Recession ..ways to save/cutback money

[hotnjfirefighter]

Hi,

I recently read an article on ways to save money during this recession which was very enlightening. I thought I would start a thread which may be some help during these times. I challenge each and every one of you to come up with a constructive way to save/cutback on frivolous spending. The most obvious points taken here (live within your means, don’t use CC, etc..)

Some of the items that come to mind are as follows:

1. Take advantage of coupons. I personally never used coupons but lately, I have been searching the Sunday newspaper to see if there is a product I could use.
2. Online movie rental- I had the premium package which allows up to 3 rentals at a time. The movies sit around my home for weeks. Only to be scene when I am bored. I have cut back to 1 rental at a time.
3. Non-Brand items- My teenage son has his friends over frequently. Instead of buying the name brand soda’s, chips, etc.., we buy non-brand items for them.

Any feedback would be appreciated

[Sensual Woman]

Hi,

I recently read an article on ways to save money during this recession which was very enlightening. I thought I would start a thread which may be some help during these times. I challenge each and every one of you to come up with a constructive way to save/cutback on frivolous spending. The most obvious points taken here (live within your means, don’t use CC, etc..)

Some of the items that come to mind are as follows:

1. Take advantage of coupons. I personally never used coupons but lately, I have been searching the Sunday newspaper to see if there is a product I could use.
2. Online movie rental- I had the premium package which allows up to 3 rentals at a time. The movies sit around my home for weeks. Only to be scene when I am bored. I have cut back to 1 rental at a time.
3. Non-Brand items- My teenage son has his friends over frequently. Instead of buying the name brand soda’s, chips, etc.., we buy non-brand items for them.

Any feedback would be appreciated


Save water by showering together

[hotnjfirefighter]

Save water by showering together


LOL...leave it to you to be so creative...love it

[Kissie]

we may not be totally conserving money.,..but we are going home for Christmas this year...and instead of staying in a hotel...we are staying with a family member to save some money.....no freaking nookie for 10 days!!!!!!!!

[PowWhackIt]

Went to a Marriot Hotel when visiting relatives in another State recently. Before we left I went to Giant Eagle food store, bought enough Marriot gift cards to pay our bill at the Marriot Hotel. Paid for it with my Capitol One credit card - got Airline Miles on the Capitol One card, points towards another stay at any Marriot Hotel chain and .10 cents off per gallon for every $50 spent at Giant Eagle. Also, at the Giant Eagle, you can use you're accumulated savings towards the purchase of a total of 30 gallons of gas........I have 4 each 5 gallon gas cans and when I use my points, I fill my gas cans (20 gallons) and put the rest in my car. I use the gas in the cans during the summer for the lawn mower, weed whacker, etc. and in the winter, for the snowblower and gas in the car.

I'm learning to play the game........

[jmsmith12345]

If you really want to cut back on your spending, make a list of EVERYTHING you consider NEEDS, and then everything you consider WANTS...read it, read it again, have a few objective friends read it, and then reevaluate what in life you really need as opposed to want. You will find that you don't need as much as you think you do.

[crow_worc]

Many of the non brands that I have tired sure do not taste as good as the name brands.
Stay away from Mickey D's should save some money...lol

[Lacey]

I started making a list for groceries and that's all I buy. At first it was hard,now I'm use to it. We also have started having "left overs", at first I got complaining, that stopped real quick.

I've also started turning my heat down to 69 and keeping it there...you get use to it, and I tell my kids that's the reason they have pj's...so cover up.

I have a child that likes name brand clothes, I spend more money on clothes then anything.She now has to do things around the house or babysit for cash for her clothes. Other then that she'll get school clothes and summer clothes.

And I have really watched what I have bought for Christmas. I think it's a time for spoiling, that I have done, but I have given myself a budget!

[surfnchat]

I've packed my lunch to work for the last 16+ years. At $8-10 a pop to eat out, I know I've saved several grand alone in just that!

[WandaRing]

Don't sign contracts with your cable, phone and Internet providers...they are always lowering the prices or making better packages....call every few months to see what they are offering...you may save a lot of money

[Hands_solo]

hmmm , quit frigen smoking ,average 2 packs a day @ 12.00 = 24.00 * 30 , hmmm there is over 700 bucks a month right there , not to mention magazines or pop or coffee or whatever u buy when u go to the convience store for smokes , plus the gas it takes to get there, yeah..

[learman3]

Stop buying a second breakfast and snack in the morning. That saves about $5.00 a day.

[Charmed]

If it wasn't for the media I wouldn't have noticed the economy is struggling... My husband's company is booming and most of our friends who own companies are doing quite well..... Of course the stocks have kicked us in the bottom but, we didn't have a lot of high risk stock either.

I have been doing my part to help the economy buy shopping, shopping and more shopping.

[WandaRing]

Gosh have you ever walked into a coffee or doughnut store ealy in the morning? The line up is usually coming out the door....As a non-coffee drinker, I dont get it....why spend $2. or more for coffee you can make cheaper at home and avoid the line ups and the rush?

One cup of coffer durnig the week @ $2.50 a pop, 5 times a week, makes it like $50 a month for coffee....:yksOr $600 a year for coffee....:yks

[noodlegurl]

I love to read and I was buying books at Wal Mart, now I am going to the Library and checking them out, alot cheaper that way.

[jasonmnusa]

Don't sign contracts with your cable, phone and Internet providers...they are always lowering the prices or making better packages....call every few months to see what they are offering...you may save a lot of money

Many times if you see a "better deal" on phones, cable/satellite etc... and you call customer service they will work with you to get a better deal.. just ask to be transfered to retention, or tell them you wanna quit service because you have a better deal. I switched phones earlier, and was amazed at what T-Mobile did to try and keep me.

[jasonmnusa]

we may not be totally conserving money.,..but we are going home for Christmas this year...and instead of staying in a hotel...we are staying with a family member to save some money.....no freaking nookie for 10 days!!!!!!!!

Ahhh i know it's hard.. but quiet nookie? just trying to help with options.. LOL.. or.. hotel for one night at the 5 day mark. It would still save money, and you get your nookie time!!!!!! just an idea babe.

[Catman354]

Ways to save money, hmmm, being a firefighter like my predecessor from New Jersey, I can think of several good ways to save money in a recession.

1. Don't finance anything, they probably won't give you any money anyway. Particular to this item, don't give credit card companies a chance, cut 'em up and don't bother getting one.
2. Read a book, most of the crap on TV is sending you telepathic messages to buy something that you probably don't need.
3. Buy in bulk.
4. Put off doing any major home renovations, you'll probably hurt yourself anyway.
5. Spend time with your friends in M&F, they'd love to hear from you and they don't cost a thing :).

[MunkyBrain]

hmmm , quit frigen smoking ,average 2 packs a day @ 12.00 = 24.00 * 30 , hmmm there is over 700 bucks a month right there , not to mention magazines or pop or coffee or whatever u buy when u go to the convience store for smokes , plus the gas it takes to get there, yeah..

Hands--No need to quit..I will sell you smokes for $5.00 CAD per pack. S/H included.

(My recession stratagy--find the hidden business oppurnties that everyone keeps talking about) :)

[Penny]

We arent buying food out of the house as much as possible. Also using the pellat stove instead of the furnace. Lots of little things making a difference

[dixiechiknga]

we may not be totally conserving money.,..but we are going home for Christmas this year...and instead of staying in a hotel...we are staying with a family member to save some money.....no freaking nookie for 10 days!!!!!!!!


Well Kissie Shy can stay with me honey........LOL !!!:dd

[TammyE]

We've been buying mostly store brand items for a while now. We shop at Kroger, and if you have one, I can honestly not tell the difference in any of their brand food items we've bought.

Also, someone mentioned above packing lunch. My hubby's always done that. He also always takes a travel mug of coffee when he leaves in the morning rather than stopping on the way at Starbuck's or something. When we go out to eat, we always order water (even the kids do it) and that saves roughly $10 for four people right there.

[MrHyde]

I love to read and I was buying books at Wal Mart, now I am going to the Library and checking them out, alot cheaper that way.

Or you can be ghetto like me and read them at Borders.

[Krystal]

I've definitely been buying in bulk. If you have space for the stuff, it just makes sense. I'll go to BJ's (Sams/Costco,etc) and get the huge packages of ground beef, or chicken breast, or turkey, or whatever, and break them up into 1 lb. packages when I get home. I put everything in freezer bags and mark it. It takes about 20 minutes of my time on the day I shop and I save at least $2.00 or more PER POUND for everything I buy.

[Shawn]

I have stopped paying for my porn, evidently you can get the stuff for free on the internet

[dixiechiknga]

swap from coors light to natty's UGH !!! Not going to happen but it's a thought

[TammyE]

swap from coors light to natty's UGH !!! Not going to happen but it's a thought

Hey, Natty Lite's not so bad! I made the switch to that a while back. LOL!

[Iwantutowantme]

When its time to shop for Christmas cards, bring your loved ones and spouce with you. Pick out a perfect card to give to each one of them. Then let them read it, to see the 'joy' on their faces. Then put them back on the shelf and leave the store. It really works and you could save a tree. ;)

[WandaRing]

Gosh I know that the cut backs are really needed but I do draw the line at wearing my undies for four days in a row, the 1st day wearing them correctly, the 2nd day putting them on backwards, the 3rd day turning them inside out and wearing them the with the tag in the back and on the outside, then on the 4th day inside out and backwards....it just does not sound right :yks

[surfnchat]

I love to read and I was buying books at Wal Mart, now I am going to the Library and checking them out, alot cheaper that way.

We use our local library like a Blockbuster too! I haven't been to a video rental store in years. You can check out DVDs and VCR tapes from the library too! :55

The only drawback is some can be in bad shape. But we order on-line and they send an e-mail when they arrive at our local branch! Just make sure you get them back on time -- just like the video rental place.

[jmsmith12345]

I stopped going to strip clubs and installed a pole in the bedroom. Oh yeah, I bought the wife a few wigs too, just for a little variety.

[jasonmnusa]

Gosh I know that the cut backs are really needed but I do draw the line at wearing my undies for four days in a row, the 1st day wearing them correctly, the 2nd day putting them on backwards, the 3rd day turning them inside out and wearing them the with the tag in the back and on the outside, then on the 4th day inside out and backwards....it just does not sound right :yks

I am glad things are not that bad yet... sounds like the perfect opportunity for self induced wedgie!!

[WandaRing]

I am glad things are not that bad yet... sounds like the perfect opportunity for self induced wedgie!!
OUCH...Wedgies are worse for women then men! But think of the soap you'll save or if you have to travel and lose your suit case...undies can work for 4 days...No, I've never tried...don't think I would either.

[fever]

I'm planning to share a hotel room with a friend when I go to Vegas...

[superman37]

I'm planning to share a hotel room with a friend when I go to Vegas...

How economical. :D

[marriedwomanchaser]

Try buying only what you need to feed your family and survive. All those nice things to have will be there when this mess is all behind us. Oh and turn your furnace down and cuddle up to your significant other. Not only will you save money turning down the heat, but maybe you can spark up a hotter fire with her

[hotnjfirefighter]

I'm planning to share a hotel room with a friend when I go to Vegas...


great tip...sssshh it stays in Vegas but not out of M&F

[MunkyBrain]

If your local KFC has a buffet (buffets are mandatory in Timbuktu..but I don't know bout the rest of the world) you can save $$$ on yer bucket of Colonel's chicken by following these 5 easy steps...

1. Order the buffet. Get an extra-super-mega large drink too. (IMPORTANT!)

2. Eat as much as you can..wash it down with your favorite beverage

3. After stuffing your gullet to the point of nausea..rinse out your extra-super-mega-large cup

4. Return to the buffet--get lots and lots more chicken--remember your family still hasn't had their dinner.

5. Back at the table, take your now clean super-mega-large cup and shove as much chicken into that sucker as you can (helpful hint: if you de-bone the chicken 1st, you can fit in more meat AND it will be more mallable)

Now go home and feed your family..remember to take your cup..and maximize your savings by grabbing lots of napkins on your way out!

[Charmed]

Devilboy why am I not surprised by your suggestions????



If your local KFC has a buffet (buffets are mandatory in Timbuktu..but I don't know bout the rest of the world) you can save $$$ on yer bucket of Colonel's chicken by following these 5 easy steps...

1. Order the buffet. Get an extra-super-mega large drink too. (IMPORTANT!)

2. Eat as much as you can..wash it down with your favorite beverage

3. After stuffing your gullet to the point of nausea..rinse out your extra-super-mega-large cup

4. Return to the buffet--get lots and lots more chicken--remember your family still hasn't had their dinner.

5. Back at the table, take your now clean super-mega-large cup and shove as much chicken into that sucker as you can (helpful hint: if you de-bone the chicken 1st, you can fit in more meat AND it will be more mallable)

Now go home and feed your family..remember to take your cup..and maximize your savings by grabbing lots of napkins on your way out!

[MunkyBrain]

Devilboy why am I not surprised by your suggestions????

Hey stop complaining, MFM, I brought you a chicken dinnner didn't I?

[MunkyBrain]

There is no need to ration or even buy toilet paper when convienence stores give it away for free--often in extra large size rolls. To claim, simply walk into the rest room (you may have to ask for a key from the clerk) and help yourself. Hint: sometimes the toilet paper dispenser is locked--however these dispensers are almost always made of plastic and will shatter with 2 or 3 good kicks.)

[Chip]

There is no need to ration or even buy toilet paper when convienence stores give it away for free--often in extra large size rolls. To claim, simply walk into the rest room (you may have to ask for a key from the clerk) and help yourself. Hint: sometimes the toilet paper dispenser is locked--however these dispensers are almost always made of plastic and will shatter with 2 or 3 good kicks.)

True...but it looks a little odd taking a 1 1/2 foot roll of TP...don't you think? :D

[YetanotherScotsman]

cut back on the household staff........

[MunkyBrain]

cut back on the household staff........

You got a divorce?

[YetanotherScotsman]

no no no......cut back on the staff's hours.....put the butler and maids on a 4 day week...........