresting around the internet for ideas to save/make money. But I swear, there are just no "new" ideas out there. When I clicked on a blog about "saving money on road trips" the other day, DD and I just chuckled because we started listing what the "new ideas" would be before the page even loaded (bring along your own food/drinks, check your tire pressure, drive the speed limit, etc, etc).

It gets discouraging to read the "top 10" ideas to save $100 in a month and to realize that we do them ALL on a regular basis (don't go out to eat, don't get manicures, cut your own hair, eat beans instead of meat, drive an older car that is paid for, cut coupons, buy used, use rags instead of paper towels, turn down the heat or a/c, etc, etc).

I admit there are areas that we could cut if we absolutely had to (satellite TV, third car for the kids, the occasional new article of clothing, the occasional movie date, so you cut this out to save 50 bucks and you give up valuable one on one time with your spouse/significant other? is this worth it? Subway/Chipotle every once in a while), but while I'm looking to save (for a trip and tuition payments) we aren't at a financial crossroads and as such I am not ready to ditch these things.

So where do you look (besides the Dis Budget Board) to find NEW money saving ideas!!???..............P

So I'm not understanding exactly what you are asking. You are doing all the things that you feel comfortable doing and you aren't in a financial pinch, so exactly what new ideas do you need?

For me I look at all my purchases as "value". Am I ditching cable tv because it's gotten to expensive? not worth the money? or am I in a tight financial bind.
I personally don't live the "needs" and "wants" line of thought. How miserable my life would be if all I purchases were absolute "needs". In the summer I love flowers, they enhance my life. are they a necessity? no. do they bring value to my life? exceedingly.

I'm in the camp of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". What is the purpose of refusing to buy toilet paper?

You give up your date night with your Spouse/SO you save what maybe 60 bucks? what do you lose? at what point does looking to save money becomes detrimental.
Just a side note, when my late husband was in hospice, I met a lot of people. relatives of the dying. no one ever, ever said "I wish I saved more". not once. plenty of people said they wish they had more "time".

not knocking budgeting, I consider myself as a savvy shopper just trying to understand where the problem is.

 

[pjlla]

well, I would force myself to be ready to ditch some of those areas one at a time, because those tuition payment hit faster and harder than you think. Keep the car because it should yield better than getting rid of to only to find you need to buy another in a few years at a much higher cost. I don't know if this is "new" or not, but every time I have a return, or a refund, instead of depositing it back into my bank account, it goes into the "saving for ____" account or envelope. I also pay in cash where I can, for me it is true, I spend less if it is actual bills vs debit card and I have the change going into my vacation change jar, lol. It is great your kids are on board and get the thrifty lifestyle, some are not and it makes it tougher. I think just as important as finding "new" ways to save is just plain staying on track and not getting lax about current ways to save. If possible, with spring ans summer coming, maybe pet sit or dog walk for a few extra $ that don't really cost you anything (like work clothing or much gas etc) REALLY go through the house for another garage sale~ a lot of work I know, and certainly not new, but the clearing out mode can really help the "I don't need it" way of thinking which leads to less purchases in the future. Mostly because I don't want a house filled up again, lol! I find I have to make saving "livable"~ as in if I cut too much and we are all miserable it isn't a livable situation anymore and need to adjust/juggle where things take a hit.

Thank you for so many great ideas/suggestions. I totally get it about the tuition payments hitting harder and faster! DD is in her third year but next year DS starts and WOWZA.... not sure how we are going to swing TWO tuition payments this summer!

I do an envelope system for anything OTHER than standard monthly bills (like electric, internet phone). My envelope categories are things like NEW CAR, HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS, VACATION, CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAY.... but honestly, sometimes I need to dig into "vacation" to pay for tuition. oh well.

Selling things around the house is helpful, but we live in a VERY rural area and I will no longer bother with yard sales..... no one drives that far out (we've tried at least 4 times). But I am selling in a few local FB yard sale groups.... sold 4 chairs just last night! School vacation is next week for us, so I plan to use the time to list a bunch more stuff and possibly even make an appointment at a local consignment. Ebay yields me nothing but aggravation, so unless I have a single high value item, I don't bother with that any more.

I agree with your statement in a "livable" way..... sure, we could cut satellite TV... but honestly we get a LOT of enjoyment from our favorite TV shows and since this is our PRIMARY line item for "entertainment", I wouldn't cut it unless things were desperate.

I am always on the look out for a "side hustle" (as they are calling it now). I have done some seamstress work, transcription, custodial work, etc on occasion for a few extra dollars here and there. I'm sure some people would gasp at the thought of me cleaning toilets for $10/hr, but it doesn't bother me.... it's honest work and it is in my small town, so no extra expenses for gas. I currently have three "regular" jobs..... 4-5 days a week in the school system as a sub, a regular weekly job with another company PLUS I just got a second part-time position with my second job.... so really three jobs..... but they are ALL pretty flexible and give more/less hours at any given time.

Not sure why I am rambling on, so I'll say good-bye!...............P

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I will say that I like the gift card idea for regular purchases ..... but I do hate tying my money up in gift cards that MAY not be used. This is one reason I have never jumped on the Target "save-5%-on-Disney-gift-cards" wagon. Sure, I always know there is a Disney vacation SOMEWHERE in my future..... but if I have an emergency and need CASH, Disney gift cards are NOT going to help me! I was on another thread recently about airfare and someone was lamenting that they didn't like the price of the fares on SWA, but she was essentially "locked into" using SWA because she had been purchasing SWA gift cards for a while in anticipation of this. Sure, she may have saved some money up front, but it didn't seem to pay off in the long run because she no longer had the cash available to buy the tickets on the cheaper airline.

So anyhow.... gift cards for gas, groceries, and a purchase that is DEFINITELY being made (like a big planned purchase) are great.... otherwise it just ties up my cash. We are planning to buy a new snowblower this spring (hoping to get a great clearance deal since we have been light in the snow department in NH this winter). DH was able to get a Home Depot gift card from a survey he took and I will be looking into getting a discounted gc or two soon. But even THIS is still a risk, since we could conceivably find a better deal at Lowe's or Walmart!

Anyhow, thanks for everyone's take on this. I'll give myself a pat on the back and try to remember that I already make a lot of good choices for my family's financial health!..............P

The only gift cards I buy that are tied up are Disney. And actually, a majority of the time they're Target/eBay gift cards which get churned into Disney at the end (when I need to pay). I don't mind having so many Target gift cards. I could spend $1,000 at Target, and I do, within 3 months.

As far as the rest go, I buy a couple of food gift cards and plan out my meals. I usually don't have them in my wallet for more than a month.

And for the rest: DH needs a new pair of work shoes? Great. Find a pair at X, Y or Z because they have free shipping codes. Now, let me buy an ecode that's 22% off for store X (where he wants to get his shoes). Hey, look at that- saved $15 on some dress shoes! Not to mention I got 6% back on Ebates.

For Christmas for my little brothers, I wasn't sure what to buy them but wanted them to have something and at least be able to buy what they want with the credit. I purchased a $100 PacSun gift card for about $70. Bought them these really nice jackets that were about $115 each. They were BOGO free PLUS free shipping PLUS 15% off PLUS 4% cash back on Ebates. I usually spend about $50 on them which is the credit they'd have got if they returned the jackets. Instead, after my rebates I spent about $33 on each kid on a jacket they both LOVE and the retail value with tax and shipping is near $150 each.

I buy the gift cards only a couple days or even minutes before I make the purchase so it's not tied up. I do it for movie theaters, restaurants EVERYTHING.

 

[pjlla]

So I'm not understanding exactly what you are asking. You are doing all the things that you feel comfortable doing and you aren't in a financial pinch, so exactly what new ideas do you need?

For me I look at all my purchases as "value". Am I ditching cable tv because it's gotten to expensive? not worth the money? or am I in a tight financial bind.
I personally don't live the "needs" and "wants" line of thought. How miserable my life would be if all I purchases were absolute "needs". In the summer I love flowers, they enhance my life. are they a necessity? no. do they bring value to my life? exceedingly.

I'm in the camp of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". What is the purpose of refusing to buy toilet paper?

You give up your date night with your Spouse/SO you save what maybe 60 bucks? what do you lose? at what point does looking to save money becomes detrimental.
Just a side note, when my late husband was in hospice, I met a lot of people. relatives of the dying. no one ever, ever said "I wish I saved more". not once. plenty of people said they wish they had more "time".

not knocking budgeting, I consider myself as a savvy shopper just trying to understand where the problem is.

No problem really..... just by my nature I am a thrifty person and I am always looking for a new "idea" to help my budget. No we aren't desperate..... we have never ONCE in 24 years had a late/missing mortgage payment. We have three cars (one for me, one for DH, and one that the kids share) that are all paid for (but they are definitely getting older and replacements will be needed in the next few years), we have paid our portion of DD's tuition for three years now WITHOUT going into debt or selling a vital organ , DH saves for retirement and we do put money into tuition savings and emergency savings EVERY month. It is the "extras" in life that I am always trying to find an extra penny for.... things like the DATE NIGHT! So I guess I am wishing to SAVE MORE so I have it to SPEND on those special times!

For Christmas we gave DD a trip to a professional conference in California..... it was what she asked for and it will help her with her education AND her future employment, so I consider it money well spent.... but I want to go along with her so that we can have a Mother/Daughter adventure.... and of COURSE, as Disney lovers we definitely want to go to Disneyland while we are all the way across the country! So while I want to spend that special TIME with my DD, it costs money that cannot (in good conscience) come out of the regular budget. So I am searching for ways to perhaps cut the grocery budget without the family having to sacrifice at all (my men like their meat!).... or cut the electric/oil bills without having to take cold showers or turn the heat down to 55° and make everyone sit around in their winter coats!

I'm sorry about your husband and I can relate to the feeling of wanting more time. My DH had an accident and was in critical condition in the ICU with bleeding on the brain and other issues in 2010 and it made me really realize that we don't spend enough time together (both with AND without the kids) and I've tried to make more real FAMILY ADVENTURES a priority since then.... but most of the time they cost money!

Anyhow.... just explaining myself here a bit. Thanks for your ideas and suggestions............P

 

[DizMe]

On the tax thing, I can tell you there was a time when a "raise" cost me money. I was a teacher in California and after much haggling over several years, the district finally gave us a .25% raise. Yep! A quarter of a percent. It was just enough to boost me into the next tax bracket and, by consequence, reduce the actual amount of money I received

 

[barkley]

So anyhow.... gift cards for gas, groceries, and a purchase that is DEFINITELY being made (like a big planned purchase) are great.... otherwise it just ties up my cash.

I agree with this with a small exception-if there's an opportunity to purchase gift cards/certificates at a SIGNIFICANT discount for not such large purchases/to gift that you may not be immediately planning on doing but know that at some point in the foreseeable future will.

I do this with a promotion that one of our local tv stations offers-twice per week they sell through their website gift certificate packages that cost 50% of the face value of the certificate-and never expire. they are for local businesses, including some national chains (but only their local locations). when ds was younger, and the local trampoline place would be selling 5 individual admission certificates for $25 vs. the $50 it would cost at the door I would occasionally purchase a batch-helped save a bit on activities for ds and also was an appreciated low cost birthday gift for those last minute invites.

I haven't purchased for awhile but hopped on their site today b/c the promotion was for 'the old spaghetti factory' which everyone in our household enjoys and even without a discount is one of the best values near us. we may only go 2 or 3 times a year (and more often than not we get 'to go' b/c then we're not putting out all the extra money on drinks and tempting appetizers) but if I can save 1/2 on future purchases it honestly would work out less expensively than fast food in a pinch. allot of people must feel the same way b/c they were offering 200 packages of 2-$25 gift certificates for $25 (and they block you from buying more than 4 packages)-they were sold out in 6 minutes!

 

[FINFAN]

Thank you for so many great ideas/suggestions. I totally get it about the tuition payments hitting harder and faster! DD is in her third year but next year DS starts and WOWZA.... not sure how we are going to swing TWO tuition payments this summer!

I do an envelope system for anything OTHER than standard monthly bills (like electric, internet phone). My envelope categories are things like NEW CAR, HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS, VACATION, CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAY.... but honestly, sometimes I need to dig into "vacation" to pay for tuition. oh well.

Selling things around the house is helpful, but we live in a VERY rural area and I will no longer bother with yard sales..... no one drives that far out (we've tried at least 4 times). But I am selling in a few local FB yard sale groups.... sold 4 chairs just last night! School vacation is next week for us, so I plan to use the time to list a bunch more stuff and possibly even make an appointment at a local consignment. Ebay yields me nothing but aggravation, so unless I have a single high value item, I don't bother with that any more.

I agree with your statement in a "livable" way..... sure, we could cut satellite TV... but honestly we get a LOT of enjoyment from our favorite TV shows and since this is our PRIMARY line item for "entertainment", I wouldn't cut it unless things were desperate.

I am always on the look out for a "side hustle" (as they are calling it now). I have done some seamstress work, transcription, custodial work, etc on occasion for a few extra dollars here and there. I'm sure some people would gasp at the thought of me cleaning toilets for $10/hr, but it doesn't bother me.... it's honest work and it is in my small town, so no extra expenses for gas. I currently have three "regular" jobs..... 4-5 days a week in the school system as a sub, a regular weekly job with another company PLUS I just got a second part-time position with my second job.... so really three jobs..... but they are ALL pretty flexible and give more/less hours at any given time.

Not sure why I am rambling on, so I'll say good-bye!...............P

sounds like you are doing great to me and maybe just plain old bored...which happens this time of year. I would continue on, enjoy the little things and wing it for some of the stuff with you DD in CA. Sometimes you experience the best stuff without a plan and it can be free even! For my 50th we headed into the city (Chicago)as I wanted to see a Beatle's Tribute band on Navy Pier (band free, beers not so much , lol) anyway, we were passing the House of Blues en route and thought, what they heck, we have not seen the inside in ages, lets just check out the lobby. It was about 2 pm and the Asst Manager was there , said hello, and asked if we would like to see the rest of the place..as in private tour to the areas the bands use! We were allowed to take photos, see tons of rooms we hadn't before and really enjoy the heck out of it as we had it all to ourselves, good lighting etc. Point is, sometime's you come out AHEAD of the budget by not planning everything down to the last dime.

 

[barkley]

Selling things around the house is helpful, but we live in a VERY rural area and I will no longer bother with yard sales..... no one drives that far out (we've tried at least 4 times). But I am selling in a few local FB yard sale groups.... sold 4 chairs just last night!

I didn't realize how popular these were until dd started calling to tell me about her recent 'great buy' or sale. we're also very rural so yard sales are a waste of time but these types of site are a great resource. dd is planning on moving from her current college apartment to another come the end of the school year so she's going through her stuff at her current place and listing items-with the plan to set the money aside for anything she will need by virtue of going from roommates to single living (and I told her if she comes over periodically over the next few months we can go through all the accumulated stuff we've got around here to list it for sale as well).

 

[barkley]

I am always on the look out for a "side hustle" (as they are calling it now). I have done some seamstress work, transcription, custodial work, etc on occasion for a few extra dollars here and there. I'm sure some people would gasp at the thought of me cleaning toilets for $10/hr, but it doesn't bother me.... it's honest work and it is in my small town, so no extra expenses for gas. I currently have three "regular" jobs..... 4-5 days a week in the school system as a sub, a regular weekly job with another company PLUS I just got a second part-time position with my second job.... so really three jobs..... but they are ALL pretty flexible and give more/less hours at any given time.

you've got some great skills there-make sure to market yourself through word of mouth. good seamstresses are hard to find-let people who regularly encounter those who may be in need of one know (local hairdressers/manicurists do weddings so they are in communication w/bridal parties, they also do proms-trying to find a good seamstress around prom time is crazy hard around here). on the custodial-I have friends that make good extra money b/c the local realtors know they are hardworking and trustworthy so when they encounter a home getting ready to be listed that needs a good clean up/out they don't hesitate to pass their name on to the homeowners. some of the local apartments (largely student housing with regular timed turnover) have 'on call' (read=paid in cash) cleaning staff who they call in just when an apartment is being flipped from one tenant to another. it keeps their costs low so that for normal cleaning they rarely end up having to pursue charges against the former tenants that exceed the rental deposits.

 

[morgan98]

It could bump someone's salary so they are no longer eligible for a number of income dependent deductions or credits. Or so they are no longer available for social assistance programs. So in those cases, earning just a tiny bit extra could cost you more than what you earn.

Exactly, phase of social assistance programs, earned income credit, etc. But not in the general terms of graduated tax rates.

 

[QVCshopper]

Oh, about the Yardsale sites, I added up my sales in the past year and it was $400! Of course, I also bought a fair amount of higher end stuff from other people, too, so maybe that money funds those purchases.

And, I did some of that buying Target gift cards and converting into Disney and other deal. That got me $2,000 of Disney gift cards for $1,775.

So, those are some of my newer money savings ideas.