What new frugal ideas will you use in 2012

[bunnys]

HeartofMine--interesting. I've never lived in the country so I have no clue about those things.

Frugalisfun--lucky you! I wish I were getting a raise. I've had a pay CUT for the past 2 years and it will probably stay in place this coming year, too. (school teacher)

[Mamaw]

Well here is a unique to me idea to stay on the frugal path...
Just say NO....
No to expensive meals out
No to vacations that I cant afford
No to little whimsy items that cross my mind when I am out...
No to yet another shirt or sweater just because its on the thrift store rack.

It is amazing what I can spend in little thrifty purchases that I dont at all need.... Working on prioritizing what I really do need or want....

[alotofgooddeals]

My new years resolution is leaving all money home wheni go to work...making sure i have enough gas and packing my own lunch...that way i cant stop somewhere to get anything thus not wasting money...cutting my shopping days to two days a week....thus not spending any money on silly frivulous things....this month i get my paycheck on the 11th...get paid biweekly....so on the 12th i plan on doing a once a month grocery shopping trip to see if this will help also...

[VanO62]

Very little eating out. I am always amazed when we have eaten out lately (considered a big treat) and the meal has not been nearly as good as I could have made. I do get burnt out on cooking, though.

Also, I have hit some very decent 1/2 off sales at Salvy so I am stocked for winter and prob. spring and summer, too. Going to limit my visits as I tend to buy something cause it is sooo cute or a great bargain, but I have plenty and could do without it.

Going to move things around in the house to get a fresh look and possibly paint our bedroom. Using what i already have for decor.

And last, hopefully for fun, I want to use up some material that has been hanging around forever to make some quilted throws for over the backs of my two beige ($10 apiece) rocker/recliners I bought last year at a yard sale. Also, possibly make some quilted table mats for end tables and for middle of kitchen table.

[Cricketlegs]

I've started slipping $100 bills into my drawer(hidden well). I hope to try to do 100 per check @$400 a month along with the also putting savings into the savings accounts in both banks we use.

I'd like to do $400 drawer, $100 Credit Union, $25 Regular savings in bank.

That way I cover the Main EF savings(credit union)
Secondary savings $25 for those pesky extras that pop up that don't meritt disrupting the budget checking account or an emergency to pull funds from the credit union EF aka someones head better be on fire fund!
And the drawer money is what I can use to deal with debts and things as I get closer to getting them paid off etc.

It may not work. I may only get some of it done but I sure do plan to try.

Also, just a tip-- We don't have a checking account at the credit union like we do at the bank. I can move money from savings in 10 seconds and that is why the "big" money is at the credit union.

We have to get in the car, drive, get out, fill out a slip and sign for it. It takes a little effort but it keeps it untouched because it isn't easy.

I added another $100 so I have $200 now in my drawer! It's for when happens!! Payday is the 15th so I hope to reach my goal of $400 a month by adding $200 more (it's a salary check and a second commission check is why I need $200. We get 4 checks but 2 come on the same day.

[erinalexmom]

I will be depositing all my checks except what I actually NEED and spend cash on that. Then once the cash is gone that's it for the week. No getting more $ out of the bank when I run out and no keeping extra out from the paychecks for "fun"
I also am hoping to shop once a month for groceries and health and beauty aides and cleaning supplies. Less trips to the store means less impulse buys and less gas running back and forth.