Here is what I do to have $50 extra a month for c.c payments

[hegemony]

the light fixtures over the vanities in both of our bathrooms hold 7 bulbs!!!!

for me that is too bright, even with low wattage bulbs. So....to save $$ and to save my eyes when I get up at 4 a.m. I've unscrewed 3 of the 7 bulbs. As the used ones burn out I screw-in one of the previously unscrewed.

 

I've also replaced many bulbs around the house with low energy ones...including some those new, kick flowers LED bulbs.

[Kona]

the light fixtures over the vanities in both of our bathrooms hold 7 bulbs!!!!

for me that is too bright, even with low wattage bulbs. So....to save $$ and to save my eyes when I get up at 4 a.m. I've unscrewed 3 of the 7 bulbs. As the used ones burn out I screw-in one of the previously unscrewed.

 

I've also replaced many bulbs around the house with low energy ones...including some those new, kick flowers LED bulbs.

 

Those LED bulbs are the greatest! I've started replacing my bulbs with those when the others expire.

[artglazz]

This is a great thread. Thank you for the tip about the water heater! :-)

 

One tip I can offer is to eat out less, but for those of us who already eat out less to save money, I have also found that eating meats on the same day we buy them saves a little as well. We buy only meats that have been discounted because of age. They are not of lesser quality, they just can't be kept as long before they'll ruin. On the day we go shopping, we cook and eat the meat and then eat the leftovers once again later in the week. We've found it's helped us to cut down on the meat costs overall. No more $10+ steaks every week.

 

Another tip is to call your telephone and cable company at least once a year to discuss their current services and prices. Sometimes, old "plans" become overpriced/obsolete and switching can get you more service for less or the same costs.

 

Finally, contact your electric company to see if they offer free energy inspections. Many offer this service and it can be helpful in finding ways to cut down on the electric bill. Among other things our inspection informed us about why we should get rid of our old energy-hogging refridgerator.

[javaowl]

IBut I have to face the fact that I have 4 children, a barn full of animals (maybe not a barn, but 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 ferrets and an evil bunny) and things always arise that I had no way of planning for.

 

Id,

 

Neighbor used to have evil bunny too -- dwarf bunny, looked cute, fluffy, cuddly but was so bad -- used to stand up on hind feet and box her with front paws. :shock: We checked his underside often for a zipper, we just knew he was some kind of other animal in there. That bunny acted like he had a rap sheet - BAD, BAD!

[paul77136]

Here are some of the things that have been implemented at our house to free up extra $:

- Refi'd the house last year from an 8.5 first/15.0 second to 5-3/8 to save $250 per month;

- Encouraged my college-age son to get a part-time job to pay for his car and personal expenses (which he did last fall);

- Switched to compact flourescent lighting throughout the house to save $10 to $15 per month on electricity;

- Replaced all of the faucets in our home to stop water-wasting drips, saving $5 per month on the water bill;

- Dropped SBC/MCI and switched to Vonage phone service to save $35 per month on the phone bill.

 

BTW, great idea on the water heater!

[mabear911]

Bump for more ideas.

[helping_out]

I did my own energy audit after getting the first HUGE electric bill at our new apartment (almost $300!). I was convinced someone else was on our meter, it was so high.

 

I checked the wattage on almost everything in the house that uses electricity, estimated how many hours we used it for, and did the math. It was all us. The biggest energy users in my house (in descending order):

 

-air conditioners (of course)

-air purifiers

-fans (!)

-refrigerator

-computers

 

So we immediately starting turning off the a/c as much as possible, stopped leaving fans on in unoccupied rooms, and shut off the computers when we're not using them (used to leave them all 24/7). My next bill was down to $200 - a third less! Can't wait for summer to be over...

 

If anyone wants a copy of my spreadsheet to model one from, PM me.

[helping_out]

My latest grocery plan is buying ONLY what's on my list and bringing a calculator, because small amounts can add up fast. I did this on my last trip, and it was a surprise. The total was over my budget, so I checked my cart. Somehow stuff that wasn't on my list had ended up in there. I pulled out the extras and cut $15 from my total. (It was all "nice to haves," not necessities) This goes along with the "no need to have a grocery store in your cupboard" idea. If I can do this every week, that's $60 right there.

[SassyinAz]

Cross-linking this awesome thread to Char's awesome thread -- Budgetting and Saving money, the Mother thread: http://www.creditboards.com/phpBB2/viewtop...der=asc&start=0

 

Sassy

[cmorris]

I turned off my home phone and ONLY use my cell phone. The cell phone is nationwide, and has NW and Mobile to Mobile. I rarely used the home phone and it had ridiculous fees all over the place. I save $60/month right there. My cell phone bill has yet to change.

 

For the smokers: I can find my brand (Marlboro) for about $20 many times. When I do, I buy about 5-6 cartons. Sometimes the quantity differs due to limits. I know I'd save more if I quit, but I just don't want to...

 

I also use my debit card/internet banking like crazy, instead of writing checks. The debit card earns rebates (not much--1%) and the internet banking is free. This saves some on buying checks.

 

Outlet malls/stores are also great for buying brand name and quality clothing. It is cheaper than department stores and certainly Wal-Mart.

 

Coupons are also obviously used.

 

Great Ideas!

[helping_out]

Watch those bank fees. Look for free checking, or try to join a credit union - their fees and minimum balances are usually lower than a bank.

 

My bank charges me for debit (PIN-based) store transactions, but not for signature bases, so I stopped using the PIN whenever possible. I've also learned only use my bank's ATM (or Washington Mutual, which has no fees). Those $1.50 charges added up. If you have to use fee-ATMs, get enough cash so you don't have to keep going back and getting hit with the fees. Some banks charge for getting your checks back - if you don't need them, cancel that service. And of course, don't overdraft your account or bounce checks - banks make a fortune on those charges.

[cmorris]

It's totally free checking. My debit card also has to be signature based or I get charged .25, but luckily every place I shop, accepts cc.

[hlburi]

Stockpile nonperishables. Buy "Free After Rebates" at places like Walgreens, RiteAid and CVS. And use coupons for even more savings. I can't tell you the last time I paid full price for toothbrushes, toothpaste, deoderants, etc.

 

Have a garage sale...sell stuff on Ebay...Sell big items on Craigslist.org.

 

Please keep um coming,

 

I am trying to figure out a way to pay off credit cards

 

so if anyone has any good budgeting ideas

send them my way please :8)

[hlburi]

The other thing is, if you have to have a cell phone (and they ARE nice for emergencies)...consider prepaid wireless. That way, you are only paying for what you truly use. It does cost more per minute but if you don't use it much it does come out cheaper in the long run. I can't tell you how many "wasted" minutes I have each month on my AT&T wireless bill. I already bumped it down to a lower plan but still have to ride out my two year contract. But then, I am going with prepaid.

 

Heather

[bizpsx]

I used to work at http://www.niagaraconservation.com Energy and Water Conservation products

 

Products I would recommend

 

Compact Flourcent light bulbs

Low Flow Showerheads

Storm window kits

Faucet Aerators

Flapperless Toilet

 

They really only do wholesale, maybe a group buy??? PM me and I will try to help.

[chinabloo]

I do mystery shopping and that's the only time my husband and I eat out. Sure, I have to lay it out, but the money is reimbursed. We're very careful not to spend over the limit (or not too much over). Other mystery shops are very quick and simple and I don't have to make a purchase. I've done enough to earn over $100/month at times. I've also done it enough to be picked for special projects - one of which I'm doing right now that's paying $250. (if you want more info on mystery shopping feel free to PM me)

 

Since P&G is based in my town, I also do a lot of research studies. I was paid $100 to try a teeth whitining product, $60 to test sanitary pads (gross, huh?), $125 to test deoderant.

 

I let our cell phone contracts run out and just keep mine charged and with me in case I need to dial 911. I have a pager through work so I carry that if my husband needs to reach me.

 

I really can't wait unitl my 2 year old is potty trained so I can stop spending money on diapers! (though I buy store brand to save right now).

 

The best way I save money is by buying my cleaning supplies at the dollar store. Why pay $3.50 or so for Windex when I can get something comparable for $1.00? I also buy generic foods whenever I can.

[Ioperate]

I do mystery shopping and that's the only time my husband and I eat out. Sure, I have to lay it out, but the money is reimbursed. We're very careful not to spend over the limit (or not too much over). Other mystery shops are very quick and simple and I don't have to make a purchase. I've done enough to earn over $100/month at times. I've also done it enough to be picked for special projects - one of which I'm doing right now that's paying $250. (if you want more info on mystery shopping feel free to PM me)

 

Since P&G is based in my town, I also do a lot of research studies. I was paid $100 to try a teeth whitining product, $60 to test sanitary pads (gross, huh?), $125 to test deoderant.

 

I let our cell phone contracts run out and just keep mine charged and with me in case I need to dial 911. I have a pager through work so I carry that if my husband needs to reach me.

 

I really can't wait unitl my 2 year old is potty trained so I can stop spending money on diapers! (though I buy store brand to save right now).

 

The best way I save money is by buying my cleaning supplies at the dollar store. Why pay $3.50 or so for Windex when I can get something comparable for $1.00? I also buy generic foods whenever I can.

 

What is mystery shopping?

[chinabloo]

Companies of all sorts use mystery shopping (sometimes also called secret shopping) companies to evaluate things like customer service, employee product training, facility cleanliness, etc.

 

I'm registered with numerous companies and accept assignments that fit my schedule. It's great extra money and a good way to get a free/cheap meal too!

[Ioperate]

Companies of all sorts use mystery shopping (sometimes also called secret shopping) companies to evaluate things like customer service, employee product training, facility cleanliness, etc.

 

I'm registered with numerous companies and accept assignments that fit my schedule. It's great extra money and a good way to get a free/cheap meal too!

 

I'd like to check that out

 

I don't have IM here at work, so can you email me the information?

 

Thanks...

[chinabloo]

Since I've gotten so many inquiries about mystery shopping, here's what I can tell you in a nutshell...

 

There's a really good website that can get you started: www.volition.com

 

Go to the section on the left that says "get paid". After that, go to "get paid to shop". There is a huge list of mystery shopping companies there - most if not all are very reputable. For most of them you can submit your application online. Some of the applications can take quite a bit of time as they require a writing sample about a good or bad shopping experience. They ask for this to see how much attention you pay to detail and how well you write. You might want to write something up and save it in word so you can cut/paste/edit for each company as necessary.

 

You can also google "mystery shop" or "secret shop" to see what you come up with. NEVER pay anyone to put your name on a list. There is, however, a mystery shopper certification process that you can go through. It costs a little, but it can help you get more prime jobs.

 

I've mystery shopped the following industries: department stores, discount stores, auto parts, grocery, cell phones, pet stores, banks, movie theatres, restaurants (fast food and sit down), insurance companies, electronics stores.

 

The best ones are restaurants where you can get a good meal for free or cheap or the ones where you get a flat fee and don't have to spend anything. The movie theatre one is good to - when I did it, I got 2 tickets paid for, $5 at the concession stand, and $5 for paperwork. I have a toddler now, though, so movies are out of the question.

[Eyecannon]

Bump for an awesome thread. Any new ideas anyone?

[GEORGE]

the light fixtures over the vanities in both of our bathrooms hold 7 bulbs!!!!

for me that is too bright, even with low wattage bulbs. So....to save $$ and to save my eyes when I get up at 4 a.m. I've unscrewed 3 of the 7 bulbs. As the used ones burn out I screw-in one of the previously unscrewed.

 

I've also replaced many bulbs around the house with low energy ones...including some those new, kick flowers LED bulbs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

7 WATT NIGHT LIGHT in the bathroom is good enough for me at 4am

[Boofie400]

My "savings" grace? EBAY!! I buy stuff on Ebay that would cost much more if I paid retail. Gifts, clothing, sneakers, small electronics, CDs, makeup, you name it. You can get Wal-Mart stuff to Prada, whatever you need. You just have to be an informed consumer to know the product and what a good price is.

 

You can sell on there too, make a few pennies to put toward those CCs!!

[tootie357]

when the sun comes out, the lights go off. when the sun goes down, minimum amount of lights come on. NO ONE is allowed to use lights at night. we've lived here for 5 years. we know our way around the house. that and i swear i have some vampire blood in me. i cant stand a lot of lights during the day or night. we have a programmable tstat but i cut it down by two degrees now. i dont like lights on in any part of the house where no one is there. i've been trying to close my upstairs vents to force the heat downstairs. i cant reach all of the high ceilings though. but when we move, i will request that the painters do that since they have the tall ladders. i've been soaking dishes prior to washing them so they wont take as much dish detergent or water.

[midwest newbie]

i love reading new ideas.

 

i'm at a point where i can't find anything additional to cut back on, so any "inspirational" ideas are great!

 

i don't know if anyone has heard of upromise.com, but you register your CC's and companies put a portion of the money you spend on their products towards your kids' college funds.

 

I think the biggest thing is maintaining what you own. replace furnace filters, tune-ups on cars, etc. it costs money for maintenance, but what you have will last longer.