How do you save $?

I want to switch my cable to basic, get rid of a landline, and keep the internet


basically it works out cheaper if we make these changes, and even more so if we get rid of our security system


would you get rid of your security system to save money?

We are also trying to eat out less, no coffee (or rarely) from outside


any other ideas?

Re: How do you save $?

I would not get rid of my security system because in this day and age unfortunately, people are turning to crime to pay their bills. I would hate to cancel that, then have something happen. Not worth it.

I've started making dinner and sending DH to work with it so he doesn't buy lunch. Since I'm cooking every night, that means no expensive dinners for no reason. I don't do spontaneous shopping trips anymore. When I go, I have a purpose and a list. When I was working, I set up with my bank to automatically transfer a set $ amount every week. I knew I wouldn't do it, but a computer would. I have it set in my head that it is in savings and it can't come out. When it was in my checking, that's attached to the debit and that's just too easy to whip out. I have Netflix and changed to a lesser package since I wasn't always watching all the movies that I could every month, but still paying for them.

Re: How do you save $?

We got rid of netflix, but now I"m thinking get rid of cable (just basic) and get netflix....we'd prob save time from watching TV and when baby comes, they won't get used to TV on all the time

Re: How do you save $?

I would not get rid of my security system.

If you have hightlights, go back to a single color. Get natural nails. Do your own manicure/pedicure.

If you have to "dress" at work. Wear more pants suits vs skirt and having to buy pantyhoses all the time.

Buy clothes that can mix/match.

Cook at home, prepare lunch. Buy in bulk. Cook once a week for the whole week. Use the slow cooker for stews and soups. Avoid take outs.

Shop groceries with coupons. Look at the grocery stores flyers and shop the sales for the week.

We found that me not buying as much clothes, drastically reducing take out food, not going out to restaurant and shopping with coupons/sales works best for us.

Re: How do you save $?

Use coupons when grocery shopping.

Make lunch (especially from leftovers) instead of buying everyday.

Stopped going out for dinner.

Stopped shopping for things we don't really need. (Ie. new clothing, DVDs, etc.)

Basically we've cut out the extras.

If you wanted you could also get rid of your cell phones or get a less expensive plan if you can same for cabel.

Re: How do you save $?

downgraded cable bigtime
use coupons and check the weekly circulars
no eating out
Look for things in thrift stores
Everytime you go to buy something ask yourself itf you really NEED it

Re: How do you save $?

I would never want to have to regret getting rid of the security system.

Re: How do you save $?

I would not get rid of a security system. no chance!

you can buy the Sunday Newsday and look for coupons. maybe join BJ's or Cosco - you really do save $ shopping there. 1 shopping trip will pay for the membership fee.

eta: when I make a trip to Target, I buy any food that I would need for the following week plus other items like cereal, dairy items, soups, spices, etc. the prices at Target are SO much better than grocery stores.

Message edited 2/4/2009 7:45:01 AM.

Re: How do you save $?

Plug electronics that use "vampire power" (they are still "on" even when "off") onto power strips so you can completely turn them off when not in use. DVD players, video game systems, TV, printers, etc.

Turn the thermostat down a degree (or more). You'll save a lot on heating that way.

Re: How do you save $?

Yep, we started to unplug the appliances, we belong to BJ's, turn down the thermostat


I think we won't get rid of security system....more for peace of mind than anything else


I'll have to start the coupon thing...after watching Oprah yesterday, I didn't realize how big of a difference it can make


Just wondering what other ideas.....I have cut back so much...the only habit I have not are handbags, but that only happens at christmas or birthdays (and I usually get them as gifts)...but I'm just surprised how much I've changed...and DH has become a little bit more lenient (he used to be TOOO frugal, IMO)
So we're at a happy medium, and now never argue about money


Just thought I'd ask for more ideas because its kind of fun to find ways to save...I never realized it could be like this!

Re: How do you save $?

Also, if some place is within walking distance, walk instead of drive. Saves $$$ on gas and miles on your car.

Re: How do you save $?

I decided to have another baby....which means more staying home and less going out and shopping

Re: How do you save $?

I bring my lunch to work. Going out for lunch everyday in the city can get very pricey.

Re: How do you save $?

I agree... definitely don't get rid of your security system.

We really haven't had to cut back but I am doing it anyway to try and save some extra money.

I haven't gotten my nails done in 3 months
I've only been shopping for what I need at the grocery store
We haven't been to the movies in a while
We have been renting movies instead of buying them
I haven't been buying myself new clothes
I bring my lunch to work every day and DH brings his most days

Message edited 2/4/2009 9:24:48 AM.

Re: How do you save $?

stopped getting highlights/manis/pedis, etc.

stopped eating out/going out to movies

got rid of expanded cable but kept blockbuster through the mail--it still saved us money instead of keeping all the HBO channels

shop with coupons/buying up sale items

bring breakfast/lunch to work everyday

stopped buying clothes/shoes unless absolutely necessary

we're loads of fun but with a on the way and being in contract for a house, we really had to cut corners.

Re: How do you save $?

Some things we have been more careful to do (we used to slack)

Unplug anything not in use like the washer/dryer - makes a difference!

I bring breakfast and lunch to work - cook every night or make big batches of food on the weekend to carry us through. DH brings breakfast to work (his lunch is much cheaper than mine since I am in NYC).

Put a limit on what can go on the credit card each month and pay in full.

Use coupons/take advantage of sales for the necessities

Everytime I go to make a purchase or consider one I ask myself if I need it and if it's worth it to take away from my monthly budget.

I started unsubscribing to lots of e-mails...the constant sale notifications are too tempting for me. Out of sight - out of mind.

Re: How do you save $?

I have been doing my own nails for a while now... not so much because of the money, but because I don't have time to sit in the nail place and honestly, it lasts MUCH longer when I do it myself. But as a bonus- you save tons of cash.

I'm a huge coupon clipper- and especially when they double them you make out like a bandit.

I buy mainly generic for things I don't have coupons for

We don't have a huge cable package- just basic and a few extras that DH can't live without

We drive our cars into the ground and always buy cars that we can afford

We don't go on a ton of vacations either

Re: How do you save $?

The only unqiue thing I can add is re-evaluated your cell phone plans.

We don't have a landline and each have a cell. My husband BARELY uses any minutes, he is a big texter. I use an average amount of both a month.

Switching from Tmobile plans to Virgin Mobile plan for me, and a prepaid Virgin Mobile plan for DH, we plan on saving almost $50 a month!

Re: How do you save $?

Borrowing movies and books from the library instead of buying or renting them is a big money saver too.

Re: How do you save $?

Less dinners out and hanging out in bars on the weekends.

Less shopping.

Haven't had a mani/pedi since the summer and won't get one until we go away in April.

Got rid of Netflix.

Re: How do you save $?

I don't purchase anything unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY...

not buying coffee in the morning anymore (that was my treat)

Stopped getting my nails done about 6 months ago

I don't drive anywhere unless it's ON the way to somewhere I have to be (even though gas prices are decent right now)

I would like to get rid of our landline but my DH absolutely refuses. The same goes for having DVR is BOTH TVs.. I could do without it, DH refuses.

Re: How do you save $?

We take out cash on Sunday--- we each have an allowance that week, if you run out....then we run out. This cash goes towards, food if we didn't bring, gas for the car, misc. items that are needed. Every other Sunday I take out more for myself b/c I do the grocery shopping.

If we are going away for example this weekend we are going skiing, that money was taken out of our account already as cash and that is what we bring with us and that is all we spend.

Whatever "allowance" is left over, it goes into a pot called "extra savings!!"

I transfer a set amount weekly to our ING account, I can't stop it and I don't miss it when it's gone.

I've stopped buying new clothes :( Maaaan! lol

I go to the store with a list now of what I NEED

We don't eat out as much

Coupons...Coupons....Coupons! (although sometimes I think coupons don't work b/c store brand items are cheaper)

I buy my toiletries at Target or Kmart and I buy store brand.

Go to BJs with my Mom, using her card () & literally I went a month ago and I still have chicken, steak and ground meat in my freezer. Since it's just the two of us, when I get home I portion everything and freeze!

Re: How do you save $?

Re: How do you save $?

shop your insurance. You will surprised at the difference in companies. Consider raising your deductible on your insurance if it makes sense.

Re: How do you save $?

Wanted to add

Delete or don't renew magazine subscription to magazine you don't read.