Trying to save $$

I have decided, after getting my tuition bill yesterday, that I will not buy any new clothes for myself for the rest of the year. I need help and support in this decision, especially since I dont really have lots of 'office clothes' for fall and winter. How am I supposed to save $$ for the wedding, at the same time as going to grad school, and working full time? I need money for all these things! I already bring my lunch every day. What else can I do?? (A second job isnt really feasable )

Re: Trying to save $$

Well, if you REALLY need clothes you can try ww.fatwallet.com for coupon codes for places like Chadwicks and Crossing Pointe. I got 5 items for $50 at crossing point the other day. The Forums is where people list codes. also, you can try salvation army and goodwill - there are sometimes good things there.

Also try clipping coupons for groceries. NOT nillywilly - but only use coupons for things on SALE. Especially at stores that double coupons. Go to www.cutouthunger.org, terislist.com, and fatwallet.com, grocery coupon boards for details. I save like 60% each week.

Cut expenses. Any bills you have - call them and ask if there's anyway to cut the bill. I did that with cable and saved $24 a month. Works with credit cards too, to lower your APR - tell them that another card has offered you a lower rate. Consider switching balances to cards with lower APRs - go to www.bankrate.com for more info.

I switched to Vonage for my phone company - $25 a month, total of $26 with taxes, since internet phones are unregulated - www.vonage.com. You can also get months for free if you search on the net - vonage coupons. Fatwallet also has information on this.

Re: Trying to save $$

Cut down on take out, dye your hair to your natural color less visits to the salon, use the library, don't rent viedos get them from pay per view (no late fees), starbucks gives a discount if you bring a refillable cup - or switch to Dunkin Donuts or 7-11. Buy layered netural peices that you can wear in the fall and spring.

That's all I can think of for now.

Re: Trying to save $$

You can also rent videos from the library.

Go to www.stretcher.com for tips.

Re: Trying to save $$

I used to get some great clothing from resale shops - Calvin Klein summer skirts for $4.00! Yves St. Laurent jacket - OK that was $90 but was probably over $500 new.

Re: Trying to save $$

Try putting at least $20 away in a drawer per paycheck - It adds up - even if you only put in 10. Then when it adds up - go spend it on yourself - that's what me and my FH did a while ago and we used the money to help us pay for a trip to California

Re: Trying to save $$

Here's a thread from earlier in the week about this very thing...

Budget Cuts


To save money, I have a certain amount deposited into a savings account through payroll so I never see it and therefore don't spend it unless I plan to.

I don't spend change...I drop it all in a jar at home...we save $500 this year (this is just nickels, dimes and pennies -- we use the quarters for laundry)

Re: Trying to save $$

Save your change!!! Get a jar, fill it!..DH and I did this and between the 2 of us it added up. Also, save your singles. We take our singles out of wallet (or a few) and dump them in the jar too..It adds up!!
Good Luck.

Re: Trying to save $$

totally agree about the change jar idea. fh & i have over $700 and we are using it to fund out trip to Cananda next year. also, bring coffee from home every day - it takes a little extra time in the morning, but its worth it.

Re: Trying to save $$

Here's something I learned from my speeding ticket .. a car consumes 50% more gas going 75 mph as opposed to 55 mph.

So .. here's a new slogan:

Save gas .. Save Money .. Slow down!

Re: Trying to save $$

Organize your closet and you can try to come up with 'new' outfits to get you through winter. If you think you have no clothes you will just go out an shop, stay away from all stores!! Do not go out as much, a night out at a bar can be costly. Library does have good DVD's for free, but usually is a three day rental and it's kinda annoying since some library's have very limited hours, so it's hard to return them....check out Netflix.com-if you rent movies often it's really really worth it. Just think about all the things you do spend money on and try to come up with a cost saving method. Any social functions such as birthdays etc. limit so you don't have to buy gifts.