This is my first blog and this one is not going to be much about feelings but more about my husband and I saving money. Maybe it will also help my readers that I don't have yet. lol So I have made a list and put my comments next them.
1. 30 DAY RULE - Master the 30 day rule. Wait thirty days to make an unnecessary purchase.
(Usually If I do this the want will pass and I will actually have time to think.)
2. When going grocery shopping stick to the list!
(Impulse buys ....bbbbooooooo :( Only get the things you absolutely need)3. Invite friends over instead of going out.
(Yes, you can have fun at home too! Just bring out a game and if you want to drink split the cost of alcohol and snacks)4. DRINK more water. Drink a glass before and after you eat meals. This will help you eat less and in turn help you save money.
(I just started doing this and it seems to be working great, hopefully I can drop a few pounds)
5. Give up expensive habits (ours - alcohol, We always have it around. My husband likes beer and its something we discussed that he will have to limit himself)6. Make sure lights are turned off in the apartment.
(This is simple I just have to remember to do it)7. Go to yard sales if you are in need of something and it will also give you entertainment for a bit.
( I like doing this, the only thing is its getting cold out so not many rummages will be around. Don't by unnecessary items. Only go when you need something. I will be hitting up estate sales to find a new couch.)8. Keep credit cards at home.
( Yup, keep at them at home girls and boys. Especially if you have hard time not using it. Our problem is we use our check card way to much. Keep cash in your pocket and if you happen to use your check card use the Transaction Register. This will help you be aware of what you are spending.) 9. Comparison shopping!
(Shop at different stores. Choose the best price for the amount!) 10. Shop for used items such as clothes an furniture when you need them.
11. Don’t spend money just to de-stress. Take time and go home. Spend some time and take a few deep breaths and plan.
( For me this usually happens with me with food. I tend to eat when I get stress. Which is not good for my body or my pocket)12. Try new things… Make bread? To save money!
13. Wait to do gift shopping after the holidays. Better Prices!
14. Ten second rule. Before you put it in the cart ask several questions. Do I really need this?
15. Create A giant progress bar for your debt. One starting with how much dept you have and it ends with a zero. This will help you visualize your debt and your goal toward it.
16. Jazz up leftovers!
17. Keep an idea notebook in you pocket.
(Keeping a pocket notebook will help you organize and plan)18. Buy food in bulk and freeze it.
( When you buy food in bulk you save a lot of money)19. Dig in your community calendar to find free events to go to.
(Free entertainment!)20. Cut your own hair
(this works especially for men. Get a pair of clippers and let your woman or someone you trust cut it off)21. Pack food before you go on a road trip.
(No fast food)22. Go to the library
(Also free entertainment: movies, books, and magazines!!!!!)23. Make your own items in stead of buying them. It's way cheaper to make Windex and cleaning products. Find recipe to make own products when needed.
(I am going to do this when I need the cleaning products, as for now I still have some left over.)24. Read more.
25. Power down your power strips.
(Especially at night and when you go out) 26. Pizza only twice a month.
(Lol, This will be a hard one for Steve and I. We love out pizza but if we try hard it will work! )27. Only go to bars or bar once a month.
(I also love going out, but we always can stay in a find something fun to do!)28. Restaurants only once a month.
29. Movies three times a month. Can only be matinee.
(This is our main entertainment. But other things you can do is rent movies from the library.)30. Cut down on sweets
31. Every time paychecks come out, put some into savings.
(This will help you save money up and plan.)32. Before going to bed look at bank accounts.
(Having a discussion about money and what is going on is always good. ALSO Steve and I can have a discussion about what to improve on.)33.
DON’T GIVE UPDo you have anything to add? Do you do any of these?
Comments (6)
I always keep a My Melody notebook with me. In there I mark how much my pay check was, then have a list of all bills I need to pay, showing me what left over I have for the month. It helps me budget better knowing exactly how much I have to work with. I also only carry cash with me.
@B1ANCACACA@xanga - good start! I'm still getting the hang of the cash idea. It's so easy to do the card, but using cash in the long run will be so much better!
have lots of sex? I mean the good stuff (they are good time wasters and very good entertainment)
instead of going to movies, probably do some uh.... downloading.
Damn I don't even go to the movies three times a month... I think that can be cut down to once a month.
These are some really good tips
- Recycle clothes for the next season
- Figure out the differences between needs and wants. Write it down on a list and think it over before you buy anything you'll come to regret. Buyer's remorse!