Now that I've graduated and started to re-pay the sharks (Don Federal Loan) and raise a family I know that something more needs to happen in this old wallet of mine so I put myself on my own version of the Debt Diet. So far here's what I got:
- We moved into family owned property so our rent isn't as high as it could be
- No manicures, pedicures, facials, or hair salons
- No dining out more than twice per pay period (it hurts but saves us $$$)
- No Starbucks! or unnecessary "treats" for Chunks :-(
- No cover charges, no itunes, Amazon, or Craigslist
- While living around family causes them to be a little more in our business than we would like, I've been putting away what we used to pay in rent in Philly and building our cushion.
- I've learned to maintain my hair myself, sometimes a little hard to do energy-wise, but choosing the right product and a careful eye makes it ok.
- By not dining out as much as we want, I've gotten back into the kitchen and feel better about what Chunks gets on a regular basis.
- Going out has been limited and my social scene has dimmed quite a bit but its ok, the clubs will be there when we make bank!
What budget tips do you use to save up?
14 comments:
All very good tips! I had to stop regular maintenance when I separated from the military. Was hard, but we saved a lot of money. Unlike you, though, I still don't know what to do with this head hehe.
I love that you not dining out so much has made you very efficient in the kitchen! That's how I got into it and I've been addicted since!
I need to learn more budget tips myself. Hope you post more advice!
Great points. At the moment I am rationing on magazines.
@Ms BabyPlan yes I cut back a lot too still might not renew some other subscriptions just because
Good tips! I have got to stop buying books on iTunes! And I could probably color my hair myself! Thanks for sharing what you are doing! I will def have to keep these ideas in mind!
I think getting the spouse on board is the biggest problem you will have. Mine is the one with the student loan, not me. And yet, he spends like he is a millionaire.
Good tips on getting out of debt. I am not in debt, so I cannot give much tip. My husband is, and we must get to the root of that and cut loose.
However, I am learning to spend frugally as I have a lot of family members that depend on me.
www.workingmomjournal.com
I need to quit shopping! But I am terrified to stop. I know I sound crazy. I have cut back a little but I am sure there are a lot of things I can cut back on. I think I need help...
I love this! You've actually inspired me to get it together in the finance department. My New Year's goal was to get on track to becoming more financially stable and you've definitely revamped that desire to get back on track.
This is a great post!
I've been doing all of these things and the BIGGEST thing that has been saving me so much money is couponing. I have been able to save almost 50% on groceries, tolietries, and other household items since I started a few weeks ago. And it's usually on stuff that I would normally eat, MIB (My Intelligent Beauty) would eat, and things we normally use. That's a big saver. I've also cut down on certain cable channels, and will buy generic when available (if it's a better price than name brand but I've been able to make a KILLING on name brand stuff).
Keep it up!
KMN
You know what, I forgot to add a few things:
I also go to consignment stores, the Goodwill, and salvation army for some clothes or household items. Sometimes there is a lot of crap in those stores and other times you can find GOLD in there. Also, I side hustle (Avon lady at your service lol) and put that little money up to fund my six month savings account cushion. I think a side job (if you can handle it) is a must.
KMN
Great post I think we need to start somewhere. We have cut back on going out as much and buy wii games for home. I only buy what I need and only splurge on going out if we have extra money. I have cut down my grocery bills and have started eating left overs. Hopefully the economy will get better soon.
I only buy food that is on sale. Whatever is on sale is what we eat for the week. At one point I was really good with the coupons but I have slacked off recently.
I only buy things we absolutely need. I have a test. I put it in the cart and if we get to the register and I can't justify its purchase it stays in the store.
Once you start to see how much money you save, it becomes addictive. I am now known as El Cheapo, when I used to spend freely. At the end of the day it feels good to have $$ in the bank! I'd rather look at it there than on my body!
My tips. STAY AT HOME. So sad...thats the only way I can save. I cant even go to walmart and target without spending money...let alone run to a mall...its so sad girl...
I'm glad I'm not the only one working on this..I'll def post more as we go along. @Mimi I need to get back to coupon clipping but I'm the same way, whatever's on sale is what we're eating. @Tam YES! I believe Target is the devil's work (that's why it's colour is red lol) I can't keep a dime walking through there lol
I want to go on a debt diet, and I am doing to get rid of my credit cards once and for all this year. I've decided that if i can't buy it with cash, we don't need it. I've found that making a list when i go grocery shopping helps a LOT. My problem spending areas are Pookahs clothes. I only allow myself Starbucks about once a pay period. And I've cut down significantly on eating out. I'm not perfect, but we're working on it!
Post a Comment
I love your comments!