My savings!

**alarosalpn** · 05-28-2008, 08:24 AM

I just wanted to say that I just started being frugal this month after I stumbled upon a recipe for laundry detergent and it took off with me! So, I unplugged the microwave,coffee pot and the zip strip on the TV and for only a few days (like 2 or 3) my electric bill was $0.19 lower!!
Yeah, I know, that's not alot of money but I am excited because if it was lower just for the few days before the end of the billing period I can't wait to see it next month!
I have learned so many things in just a month and I love it! Homemade stuff is my calling! LOL I love to make it myself because it makes me feel good.
I've not only saved on energy, I've also saved on groceries by watching for sales,using coupons for things that are already on sale, buying alot of something at a really cheap price!
Thank you all for such a great website! I've been searching for new sites but so far this one is the BEST! And most active.
I am looking forward to a better year and saving more money as time goes on.

**mombottoo** · 05-28-2008, 09:07 AM

Savings add up even if it's just a few cents at first...keep up the good work!

**baxjul** · 05-28-2008, 09:08 AM

That's great, keep up the good work!

**alarosalpn** · 05-28-2008, 09:29 AM

Thankyou! I am happy. We use over 1500KWH a month I think because of the hot water too. but somethings got to give! I don't know what else I can do to lower it.

I'll see next month how much of a difference it is!

**FrugalMomof3** · 05-28-2008, 09:56 AM

Wow that is great and it's just a start, think how it will look in a few months from now when you have this all down pat?

It only get's easier, keep up the great work!

**PrairieRose** · 05-28-2008, 12:03 PM

Keep up the great work....before long you'll be hanging laundry to dry.....

**alarosalpn** · 05-28-2008, 02:50 PM

PrairieRose- We bought a line at the beginning of this month and I used it the day it went up. I haven't used the dryer once since DH put it up!

**imforpeace** · 05-28-2008, 03:20 PM

Every little bit helps! I stocked up on Forever Stamps and they just raised the price again. I'm saving .20 a book. I was so excited, but no one else got it! I know that you would! he he

**C@rol** · 05-28-2008, 03:28 PM

That's a start! Good for you and we're glad you're a member here. You will learn a lot.

**alarosalpn** · 05-28-2008, 03:59 PM

imforpeace- you were smart for getting stamps before they jacked the price. I missed out!

Every little bit adds up fast!
I have a coworker that asked me if I didn't have anything better to do with my time. I told her time is money and it my time to save money!

**nodmicks** · 05-28-2008, 04:04 PM

Great job! It all adds up over time!

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-28-2008, 04:54 PM

Amy! that's fantastic that you're able to see and feel a difference!!

You know what got me excited? Kind of dorky... but, I kept a ledger book with the debt I owed. And my plan to pay it down. In writing, month by month.

Then I wrote down what my bills were- electric for the month of April was $xx.xx and used xxxx KW.. or whatever.
Gas bill was $xx.xx and used XX whatever.
and on and on.

So each month, I tried to lower the score a bit. It's not so much the dollar figure
Because the only thing you can control is the wattage use- right? I mean some arm chair conglomerate is pricing the $ per watt. I use waaaay less electricity than 3 yrs ago, but I pay more. You get it.

So... the challenge was to lower the usage. It became a game. And because it wasn't a HUGE shock to my unsuspecting husband (the big babyboomer waster) I was able to get away with it. Change is hard for anyone.

I saw a gratifying decrease in the adjustable bills. Any amount I saved off a bill went right toward the debt paydown. That made it even MORE exciting.. Double Down! is what I called it.

I looked over the amount of $$ I paid out for all other flexible spending like food and cash, etc. and challenged myself to cut it in half.
Anything that was over the half and up to the previous amounts was put toward Double Down.

I was quickly out of debt.

Worked for me.
I think Dave R has a plan similar to that. Don't really know

**Mom23boys** · 05-28-2008, 05:47 PM

Doesn't it feel great to know that you can make things at home cheaper and better than store bought? Way to go!!

**alarosalpn** · 05-28-2008, 06:41 PM

Frugalnurse- WOW! That was well written! What an inspiration! I'm going to do just that! Thank you! I'm already addicted to this!

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-28-2008, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by alarosalpn

Frugalnurse- WOW! That was well written! What an inspiration! I'm going to do just that! Thank you! I'm already addicted to this!

it DOES get addicting. and you wonder.. why did I spend ALL those years being so wasteful with money!?

I consider it a game to pay the least for everything. (or not pay for anything- without taking advantage of course)
You'll see a quick change and lots of change as in quarters, dimes and nickels that will add up to dollars...

I'm so glad you're catching on.