Tips for saving

Hello,
I know money are tough but we have to save as much as we can, otherwise we will end up in some else. For me, I always shop warehouse food store so I dont pay over the price. I save $1 or $5 in my piggy bank everyday. I keep the change in bucket and it will add up someday. cut down on what I dont use and I dont buy what I want, I buy what I need the most.

I also have cut back on everything possible. I am so broke now I can't even pay attention and that's no joke.

oh ya! visit your library to get movies and books instead of going to pricer rental stores and buying books. plan your meals ahead of time and shop accordingly. eat homemade soups and homemade bread (i can get a soup bone for under a dollar and we got the bread maker for free from friends [we have given them used clothing for their kids that we dont want or need]. join freecycle.com. there are tons of ideas!

Pay yourself first, take 10 or 20 percent of your paycheck and pay yourself. That will help with savings, you might have to do without on some extra things but you will have that savings start to build up and there is nothing better than providing your own security.

I, like you, am very frugal. I can't seem to save any money either. This time of the year is hard with the holidays and all. We also have 3 kids and all of their birthdays are within 8 weeks of Christmas...which keeps us pretty broke this time of the year. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will pay off in the long run.

I know it gets tougher every day to make ends meet. I am sure you have thought of most things that I am going to mention.
1. Get weatherstripping around windows and doors

2. Invest one time in a new thermostat that turns down heat at night, turns it up an hour before you get up, turns it down during the day if you are away, turns it up before you come home. Wear a sweater and set it a little below what you like. You will be amazed on how much you will save.

3. Turn off lights and teach your kids to turn off lights when leaving a room.

4. Turn off your power bars when not using your computer and unplug your toaster TV, Microwave and anything else that uses power if you go away for the weekend.

5. Shop wisely. Shop mostly around the perimeter of the supermarket. That measns mostly fresh vegetables and fresh meat. You will feel better, eat better, be healthier and at the same time save money if you plan your meals around the specials in produce, meat and baked goods.
For instance right now sweet potatoes, squashes, onions and potatoes are at a good price. Stock up on them and plan some delicious meals around them.

6. Avoid prepared and processed foods. They are expensive, full of sugar, additives, salt and preservatives and expensive per serving.

7. Make your own soups. I save any leftover veggies in a freezer bag in the freezer and ever so often I make a batch of chicken or vegetarian stock using up these items. You can then freeze the stock in small containers and use it for many dishes.

8. Make your own chili, baked beans and stews instead of bying cans. You can make these meals for pennies a serving instead of paying dollars for cans. If you have a slow cooker use it for those dishes. Set them in in the morning and forget about them. They will be ready to eat when you come home. If you don't have a slow cooker and someone asks you what you want for Christmas tell them. There are small ones for under $ 50.

9. Visit thrift shops once in a while. Recently I bought a brand new snow suit with the tags still attached for $ 8.00. I am planning to give it to my daughter in law who is expecting her second child.

10. If you drive plan all your errands for the one trip. Park your car and walk to the butcher, the baker, the postoffice and wherever els you can walk to. It will improve your health give you a rosy complexion and save you money.

Best of luck

Things i do are like you mentioned call utilities to reduce bills or combine costs. I cut out having a land line (never used it cause im rarely home to use it!) and just have my cell phone.

Putting change or paper money aside in a "safe place" works for me better than a savings account - somehow i find it harder to let go of cash than i find it to use my debit card to get money from the bank.

Doing things like Shopping sales and combining them with coupons. Shop Bulk when you can - split the cost and the amount with a friend or family member. I tend to do both bulk and sales and stock up then i have "buy nothing months" so all i eat is the things ive stocked up on! And save the money i save from that.

I make sure to take advantage of my health insurance - send in any bills and such to see if i can use them. If i cant it only takes a bit of time and a stamp to try.

Use the library for books and movies. Make sure to turn off lights and such when not in a room, turn down the temp at night or when not at home.

Trade services with people. or Do it yourself - i'm a big try and do it myselfer and if i cant do it myselfer im a "dadddddddddy help me please"er

Rather than replacing things repair them if the cost is worth it - like a 20 dollar tire repair rather than a 100 dollar tire!