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Years ago I heard it cost $200,000 to raise a child. On the radio this week they were saying $500,000. Yikes!
I do know that everything cost more now. Whether you’re just starting out, raising a family or looking forward to retirement, I think a lot of us are looking for ways to save money. After all, if you can get what you want for less, or save money on one thing so you have more to spend on what you really want, who wouldn’t want to do that…right???
I thought it might be fund to pretend we were coming up with a list to give a friend who was feeling the money pinch…and each of us could give one (or more) helpful money saving tips.
I’ll go first and everyone who comments will get a glass of cyber champagne. 
My hint: Try to plan your daily driving excursions to be maximally productive. Make a list so you’re not backtracking to complete your errands. Not only will you save gas money, you’ll save time.
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Jul 3rd
2010
6:36 am
kris Said:
clip coupons
buy things only on sale
sell your excess stuff on consignment, craig’s list, ebay
travel during the “low season”
bring snacks/drinks to the movies and only go to matinees
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Jul 3rd
2010
7:39 am
Kristan Higgins Said:
Stay home…completely home…for at least one day a week. Hard to buy that four-dollar coffee or spend $15 at the movies if you’re home!
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Jul 3rd
2010
7:41 am
Deb Said:
Buy generic; it’s cheaper and most of the product are just as good as brand name. Let me tell you a little story. My uncle was a millwright at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids. He said that after the daily quota of Captain Crunch Berries was filled, he would change the label on the machine (Dyno Berries or some other such name), but the same cereal went into the package of a different label. TRUE story!
I do buy Kraft’s Mac and Cheese, though.
We have Aldi’s here and I can buy $145 worth of groceries and products that would cost $300 at Walmart or Hy-Vee. The only problem is you have to have cash or a debit card.
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Jul 3rd
2010
9:23 am
eap Said:
Watch for Family Nights or Pay what You can events in your town–local theather groups, movir places have them or call and ask.
Stay at home for 1-2 days a week
check the library for DVD’S
Buy clothes at consignment shops. If you buy new shop midseason sales often online they have free shipping deals right before a holiday.
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Jul 3rd
2010
10:04 am
Shana Said:
Accept hand-me-downs. So many of my friends offered me maternity clothes, baby clothes and toys. I just took everything and if I couldn’t use it gave it back or to Goodwill. It’s saved me tons! I like new things as much as the next person but sometimes you have to be practical.
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Jul 3rd
2010
11:45 am
catslady Said:
I rewash ziplock bags – they wash just like containers.
Use rags if possible instead of papertowels.
Use those leftovers.
Cook what you can by scratch or at least partially (cake mix over buying a cake anyway lol). The more convenient, the more expensive.
Make your own lunch and coffee.
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Jul 3rd
2010
2:45 pm
Mary M Said:
Thank you for the champagne. I’m toasting the Founding Fathers and wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July. Ask about your local stores’ delivery dates for new merchandise because that’s when they mark down existing merchandise. I’ve found new clothes with the tags still on at thrift shops. At the end of the year, people clean out closets and donate. It’s timing, baby.
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Jul 3rd
2010
11:09 pm
Kathryn in Montreal Said:
I do a lot of my own baking… dry my clothes on the line (love that fresh, outdoorsy smell), complement our heating with a wood stove, make my own tea at the office, use coupons when I can, go to movies on half price night and best of all, share books with my friends… great reads that you don’t always have to buy!
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Jul 3rd
2010
11:40 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Wow, these are some great suggestions. Keep ‘em coming. I absolutely love, love, love the idea of getting more for less.
And a lot of what you’re suggesting I haven’t ever thought about. I did come up with another one of my own–if you’re on a prescription medication, check out if there are any coupons on line that you can print off and take to the pharmacy that will reduce your out of pocket.
Would anyone like some more champagne?
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Jul 4th
2010
8:13 am
Gillian Said:
Aldi’s is good, I agree—and hey, hand me downs were a way of life when I was a kid, and are now “cool”–it’s recycling! I’m all about our large Goodwill store in a nearby town–it’s got all sorts of amazing bargains, and tons of clothes with the tags still on them.
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Jul 4th
2010
12:52 pm
Mitzi H. Said:
Invest in plastic reusable containers that stack easily in the freezer and make your own TV dinners with your leftovers. It’s easy and way better than store bought.
Not the healthiest tip…..But my grandkids love Mc D’s cheeseburgers and sausage muffins. Sooooo, when they put them on sale (mostly on Sundays) for .49 cents….I buy 20 of them “plain” and freeze them. They reheat very easily and the kids just add their own catsup.
Before you buy a particular item in the store, write down the brand/style…and check the internet. I’ve been able to save over 70% on loads of different housewares, such as rugs, paintings, dishes, cookware.
Same goes for shoes and clothes. Try them on in the store for fit, but check the interent before you buy. You would surprised on how much you can save!!!
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