Need Your Sage Advice

[Cricketlegs]

Wow this is an oldie!

Learn how to use the CVS ECB rewards and Walgreens rewards(if your store isn't as awful as mine.

Never idle your car.

[mombottoo]

General Money Savers everyday things that aren't too "out there" that you do to save money:
1. Only wash full loads of clothes
2. Stock up when things are on sale and match coupons to sales
3. Cut used printer paper that has only been used on one side into 1/4s & use for scratch paper
4. Pay all bills I can online saving stamps
5. Paticipate in MaxPerks through Office Max (Staples has a similar program
6. Save empty ink cartidges to turn in at Office Max; I get a credit of $3.00 each towards future purchases
7. Comparison shop for everything including food and repairs
8. Use scoopable cat litter
9. Before buying online always check for promotional codes for % off and free shipping
10. Always use a site like MyPoints to link to online shopping
11. I personally believe in bundling one's services ie: cable/internet/phone...it has been way cheaper for our household. Then every year when they hike my rates I call & call until they get me down to where I want to be and sometimes even lower than I expected.
12. Check your house & car insurance policies every year. Shop for the best deal.
13. Keep an eye on your bank/credit union fees, etc. If they go up change bank/credit union
14. If you don't have health insurance ask your provider for a discount. My doctor's office charges $139 for an office visit...they charge me $99 (still high but, better than $139)
15. If you don't have prescription coverage take advantage of some pharmacies policy of free generics (antibiotics) and participate in whatever program they have available for reduced cost drugs. Shop around though...Walgreens charges for their program, Rite-Aid does not (at least in my area).


True Tightwad Tips:
1. Use plastic store bags to line small trash cans
2. Never buy CC insurance or disability insurance on loans, you can buy a private disability insurance policy much cheaper

[BeachFun]

1. Plant a garden. (if you've never had one start small, even in containers).
2. If your neighbors garden, accept their generosity when they want to share their harvest.
3. line dry clothes
4. homemade laundry detergent
5. meal plan
6. turn lights off at a certain time each night. (we turn them off by 9pm) and turn them off in rooms when not in use.
7. use plastic shopping bags for garbage bags
8. use plastic containers to pack lunch (from snacks to sandwiches).
9. use leftovers for lunches or have a leftover supper
10. learn to freeze or can (extra from your garden or from a farmers market)
11. shop the reduced bakery, produce, and meat sections of your grocery store before shopping in the regular sections
12. learn to cook and bake
13. use your crock pot (especially on busy days or when your motivation to cook withers away)
14. shop loss leaders and create meals based on what's on sale
15. use 1/2 the amount of dishwasher detergent and only run full loads
16. cook multiple items/meals when using the oven
17. I like to use ebates.com when shopping online (get rebates on your shopping)
18. use online banking to pay bills (save on stamps and checks)
19. don't overdraw you checking account to avoid fees (don't spend money you don't have)
20. create a budget (know what is due and when)

[SillyLily :-)]

keep "generic" gifts on hand. doesnt matter if you make them yourself, buy them on clearance, regift, etc. - i'm ALWAYS glad to have my "gift closet".

"shift" your batteries. we dont throw out "used up" batteries from our cameras/videogame controllers/etc. we keep them for our remotes/etc that dont use as much power. they still have LOTS of life left in them.

i love the "use 1/2" method. you'd be suprised how many things you can save on. use 1/2 of the shampoo/conditioner/clothes soap/toothpaste/etc. still works just fine. only your supplies last you longer.

reuse mailers/bubblewrap/ & mailers. we get ALOT of mail, and we send alot too. but i haven't paid for mailers/envelopes or bubble pack in YEARS!! i saw the prices the other day at target and i was blown away on their prices!!!! i just use a black permanent marker to black out the old addresses & then write the new ones on scrap paper and tape them over the old ones!!

"share & barter" with your friends and family. my brother borrows my yard tools for his yard instead of buying his own because he doesnt have space for them.then we use HIS truck to haul both of our yard waste to the transfer site.my neighbor lets me use his tiller for my garden & at the end of the season i give him jars of homemade garden salsa. my friends at work and i all read lots of books and watch lots of movies. our library doesnt have much to choose from, so we all just swap. there are so many of us that there's always something new to swap for.

if you have teenagers, see if their friends parents would be up for a clothes swap. my daughter had a closet and 2 dressers full of clothes but she really only wore a few outfits. her frineds were the same way, so they all got permission to have a clothes swap. it worked out great for them!!

we made our own cookie cake for my daughters bday party. the cakes at the store were $14.99!!! ours cost $2.99!!! :-)

sometimes i'll skip a week of grocery shopping to clear out the cupboards and everyone gets really creative. yes it saves money, but it also uses up all of the open packages of things we have so it doesnt go bad/get stale/etc. last week i did this and we found a new "favorite". we had open raisins, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, cashews, etc. I poured everything into a big glass jar i had with intentions of mixing it all up and putting into snack sized baggies for kids lunches, but when i got home it was all gone!! my point is, sometimes things will get wasted if you dont cut them up/prepare them for easy meals/snacks for your family. what kid is gonna go cut up a bunch of veggies for their snack if there's a bag of chips near by? but if i already have everything cut up, my kids will grab veggies and ranch over junk food anyday!!

[melodys]

I don't see this mentioned, but what about more general financial concepts such as paying yourself first, taking advantage of employer 401k matching, and saving money on large purchases such as a car. Also, shopping your own closet, bartering, growing a garden, and asking retailers for discounts help save money.

[larabelle]

Make all of your own cards (Christmas, Birthday, Congratulations etc.) I do and they only cost me eight cents per card.
Limit the number of Christmas gifts you give each year as well as the number of people on your list to give gifts to.
Eat EVERYTHING left in the lunch break room at work. We have a rule in our break room that if you leave it on the table then anyone is welcome to it. I eat everything (left over pizza, salad, cookies, casseroles etc) and it is so yum yum yum...and free!!

[miss_cas]

1. Walk for errands when you can - mailbox, library, store, etc.
2. Group errands when you must drive.
3. Purchase or make canvas shopping bags.
4. Picking up a little cart when you see it at a garage sale or on the curb can expand the list of walkable errands to include store stockups and laundrymat.
5. Dollar store cleaning stuff or vinegar, soap/water. I still love my Soft Scrub, Pinesol and Comet but dish soap, laundry detergent and dishwasher soap are fine from Dollar Tree.
6. Dollar Tree toiletries. I am only loyal to Pantine shampoo and conditioner after trying the $1 stuff.
7. Check out internet for recipes for home made convenience food. I now only buy pasta premade and baking mixes just to avoid spoilage with one person who doesn't need a ton of junk food.
9. Wear clothing twice before washing.
10. Launder in cold, clothing turned inside out and hang to dry.
11. Treat blood stains with peroxide to easily remove.
12. Always wear shirt/cami beneath sweaters - wash twice a season. Over washing is number one reason sweaters get piles.
13. Make your own swiffer clothes by sewing microfiber towels into rectangles with open end and slipping over mop. Also avoids yucky looking, dirty mop heads.
14. Don't wear shoes inside unless it's only house shoes. Keeps carpet nicer longer.
15. Pick up reference books or teach-yourself stuff used on bn.com for $10 or less. You can usually download programs for free for use for a month from company's web site. Try library for the books first.
16. Know what cost cutting opportunities your city offers.
Like: Free day at attractions and museums, movies in park, shakespeare in park, dental schools for cheap cleanings, medical schools for cheaper healthcare, art classes, dance/aerobics classes, weight rooms, dog parks, pet vaccinations and spay/neuter clinics.
17. Try thrift stores for clothing and misc. needs first. Know the discount days and promotions.
18. Learn to hem pants, sew on buttons and fix seams. Internet has a lot of tutorials.
19. If you have a hobby or are interested in trying a new one, check out the thrift stores everytime you visit. You may be surprised at the amount of cleaned-out craft stashes or sporting equipment that end up at thrift stores. Play-it-Again Sports, Tuesday Morning, Big Lots and fabric stores sometimes offer reduced priced supplies. Hobby Lobby and Michaels regularly run 40% off coupons in the paper or email list.
20. Landscape your yard twice. Learn how to start cuttings from neighbors. Start out with a few plants, take more cuttings as the plants get bigger and start more. You can get seeds for almost any plant on ebay anymore for $1-2. You can easily start these in takeout or salad containers with some dirt. Move to recycled soda bottles (cut in half) when the sprouts get big enough. The first year, fill in between the fresh perennials with annuals - the second year take cuttings from the perennials when bigger and buy fewer annuals. Eventually the perennials cover everything and you won't need annuals any longer.
21. Watch the counters at gas stations and fast food places for coupons to sports, movies, festivals, etc.
22. Watch your local grocer to see when the bakery, produce and meat departments are checked for food that needs to move. It is predictable sometimes, shop accordingly. There is usually nothing wrong with any of it - I have yet to get sick from any meat I have purchased on the sell-by date, froze and cooked months later.
23. Check out all grocers in your area to see who has the lowest everyday prices -- shop there monthly as a stock up. Fill in with the most convenient store with reasonable prices and good sales weekly.
24. Stay flexible on foods and eat a variety. $1 a pound fruit, $1 a pack (or less) frozen veggies, sale or marked down meats, rices, pastas, beans/lentils, oatmeal, eggs, veggies in season are always the cheapest. Remain open to vegetarian dishes a few times weekly.
25. Dollar stores are cheapest on spices -- really big container for $1.
26. Check out pet vaccination clinics by mobile vet services at pet stores. Google it then sign up for mailing list.
27. Indoor only pets (you don't board) may not need all vaccinations, use your best judgment. They don't need to be registered either, use your best judgment.
28. Cheap cat litter can be improved by putting a newspaper in the bottom of the pan and sprinkling a little baking soda into the litter. Scoop daily into a lined coffee can for convenience. I still like the convenience of plastic pan liners.
29. Wear weather appropriate clothing inside and set the thermastat appropriately. Wearing t-shirt and shorts in winter will cost ya.

[oheoh's momma]

This is a oldie and what happened to frugal witch of 3. she was wise. ok see what I can add here.
1. see what products have double and triple uses. dish liquid to remove stains and do dishes. vinegar, fabric softner, glass cleaner,clean coffee pots, andwashing machines.
2. Pay bills on time so no late fees this really adds up
3. don't bounce checks we don't (grandma does this all the time grr)
4. coupon and buys things on sale to get the biggest bang for buck but do not be a brand slave switch it up this saves u bigtime.
5. eat leftovers this cost me monmey to start with but we would lose leftovers in butter, coolwhip bowls ect. pryex with red lids let u see leftovers.. so we use them more.
6. If u are within walking distance and your load is light walk....
7. use generics for meds big savings here
8. don't overlook generics for food and health and beauty u may be surprised. we love equate dandruff shampoo and face wash. the chemical composition of some things are the same salt is salt.
9. hang dry lowers your electric bill but makes your clothes last longer. Mydaughter stayed all night the other night and wore a pair of pjs that she had at her house bought them in the 8th grade she was 12 and now is 22..pretty good pjs.
10. shop clearance for clothes, shoes, sheets ect
11. wood frniture can be used it is ok u can re finish it...
12. keep up with car maintences
13. reuse plastic bags from the freezer and foil if not touched raw meat.
14. keep a bag for the freezer for leftover veggies for pot of soup.
15. make your own snacks saves u big time .99 cent brownies, cakes, popcorn, muffin mixes, jello, pudding, granola bars, cookies, veggie dips and chip dips...
16. take yougurt from big container and dish it into samll ones for those who are piggies( My son can eat a 2lb container of yougurt in 1 setting.)
17 use a sharpie and write on your cheese this is not for snacking for tacos ect
18.save your bits of meat for 2nd meal.
19.use coupons for for clothes, toys, and movies that u want to buy.
20. research when things come on sale. for example whites in Jan. frozen food March, mother's day cookers, women clothes, dishes, flowers. fathers day mens clothes out door stuff, back to school blue jeans, shoes, and undies ...
I am sure I forgot stuff so keep it coming....

[dcompton]

Three biggies for me:

Don't randomly surf the internet - it only increases wants.

Shop as little as possible and get in and out of the store as quickly as possible - lead us not into temptation

Read Frugal Village - it keeps me aware

[shortstack]

Unusually cheap tips nobody has mentioned...
Buy 1 bottle of foaming dish soap and once it is used up fill the bottle with 2 TBSP of cheapie dish soap and then fill the rest of the way to the "fill to here" line with water. Shake and use. This tip has kept me using the same bottle of dish detergant for a year and my dishes are just as clean and germ free as when I was wasting tons of soap on them. This tip also works with the foaming handsoap containers.

Buy regular powdered detergant for my HE machine and only use a few TBSP each load instead of buying HE detergant. I know this one is controversial on here but I've done it for 10+ years and have never had a problem with my machine.


I second or third stockpiling. It has absolutely changed the way I shop and has lowered my grocery bill by at least $50 a week without even using coupons. Plus I always have food on hand.

Also second or third using leftovers and planning meals.

[erinalexmom]

use free cycle for things you need.

whenever you see something you would like to have put it on a list. Keep a running list and when someone asks you what you want for your bday or Christmas there is your list.

[Backwoodsgirl]

Grow your own food, as much as possible.

You can try square foot gardening and if your local landfill offers free compost, take advantage of it. Ours allows a truckload per day. So even if you can't afford a tiller or you have really lousy clay soil or sandy soil, you can grow a garden.

Learn to can or dehydrate as much as possible.

Learn to make your own soap and then convert it to laundry soap, dish liquid and general cleaning soap by adding borax and washing soda.

Learn to cook with leftovers in mind. If a meal can't be redesigned for at least two or three meals you are probably wasting money. Ex. Pinto beans can be turned into chili. Leftover vegetables can be turned into soup or added to a casserole. A roast can be turned into hash or stew.

Don't rely upon box mixes, make your own.

Use powdered milk instead of whole milk...that saves a ton of money!

If you smoke, roll your own. Better yet, Grow your own. The gov'ment now allows you to grow as much as you want for personal use.

Make your own soda pop.

Learn to cut your own hair.

Learn to sew your own clothes.

Wait until the end of the season to buy something for next year. For instance, you can buy insulation for your house cheap buy buying it after winter starts.

You can buy long johns and sweat pants on sale just before spring, etc.

If you can, don't shop during the first and third week of the month for groceries. This is when people on foodstamps shop and the stores usually have their best sales on even numbered weeks.

Also, in large metro areas, stores usually rotate their sales. One store one week and another one the next week.

Ethnic markets are usually cheaper than large chain stores.

Ethnic food is usually cheaper than American food.

Backwoodsgirl