How do you save money!

[Okiebug61]

Originally Posted by Brock

Staying away from Home Depot and Lowes helps a great deal.

We actually take advantage of Lowes deals. Bought our washer and dryer set and dishwasher this year at 0%. Paid them all off early!

[ruffryder]

I don't.


LOL


I have a 401 K which I need to start investing more in.

We TRY to eat our leftovers and not waste food at home.

I look for the cheapest place to get gasoline.

I base my food consumption and meals based on what is on sale besides necessities.

I have a bank account that distributes 1.00 to a savings account every time I use my debit card which can be anywhere from 3-15.00 a week. I always tend to take that money out though when I have something coming up to use it for. I guess I'll be saving money in there for a few months for spring break and then our trip to LR next year.

I will be watching this great thread for other tips.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

I have a 401 K which I need to start investing more in.

Make sure you invest at least "up to the match". Meaning, if your company will match up to 3% of the percentage you put in, put in at least 3%. 6% of your income will be being saved then!

Simply don't let it be a choice to not do this. Don't throw away free money!

What I need to get better at (meaning, actually do!), is increase my 401K/403b contribution each year when I get my raise (a measley 1%). I should automatically put that 1% increase into my 403b (or actually, in my case I would put it into my Roth, but, that is besides the point...)

[Rockinonahigh]

We all can think of ways to be safe in our homes,with all the thing that we use an accidental fire or short can happen to anyone.In my kitchen I have two fire extinguishers (one was hear when I got the place) in case it's needed,I also have one in the laundry room,also I have fire & gas detectors in nearly every room.When I was in culinary school we had an issue with the large industrail mixer when it shorted out and the kitchen near went up in flames,there were several of us working there at the time so when it happened we called the fire department but also tried to put out the fire,one student ran to get a bucket of water to put it out,I stopped her then use the fire extengusher to put it out.After it was all over I made shure every student we had a safety class so everyone was up on kitchen safety.This is something we all should think about,first aid is another thing we all should be able to use if needed. Hear at home I have a placard on every front window so the fire department will know I have fur kids in the house so they can help them if they can.In doing all the safety step I have done has dropped my house inshurance to a lower rate.Many years ago I took a EMT class and have stayed current on any new training,one never knows when knowing how to save a life or the need for first aid.

[Jet]

Stocking my fridge and freezer monthly. I freeze milk, meats, and fresh veggies. I blanch and freeze vegetables and stock my freezer. But it also helps to be into culinary arts. I love to cook and prepare soups and dishes in advance for freezing. There's always plenty on hand to eat and I save an incredible amount of money by knowing how to cook. I eat like a king by preparing everything in advance and I pay far less for fresh foods than pre-packaged or prepared frozen foods. My grocer is a global supermarket that offers spices and foods from around the world. I shop for everything I need and stockpile.

I invested in a stainless steel 12-piece cookware from Cuisenart, retailed for 500.00 for 99.00 and free shipping. I also received discounts on J.A. Henckles cutlery. Once you have the basics you're on your way.

[Okiebug61]

There are some things I refuse to give up. I do not buy very many generic things. I like choices so I am frugal with what brand names I do buy. If I want a Rib-eye steak I wait to find one that is marked down for clearance and have it that night.

I have learned over the years to not deny myself things I like. It only makes me resentful and I will not live like that.

[Soft*Silver]

I am wondering if anyone else but I have gone grocery store dumpster diving. I did it before it was fashionable and it was a source of shame for me for many years.
When I was pregnant w my daughter I was forbidden by my husband to apply for welfare or food stamps. He worked at Taco Bell part time and I could not work because the pregnancy was a very stressful one. I would go to grocery stores and dig thru their dumpsters. I got veggies and some meats, some expired boxed goods, canned goods, etc. I would clean them and cut off all the wilted or bad parts and make soups and stews out of them to feed my pregnant body.

Now everyone seems to want to do it or think its great. I kinda laughed when i saw the first documentary about it. No more shame! LOL

[Rockinonahigh]

Today I hit a small jack pot at the grocery store,they had a bargain bin of veggies for $2.00 a bag of assorted produce.I got 4 bags of bell peppers,1 bag of onions then an assorted bag of cucks /zukini's (sp?).Some of the peppers I am going to pickle some i'm chopping with some onions and celery for seasoning so all I need to do is get some from the freezer when I need it,the zukes are going to be stuffed then indeviduly wrapped so if I want one to eat all I need to do is get one out of the freezer,my son wont eat one to save his life but I like them baked with tomato sause then topped with my choice of cheese,not a bad buy for the price.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Soft*Silver

I am wondering if anyone else but I have gone grocery store dumpster diving. I did it before it was fashionable and it was a source of shame for me for many years.
When I was pregnant w my daughter I was forbidden by my husband to apply for welfare or food stamps. He worked at Taco Bell part time and I could not work because the pregnancy was a very stressful one. I would go to grocery stores and dig thru their dumpsters. I got veggies and some meats, some expired boxed goods, canned goods, etc. I would clean them and cut off all the wilted or bad parts and make soups and stews out of them to feed my pregnant body.

Now everyone seems to want to do it or think its great. I kinda laughed when i saw the first documentary about it. No more shame! LOL

This has become fashionably with the college kids hear,a spot on the local news showed the things they got that looked as fresh as in the store.I hope they are careful with the choices they have some things may look good but are on the edge of spoiling.

[Rockinonahigh]

At the store today they had paper towel's on sale a 12 pack for $3.98,this will last me a fairly long time,I mostly use them when I fry foods to help the drippings to soak up insted of uesing a cloth towel.

[Amulette]

It's fun to see how much we have in common when having to live on a budget. So many of us seem to have similar strategies.

I have a shopping triangle: Trader Joes, Sprouts and Costco. I have found I can get really good quality food at reasonable prices by being picky and price aware. Our Costco carries a lot of organic products. I love my freezer too.

I decided to try and redecorate my house via Craigslist. I've bought choice pieces and sold my old stuff. Just this week it all fell into place. I love Annie Sloan and her chalk paint. I buy for shape, design, and quality. And I actually love it if it needs some paint It's really easy to sell on Craigslist if you are reasonable about your pricing. I always screen people via a phone call, sometimes several. There are 2 major cities one to the North and one to the South of me. About a 200-mile drive either way and what an adventure to take a lovely drive and come home with furniture, meet new people lol it's an adventure. But at the end of the day, I have gotten the look I want and quality items that I could not afford otherwise. It's known that I am a decorating addict, please help me. Fortunately, I don't have to answer to anyone on that matter.

TIP: When wealthy people redecorate they often sell things cheap so they can get on with their projects. Act fast and bargain with them.

CL is a treasure hunt you never know what piece you will find at what time. Be patient when you want an item, it will come up.


I heard a saying in regards to organization and decluttering: Only save what you love. I tend to have a love of "SHINEY THINGS" especially if found on a treasure hunt like yard sales, Craigslist etc. Ohhh shiny thing, great price, and growing clutter. So I have been on an only save what I use and love binge. It has happened in layers, over a couple of years. I am finally down to what I really want and love. My house is easier to clean, and when I look around I smile because I really love what's left.

Love the laundry soap idea <3