Re: Managing Money Tips

If you do shop on line sign up for Ebates. I did a lot of Christmas shopping on the weekend after Thanksgiving for gifts I'd be purchasing anyway (not impulse shopping) and not only did I get sale pricing for the cyber weekend, I'm getting a rebate check this month from Ebates and I saved by not spending on gas to shop, not grabbing lunch at the mall and a lot of free shipping deals.

Sign up for monthly balanced billing with LIPA and your oil or gas company if they offer it. Easier for budgeting and you won't get those big budget-buster bills for high seasonal usage.

Try to adjust your budget to accomodate paying mortgage payments early. Following the concept of how twice-monthly payments reduce overall intrest paid, if you just pay the full monthly amount two weeks early when the bill comes in that's two weeks of intertest you've knocked off the overall tally that will pay off in the long run.

I stock up on necessities when they are on sale, take advantage of coupons, sales, CVS rebate bucks, etc. to keep the cost down so I don't need to pay full price for deoderant or shampoo because I ran out.

Re: Managing Money Tips

Re: Managing Money Tips

a bunch of things:

1. clip coupons..it's amazing how much needed stuff you can get for free

2. use sites like ebates..they're fantastic

3. i also use Super Points and Swag Bucks

no joke, by using the search engine features/watching videos/clicking the buttons i've earned $65 in amazon/overstock/target gift cards since xmas..that's $65 for FREE...

the links above are referral links and since i use them a bunch sometimes you get bonus points just for signing up through my account

4. only shop with a list..buy NOTHING else

5. any clothes/movies/fun purchases i'll make myself wait at least 24 hours before i buy it

6. meal plan-makes food shopping much more effective

7. Instead of going to see movies in the theater, we wait until they're on redbox..we don't purchase dvds any more either

8. when going on vacation we research the bejeebies out of things..sites like priceline and hotels.com are fantastic for more reasonable hotel rooms..as is cheapcaribbean.com

9. i have a price point for certain items..when they're at that price point (which is REALLY low), i'll stock up to last until they go on sale again

10. borrow things like books

11. keep yourself organized..you'll know where things are instead of losing/having to replace

Message edited 2/11/2012 3:19:35 PM.

Re: Managing Money Tips

Posted by hazeleyes33

Don't have kids

Re: Managing Money Tips

I'm no expert but things I do that help us save:

Compare prices, I try to buy only things that are on sale for a good price, or even better clearance, and use coupons as much as possible.

I try to be very discerning in what I buy... do I really need this? Am I definitely going to use it? Do I have the same thing hanging in my closet already? Is it a good value for the money? etc. [I'm trying to get better at this one.] I try to buy classic styles that I will like for a long time & will hopefully last for years.

For food, I try to limit how much I buy at one time & buy only enough that I can use in a short time so nothing spoils & I don't have to throw anything out. [Doesn't always work out, but I try.] When we eat out, we don't splurge, we go to reasonable places, and usually doggy bag half the meal to eat later, so it lasts 2 meals.

I cut my own hair (I have a simple, one-length style) and I cut DH's hair as well. [actually more so because we're too lazy to go someplace to get it done, but it helps save money as well.] I wait until I use up my makeup/beauty products/hygiene products before I buy more. I also do my own nails, haven't gone for a mani/pedi in a long time.

We only have one car. I take the subway to work, so I don't need one.

We have prepaid cell phones. Costs only about $100 or so per year for each of us.

Use energy-efficent light bulbs & appliances, turn off tv, lights, etc. when not in use, open windows in the summer to get light in & only use AC when it's very very hot, turn on the heat in the winter only when the indoor temps go below 60. Try to cook different things in the oven together so I don't have to use it as much, fill the washing machine so there are fewer loads, turn off water when brushing teeth, quick showers, etc. Little things like that make big differences in the bills.

Got rid of the movie channels on our cable plan (weren't watching them anyway). Wish I could get rid of cable altogether since we don't watch that much tv, but there are certain channels I love watching & not willing to give up.

If you don't use your gym membership, cancel it. Don't pay for something you're not using... and try to get the best deal possible... I wish I had a planet fitness nearby since it's so low cost, but since I don't, I go to a neighborhood gym that's about $25/month... I'd love to join NYSC but it's too $$$ for us.

Re: Managing Money Tips

I'm sure others have posted similiar things:

I drink WATER. From the TAP.

I excercise at home and outdoors so no gym membership fees.

I don't have any memberships, or magazine subscriptions.

I get manicures 2x a year maybe.

I don't color my hair and get $30 cut/style 4x a year.

I only have 1 TV with basic internet/cable.

I'm on my sisters cell phone plan with only text and phone.

I look at unit prices when I shop and will buy store brand for certain items.

I don't waste money on expensive paper towels, cleaning products, or anything that is "disposable" in that way.

I try to use rags instead of paper towels. And, I rarely use paper plates/cups.

I don't buy that many books/buy them used or get them from the library.

I keep lights off in rooms we are not using.

I say NO to my kids!

I cook meals, freeze them and, buy family packs of meat. I drink coffee at home and bring breakfast, lunch and all snacks to work. This allows me to eat healthily AND I don't feel bad that 1 or 2x a month I may go out for dinner or drinks. I even think twice before I buy a regular cup of coffee out.

I don't like to spend too much money on junk food and try not to waste food in general.

Pay yourself first, so I have automatic direct deposit to savings accounts.

Stay out of Target!

I don't belong to BJs or any clubs like that because for me it would just cost more.

I don't clip coupons, but do try to purchase most things on sale. When a large supermarket (or Target) has things that are staples for us I WILL stock up.

I have a small home, so I have to realize wants from needs, and ask myself "do I really need that/where will I keep it"??

I DO spend money on a cleaning lady 1x a month, new/leased car, new clothes/shoes (but nothing crazy expensive), basic makeup/beauty products.

Message edited 4/16/2012 9:52:19 PM.

Re: Managing Money Tips