Money Saving Ideas

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

We have so many wonderful money savers, coupon clippers, smart shoppers here, I thought a post of additional tips might be helpful.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot to offer. I do know that I now carefully read the supermarket circulars and mark what I need and where (I know soda tends to cost alot, but by shopping at Shoprite and A&P over the past few weeks we have stocked up for the holidays at very little cost). And while I advocate coupon clipping, double check the "generic" prices. Sometimes even with double coupons the store brand is cheaper. Also when going to the warehouse stores (Costco, BJs), don't assume that bigger is cheaper. I have seen stuff that is just as expensive and is not that great a deal.

 

[Cindy B]

Yes, all those things are true.

WE gave up our BJ's membership. We tended to buy more for more money..


Always check unit price on everthing. I saw some Louis Rich Chicken strips on sale, for like $2.79 or something like that... thought it was a good deal, then I looked at unit price it was $7/ a pound.

I can buy chicken and make strips for $1.99 pound (bought on sale at grocery store)

Use powdered milk, and make a milk thing for baking/cooking. I don't use it in cereal, but have used it in omelettes, or other stuff.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Thanks CindyB! I KNEW I could count on you for more good tips.

What wholesale/warehouse places are really good can be books, DVDs and cds. I've found some wonderful discounts there (better than Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc...I long for those days when EVERY book at B&N used to be discounted!). But again, you have to do your research. Not all DVDs are a great deal. Same for cds. But when you find a good one, go for it!

Anyone else with tips to help me and my budget?

 

[Cindy B]

Where are you trying to cut down?

Is it the food area?

Entertainment area?

Clothing?

If I knew the specific areas, I could help you more.

 

[EROS]

I heartily recommend QUICKEN for budgeting. I enter ALL of our expenditures into several categories and can get a snapshot view anytime during the month as to how we're doing ........

 

[binny]

coupons are a huge deal around here there are no stores in Idaho that double unfotrunately though.


Costco is part of our benefits with work so we dont pay for it, we do a lot of shopping there too but I agree you have to watch it it isnt always a great deal. For instance evaporated milk were 4 for $6 the other day and at the store they were on sale for 70 cents a piece a big saving at the regular store!



Watch what you buy for Christmas!!! I shop year round for Christmas and birthdays and it makes a huge doifference in the December budget! I hit that Black Friday sales and got a few little things and Im only a couple of gifts short of my goal.

be honest with your kids about finances! teach them early that you CANT afford everything you want that that is just part of life!!
My kids would rather go to a garage sale than to the store lol. My mom gave Cam 5 dollars for his birthday and he said " Great Ill save it for Saturday I can buy a ton of stuff at a garage sale"


Great tips everyone!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Cindy, I was just thinking of "general" tips. I've been doing pretty good with my grocery shopping and have cut back on all other facets of life (we don't eat out much, I've convinced myself I have all the clothes I need, etc).

 

[wovenwonder]

Check out The Cheap Skate Monthly on Line and also The Dollar Stretcher

Another one I found is Savings Secrets - And a few Money Saving Grocery Tips can be found at this MSN site!

Now -- I just have to go back and take some time reading these websites. Some of them look like they might have some pretty good ideas!


I thought of a few of my own too! .

When I see a magazine on the grocery store shelf that looks interesting, I often come home and look on their on line site and can read alot of the monthly articles on line (without the advertisements).

Sometimes my teenage son and I go to the local Beauty School for our haircuts. Alot cheaper -- plus I've found them to take alot of time being sure they get it just right. I feel like I actually get pampered there a little bit more. They are supervised during the process -- and I've never had any disaster cuts.

 

[Cindy B]

Recommended reading

The Tightwad Gazette all three volumes... some of the things are a little out there ( Make a halloween costume with drier lint!), but most are good solid suggestions...

 

[cinlee3]

Cindy B - LOL about the Halloween costume out of dryer lint I have read some of the Tightwad Gazette newsletters and some does seem very out there.

I specifically need ideas on how to cut down on the food budget. I shop at the Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market. I try to clip coupons but they seem to be for a lot of junk we don't buy. I was thinking of getting a Sam's Club membership but I am afraid we will buy things we don't need. Our grocery bill is usually $100 to $120 a week or even more (for a family of 5 which includes to boys 17 and 12).

I have started buying 3 gallons of milk at a time so I don't have to go back to the store as often. I really do need the grocery specifics.