How many people here live below their means? Share your tips please?

Question

I live well within my means, and from a lot of the questions I see posted here such as payday loans, huge credit card debt, begging, and so forth, it is obvious many people don't.

To help save money, I:

Bring iced tea mix to work rather than spend $1.50 on Snapple

I stock up on frozen entrees when they are 50% off and keep them in the freezer at work for a cheap lunch

I get all the free samples I can from startsampling.com, walmart.com and from offers I see on tv. I probably get enough free deodorant to last a month or two every year. It adds up.

I walk rather than take the bus or subway whenever possible and practical

I air dry my clothes halfway, and then put them in the dryer to save on electricity

I buy all my shampoo and soap at the dollar store

I hit the thrift stores every week or two. You really have to comb through the racks, but I once got a $580 Ralph Lauren shawl with the store tags still on for $25

I save at least 10% of my pay every week

Dear George,

I'm far from being a "miser" and I don't suffer from any "compulsions".

I go for massages, get manicures and pedicures and generally lead a comfortable life. I just refuse to spend $10 on something that I can get for $1. Nor will I waste money on stupid things.

While you are trying to stretch your last pennies from your social security check, I will be relaxing on a beach somewhere, living off my savings.

Answer 1

Great ideas! thanks for the tips!

If/when igo out to dinner my boyfriend and I just drink water. Wine/cocktails and even soda can really add up a bill!

We also know the resteraunts that serve large portions and either share an appetizer and entree or we order our own and have the leftovers for dinner the next night! Thats a two in one meal!
One thing i noticed about electricity...i unplug my microwave unless i need to use it... who needs another clock in the house telling me what time it is! hahhaha

AND i buy underpad from the drug storea instead of expensive "WeeWee Pads" for my dog. It's about 1/2 the cost!

Best wishes to you all and KEEP ON SAVING!

Answer 2

firstly don't think the detrimental crap those different all and sundry is attempting to declare. As for the answering Islam internet site the guy positioned the link up for it is so packed with crap you does not have confidence it. i'd propose speaking with muslims in the section, yet in all honesty it relatively is no longer common to high-quality a superb mosque yet i'm specific there's a superb one someplace. while you're in college meet with the MSA muslim student affiliation they might grant help. additionally you will desire to examine books on Islam. the whole Idiots instruction manual to awareness Islam is a sturdy one.

Answer 3

I'm all for being frugal, but you sound like a miser with some type of compulsion when it comes to money. Lighten up. Why work your butt off and not enjoy it. The world won't come to an end if you spend an extra $5. Gheese. Live a little.

Answer 4

you're also a genius. i'm printing your ideas and posting them on my fridge. i already do some of those things, like go to the dollar store, and i wash my dishes on air dry, not heated dry, and then just open the door for them to dry the rest of the way. and i always hit the sale racks. i i feel guilty if i buy clothing full price. i totally do the frozen food thing, too. that's the best. $1.00 for a frozen dinner ...

you're cool.

Answer 5

I carry my lunch in a plastic bag instead of buying paper lunch bags.

Cliche', but I turn off lights in rooms I am not in, or open the windows wide if it's dark... the difference in the electric bill was amazing.

Answer 6

www.crown.org
www.daveramsey.com

That's how...

Easy spend less than you make and no credit cards or car payments. You can get rich really quick that way!