Things I've changed in the new year!

[disneyofcourse]

One tip I would like to share that involve all the topics. When I felt I needed to go to the store, for anything other than TP, shampoo or milk (or absolute neccessities...) I would write it on the list and date it. My rule was I had to wait for 14 days. It was just amazing what I could do without, or after 14 days I didnt really need it. And I concentrate more on finding coupons and sales and stocking up. It also makes you think - dont use as much shampoo, detergent,tissues and cut down on food consumption. Dont eat extras and you might squeeze an extra meal out of the chicken you made for dinner.

I wish you all fiscal stregnth!

That's a really good tip

 

[MacFam4]

So many of the threads compliment one another on the DIS. Eat at Home, Things I've changed, Budget Stretching that doesnt hurt....

I am cutting back on everything. Trying to find the secret to making one income cover two incomes. Suggestions welcome.One tip I would like to share that involve all the topics. When I felt I needed to go to the store, for anything other than TP, shampoo or milk (or absolute neccessities...) I would write it on the list and date it. My rule was I had to wait for 14 days. It was just amazing what I could do without, or after 14 days I didnt really need it. And I concentrate more on finding coupons and sales and stocking up. It also makes you think - dont use as much shampoo, detergent,tissues and cut down on food consumption. Dont eat extras and you might squeeze an extra meal out of the chicken you made for dinner.

I wish you all fiscal stregnth!

We just recently did this ourselves! After 9 years of working full time, I quite my job a couple of months ago. It was a decision that DH and I made mutually. One of the biggest things that we did was stopped eating out! When we had the extra money it was no big deal. But now that our boys are getting older, 10 and 14, they can really put away some food. When we eat out our bill is so high I'm a pretty good cook, but now I have time to cook and not feel so tired. I grocery shop for 2 weeks at a time. We eat very well, but we're not spending near as much money on food It sounds like you're already on the right track. Oh, I also keep leftovers that I would have typically thrown out, and I can usually use them in some way.

Like you, I've been more thrifty with detergent, soap, etc. I also don't buy the expensive cleaning supplies any more. When I need to run errands, I try to get everything done in one day so I'm not always running into town. We always think twice before we buy stuff, and ask if we really need it, and do we really need it now. Sometimes it's hard, but I think my family benefits alot more with me staying home. Good luck

 

[dis-happy]

Many years ago when my dd was 6 months old (she's 22 now) I was able to become a SAHM by doing two things: stopped eating out and we got rid of one car.

It's amazing what you don't need if you're not at the store to buy it!

Good luck everyone!!!

 

[southern_redhead]

I'll add mine:

Be more diligent about couponing and pairing with a sale. I do it "a hit and a lick" now but I need to actually keep a running list with sorted coupons and sales fliers.

Get back on the Mypoints bandwagon. I did most of my Christmas shopping through them and will continue to shop through them when I have a purchase but I really let my emails go. I think from Dec 1st through the end of the year I just deleted stuff. I was so tired I didn't even want to point and click LOL Of course, I haven't gotten a single email from them this year so that may be a moot point.

We are starting our first ever vacation and Christmas funds. DH and I are both going to contribute a set amount each month and when vacation or Christmas rolls around we are spending from that and ONLY that. We haven't ever used credit for those things but I think we overbuy because we think "it's cash, it's ok!"

When I break a dollar I will put all the change in a jar. I haven't decided yet how to use it. Either as extra money towards vacation or maybe save it for the whole year and put it towards something for our anniversary next year.

I actually started this last year but will stick with it this year. I will have the kids try on last years clothing, see what fits, and ONLY buy new to round out what they have. I was bad to clear out the closet and "start from scratch" for 3 kids that adds up fast, even when you buy on sale! I also make DS2 try on DS1's clothing that he outgrew and I saved. I think this winter I only had to buy DS some jeans and maybe 5 shirts!

Making enough for dinner to take some for my lunch the next day. I hate leftovers, hate them with a passion but.....those little bowls of soup add up. I keep a box of flavored oatmeal at work so I have back up if I forget my lunch or just end up hating what I brought.

Stop eating take out every time DH is home. DH travels for work and while he's gone we rarely eat take out. Then he comes home and we order pizza, make Sonic runs, midnight drive throughs at McD's, breakfast from Hardees so I don't have to waste time cooking and cleaning.....this last time he was home for 4 days and we spent $700 between his gas to and from home (which we can't do much about) and all our meals. We didn't even see a movie or go shopping!

In the spirit of the above resolution, make out a weekly list of meals and add one make and freeze meal to it. Then when DH is home I can pop a meal in the oven and it'll be about as fast. Also, stock up on things like frozen pizzas and such when I find a good deal. Great for those Friday night "blahs" when everyone wants junk and you are too tired to pull a meal together anyway.

Thinking about cutting back my housekeeping to every 2 wks but I'd rather not unless I have to. Frankly, that is my one "happy" and I'd like to keep it