Frugal living tips

[Cassie 8]

So, my husband and I are really motivated to finish off paying off our debts in the shortest period of time possible, and I've been on the hunt for great tips that save us money, but yet still allow for some fun. I'm already part of a grocery coupon list, which has helped us immensely, but I am looking for everyday tips. So help me out please!

[giraffemd 0]

Stay out of Target

[sukie175 0]

Have a Garage Sale

[Cassie 8]

Stay out of Target

My Achilles Heel is Staples and any bookstore.

[pax 0]

My credo: Never Pay Retail.

I buy books, DVDs, purses, shoes, and God knows what else on eBay ar HUGE savings, rather than buy them in a store.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

A take off what giraffemd said: buy only what you truly need, not what you want or would like or would make you happy, but just what you need. If an expense can wait, then wait.

Disconnect cable, watch broadcast.

Disconnect landline telephone, use VoIP.

Turn the A/C off. Don't just set the temperature high.. turn if off. Use fans instead.

Carpool as much as possible. Consolidate errands into fewer trips. Drive less.

If you have debts, be aggressive in looking for places you can park it at lower interest rates.

[Mand 1]

Watch what's on offer each week in the grocery store, and just get those. Each week the offers are different and you'll be surprised how much you save. Coupons are great, but also look for the store generic brands as they are often cheaper. Never shop on an empty stomach because you'll be inclined to buy everything and anything!

Definately try and keep a log of what you spend...you'll probably surprise yourself on how much is spent on the odd coffee here and there and lunches.

My Achilles Heel is Staples and any bookstore.

Me too!! You can find great second-hand bookstores and as Pax said...eBay

[JanaknJanet 0]

Locate the off brand grocery outlet store. Shop at the factory outlet...

Many bakeries have outlet stores ie hostess store, Franz bakery store,

Depending on the region you live, locate the local companies. See if they have outlet stores for items you shop for.

Contact companies you like send them letters of praise. Many times it gets you good discounted coupons too.

Join a local market produce gleaners program.

Can or freeze in season items for later use.

Dont forget Craigs list in the area you are living. If you are looking for items or even services.. look to barter..

[anya-D 8]

Eats-in and try to cook your own meal - bring lunch (it's chaper but extramly boring for me )

recycle your old - unused cloth, fix, decorate it so you can use it again - or may be then you can sell it in garage sale.

[pax 0]

If your area has a Freecycle, join it!

www.freecycle.org

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

The library!

You can save piles of money by getting books, CDs and DVDs from there -- chances are most books and DVDS, you only want for once anyways.

I also like making a big pot of sauce of some kind at the weekend and then using it different ways for lunches and dinners during the week. Freeze it for later as well.

Consolidate debt -- get a loan from your bank to pay off credit card (usually get lower interest rates).

Also, as others said, write down everything you spend. also make a list of all our fixed costs (rent/mortgage, insurance, utilities, etc) and figure out how much discretionary income you have

[Cassie 8]

thanks for the input, peeps, it's encouraging to see that some of the changes that we've already started made the list!. Keep the suggestions coming!

[*Robert* 2]

Conserve as much electricity and water as possible. Saves money and is good for the economy.

Drink more water and less sodas or other types of expensive drinks.

If you have bad habits, such as smoking or drinking, reduce your consumption or quit.

Instead of stying inside with the A/C on... go outside and exercise.

[pax 0]

A brief cold shower is a good alternative to A/C, too.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Also don't keep appliances on standby mode