Trying to squirrel away more $$

[CheapMom]

Everytime I order something online and I near the checkout- if there is a section that says "enter coupon code here if you have one" I always take a minute to go to flamingoworld.com to see if there are any codes available. I get lucky about half the time and find a code for free shipping or $5 off...

 

[Lizzydoll73]

We are saving change also. When we get enough in the jar we take it to the coinstar machine (they charge a fee but It saves me time wrapping and going to the bank) and then go to the Disney Store to purchase Disney Dollars. That we we won't be tempted to dip into our Disney fund. We are going to have a garage sale this year. We will send all the money from that to Disney. Our goal is to have it paid off before we go so we don't have to worry about money.

 

[jgates]

Just as a clarification on the 'sticky fingers'. They were not a relative IN our house, but someone outside of our house that basically B & E'd. You indicated that you did not have that situation but ANYONE can be a victim of breaking and entering and theft. That's my concern about keeping cash around. At least with your household items you have the insurance, but what are they going to say when you tell them 'I had a Folger's can with assorted change and 5 spam cans with nickels?'. You get the idea. The Dis $ idea is good - but again, find somewhere to keep them - safe!!!

 

[missmickey]

Originally posted by Lizzydoll73
We are saving change also. When we get enough in the jar we take it to the coinstar machine (they charge a fee but It saves me time wrapping and going to the bank) and then go to the Disney Store to purchase Disney Dollars. That we we won't be tempted to dip into our Disney fund. We are going to have a garage sale this year. We will send all the money from that to Disney. Our goal is to have it paid off before we go so we don't have to worry about money.

Hi, if you have a commerce bank near by you can use their penny arcade even if you don't have an account there. It's simple to use, too. Just empty your money in and it prints out a receipt that you take up to the teller.

 

[gary4jenn]

that we couldn't keep the INGDIRECT referrals on the post- I thought that it was the purpose of the budget board to help others! OH WELL- if anyone needs more info, just PM on a great savings account with a $25 sign up bonus. It has sure helped me.

 

[mom2mira]

Originally posted by sln88
coupons, cutting expenses:

mycoupons.com

there are rebates out there that I had no idea about until I went to that site! Also, lots of women(and a few guys) who are great at finding the best deals on everything.

I just wanted to second couponing and mycoupons.com. Once you really get into couponing you can cut your grocery bills wayyy down. I average at least 50% savings and that's just with coupons after the sale prices were already added. Some weeks it's up to 90% savings. You can learn how to get lots of things free. I never pay(except tax) for deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream and more. I just got tons of Berry Burst Cheerios last week at .59 a box at a semi-national chain and also ended up with coupons for 5.50 in free meat, free Betty Crocker potatoes and free Green Giant frozen veggies for buying those. You will also learn about great on-line and B&M deals there. I have had my daughter's bithday(Aug.) and Christmas shopping done since January all from 75% toy deals from after Christmas. I also have her Summer and Winter wardrobe already all from 75%+ deals.

 

[melissa180]

I have started buying clothes and shoes twice a year, and selling the old ones I don't wear anymore at up scale second hand stores. I use oldnavy.com etc for their GREAT clearance at the end of the season. I also buy boys shoes (I'm a 8 in womens so a 6 in boys). The savings in shoes alone in about 15 bucks at least, every pair! Also, the smaller sizes are on sale more often and a good selection. Now they might not be pink, but they work fine for me!!

We started our savings bonanza 2 years ago when we were saving to buy a house, and I just started thinking about how I survived in college on very little cash and applied as much as I could to us. We saved 6000 + in a year, just by making little changes, also lost that 20 pounds I had been trying to loose for three years (no more buying junk food, fast food, soda...its amazing!!!)

 

[vhoffman]

Years ago I read excerpts from a book, "The Tightwad Gazette". the author also published a newsletter but I don't think she does so anymore. I believe the book is still available, and can also be found in libraries. Essentially, this was a SAHM of six who wanted to have a house in the country and a large family all on a single salary. She discovered many savings tips over the years which enabled her to do so. They are in her book and newsletter. Many of her suggestions are too extreme for me. For example, she shops for food at overstock type stores and buys non perishable items past their expiration date. Well, its true that most items are consumable some time after their expiration date, but I wouldn't risk it. Expecially when she buys such items in bulk, how long will they sit in her pantry before being eaten? Sorry, I'm not that hard up! Also, she limits showers to about 2-3 a week and uses the same set of towels for a week to save on water. There again, I'm not that hard up! We always take a shower every day and use clean towels each shower, and fresh nightclothes every night. Doesn't everybody? Well, don't they? I mean, what's the point of taking a shower just to use dirty towels and put on used night clothes? The author says she's managed to save enough to have her house all paid off, her retirement and 6 kids college fully funded. Well, the lifestyle choices she's made are too draconian for me. Also, she's probably made the majority of her money from the sale of her book and newsletter. Seems like I'm putting her book down! Actually, as I recall, there are some good suggestions in there and its worth reading for them. Just don't think it will enable you to quit your day job!

 

[vhoffman]

OK, I just looked up "The Tightwad Gazette" and found several books under that title by author Amy Dacyczyn. They range from about $10-$15. You might want to try the library first. As I said, much of her advice is too extreme for me, however, if you find one or two good ideas its worth a read. I also found the INGDIRECT account to be an excellent way to save money and I made about $200 just by doing referrals. I have several referrals left, hope I can use them somehow. Happy savings!