Please, please let me become more frugal!

[Lisoula]

I just joined 3 freecycle groups....let the savings begin!

I seriously need to get our family's finances in control. I see us spending a lot less $ if we just stay home, instead of constantly going out for "entertainement", because even if it's just a trip to the park or something, it always ends up with a trip to the ice-cream shop or something!

Anyway - I'm babbling, but wanted to say I'll take any tips on reducing our monthly expenses.......TIA!

[*Lindsey*]

I'm in the same boat! I recently graduated with my teaching degree, but "can't afford to work". How ironic is that?

I've always wanted to be a SAHM, and my dream has come true! BUT, we've gotta tighten our belts.

Jonni McCoy has a few books, Miserly Moms and Frugal Families that have some great ideas.

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com has some good recipes that are cost effective.

I look forward to what others have to say!

[Shirelle]

Do you have a budget? I think that's the first step...sit down and get real about your finances. Figure out what's going in/out and for what. You'll probably be really shocked at how much more you were spending on certain things than you thought (ours was eating out )

I would go to your library and check out anything by Dave Ramsey. I also used the "Everything Budgeting Book" just to get an idea of where to begin.

Once you see where you are, THEN you can figure out what corners need cutting.

[princessoflove]

For entertainment, find out if your local museums have a free visit day. Also call your local Zoo, if that is something you enjoy, and find out if and when is their discount days. Some Zoo's will have a day when you can donate one can food per family member in exchange for a one day free pass.

[Lazyhead]

Originally Posted by Shirelle

Do you have a budget? I think that's the first step...sit down and get real about your finances. Figure out what's going in/out and for what. You'll probably be really shocked at how much more you were spending on certain things than you thought (ours was eating out )

Man alive, I recently just started tracking our spending to get a grip on our finances and realized we were spending over $200 a month eating out : That's totally insane! I am thinking now we will go out or order pizza only a couple times a month instead of a couple times a week. Seems so obvious...

[Lisoula]

OK - so how are you all tracking your spending? Just writing it down in a notebook at the end of the day? (That's what I originally thought we would do....but DH can be a bit lazy at times about these things.)

Anything else I should do? I already turned off the A/C and opened the windows, and turned down the hot water heater a few degrees....not that it will make a huge dent but every bit helps. I

'm also hoping tha by staying home more I'll fill up my gas tank less often...although I did get gas yesterday for $2.85/gallon. Never thought THAT would be a bargain.

[mfp02]

Lisoula - Yeah, yesterday we had to fill up and it was $2.95/gallon. I too never thought that would be a good price, yet it was.

I know some keep track of their spending in Excel. I think there's also basic programs similar to Quickbooks (I think it is?) out there. I'm about to go looking for free ones in a bit.

[libbylu]

entertainment ideas: We go to coffee shops instead of out to eat (they always have other food and beverages if you don't like coffee) the advantage is it's WAY cheaper than a restaurant, and you can hang out as long as you want! Some in our area even have play corners for kids, or a shelf of books or games to look at.

movies from the public library; often an interesting selection--we check out a whole stack at a time bc/ they're free!

if you're literary types; this may sound nerdy, but we read books aloud. My family did this growing up, and I love it. The kids play or listen, depending on their age. If we want to relax, we make special food and lounge around. Sometimes, I read to dh or the other way around while we do some undesirable task like dishes.

[mamaofthree]

I like the hillbilly house wife.
I am doing to see about those book ideas!
I found the library to be a great money saver... get music, movies, books... for free! We go at least once a week.

H

[BookGoddess]

Originally Posted by libbylu

entertainment ideas: We go to coffee shops instead of out to eat (they always have other food and beverages if you don't like coffee) the advantage is it's WAY cheaper than a restaurant, and you can hang out as long as you want! Some in our area even have play corners for kids, or a shelf of books or games to look at.

movies from the public library; often an interesting selection--we check out a whole stack at a time bc/ they're free!

if you're literary types; this may sound nerdy, but we read books aloud. My family did this growing up, and I love it. The kids play or listen, depending on their age. If we want to relax, we make special food and lounge around. Sometimes, I read to dh or the other way around while we do some undesirable task like dishes.

We go to coffee shops too. Sometimes we go to big bookstores like Barnes & Noble for coffee and a sandwich. It's much cheaper than going to a restaurant. Plus, I can skim a good book or one of the latest magazines.

I have to say that I love your idea of reading aloud to each other. Sounds like a wonderful family activity!

[1growingsprout]

reading aloud... thats a GREAT idea espically for 'family' hour or what you may call it... we are trying to reschedule our evenings to be away from the ugly tv as much as possible... once we get headed in the right direction.. hopefully a couple weeks... DH and I will make up a new schedule... im really excited about 'family' game night... im going to suggest reading outloud too...

[Lazyhead]

Originally Posted by Lisoula

OK - so how are you all tracking your spending? Just writing it down in a notebook at the end of the day? (That's what I originally thought we would do....but DH can be a bit lazy at times about these things.)

I write it down in a notebook too. My DH is pretty easy because he literally spends NO money. His company pays for his gas & he packs his lunch everyday. Plus we rarely use cash so I track him via our bank account I catch him going to McDonald's for breakfast once in a while :

Anything else I should do? I already turned off the A/C and opened the windows, and turned down the hot water heater a few degrees....not that it will make a huge dent but every bit helps.

The AC is HUGE. Even runnning lots of fans does not equal the expense of the AC. Clothesline. This is being discussed on another thread (probably always is) but it is a big money saver. Not to mention it keeps the house cooler not running the dryer.

[Lisoula]

Originally Posted by Lazyhead

Clothesline. This is being discussed on another thread (probably always is) but it is a big money saver. Not to mention it keeps the house cooler not running the dryer.

Funny you mention this--we're not "allowed" to have a clothesline in our subdivision : but 3 years ago I didn buy one of those easy-to-take-down umbrella type ones, which is still in the box in the garage because DH refuses to dig a hole and put it up for me. : : I'll get on him tonight about it. If he thinks it will save $, maybe he'll do it.