How do you save $$

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2004
How do you save $$
6
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 4:40pm

Im really sick of spending a lot of money on everyday items--like cleaning products, laundry detergent, etc... I will go to Wal-Mart or Target and my bill ranges from $60-$100, I just think it's ridiculous! Even when we do have the money, I just hate wasting it, it would look soooooo much better in our savings account.
Anyway, I was wondering if you have any tips for me on how to save money?? Thanks! :)

P.s. I just went to Wal-mart and spent $14 and got laundry detergent, roll of papertowels,combo's(for Dom),2 cans of soup,and dryer sheets! Im proud of myself ;-)

Avatar for lovetwins2003
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2003
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 6:47pm

I find it very difficult to cut costs as well. My DH likes to earn more rather than spending less. While I agree that is a good idea... I also like to find ways to save when I can. I think the combo of those two is the biggest winner.

There are some basic things that that I implement when I need to be more frugal.
Instead of purchasing special cleaning products, research on the web alternative items (such as cleaning with vinegar, bleach, ammonia).

I also buy items at the local price club in bulk, such as papertowels, detergent, softener. I save a bundle and have to shop less frequently. The downside is you have to spend a larger amount at once, rather than smaller amounts.

Shop sales. Check local ads, circle the best buys and devise a shopping plan that allows you to hit each store for their best sale items. Only buy sale items and try to use coupons too (you can even collect coupons from friends who usually toss them). When you find a great sale on food, stock up. Freeze bread, milk, meats that you buy in bulk or on sale. Lots of stores offer wonderful generic items that cost less too.

Try cutting dryer sheets and paper towels in half for small jobs.

Regards

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 8:03pm
Ditto what she said : )

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2006
Tue, 06-20-2006 - 7:54am
Lovetwins gave great advice. I try to cut cupons and shop at Sam's club, especially for cleaning supplies. I find I can save money better in areas other than grocery shopping. One thing dh and I do is drive our cars till they drop. Both our vehicles are paid off, and where some of the people who work for dh are driving luxury cars, he's driving a very inexpensive saturn, and where most moms in town are driving gas guzzling suv's, I'm driving a safe but unexciting minivan. And I try to conserve on gas. I really don't go anywhere during the week, I save all our gas usage for the weekend when we go out as a family.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2005
Tue, 06-20-2006 - 12:03pm
I've started clipping coupons and saving them for double and triple coupon days at our local grocery store. I also try to buy things that are on sale or clearance, or even store brand items. Sometimes it is cost effective to buy things in bulk.
I also check at night when the meat dept is closing, b/c sometimes they mark down their meats really cheap, and I can stock up.
It also helps to make out a menu every week and buy just what you need, instead of impulse buying when you get to the store.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2004
Tue, 06-20-2006 - 1:22pm

I agree, I can't walk out of Target without spending a minimum of $60, THEN I have to stop at the Starbucks! Hee hee!

I've found a fantastic way of saving money on groceries. I joined www.thegrocerygame.com and save a minimum of 50% on my groceries. I spend about $200 every two weeks for a family of 6. My baby isn't eating food yet though, just formula. And I get that on eBay for a fraction of the price I'd pay at Target. It takes a couple months to really start seeing a big savings with the Grocery Game though since you have to make sure you have all the coupons cut and so forth. I love it. Even my DH is into it now and is so proud of himself for pulling the packets of coupons out of the Sunday paper - "I got three this week!!!" Ha ha. And even he was impressed when we got $200 worth of groceries last weekend for only $98. Can't beat that.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2003
Tue, 06-20-2006 - 6:49pm

Another Grocery Game user here and have also cut my grocery bill in half!


Used to average about $130-160 a week on groceries and now I average about $90-100 and have a ton more food!


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