if making new year cutbacks...

[married2mm]

where do you make them?

I'm trying to cut down on buying clothes,shoes,bags,perfume- as have plenty- just like buying them!

also paying more attention to grocery shopping,but not doing so good at this one so far.

 

[whoopsiedoodle]

We use an all cash system for household/entertainment. DH pays all the bills from our account but I have $350/month for anything that comes up during the month. It's quite a game for me because I HATE breaking $50 or $100 for just about anything!! I also try my best to put $50 of it in the piggy bank at the first of the month and try not to use it at all! I coupon like crazy so that helps with groceries and other fun things like eating out, etc.

 

[mom0299]

I agree. The cash system has been the best thing we've ever done for our budget. It is so hard to break a large bill and so much harder to spend cash than swipe a card. It makes me much more aware of what I'm spending my money on.

 

[married2mm]

I know what you mean about using cash,kind of makes it more real,and you think about purchases more.

however,dh is the total opposite- he puts anything and everything on credit card- to increase his cc rewards.it's paid off every month,so that's not an issue,but cash would obviously make him more aware.

 

[mrssmith06]

-Cash system!
-Coupons!
-Watch the sales!
-Set monthly limits for all categories!

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I don't have a lot of fat to skim on the type of purchases you mentioned because I'm a total cheapskate and rarely buy anything for myself.

I had been getting monthly Shellac manicures at the salon last fall, but I cut that when I decided the guilt over the purchase made me feel bad!

What I plan on doing, especially since I'm going to take a year off of work starting this summer to be home with my first baby, is getting serious about meal planning and not wasting food. I am going to try to create meal plans around Aldis, as that is the store closest to my house and general good pricing (you can get cheaper with some sales at regular groccery stores, but that's a time investment, too).

 

[Pigeon]

I'm going to try to shop at Aldis at least every other week. I can get most of what I need for a little more than half of what I spend at the regular grocery store. I do need to spend a little additional to pick up some produce as our Aldi isn't great for much of that. In all though, I can easily shave off $50 each week I shop there.

It's a bit more out of my way, but it takes much less time to shop, so it really is a wash, time-wise. I need to remind myself of that because I tend to only focus on the fact that it takes longer to get there.

 

[Colleen27]

Groceries/meal planning and dining out, because both of those areas of the budget tend to suffer from a little "bloat" through football season and the holidays. So every year trimming the budget mainly takes the form of getting back on track with cooking at home nearly every night and planning meals around sales and what we have in the freezer.

This year, as much to trim the clutter as the budget, I'm also resolved to make better use of our library. The local branch is small and I often find myself buying books rather than making use of the ability to request books from the other branches in the county system, for no other reason than I like instant gratification. Not only am I spending money I don't need to that way, I'm also adding to the most frustrating clutter-battle in my house - the fact that even with a room half full of floor-to-ceiling shelving I don't have enough space for our book collection.

 

[pigletto]

Once Holiday spending is over we get a nice reprieve from buying pretty much anything that isn't necessary. The kids need a few items of clothing and I'll watch sales for those, but they got a lot for Christmas so we're fine for now.

We also decided to start eating healthier as a family. We had slowly slipped into some lazy habits. It's changing what buy and even though we need to go to the store more often, we aren't buying anything prepackaged or snacky and we are cooking from scratch and avoiding going out. So it seems to be shaving quite a bit of the budget.
So extra money in the bank account and lost pounds. It's win/win

 

[DisneyATlast]

I'm the same as a previous poster in that I rarely buy things for myself such as clothes, purses, etc. One thing I did buy this year was a new pair of (expensive) shoes. I need some good shoes for work and plus I've reeeeally been wanting them (Birkenstocks).

Well, the night after I bought the perfect pair that fit perfectly....I started looking online and found a NEW pair on Ebay, the exact same pair...for $85 cheaper!!! I returned mine to the store and ordered the ones on Ebay. They were $55 with shipping and all. Some lady bought them on sale last year (probably an impulse buy because they were on sale) and realized this year when getting them out that they didn't actually fit. So, sure, they've been on someone else's feet for a few minutes...but no more than what a new pair gets worn after people try them on in the store. They are literally like brand new and were $55 vs. $140

That's not savings I can factor in since shoes aren't a regular purchase, but it's just an example of making a conscious effort to save money.

Something else I've started doing for the sole purpose of saving money is taking my lunch to work. I've said I was going to do this in the past, but then always got tempted when co-workers were making a food run to buy something hot and I'd cave. Recently, I've started packing a can of soup (or Ravioli and other canned foods that are $1) and I also bought a reusable water bottle not only so I would stop spending money on drinks, but so that I would start drinking water instead of soda. I had started a BAD HABIT of buying a cappucino on the way to work ($1.50 each or about $10 a week) and also those little energy shots (sometimes 1-2 a day at $1 each). I figure I'm saving $100 a month just by cutting out energy drinks, cappucinos, and impulse drinks that I don't buy now because I have a bottle of water that I've made a habit of carrying with me...I keep it with my purse. I haven't even thought about the savings from taking my lunch, but I'm spending $1 vs $5-6 so I'd say I used to spend at least $25 a week on lunch and now I'm spending $5 a week instead of per day. That's $80 a month savings! Wow...this is the first time I've considered the numbers and realized I'm saving nearly $200 a month just by making tiny changes AND changing what I put in my body which is a huge plus! Not to mention...that's half of our Disney budget if I stick to it, and I'm going to!

I've also decided that for my kid's birthdays I'm going to buy things they can or will want to use on our trip to Disney! My son literally has a toy sitting in the living room right now that he hasn't even opened from Christmas! They just have sooo many toys it's unreal! They do not need one.single.more.toy! BUT...since kids have to get "toys" for birthdays, I'm going to buy them a costume (my daughter Jasmine and son Aladdin) for a birthday gift because they'll want to dress up when we go to Disney...at least for Cinderella's Royal Table. I'm also going to buy the autograph/picture books and pens for birthday gifts. When I asked them earlier if they would want to dress up at Disney (because I don't want to buy costumes they won't wear) they enthusiastically said YES!!! Then, my daughter said, "I want to be Jasmine for Halloween!!" BONUS!! They can wear the costumes for Halloween (something I'd have to buy anyway), wear them at Disney, AND it'll be considered a Birthday gift...triple whammy! I haven't thought through other items they'll want/need at Disney, but I'm going to try to buy as much as I can for their birthday gifts to avoid buying junk they don't need and avoid having to buy when we're at the parks. A new Disney themed bathing suit is something else I'll probably do for birthday gifts...maybe a towel, etc.

When I told my husband the plan to buy Disney items for birthday gifts, he said he's going to tell his family to do the same. They normally buy the kids clothes and toys (while appreciated, they aren't needed) and they always ask what they want/need. Our answer is always, "You don't have to get them anything. They have mountains of toys. They'll like anything you bring." But he's going to mention that we're going to Disney if they want to get the kids a Disney gift card this year. Of course, that's grandparents and an aunt who always spend a lot of $$$ and always on things that aren't necessary. I'd never suggest friends or distant relatives to do that. Not only can we avoid adding to the massive toy collection, but we can save money out of our pockets if they have gift cards. The kid's grandmother has already started buying them a new Carharrt coat for Christmas each year which saves us from having that expense.

 

[mom2t]

I buy all during the year for Bday, Val., Easter basket, Christmas, etc. I do get great deals. I added up what I paid for the presents I had for our only child at Christmas. Yes, there were clothes, books, and practical things even on sale I spent over 700 on him between us and Santa - never again he was only 10. I am still going to buy but I have a notebook I carry in my purse that I keep a list of what I buy and need. This year in the book, I am writing how much I spend. I pulled a few things that I did not give at Christmas and purchased a lego set (small) at half price after Christmas. I already have a Easter basket that I have spent $31 on before I add anything else - I doubt I will add much more than candy to it. I hope this will keep my impulse buying cut back on just adding 1 more thing to the pile of presents because it was a great deal.

 

[DawnM]

The only way I can save is to have a budget and stick to it.

I use YNAB for my accounting and make sure to write everything down.

It is very similar to diet. If I just cut out sugar, you can bet I will make up for the calories by eating other carbs. But if I write everything down and make sure and monitor my calorie intake, I know exactly what I am eating.

So, while it is nice to say you will cut out buying shoes and purses, it might be better to take a look at your total income to outgo and budget for a few purses or shoes along the way.

 

[Funfire240]

We have cut down on eating out and eating frozen/processed foods. DH is quite amazing in the kitchen and has been cooking everything. He has stated that if he can't cook it, then we don't need to eat it (he even makes his own pizza - crust, sauce and all!) We started this in November and I'm amazed at how much we have saved!

Also, I'm grounded from the Disney Store for awhile - I was told I tend to spend too much there (by DH of course) which is probably true because they all know me when I walk in and were taking bets each time I ran in before Christmas if it would be my last time or not Then I went after Christmas to exchange pj's the kids received and they laughed that I was back so soon.

 

[COASTIEandMATE]

where do you make them?

I'm trying to cut down on buying clothes,shoes,bags,perfume- as have plenty- just like buying them!

also paying more attention to grocery shopping,but not doing so good at this one so far.

Go to Couponing to Disney website if you haven't already! Kristen has lots of great ideas for saving money for Disney and lots of coupons daily!! Good luck, ALOHA, Karen

 

[mom2t]

I am bad to do this. I want to go back to Disney next January. We are in the middle of saving for 2 summer trips. One is to the Outer Banks which is costing almost as much as staying in Disney. Last week I saw something I thought I needed a new 31 beachbag -my beach bag tore last summer. I went into my closet and found a bag that will work. I am going to take the $50 I would have spent and stick it in an envelope labeled Disney. It is not much but a start. We are going to stay at Bonnet Creek and I want to put down my deposit in March for next January. The goal I am setting will make me think twice about spending.

 

[aclov]

I'm a big online shopper so as soon as I get an email I delete it! Bringing lunch and coffee, maybe I'll treat myself once a month. Not eating out as much and if I do using Groupons or Entertainment coupons. Using coupons and also going to Aldi more.

 

[t_daniels]

I'm a big online shopper so as soon as I get an email I delete it! Bringing lunch and coffee, maybe I'll treat myself once a month. Not eating out as much and if I do using Groupons or Entertainment coupons. Using coupons and also going to Aldi more.

I need to go to Aldi more.

There's a few things DH is brand specific on, so Aldi wouldn't work. But, for spices and all, it could. I wonder, do they have dried beans? As much as I've gone, I've never checked!

I at least need to take their produce ad with us to Wal Mart! They usually remember, and give us the banana price, but I'm wondering if we're missing out on more...

 

[dancin Disney style]

I just posted this in another thread. Right before Christmas I ended up off work for 2 weeks without pay. So I decided that I really needed to cut expenses to make up for the lost income. I did an inventory of my kitchen and since then have planned all meals. Aside from our fixed bills the only thing I have spent money on has been groceries and I have spent less than half of what I normally would have. My cupboards are getting nicely cleaned out and I have planned my meals around what is on sale that week. I have actually really enjoyed doing this and have committed to carry through to the end of February. At that time I will have saved approx $800.


Correction.....I just realized that I cheated and bought my DD a new winter coat. The one she has been wearing is 3 yrs old and has seen better days(why are kids so hard on their things???). However, it is down filled (we need warm here) and it was on clearance. Regular $150 marked down a couple of times, plus a 20% off coupon that I had brought the grand total with tax to $26. When you see a deal like that you can't pass on it. I supppose that since she was going to need a new coat anyway that it's not really a cheat. Right????

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm a big online shopper so as soon as I get an email I delete it! Bringing lunch and coffee, maybe I'll treat myself once a month. Not eating out as much and if I do using Groupons or Entertainment coupons. Using coupons and also going to Aldi more.

We are trying to cut back in some areas to be able to spend that money on new furniture and other stuff for the house we are building. We know we will need $2k for the fridge, $2k for a patio set, a fence, grill ....the list goes on.

So we are sticking to our menu plan and eating out only once per week....and not somewhere that costs $50+, unless it happened to be date night, which is once a month. I'm pretty sure we used to spend $100+ per week dining out and this month we have only spent $150 so far....with only one more meal out planned. Still room to improve, but it's a good start.

We don't really spend on going to movies and such, so the dining out is really more of entertainment for us.

I also delete emails from websites and stores without opening. Keeps me from running out to grab a "deal."

The kids started doing chores, if the choose, to earn spending money. No more us buying them stuff at the target dollar spot.

 

[edk35]

where do you make them?

I'm trying to cut down on buying clothes,shoes,bags,perfume- as have plenty- just like buying them!

also paying more attention to grocery shopping,but not doing so good at this one so far.

You sound like ME. I am also cutting back on "STUFF" and trying to lower the grocery bill. I started a couple of months ago. I used to get my nails done ...gel nail/fills 35 bucks a pop plus tip every to three weeks. I switched salons and started getting just acrylic overlays with regular polish. That dropped me to 12 to 15 every 2 to 3 weeks plus tip. THEN...I decided to just stop it all together. I had my acrylic taken off...my nails look horrible so now I am letting them rest for a while. I also quit going to an expensive hair salon in my area in Dec., found a new place...saving a big chunk there too. THEN found out that both hair salons are actually owned by the same people.

I love Bare Minerals makeup....its my addiction. So I am even cutting back and buying less of that kind of stuff. Add me to the SPENDING TOO MUCH AT THE GROCERY STORE list too. This is where we alwaysssssssss do very poorly. I am trying to really work on that big time. Oh...and eating out. WOW....looked back in our quicken for 2012.... The amount of money we spent eating out, plus a high grocery bill.... DUMB!!!! I love purses too.....another slight obsession. Trying to not go crazy with that is year.

We really do blow a lot of money. I my as well drive down the highway, roll down the window and chunk money out the window.