We live paycheck to paycheck with no debt but I'd like to find even more ways to stretch a dollar. Right now I clip coupons & shop at the double coupon store for those items, toiletries usually come from Walmart & buy clothes from consignment sales & yardsales. Any other good tips u might could share???
2006-09-28 06:08:59 · 9 answers · asked by Weeber 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Sounds like you're heading in the right direction - with grocery shopping, try to buy the smaller sized items (using a coupon of course). You usually save more $$ that way. Also, checkout http://www.couponmom.com - it's a great site that shows you the best deals in your area by combining coupon savings with in-store specials. Believe it or not, I've actually bought about $200 worth in groceries before for a little over $6.00 (was on the news for it too!) There are other sites out there that show you how to do this but they cost $$ - this one doesn't cost a dime. It's pretty kick a**.
Also, try shopping at a grocery store that is near a Walmart. Often times they'll double/triple couple & run additional specials to compete w/ Walmart's prices.
I hope this helps! ;-)
2006-09-28 12:45:17 · answer #1 · answered by DiscountDiva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try freecycle.org
eat vegetable based meals as often as you can - meat can be expensive.
when dining out choose a restaurant where they give you free chips and salsa, breadsticks, etc. and skip the appetizer. American restaurants give you so much food anyways. Why pay $8 for a plate of chicken wings when you probably won't even be able to finish your entree?
Many cities have a community bike yard if you're looking for one. Bikes are donated, fixed, and put up for grabs for a donation. You can donate $25 and come away with a decent set of wheels.
Ask around and use your resources. Need new brakes and aren't handy? I bet somebody knows somebody who wants to make an extra $40. A guy friend did mine for about $35 the same week my friend paid $300 for hers.
Split expenses with a friend. If you need to buy something that you won't use very often like a nice tent, a camcorder, a carpet shampoo machine pick someone you know (and trust, like a parent or sibling) and see if they want to split the cost for shared custody.
Take advantage of pet care plans with your vet. I have one for my dog and it's saved me lots of money (perhaps close to $1000 this year) and is paid in monthly installments.
You're doing a good thing. Sure budgeting money may take a little more creativity but being able to live debt free is well worth it. Besides, reducing, reusing, and recycling is better for the planet.
2006-09-28 06:43:26 · answer #2 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I teach free financial education classes. Really I like to show people how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, and I teach people how to start planning for the future, so you have plenty of money for college, retirement, and untimely death. Remember the first rule of thumb, pay yourself first, then everyone else you owe. The other thing to keep in mind is don't go ask someone who makes money off of you asking them quesitons. I don't make money, I do it as a free service. If you choose to use some of the other services I offer, I get paid comission, but I don't allow anyone to use my services (I'll get in BIG trouble with the company anyway) unless it's whats best for them. Truly, I am angry with the American edcuational system. I couldn't get credits and was discouraged from taking financial education classes becasue they were for "lower level students". So now I'm doing my best to teach everyone the basics. The If you e-mail me I can send you some info, but it's too much to type here. MWebberSPFA@Consultant.com
2006-09-28 06:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa, That's me! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, we pick the most inexpensive store to go to first when shopping for household essentials and canned goods like the dollar store or cheaper (we have 99 and 98 cent stores as well). From there Wal-Mart is next. For food there are grocery outlet stores (even our dollar store has food items as well). I suggest signing up for a freecycle website in your area as well (if there isn't one, start one). Freecycle gives a place for people to offer things for free to those who need them. And then, after that clothing second hand stores and yard sales work. We shop online to find the cheapest gas when it is time to get some. We go to bigger stores (Costco) when we can find neighbors/family/friends who need things and we can buy in bulk and share. So many ways to do it, just have to be in bargain mode all the time I guess....prayers =)
2006-09-28 06:15:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may already be doing this but cutting out all corner store shopping can save a bundle. For more tips try this website. It is an on-line magazine that shares thrifty tips daily.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/home.ldml
2006-09-28 06:25:40 · answer #5 · answered by Robbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure if this is an option for you but with large purchases like for example a carpet shampoo machine we went halves on it with a family member and we share it. you might be able to do this with other large purchases you may need to make. Go halves on the lawnmower with a neighbor things like that. Good luck!
2006-09-28 06:18:38 · answer #6 · answered by makingchangetoday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's difficult, I know and it seems like you are trying with what you are doing already. Try planning meals around what's on sale, if you are a cook. Plan all your trips to save gas. Good luck!
2006-09-28 06:22:15 · answer #7 · answered by hirebookkeeper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call any telephone and cable/satellite companies and make sure you are getting the best deal possible and only signed up for the minimum service you need.
2006-09-28 06:12:33 · answer #8 · answered by cashmaker81 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are you located? Maybe I could help.
2006-09-28 06:12:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋