s/o: product that has changed your life

[incognitotoday]

In the thread below, Haines mentioned using a new product (b/c she likes it and b/c she realizes it saves her money).

Being divorced has made me become a better financial planner for myself (and my two dogs) b/c it is only my paychecks coming in.

I know Achase has shared her budgeting for grocery shopping, but what are some other things you do to save money or things you do to get most of the products you buy?

For example, I saw an episode of a Susie Orman show and she suggested that when you get low on your bottled products (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc.) to cut the bottle (if the top doesn't screw off) and you would be surprised how much product is actually left in the bottle that you cannot squeeze out.

I do this. And I easily get 5-7 more uses of my face wash for sure.

Another one, I live in an OLD apartment and on the top floor (where heat is known to rise). Although it may be summertime, I will use fans more often (if me/dogs can bear it) then the A/C unit b/c the unit is SO OLD that it actually costs me more to run the A/C than the electricity of a plugged-in fan. Last month my electric bill was $83.80, this month I consciously knew my A/C was on more than last, and my bill was $138.60. And honestly, that's $50 that could go elsewhere.

What do you do to save and I don't mean putting money in a savings...more like things around your house or daily life that help you become a better financial planner?

[starburst604]

I have some little things. I love True Blood on HBO but don't watch any of the other shows. So I subscribe to HBO only when TB is on and discontinue after that. I don't watch enough TV to justify the monthly cost. I also took a hard look at my toll usage during my commute and realized I was spending an extra $100 a month to go the "fast" way. Now I try to leave the house 15 mins earlier so I can go the slower and less expensive route to work. As I mentioned before I switched from expensive salon shampoos and conditioners to the Suave line of these and I honestly don't notice a difference. Also, I um "borrow" cleaning products from work. But you didn't hear that from me. :x

ETA: I bring my breakfast, lunch and snacks to work 90% of the time. That is a HUGE savings right there.

[Deleted]

Not a product, but I tell my kids no. No, you can't have that, no I will not spend all that money on said item. Saying no helps a lot. Now that they are older they know not to ask.

[compassrose]

I invite my friends over for drinks as often as I can instead of going out to bars. Worse for meeting people, but much cheaper. And nicer for actually having a conversation.

I meal plan. And try to make things that will need similar specialty items (like cilantro).

I am about to re-join my parents' family phone plan so that I can pay what I am paying now but get a data plan, too.

[bowies]

If I need a service (carpets cleaned, oil change, etc.) I always use a Groupon or some kind of coupon deal.

I take advantage of free events - art shows, festivals, etc.

I stopped buying books and started using the library.

I use companies that offer me a corporate discount (I receive 20% off my cell phone plan).

I bring my meals to work as much as I possibly can.

I use a programmable thermostat.

I shop for toiletries at TJ Maxx. I get salon products at Wal-Mart prices.

[achase123]

I meal plan and have a monthly budget.

I contribute to my 401(k) up to the match.

I put $50 a month (auto-debit) into DS' 529 college savings plan.

I use mint.com to keep me accountable on my spending.

We have dinner at one of our houses (one of my three friends) at least once every two weeks which saves money since we aren't dining out.

I buy all of my wine (I drink a lot of wine) at a grocery outlet place.

I change my oil every 6K miles instead of every 3K (this is what my manufacturer recommended per the car's manual).

When I get into the "I want" phase I try to remind myself that the wealthiest people I know don't "look" wealthy. They drive older, more modest cars and keep their budget in check. The people who have all the toys are usually the ones who are broke.

[bowies]

Jun 12, 2012 10:14:35 GMT -5 achase123 said:

When I get into the "I want" phase I try to remind myself that the wealthiest people I know don't "look" wealthy. They drive older, more modest cars and keep their budget in check. The people who have all the toys are usually the ones who are broke.

This is so true! People who have money...have money. People who don't have money have a lot of things.

[doriswe]

I meal plan and try to only buy what I need for the week.

I contribute to my 401(k) up to the match.

I put money into all of our savings every paycheck.

I turn down the heat or turn off the a/c during the day when we're not home, and at night when everyone's asleep.

I have a pay as you go phone plan which is 1/2 the cost of my old phone plan.

I buy a ton at the dollar store: garbage bags, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, etc.

[farfalla2011]

Jun 12, 2012 10:14:35 GMT -5 achase123 said:

When I get into the "I want" phase I try to remind myself that the wealthiest people I know don't "look" wealthy. They drive older, more modest cars and keep their budget in check. The people who have all the toys are usually the ones who are broke.

This is definitely one of those things I have to remind myself of all the time! It is so true and we are such a materialistic society as a whole that its easy to forget.

[farfalla2011]

The things I do are keep a budget. I use Quicken and document every single penny I spend and categorize it. I also review it every month to see how my spending compares with my budget and adjust accordingly.

Right now, although I do help purchase groceries, I eat at BFs house all the time. He's also in super saver mode right now so it helps keep us both accountable.

I don't have cable, gym membership or any other "extras."

I'm not much of a shopper so that definitely helps, although I'm getting ready to have to buy a bunch of clothes because I've lost weight and nothing fits me anymore. When I do shop, I almost always buy things on sale rather than pay full price.

[roselis]

I got the smart strips that if the "control" item is turned off, everything is off and no pahntom power gets drawn. I have my TV as the control, and the things like the DVD player and game systems are hooked up to it.
I don't have cable. I pay for Netflix and have Hulu.
I make large meals so I have leftovers for the week.
I eat at my parents house a lot.

[explorer2001]

Nice post.

I go to the gym work pays for. I work out with my friends at our houses or hike on weekends.

I volunteer. Not only is it free, fun, and a great way to meet people. It also puts so much in perspective. It's much easier not to have a case of the wants when you realize how much you have compared to.others.

I stay with friends and family when I travel whenever possible. It allowed me to spend 2 weeks in Germany last year for under $2000 including airfare. I fly odd days and hours. Ex I'm flying on 7/4 to save $.

[hainesherway]

I usually bring my lunch to work, and have been trying to meal plan dinners.

I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week, and use dry shampoo the other days.

I buy Groupons of things I would normally buy anyways (restaurants I know I already like, etc.).

I raid my parents' garden during the summer for vegetables/herbs.

I keep to my budget no matter what. I've learned in the past that hate the feeling of being in debt!

[Deleted]

I keep my A/C at 78. It feels really nice when it's 90+ outside. My electric bill for a 1,400 sq. ft house (with gas appliances though) is around $20/month.
I also only use CFL lightbulbs.

When I buy something online, I always look for a coupon somewhere on the internet. 2 days ago, I saved $25 on my order and it took me 10 seconds to find this promo code.

I buy groceries on sale and with a coupon if possible. I am not hardcore with coupons and I don't really care about brands. For example, I can buy Charmin toilet paper 1 month and then get the Quilted Northern the next time. So it doesn't require extra time from me to shop with coupons.

I rarely go out for food.

I have basic cable. It costs $12/month. I watch a lot of TV shows online for free. For example, I don't have MTV but all their shows are available for free on MTV.com. Same with A&E TV or HGTV.

[theycallmeliz]

All these ladies throw out good ideas. I definitely save with the meal planning, but for me, the key is also to plan what I call "lazy meals" which have saved me tons of money from ordering takeout chineese or pizza when Im too lazy to cook. A $2.50 frozen pizza from Costco is way cheaper than $15 delivery from Papa Johns.

My BF and I are really outdoorsy people and have gotten into camping. Its way cheaper but still allows us to "go somewhere" when we're in the mood to travel. We find a camp site, which usually costs $13-$17 a day versus $100+ for a hotel. Not glamourous, i know, but it works for us.

Buying my home also has saved us tons of money too because we use the backyard a lot and do not feel the need to constantly go out. (Oh yeah, and my mortgage is cheaper than rent) We invite friends over and its almost always a potluck style event.

Oh, and as a hobby, BF has started home brewing beer. He loves this hobby and we've saved a lot of money on beer! LOL

So there are a few unique ways that we've saved some money.