I thought I would start a thread that we can all list ideas or tips for saving money. Every penny counts right?
During this time in our lives money becomes a big issue for some of us. Affairs cost...and they can take from the family. Those left behind need to 'pick up the pieces' so to speak.
Feel free to post any tips or ideas that can 'help' to save money <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />
I.E. Cutting coupons, double coupon days..

Hi D,

One big tip that I have always believed is do not have credit cards.They almost always sink you in debt and if you cannot afford/pay for something now,then don't buy it.I have one Bank card and that's what I use to buy things unless I write out a check.Know the difference between wants and needs.

Also,another important thing to do is to keep track of all your money and have something like Quicken on your computer.You'd be surprised at how much money goes flying out the door when you don't keep track of it.Little expenses and shopping trips add up.

Sticking to a budget can really help you save for those important life needs like Retirement and the children's college funds,etc.You should save at least 10% of your income per month for these future goals and have 6 months worth of paycheck saved(liquid)in case of hard times(loss of job,etc).

Ok,Next. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

<small>[ February 21, 2005, 01:06 PM: Message edited by: Octobergirl ]</small>

I make a menu for everything for two weeks ahead of time (including breakfasts and lunches on the weekend, and leftover nights). I am the queen of making leftovers into something new (from a roast beast one night to homemade pot pie another).

By making my menus, I know exactly what I need to purchase at the grocery...I also carry a calculator with me to the store so I know ahead of time what my bill will be (that saves on picking up "those extras" that you could've lived without).

- Kimmy

Well, my money-saving tip is :

Don't pay for your WS's plastic surgery, braces (at 26!), and laser skin treatments.

... or her nephew's car insurance, or ...

-AD

Pay yourself first, even if it is only $5.
Make a price book at the grocery stores. Then when something goes on sale, you will know truly if it really is on sale or if you can get a better deal somewhere else.
Coupons..Coupons..Coupons. If you have a lousy selection in your area, you can order them off certain sites or even buy them off ebay!
Eat at home as much as possible. The $20 at Mcdonalds might not seem like much but imagine how much you could make for meals with $20 at the grocery store. Then reality hits.
Clearances!!! Buy things clearanced like for example winter stuff will be clearanced soon if it isnt already in your area. You can get winter coats for your kids for next winter for under 10 bucks! I recently went to a clearance at Penneys (75% off) and spent 50 bucks. My total savings was over 200.00!!! I have a winter coat for my son for next winter and a ton of winter clothes that will fit them next winter.

Some of the grocery stores have $1 days (No Frills in the Niagara, Ontario area) where some of the stuff normally $3.49 goes on sale for $1. Great time to stock up.

C

You know what is really helpfull?

Separation.

Example..say that you want to create a cushion for yourself in case you fall on hard times.

So..you add up your fixed expenses XXXX

Then subtract that from your net worth..

Then look at your absolute bottom of the barrel NEEDS.

Have you any money left over? No? Hmm..what can be rearranged? Am I buying anything frivolous? Anything? Could I use a cheaper brand of soap, shampoo? Could I eat a meatless dinner a few more times a week?

OK..with your new info..have you got anything left? If yes..then 100% of it goes into the bank..if no then you are in SERIOUS trouble..you are in financial CRISIS and you didn't realize it because you were only considering TODAY.

So something has to change..either more money or fewer expenses or both.

And you just keep plugging away at it until you have that cushion..

Then you figure out your next goal. How about upgrading your education? Can you save for that? Sure you can..you can take all of the money that you HAD been putting into your cushion and put it somewhere else.

Never ever buy on credit..ever.

Realize that having the entire amount for large purchases such as cars puts the power in the hand of the consumer [where it belongs]..that you can knock THOUSANDS off of the price because the dealer is not willing to let that big chunk of change walk out the door..although he hates you and sure would like to make a nice hefty profit off of interest.

I am amazed and saddened at the state of debt acceptance in this country by so many. I am amazed by the failure to see reality. That so many could look at impoverished nations..and not realize that they are ONE problem away from that existance.

In America..it is fairly easy to be working poor..and stay that way..and accept the small indulgences that many in the world will go their entire lives without, not realizing that they are trading their future for a big mac. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

It is all principle based..not so much that any ONE change will save you..but that your changed approach will allow the dimes to collect.

I'm suprised that more of this isn't taught in school.

Noodle

".....debt acceptance....."

Not to mention that the nationwide stats for Bankruptcy filings still remains well over a million per year and are still creeping up <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />