Top 3 money-saving tips??? - Page 2

[mommiesjunk]

Originally Posted by katheek77

Simplest:

-Even if you don't cook completely from scratch, one thing I've found - learn to make your own baked goods. All of them. I can't believe the cost of bagels (and how many I bought!) when I know full well how little it costs me to make them at home (and they're BETTER!). If you normally only buy a decent loaf of bread each week and a package of tortillas/pitas/etc., by making them at home, you'll save about $5 bucks a week. If you buy fancy-shmancy bagels/muffins/etc., you'll save much more doing it on your own. Sounds small, but it adds up. And making baked goods is NOT as time consuming as it sounds...you can mix the dough/batter up the night before, in most cases, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Plus, it's much more appealing to have a homebaked banana muffin (made with that leftover brown banana, and 1/2 cup of yogurt that was sitting around ) than another piece of boring store-bought toast.

-Condense ALL your errands into one run a week, if possible (I have to do two - I understand how it is with toddlers and their ability to stay out running errands). Or at least to/from your way to work. You'll be surprised how much you save on gas (I just started doing this in the past couple of months, and it's really made a difference). Plus, it forces you to be more organized re: what you're going to buy, and why (ie...you plan your meals/snacks out so that you *won't* have to run out again - and then you resist temptation -the less time in the stores, the better).

-I don't know your living situation, but, is it possible to take in a boarder? Maybe a grad student or something along those lines? You can check craigslist...Like I said, I don't know your housing situation - but, could you put the kids all in one room to free up an extra bedroom, or something like that? You could easily get anywhere from 2-400/month doing that...It doesn't have to be forever...through the end of the year, or something like that?

This is great info to save money. This is how we normally run things in our house. If it makes any different, all of the meals I prepare do taste better from scratch. I make extra for at home lunches for the rest of us, that stay at home. Dont I deserve a great meal? for free? I condense all my running so when I do need to do the crazy driving I am not crazy about the woulda, coulda, shouda things that would run through my mind. and I voluteer at my co-op to reduce my grocery bill.

[Etay005]

1. Check www.angelfoodministries.comto see if they serve your area.
2. Use powdered milk (though powdered milk isn't the huge bargain it used to be)
3. Bake bread
4. Drink black coffee-had to add that because I am so proud of breaking my coffeemate addiction that was out of control.

Sorry to hear about your hubby's job. I hope this will only open a new door for you family eventually.

[DavinaT]

Hugs to you.
I know how it feels - we too had a lean period when we first bought our own place and also now that my beloved is also unemployed. Not sure how relevant my tips are] but here goes.
Buy fruit and veg wholesale whele you can with a couple of friends and split the cost.
Certain larger eat outlets will do wholesale to the public onc amonth if you look around some industrial estate.
Buy storebrand for every item you can.
Yoiu cna buy cleaper meat, drain / cut off the fat, tenderise ands cook very slowly.
Hope all works out soon.

[1growingsprout]

We are hopefully just coming out of this phase of family life. DH lost his job last spring/summer and while he was able to negotiate a wonderful severance package (benes for the rest of 2007, he got his bonus at the end of 2007 and some other perks) it was still VERY rough. DH went from a 'directors' level in corporate america to unemployment, WIC and foodstamps most recently.
Our close friends were great and helped out with our kids... WIC was a lifesaver, my babes needed special formula (to the tune of $25can). We also asked our dr's for samples etc.. one time i got a whole box of "all baby" laundry detergent samples. And I know the formula rep by name. Now all that packaging isnt the best but it saved us a weeks worth of detergent. I also signed up for every freebie online. We took part in 3 months of pantry challenges etc.

I took all the twins outgrown clothes / premiee supplies and sold them either on craigslist or the resale shoppe.

Right now DH is still in negotiations with a company about a position. They keep faxing back and forth over the bonus schedule, and some ' perks'. Im sure he will take the job but DH the 'negotiator' like to get everything and every detail in writing.

It may take some time for DH to find another job... but it will happen. Be gentle to DH and he will do fine. Ive heard a good rule of thumb is for every 10k you make allow 1 month to find a job... so if you make 50k allow 5 mos... i dont know if this still rings true ..

[Red]

Tell your Dh that unemployment isn't a handout. It's a gov't insurance program, there for just your situation! Food stamps are a great way to get over a hump, too. It's okay for him to feel bad, and I understand that, but he also needs to realize that you need some income! (I have soooo been in your shoes!)



First place to save money and feel good? Teh public library. Part of being out of work is, as you know, how you feel. Our library loans out: books, DVD's, cd's, vhs tapes, kids TOYS, art, (as in paintings,) that you borrow for a month at a time, books on tape, stuff like Hooked on Phonics, passes to museums and state parks. They also run story hours, craft sessions, writers workshops, special vacation things for kids. They also have computers, high speed internet, etc.


Search the threads for one about Serve or Share. http://www.servenewengland.org It has great food for a great price, not a lot of processed stuff like Angel Food Ministries. And IT IS NOT A CHARITY!


I second ALL the adivce in this thread! Wow! I was jsut scanning. Great advice.



I just saw tht your dh applied for Unemployment. Good for him! I HATED applying for food stamps, even though we really needed them. I hated using them. But I sure liked seeing my kids eat....okay, so i liked eating too!

Most unemployment offices have centers where they'll help you with your resume, job search, and other stuff too.

[timneh_mom]

I haven't had to go through this as an adult, but my mom and I lived on VERY little after her divorce. She did a lot of things mentioned here already - cooking from scratch, keeping lights off and heat WAY down, especially at night (not easy in northern Michigan during our long winters!).

One other idea is bartering. If you need something, and have a talent (we all have them!), are they willing to trade services? My mom did a lot of sewing for people, and in return, got work done on her house, etc.

And, TAKE ALL OFFERS OF HELP! If you have generous family members or friends, take them up on it. You'll get through this!

[VikingKvinna]

Oh, you've gotten such great advice, but I have a couple more tips that I think haven't been posted.

1. Not sure where you live, but if you have ethnic or international markets, try those for cheap food. Things like rice, noodles, beans, spices, etc. can be had for much less than at mainstream groceries.

2. If you have a farmer's market, try that -- go near closing time, and often you can get stuff for very cheap. Some farmers would rather sell it for little money than haul it back to the farm. And, especially at the end of the day, don't be afraid to haggle. Ask for discounts if you buy more.

3. Make friends w/the produce guy at your supermarket. Sometimes they can set aside "Day-old" (or older ) produce for you at a discount or even for free.

4. If there's something specific you need (say, a new coffeemaker or a pair of boots for one of your DC or a snowsuit or something like that), put it out there. Mention it to your friends and coworkers -- "Hey, if you know anyone who has a spare X, we're looking for one" -- and you would be surprised how many people will say, "Actually, my mom was about to throw one of those away" or "My friend so-and-so has tons of stuff like that, let me ask her" or whatever. I really believe that if you put it out there to the universe, you'll be provided for. Or maybe they'll say, "No, but I do have a Y that I could let you have." In the TIghtwad Gazette she talks about never saying no to anything -- take anything people give you, because you might be able to use it someday, or sell or barter it. Also, if you reject offers they will stop offering, and next time it might be something you really need/want.

HTH. You'll get through this and something good is on its way to you and your family.

[ewp11100]

Originally Posted by VikingKvinna

4. If there's something specific you need (say, a new coffeemaker or a pair of boots for one of your DC or a snowsuit or something like that), put it out there. Mention it to your friends and coworkers -- "Hey, if you know anyone who has a spare X, we're looking for one" -- and you would be surprised how many people will say, "Actually, my mom was about to throw one of those away" or "My friend so-and-so has tons of stuff like that, let me ask her" or whatever. I really believe that if you put it out there to the universe, you'll be provided for. Or maybe they'll say, "No, but I do have a Y that I could let you have." In the TIghtwad Gazette she talks about never saying no to anything -- take anything people give you, because you might be able to use it someday, or sell or barter it. Also, if you reject offers they will stop offering, and next time it might be something you really need/want.

Along those lines look into Freecycle (local yahoo groups). This past year I have recieved FREE: fire wood (cut heating cost), All my and my children's clothes, a case of canned gren beans, new books, toys, board games and my pride and joy find... A 1 1/2 old washer when the transmission on ours broke I LOVE FREECYCLE!

[I-Love-Alaska]

Originally Posted by Etay005

<snip>
Drink black coffee-had to add that because I am so proud of breaking my coffeemate addiction that was out of control.
<snip>

Ditto on the coffeemate addiction!! I actually gave up coffee and only drink tea now- usually green tea with honey or flavored teas.. I even put my coffeemaker away as it was just taking up space on the counter...

My list-
-Pay cash for everything
-Make as much as you can from scratch
-Use libraries instead of book stores.

Soo sorry to hear about your DHs job! I hope things look brighter for you soon!! (((hugs)))

[phathui5]

I don't know if you're in a house or an apartment, but if you have a mortgage, you may want to consider calling and asking if you can defer a payment. Explain the circumstances and they may be able to tack your next payment onto the end of the loan.

[lilyka]

Originally Posted by DavinaT

Hugs to you.

Buy store brand for every item you can.

actually the store brand is not always cheaper. always be mindful of the prices, check size (sometimes store brand will be cheaper and even be in the same size box but can have 105-20% less in there. bring a calculator!) and watch for sales. just because one thing was cheaper yesterday doesn't mean it will be tomorrow.

[MamaPam]

My three tips for you would be..
Start cooking everything from scratch.
Cut all unnecessary expenses...and really think about what is necessary.
Make a budget and look at your savings etc. to try to plan ahead for a variety of situations.

Best of luck to you finding a new job soon.