If you could give someone one frugal tip...

**~Sherry~** · 08-26-2002, 08:31 AM

If you could give someone only one frugal tip to keep with them through out their life, what would it be?
Would it be money saving, time saving, a recipe, a baby/toddler trick... What would you say?

**Jenlee** · 08-26-2002, 08:43 AM

Shop your sales!!!! I rarely did this until a year ago and just on meat alone, I bet I save $100 a month. That is a huge savings for any family. We have 3 good sized stores, plus a Wal-Mart Supercenter, but luckily they are all within 2 miles of each other. I get my ads on Monday (or Wednesday in the regular ads) and make out my menu accordingly. Each store has a different meat on sale, so there is almost always a beef, chicken or pork cut on sale.

It's the same for paper products, canned goods, etc... I always TRY to buy on sale. If it's not on sale, I have an idea of whose prices are best and go from there.

Great thread!!

**bluffgirl67** · 08-26-2002, 08:57 AM

Pay cash and don't use credit cards. It can be easy to rationalize a purchase if the plastic is in your wallet so leave it at home.

**homesteadmamma** · 08-26-2002, 09:29 AM

I have to agree, pay cash for everything and don't use cc. I wish someone would have given me that advice years and years ago.

**bmiltimore** · 08-26-2002, 10:29 AM

I have to agree - Don't use credit cards! I started using them when I was in highschool and I am 27 and still trying to crawl out from underneath the heap of debt from credit cards.

Another small tip I learned that is also a beauty tip is to use inexpensive hair conditioner when shaving your legs. This is much cheaper than shave gels and leaves your legs feeling SO SOFT! Once I did this is, I never shaved with anything else.

**justjenn** · 08-26-2002, 10:54 AM

I would have to agree that paying cash for everything would the tip I would choose. Credit cards can be handy if used properly, but the numbers show that most Americans don't use them properly.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 08-26-2002, 10:28 PM

Pay full price for as little as possible. IOW, use coupons, sales and PAY CASH!

**Karla** · 08-27-2002, 01:27 AM

I would also have to say pay cash, shop sales and always pay yourself, you never know when hard times will hit....that one i'm still working on

**MANDERS** · 08-27-2002, 08:38 AM

Record your spending.This way you know where your money is going.THen make the changes

**captclearance** · 08-27-2002, 08:03 PM

Buy only what you need is good advice, however in order to stay good, all of us must have a little treat once in a while. When it comes to groceries.... Spend !!! When the price on something that the family eats is on sale...BUY IT !!! If your family likes mac and cheese and it goes on sale for 8/$1.00 buy 24, ceriel .99c a box buy 20. This is what I do. It may sound extreme but my family can eat 2 or 3 boxes of mac and cheese and 2 boxes of ceriel a week. Just remember to rotate your food (New in back, old in front to be used first. )

**Jerseygirl** · 08-27-2002, 08:38 PM

Be organized!!! Know what you have so you don't buy a second one, combine your errands, know what size the kids wear etc so you can take advantage of the sales, so you don't run out and buy something that you already have in a closet.

**KathiS** · 08-28-2002, 03:12 AM

Always think before you purchase! Ask yourself, do I really need this? Do I have something already that might serve the same purpose? I agree with all of the good suggestions above, as well!

**Jeanna** · 08-28-2002, 12:01 PM

I would join frugalvillage.com. The people here will support you in your fight to keep a little of your money.

**mom2matty** · 08-28-2002, 02:36 PM

I agree with paying cash for everything. I also think being organized helps with that

BTW~I use cheap conditioner for shaving too!! It really works well!!

**blueknitter** · 08-28-2002, 05:46 PM

Mine would be to take the time to think and plan before you start ANYTHING. If you always have a plan in mind before you hit the grocery store, you're less likely to be sidetracked. If you already have a plan for your money, you're less likely to be tempted to do something else with it. If your time is already planned, less opportunity to waste it. HTH