Like David Alan my family and I have been trying to find ways to cut back and save. Because it doesn't look like many of the things we need and use on a regular basis are going to go back down in price anytime soon.
When it comes to using gas well there's no way around it. To get from here to there you have to have it. But what I'm trying to do is to be better about all the quick trips I make running errands. I still run my errands I just plan them now. I try to run all my errands on my way into work. It's actually kind of fun figuring out the best and most efficient way to make it to work and see how many stops I can fit in on the way.
I'm also doing what David suggested and making sure all the lights, televisions and other electronics that are not in use are turned off. Plus this weekend i'm planning to buy some of those new "green" lightbulbs to help not just the environment but also my budget.
I'm also trying to get better and more efficient in the kitchen. I try to make a casserole or cook a bigger meal that can be reheated. So my husband and I will bring our lunch and dinner to work and not go out and spend money.
They may not be huge changes I'm making in my life right now. But it's a little something that is helping to keep us on budget... and I'm always looking for more ideas. I'll let you know if I hear any good ones.
4 Comments
Robbie Belch said:
Something I did recently that has saved me quite a bit of money was reduce some of my luxuries around the house. I had the 'preferred' rate for High speed internet - yet the 'value' does the same exact thing - a few seconds more waiting on a YouTube video to load won't hurt me.
Another thing was getting rid of the big digital box on top of my TV. Most of the on-demand things I would have watched there, I can watch online.
And the biggest saver is the newest wave of self-serve technology, RedBox rentals. Get your favorite DVD for a $1 a day at a local grocery store or some Wal-Marts. I can get 4 movies for what my cable wanted to charge me for 1 movie!
All this savings has been adding up so far this month!!
Dear Robbie,
Thanks for the tips. I've actually tried RedBox rentals myself. But I think I need to do a better job of getting there early because by the time I usually get there to rent something it's already gone. Any suggestions?
Robbie Belch said:
Actually if you go to Redbox online - you can set up your account and reserve what you want online. So if you know you're passing a certain location - you can see what's in their machine and reserve it. Then pick it up on your way to or from work or whatever the case may be.
I do tend to find the best selection for the newest releases at Walmarts. But as in the traditional video store, Tuesdays are always the worst days to try and rent that new release!
Hope that helps!
Something I did recently that has saved me quite a bit of money was reduce some of my luxuries around the house. I had the 'preferred' rate for High speed internet - yet the 'value' does the same exact thing - a few seconds more waiting on a YouTube video to load won't hurt me.
Another thing was getting rid of the big digital box on top of my TV. Most of the on-demand things I would have watched there, I can watch online.
And the biggest saver is the newest wave of self-serve technology, RedBox rentals. Get your favorite DVD for a $1 a day at a local grocery store or some Wal-Marts. I can get 4 movies for what my cable wanted to charge me for 1 movie!
All this savings has been adding up so far this month!!
Dear Robbie,
Thanks for the tips. I've actually tried RedBox rentals myself. But I think I need to do a better job of getting there early because by the time I usually get there to rent something it's already gone. Any suggestions?
Actually if you go to Redbox online - you can set up your account and reserve what you want online. So if you know you're passing a certain location - you can see what's in their machine and reserve it. Then pick it up on your way to or from work or whatever the case may be.
I do tend to find the best selection for the newest releases at Walmarts. But as in the traditional video store, Tuesdays are always the worst days to try and rent that new release!
Hope that helps!
Thanks Robbie,
I'll give it a try.. but definitely not on Tuesday :)