Non so related: best money saving tips?

[achase123]

So I'm very into budgeting and trying to account for where've dollars are going. Now that I'm not getting cs it's even more important.

I've come up with a few things; meal planning to try to keep my grocery budget at $250/month.

No drinking wine during the week because that's unnecessary and pricey.

I got rid of Internet.

Keeping thermostat at around 74 during hotter months. Ac is necessary but expensive here.

I'm considering canceling my gym membership because I can't make it that often and i usually do a HIIT workout at home anyways.

I lowered my 401k contributions because I want to pay off some debt I've accumulated.

What seems to get me are the unexpected expenses. Birthday parties for Ps friends, baseball stuff for him, dinner with friends, etc.

Any other great money saving tips?

[formerlyak]

On the baseball stuff, which I know gets pricey, look for used stuff. Most of the time at his age, you get only one season out of cleats, a glove, etc. No need to buy that brand new. If he still likes playing when he gets a bit older, spring for the better bat or glove.

For birthday parties, I usually stick to $15 max on a gift. Usually Target has Legos or board games on sale that meet that price point.

I learned to do my hair color at home. I actually told my stylist that I couldn't afford to do it any more and she taught me what to buy and how to apply so I could keep it up and only see her once or twice a year.

I got really good at doing my own manicures.

Never buy lunch out unless it is a business expense that can be reimbursed.

Turn off all the lights in rooms when not in use. My dh was floored when he learned how cheap my electric bill at my old house before we moved in together was.

Buy meat in bulk, but separate into correct portion freezer bags when you get home. I'd get like a 6 pack of chicken breasts and then put two to a bag for DS and me.

It may be worth it to make two stops when grocery shopping - one at Target for dry goods and one at the regular market for meat and produce.

[bullygirl979]

I'd cancel the gym membership.

Can you open another savings account for the "unplanned" stuff and direct deposit a smaller amount in there every 2 weeks? This way you can have a little savings built up.

Also, in regard to groceries: 1) meatless dishes to save some money 2) are there any farmer's markets or other places to get cheap produce/meats?

[achase123]

Mar 30, 2015 14:40:29 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

I'd cancel the gym membership.

Can you open another savings account for the "unplanned" stuff and direct deposit a smaller amount in there every 2 weeks? This way you can have a little savings built up.

Also, in regard to groceries: 1) meatless dishes to save some money 2) are there any farmer's markets or other places to get cheap produce/meats?

I like the idea of another account for the unplanned things that come up.

I do quite a few meatless dishes and if I do meat it's often canned tuna which is still good protein but cheap.

There's a farmers market here but I need to see if it's started yet. We've also got a small veggie garden going ?

[bullygirl979]

Have you tried mint.com? I used it for a while and I was floored at how many "little" expenses I had. 2 dollar coffees here, 6 dollar lunch there. It really added up.

Another grocery shopping one: make a list and ONLY shop with cash. This way you won't be tempted to pick up stuff that isn't on your list!

[mcc]

I'd cancel the gym. I did and use groupons or flash sales from my yoga studio or free classes in the city or blog offers to take a class and write about it. I decided to ditch my $99/mo yoga studio unless I can go at least 6x a month and I wasn't making that with my schedule. Cheaper to pay per class than a membership. Many gyms offer free weeks or allow members to bring guests. Ask around for that if you want a gym on occasion.

Don't use groupons unless they're necessary. It's fun and cheap but if you dont use them it's a waste. That said, keep an eye out for deals that you will use.

I do manicures at home now which saves $60+ a month and is a week and a half of groceries for me. Meal plan like a crazy person and go meatless for some meals with beans. Shop sales and stock up. Don't hate me, but ditch that Shakeology if you're using using it and eat real food instead of buying expensive chemicals.

I wouldn't compromise insurance so please don't think about that (not that you were but someone will likely suggest it).

[achase123]

I have used mint. I can definitely revisit that it just seemed like it was time consuming to input some things. But I do keep an excel spreadsheet where i track "wants" which are unnecessary things like coffee or lunch.

Lunch out is only done when it's business related so I chalk that as money put into my business because those lunches with centers of influence have greatly paid off.

I think I'll cancel the gym membership.

[achase123]

Mar 30, 2015 15:04:07 GMT -5 mcc said:

I'd cancel the gym. I did and use groupons or flash sales from my yoga studio or free classes in the city or blog offers to take a class and write about it. I decided to ditch my $99/mo yoga studio unless I can go at least 6x a month and I wasn't making that with my schedule. Cheaper to pay per class than a membership. Many gyms offer free weeks or allow members to bring guests. Ask around for that if you want a gym on occasion.

Don't use groupons unless they're necessary. It's fun and cheap but if you dont use them it's a waste. That said, keep an eye out for deals that you will use.

I do manicures at home now which saves $60+ a month and is a week and a half of groceries for me. Meal plan like a crazy person and go meatless for some meals with beans. Shop sales and stock up. Don't hate me, but ditch that Shakeology if you're using using it and eat real food instead of buying expensive chemicals.

I wouldn't compromise insurance so please don't think about that (not that you were but someone will likely suggest it).

Haha I already cancelled isagenix!

[bullygirl979]

Mar 30, 2015 15:04:07 GMT -5 mcc said:

I'd cancel the gym. I did and use groupons or flash sales from my yoga studio or free classes in the city or blog offers to take a class and write about it. I decided to ditch my $99/mo yoga studio unless I can go at least 6x a month and I wasn't making that with my schedule. Cheaper to pay per class than a membership. Many gyms offer free weeks or allow members to bring guests. Ask around for that if you want a gym on occasion.

Don't use groupons unless they're necessary. It's fun and cheap but if you dont use them it's a waste. That said, keep an eye out for deals that you will use.

I do manicures at home now which saves $60+ a month and is a week and a half of groceries for me. Meal plan like a crazy person and go meatless for some meals with beans. Shop sales and stock up. Don't hate me, but ditch that Shakeology if you're using using it and eat real food instead of buying expensive chemicals.

I wouldn't compromise insurance so please don't think about that (not that you were but someone will likely suggest it).

ITA with all the bolded. 

I used to buy groupons because OMG! Saving money! And then I realized that I didn't *have* to go out to dinner, lol. So, now I only buy them if it is something I need, like an oil change. 

The meal planning idea is a great one too. If I buy something, like cilantro, I try and find a few recipes that use it so I don't use a quarter of it and then throw out the rest. 

The meal planning also brings up another idea. Instead of going out to dinners, why not invite friends over? I do this all the time. I will make a main and friend will bring wine. Or, I will make half the meal and my friend will bring the other half. It saves us both money!

[achase123]

Mar 30, 2015 15:14:16 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

Mar 30, 2015 15:04:07 GMT -5 mcc said:

I'd cancel the gym. I did and use groupons or flash sales from my yoga studio or free classes in the city or blog offers to take a class and write about it. I decided to ditch my $99/mo yoga studio unless I can go at least 6x a month and I wasn't making that with my schedule. Cheaper to pay per class than a membership. Many gyms offer free weeks or allow members to bring guests. Ask around for that if you want a gym on occasion.

Don't use groupons unless they're necessary. It's fun and cheap but if you dont use them it's a waste. That said, keep an eye out for deals that you will use.

I do manicures at home now which saves $60+ a month and is a week and a half of groceries for me. Meal plan like a crazy person and go meatless for some meals with beans. Shop sales and stock up. Don't hate me, but ditch that Shakeology if you're using using it and eat real food instead of buying expensive chemicals.

I wouldn't compromise insurance so please don't think about that (not that you were but someone will likely suggest it).

ITA with all the bolded. 

I used to buy groupons because OMG! Saving money! And then I realized that I didn't *have* to go out to dinner, lol. So, now I only buy them if it is something I need, like an oil change. 

The meal planning idea is a great one too. If I buy something, like cilantro, I try and find a few recipes that use it so I don't use a quarter of it and then throw out the rest. 

The meal planning also brings up another idea. Instead of going out to dinners, why not invite friends over? I do this all the time. I will make a main and friend will bring wine. Or, I will make half the meal and my friend will bring the other half. It saves us both money!

This is really good. We do that sometimes and we are all watching dwts tonight. Sometimes I'll go out with the group to dinner but intentionally plan a cleanse day. It's kind of funny but I'll still enjoy dressing up and their company but only order lemon water. And i feel great the next day!

[mcc]

Oh also, don't buy bottled water unless you need to. Get a cute reusable bottle and fill that up. They have ones with filters in them if you want it filtered but bottles of water are a huge waste.

If I buy fruit or veggies and they're on the brink of going bad, I freeze them to use again or out in smoothies. I shop almost exclusively at trader joes because it's cheaper.

[achase123]

Mar 30, 2015 15:20:43 GMT -5 mcc said:

Oh also, don't buy bottled water unless you need to. Get a cute reusable bottle and fill that up. They have ones with filters in them if you want it filtered but bottles of water are a huge waste.

If I buy fruit or veggies and they're on the brink of going bad, I freeze them to use again or out in smoothies. I shop almost exclusively at trader joes because it's cheaper.

What all do you usually get at trader hoes that's cheaper? Like produce? I have one near my house.

Never buy bottled water. I have a large Starbucks tumbler that's my very best friend.

[bl]

This is probably flameful, but this post has made me realize how much I would rather have a little less in savings, but not have to go through all this. I have cut back a lot on eating out, only drink coffee at home,and my car is paid off so that helps, but I know I spend way more than I should on luxury things that I could live without, but just don't want to.

[Deleted]

Mar 30, 2015 15:51:05 GMT -5 achase123 said:

Mar 30, 2015 15:20:43 GMT -5 mcc said:

Oh also, don't buy bottled water unless you need to. Get a cute reusable bottle and fill that up. They have ones with filters in them if you want it filtered but bottles of water are a huge waste.

If I buy fruit or veggies and they're on the brink of going bad, I freeze them to use again or out in smoothies. I shop almost exclusively at trader joes because it's cheaper.

What all do you usually get at trader hoes that's cheaper? Like produce? I have one near my house.

Never buy bottled water. I have a large Starbucks tumbler that's my very best friend.

Omg I'm dying over the bolded. I pretty much shop at TJ's for everything as well. I know a few things are more expensive but overall my bill is always much lower there and I can get some prepared foods with relatively low processed stuff at a decent price. I buy a ton of frozen fish, cheese and produce there. I love their steamed lentils and beets. It's an nice balance of making my life easier and cheaper. 

[achase123]

Haha I re read. TJs will be the acronym I use from now on! I hate posting from my phone; I never catch all of my typos!!!

[mcc]

I love TJs dumplings and edamame for an easy lunch. Eggs and produce are inexpensive there. I like their garlic and seasoned steak that is premarinated and will last me multiple meals. It's with a chimmichurri sauce and I make it with black beans and rice. Lentils are good. Their natural peanut butter or almond butter is delicious. Bananas are dirt cheap. I just got ground turkey for meatloaf and meatballs. Coconut oil is like $5 for a jar

Mar 30, 2015 16:07:59 GMT -5 bl said:

This is probably flameful, but this post has made me realize how much I would rather have a little less in savings, but not have to go through all this. I have cut back a lot on eating out, only drink coffee at home,and my car is paid off so that helps, but I know I spend way more than I should on luxury things that I could live without, but just don't want to.

Thanks for being so supportive! (eye roll) Seriously, when people are struggling and posting for help, this is the kind of thing you tell your friends, not the board, because it makes you sound like an ass. achase flat out said she needs to do this because of a lack of CS and asked for ideas. So go ahead and enjoy your Starbucks and gloat that you don't have to reduce your 401k but right now she does (I'm struggling financially too - a lot of us are) and your snotty comments are unnecessary.

[formerlyak]

achase123 you may also want to post on MM. They have good ideas over there.

[bl]

mcc and achase123 (and anyone else I offended) I really am sorry if I came off as snotty or unsupportive, that was not my intent. I was more flaming myself because I definitely should be budgeting and saving more, but I don't. I reread my post and can see how it could have come off wrong. I can't really offer any budgeting advice on cutting back because I am horrible at it, but I have several friends in Dallas who post on a budgeting board and their favorite app is YNAB (you need a budget). It requires you to budget for every dollar including upcoming bdays, dinners with friends, car maintenance, ect and I found that to be super helpful and know others raved about it. Saving $15 a month toward a bday or baseball stuff, might be easier than trying to come up with it as the event gets close. I also call and negotiate on my bills at least once a year to get special rates and discounts. Again, sorry for being insensitive.

[mcc]

Thanks bl

ETA: Also I'm sorry bl for jumping down your throat. I tend to overreact (shocker) 

[Deleted]

I've been thinking about this lately too.  With the prospect of buying a place, funds will be tighter. 
I do my manicures at home most of the time now, but will do mani pedi like once a month at the salon.
Packing breakfast and lunch is a BIG one for me as it could cost about $100/ week to dine out near my job.  Also actually planning what meals I will make helps with grocery shopping.  Otherwise I aimlessly buy stuff that goes to waste. 
I do use a keurig machine for coffee and it's pricey (we drink a lot of it).  I really like the convenience and it's cheaper than drinking coffee outside, but it's adding up big time.  I'm considering getting a regular coffee pot. 
I decreased my data on my cell phone plan and that saved some money.  I'm considering cutting back on cable, but I have a bundle with Internet and a contract and I'm not sure about that one. 

Eta: I do have a small amount from each paycheck direct deposited into a separate account.  It'd be great if I didn't touch it, but I do. 

[bullygirl979]

@blueyes623, don't buy a new coffee pot. Just get a reusable coffee filter. It takes 20 extra seconds, but it is still convenient and the coffee tastes MUCH better, IMHO.

www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/medelco-reusable-single-serve-coffee-filters-set-of-2/1018168952?Keyword=reusable+coffee+filters+keurig

[sadlebred]

Have you done a program like Dave Ramsey or other financial planning classes? If not, I highly recommend it. While you might not use all of things, you will pick up and use what works for you.

One thing I highly recommend is a savings account that is ONLY for an emergency fund. Start off with $1000. Save $25/paycheck if you have to. Set up a funds transfer on online banking every Friday to go into that account. The account is for true emergencies--medical, car repairs, house repairs--not for "little" emergencies. This helps to wean you off of your credit cards when something happens. You use that money for the emergency and then make saving up to $1000 your first priority again.

Pay CASH only for the little things like gas, coffee, lunch out, etc. Don't use the credit cards for them. Again, it weans you off of having a bill to pay. You can also use a debit card, but they are a bit too insecure for me.

Earn some extra money. Consign clothes you haven't worn in a year or two. Purge your stuff, and sell things you don't need on local Facebook Online Garage/Yard Sale sites. Ebay stuff. There are plenty of small things you can do to bring in a few hundred dollars to get your emergency fund started. Earning extra money is one of my favorite things to do. My major hobby has to help pay for itself.

Don't reduce your 401K below your company's matching. That's free money that's gone and will reduce your retirement account in the long run.

Coupon. Learn to coupon. There are tons of sites that can get you started.

[Deleted]

Mar 30, 2015 20:32:16 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

@blueyes623, don't buy a new coffee pot. Just get a reusable coffee filter. It takes 20 extra seconds, but it is still convenient and the coffee tastes MUCH better, IMHO.

www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/medelco-reusable-single-serve-coffee-filters-set-of-2/1018168952?Keyword=reusable+coffee+filters+keurig

Thanks for reminding me about those things. I had one, but lost it and was too lazy to use it.  A set of 2 is a good idea for my morning rush (I should fill the night before) and if we want different coffee. 

[Deleted]

Mar 30, 2015 15:20:43 GMT -5 mcc said:

Oh also, don't buy bottled water unless you need to. Get a cute reusable bottle and fill that up. They have ones with filters in them if you want it filtered but bottles of water are a huge waste.

If I buy fruit or veggies and they're on the brink of going bad, I freeze them to use again or out in smoothies. I shop almost exclusively at trader joes because it's cheaper.

I do find tj's cheaper for most things, but not meat. Do you buy meat there?  Today I went to tj's and then the regular grocery store for meat (and diet soda--don't judge me lol). 

Oh, I also have a soda stream machine which is fabulous for seltzer if anyone drinks a lot of it.  It beats lugging (and wasting) bottles. I just have an addiction to diet coke and soda streams does not taste the same. 

[mcc]

@blueyes623 I've gotten their marinated meat and the ground turkey and sausages but I like chicken breast with the bones and they don't have good options at my TJs and my regular grocery store has a lot of bogo sales.

I love my Soda Stream! I use it everyday and then refill with still water at work. I got it on sale at Target for $40 or something insane and my local refiller small biz store had a loyalty program where you get your 10th one free. I was buying and lugging so much seltzer before

ETA: I also have a reusable coffee filter and it's so easy

[achase123]

I def would've reduce my 401k below our match but that's only $1k. I feel like this extreme budgeting is really good practice so I always live below my means. Bf is also on a budget so that makes life easier as well. We try to motivate eachother in that way.

[bullygirl979]

One last idea. I try to make it a game to have some money leftover in my checking account before payday. Whatever that amount is, when my paycheck comes, it goes in to my savings. Some weeks it's $10. Others it's $200. But it helps save some extra $.

[pantsoffdanceoff]

I've bookmarked this thread because there are a lot of really good ideas.

Here are some things that I do/have done:

- cancelled gym membership (hello $125/month!)
- make coffee at home, it also helps that I prefer shitty Taster's Choice instant coffee (I am filled with shame)
- Buy meat at Costco and freeze. I buy already frozen, individually packaged chicken breasts and I will buy 6 pounds of ground beef and freeze in 1 pound bags. Sometimes I will do that with steaks as well.
- when cooking I try to make recipes that I can divide in half and freeze half and eat the other (I am only cooking for 1 person)
- I keep my AC at 79 degrees. I know that sounds scorching to most but I'm always cold so I'd rather not wear a sweater in my house in June
- cancelled cable but kept internet (saved me $50/month)
- I only subscribe to Hulu Plus during the summer when all the shows are on break so I can watch them all at once
- Try to limit my going out to eat. this is equal parts for money saving and trying to watch what I eat and lose weight
- I budget at the beginning of every year for non-monthly expenses (real estate taxes, insurance, dog expenses, Christmas and birthday gifts, travel, etc.) I estimate how much I will spend and divide by 12 and save that amount every month.
- Grew my hair longer (I need much less maintenance on long hair vs. short)
- When I do go out I try to "DO" something. Meaning I don't love just going out to eat. I would rather walk around a farmer's market or art show with bl or go to a cooking class or paint night. I like things where I can kind of "take" something home with me.
- I totally utilize the public library

[Emerald1486]

Look for apps like Snap (by Groupon) or Ibotta. They have rebates on there you can use with grocery. For example, on Snap, if there is a rebate you can use, you take a picture of your receipt and then choose the applicable rebate. It ranges from 25 cents to $1. Once you get to $20, you can cash out.

I don't know what you have by you, but by me we have Kroger which has a rewards card. You can download coupons to your card that are automatically applied at checkout. Sometimes I can find the same coupon in the paper and use it twice.

I second posting on MM. There are a lot of great ideas. Like unplugging "vampire" appliances, programmable thermostats, reusing things, etc.

I know this doesn't work for everyone, but it does for me. I use my credit card to pay for everything I can. I earn points for every dollar I spend, and once I get to 5000 points, I get $50 put in my account. It adds up fast when I use it to pay bills, groceries, gas, etc. I also use an excel spreadsheet to track all of my spending.

[bullygirl979]

Okay, really. After this tip, I am done, lol. Do spring cleaning every 4-6 months. Round up anything you don't use. If you haven't used it in 6 months, you won't use it. Trust me. Sell everything on ebay or craiglist. I've made $$$ doing this.