Budget Cuts

Look at where your money is going - keep a list of everything you buy - even a pack of gum, and see what you can do without or can cut back.

Dunkin Donuts coffee instead of Starbucks, or a thermos from home better yet.

Skip the nail salon

Bring lunch to work, or cut back on what you spend.

Drop some of the movie channels from cable.

Don't waste electricity - turn off lights to cut your electric bill.

Are you a shop-aholic? Don't use your credit cards - stop buying a purse, scarf, or other accessories you really don't need.

We each pull just a set amount from the ATM every week for gas, magazines, scrapbooking supplies, a beer with the guys - whatever we want to use it for but that's ALL we get for the week for cash expenses.

Oh - I also cut coupons, watch for sales and use them then, stock up on stuff we'll use regularly and try to stretch the grocery dollars.

stop bringing my laundry down to be done
go to the less expensive (and not as good, but OK) dry cleaners
Less going out to eat

for us, we've stopped eating out or take-out, maybe 1 time every other week or every 3 weeks.

We ALWAYS eat our leftovers. I make extra to have leftovers for lunch or another dinner. I subscribe to newsletters to save $$....www.stretcher.com. I also go for the free samples from websites www.weeklyfreebie.com.

Down here, walmart is a supermarket, and usually the cheapest, PLUS they will honor other stores' flyers and sales! I use coupons, lots of em.

I work in a preschool, so I can eat the food they make if it's appealing, otherwise I bring my own food. I send DH to work with food.

We don't drink, and therefore don't buy alcohol to keep in the house, DH likes the occasional cigar.

No nail salon trips, I haven't had my hair cut since I left NY 3 months ago (I need it BAD) and DH shaves his head at home. We turn off lights, no AC if it's cool enough outside, which it has been for the last month or so.

I find stuff at thrift stores and garage sales (candle holders, baskets, frames, glassware I use for crafting, books).

I get my groceries using terislist.com. You can also use cutouthunger.com. Also www.fatwallet.com, grocery coupon forum.

I make lunch, don't eat out as much.

Call cable company, and bargain down your bill. Ditto APR on credit card balances.

Switched to Vonage for phone company - $24.99 for unlimited local and long distance! www.vonage.com.


FM me if you use any of the websites - I can get a referral credit for Terislist and Vonage.

ETA to add- get the entertainment book for movie coupons - $5 to $7 for UA theaters.

Thanks so far for sharing!

For the record:
I've never been a nail salon gal.
I only get haircuts 2-3 times a year, never color.
I only buy clothes on sale.
I try to stock up on sale items.
I try to avoid impulse shopping.
I do need to begin keeping a written record.
I already got a drop on my credit card APR.
I already work 2 jobs.
I already bring lunch.

Any other creative ideas??

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Posted by Kel

Thanks so far for sharing!

For the record:
I've never been a nail salon gal.
I only get haircuts 2-3 times a year, never color.
I only buy clothes on sale.
I try to stock up on sale items.
I try to avoid impulse shopping.
I do need to begin keeping a written record.
I already got a drop on my credit card APR.
I already work 2 jobs.
I already bring lunch.

Any other creative ideas??

---

The only other things I can think of are

downgrade your phone or cable service.

use cell phone for long distance if it's included in your cell phone package.

Elminate cable or DSL modem.

subscribe to magazines & newspapers vs. buying them at newstands

borrow movies from the library instead of going to blockbuster (netflix is cheaper then BB if you rent frequently)