August 23, 2008
A Penny Saved is a Penny….
Written by Cindy Kirk in Jaunty PostWith gas prices up at the pump, milk and other grocery prices through the roof, I’m proud to say I’m doing my part to be frugal. Here’s some ways I’m trying to save:
1. Turn the air conditioner up to 80 during the day when we’re at work.
2. Shut the shades/blinds during the day while we’re gone to keep the sun out.
3. Try to plan my trips in the car so I don’t just dry aimlessly around.
4. Eat at home more often…and actually eat those leftovers 
5. Pay bills online to save money on stamps.
6. Change my home phone to only allow incoming calls.
7. Buy more store brands at the grocery store.
What about you? Have you noticed how everything is going up?
What are YOU doing to save money???
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Emily McKay Says:
We’re doing the air conditioning thing too. Lately we’ve been a little obsessive about our electricity usage. So we’re also trying to turn lights off during the day.
And we’re also trying to eat all the leftovers, eat out less, eat the food in the freezer instead of letting it sit there for ten years before throwing out indistinguishable ziplocked chunks of food.
Also, since I’m at home with the kids most days, I’ve discovered that–duh–I spend less money when we don’t go out. So we’re just spending more time at home.
Shana Says:
My husband and I carpool. Sometimes it’s a hassle, but ti saves gas. We also turn the AC up. When it’s just me here, I keep it at 80. When we’re gone it’s on 82.
Margo Maguire Says:
Since we don’t have A/C - it’s not an issue … at least, not in terms of cost. Today, when it’s 90 degrees and 80% humidity, it’s a drag, though.
Did you ever read THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR? Great book on interesting ways that people save. The authors (statisticians) give actual studies of millionaires’ lifestyles - not the Donald Trumps of the world, but little guys who accumulate great wealth. It’s fascinating reading.
RobynDeHart Says:
We’ve put our AC up too, but not as high as y’alls - I’m too hot natured for that, but it’s higher than last years and our utilities are never that high. I plan our menus and grocery shop from that to avoid extra purchases and spontaneous out-to-eat nights. We also only own one vehicle so that helps us with car/gas expenses and most of the time I send it with The Professor b/c it uses less gas for him to drive to and from work once than for me to do it twice so I only take the car when I need to run errands - which I try to do on one day. (wow, how’s that for the longest sentence ever?)
Jane Says:
We’ve been cutting and using a lot of coupons and we only turn on the AC at night so we can sleep comfortably.
Mary M Says:
I’m staying home and reading great blogs instead of going out and spending money.
Cindy Kirk Says:
Emily,
My husband is always telling me to turn off the lights. I have to admit I’m doing better at flipping that switch off.
Shana,
My husband and I try to just use one car when going places…the only time I won’t is when I think one of us may want to stay longer.
Margo,
Thanks for the book suggestion…it sounds very interesting.
Robyn,
I’m trying to do better with the menu planning thing too!
Jane,
I used to do coupons and haven’t for a couple years…but I’m thinking of getting back in the habit. I used to save between $5-$10 a week….which can really add up.
Mary M.
Superb answer!