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0|0|a small RAOK: Post your best money saving tip!|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|19:40:31|10/10/2011|Posted on Oct-10-11 at 07:40 PM (Eastern) by 174.54.82.253Hello
As so many others in our RS family, we are struggling with our living expenses. I thought it might be fun to simply post YOUR best money saving tip here for everyone :) We are probably already clipping coupons and using our tea bags twice, etc. Let's make it something that you or your family do to cut a corner :)
The RAOK part: I will email a Coke code from a 12 pack to the "winner".... one ticket per person (but post as many tips as you like) and winner by random drawing as I am hoping that this post gets useful tips and don't want to have to pick "the best tip" for the Coke code. I will let the boys draw a winner on Wednesday 10/12 at 9 PM (or a bit after) and post the name of the winner!
My quick tips off the top of my head ... as you can tell, I can really use tips from others!!!!
I share a mag subscription with my sister so that we each paid half the cost, she reads it first and then hands it off to me (I normally donate to the local women's shelter when I am done);
at the end of a meal if there are a few veggies left, I toss them into a container in the freezer, and then when the container is getting full, I make soup;
I use my DH old socks as dust clothes when he wears out the heel... I stick my thumb through the hole in the heel and the flat part of the sock fits like a glove to make it easy to dust; I use old towels/sheets/even an old pair of jeans as cleaning rags and if I have to clean up something gross I can just toss that cloth. We have not bought paper towels or swiffer refills in about a year now.
Ok, obviously would love your ideas if you have a moment to post!!!!! THANKS in advance to anyone who participates :)
Shel
1|1|I do not use a clothes dryer--hang them outside in summer and have racks in 2 rooms in winter.|SandyC|sacoates1@msn.com|19:44:52|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 07:44 PM (Eastern) by 63.169.67.232I've done this for over 5 years. I wonder how much I've saved.
:D
SandyC
2|2|I make & use cloth napkins only, been doing that for years, no paper towels ever.|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|20:23:30|10/10/2011|
Last edited on Oct-10-11 at 08:34 PM (Eastern) by 108.192.106.129
o I just toss them in the wash with bleach or colored safe bleach and use hot water, sterilizes them great and no need to buy paper towels ever, safe the trees & my pocket book. I keep a basket full of clean cloth napkins near my microwave.
I use all those free samples I get in the mail as stocking stuffers, easter gift etc...they really help out!
I apply for all the free magazines subscriptions ones offered on line as promo's and one's I get from my reward programs that I cash in points for. I pass them on and donate them to low income hospitals and clinics for their waiting rooms.
I reuse the big tin coffee cans and they hold my extra flour, sugar etc in them...We drink a lot of coffee in our house so I save them up, use them to wrap gifts in for x-mas and cover the tins with pretty contact paper so the people can reuse them instead of throwing them out. All extra coffee cans I have I posted them on craigslist for free, many crafters use them for things.
3|1|I use half of the box of dried goods|LindaOh|Martinl3@roadrunner.com|20:49:27|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 08:49 PM (Eastern) by 174.101.83.101we don't like left overs so if we are having mac & cheese or noodle dinner, things like that I just use half then put the rest in a container for later,also have found that you don't need to use as much laundry detergent half to 3/4 is usually enough unless the clothes are really dirty Linda
4|2|unplug everything with a clock or memory|lisamk|bromwelll@aol.com|20:55:23|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 08:55 PM (Eastern) by 68.248.224.139microwave
tv
radio
coffemaker
we only plug these in when we are using them
our electric bill went down about $10 a month once we got in the habit
5|1|One of my favorite money saving tips is to use my Amazon Gift Certificates earned from various reward programs and surveys to buy Groceries and household goods at an awesome price with free delivery. Not only do I get good deals, I don't even have to go to the store to get them.|Ranalt|ainebailey@gmail.com|21:30:56|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 09:30 PM (Eastern) by 24.247.214.64Nothing like a fantastic Amazon Deal paid with earned gift certificates :)
Life is like a cup of tea,
It's all in how you make it.
Lisa
6|1|no more hair salons|cinda68|lacinda68@gmail.com|21:45:00|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 09:45 PM (Eastern) by 207.255.32.70My daughter cuts my hair and her own and my husband and son both use clippers to give themselves a haircut. We haven't gone to get our hair cut at a shop in ages.
7|1|Installed a timer on my electric hot water heater|driller|harj@frontier.com|23:21:08|10/10/2011|
Posted on Oct-10-11 at 11:21 PM (Eastern) by 50.33.198.15I installed a timer on my electric hot water tank. Is only on two hours in the morning and two hours at night.
Limits me doing dishes and taking showers.
~Judy in MI~
8|2|forgot to say, no need to include me in the raok, I like to share my tips! The biggest thing I did this year to save $ is move!|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|23:51:11|10/10/2011|
Last edited on Oct-11-11 at 02:20 AM (Eastern) by 108.192.106.129
o I moved this year at the end of June to a 2 bedroom basement apt in a house, that has a huge backyard...My electric is included in my rent which saves me a bundle, I just pay gas & my internet bill. My old apt was costing me $820 a month not including utilities, and even using my magic jack was not cutting costs enough. My new apt is only $650 a month, not bad for 2 bedrooms in a house + free electric! I been living in the new place almost 3 months I have saved $510.00 in the rent difference so far, plus saved high electric bills over the summer months so over $700 so far and counting, I love it!
o
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o0..0o Linda
9|3|i make my own laundry detergent............very little work to make it and it |couponsnsamples|cpsnsamples@aol.com|06:55:15|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 06:55 AM (Eastern) by 205.188.116.68saves a bundle.....works just as good as the store bought ones
10|1|I use my Discover rewards credit card to pay for most all expenses (gasoline, groceries, online purchases, fast food, etc) and redeem quarterly for Discover gift cards which I then use as Cmas gifts.....And I maximize my earning when I shop online by going through MyPoints, so I earn even more gift cards to use for Cmas gifts....each year, I spend very little out of pocket for gifts, as even if I want to give an actual item as a gift I just use one of the gift cards to pay for it :)|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|07:04:13|10/11/2011|
Last edited on Oct-11-11 at 07:06 AM (Eastern) by 98.213.152.114Last edited on Oct-11-11 at 07:05 AM (Eastern) by 98.213.152.114
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 07:04 AM (Eastern) by 98.213.152.114
I also watch my Dicover notifications for their bonus catagories every three months, and sign up for that catagory to double my rewards for that quarter on those purchases.
Keep in mind, I am VERY disciplined in paying off the balance every month, so I never have interest on it.....so if someone isnt disciplined this tip would not be for them. :)
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
11|1|LOVE this thread ... paper saving tip|flyvanguard|flyvanguard@yahoo.com|10:07:52|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 10:07 AM (Eastern) by 209.105.151.162This isn't near as good as most of the tips I've read here but ... when I'm printing coupons (or anything that will only print on 1/2 of the page) I turn the paper over and print another 1/2 page of something on the back ... get two coupons from one sheet of paper. Also, unless color is specifically needed on a certain coupon or something I always switch off color and just print in black & white. Sandy
12|1|i use microfiber towels on my swiffer and make my own cleaning solution too |gwens29|gwen41539@bellsouth.net|10:11:33|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 10:11 AM (Eastern) by 65.5.248.197the microfiber towel is washable and works just as well as the store bought pads i also use the microfiber towels for the wet mopping too and make my own cleaner using a spray bottle and my fav cleaning solutions
http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/27.html
13|1|Go to butcher for meat, get small freezer, and buy 1/4 to 1/2 cow. Meat is better and it saves a ton.|kawanti|kawanti@insightbb.com|14:26:26|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 02:26 PM (Eastern) by 74.128.74.50:)
14|2|I tried to do this earlier this year....I found it would be way more expensive than buying meats on sale at the grocery store and filling my chest freezer....one of my local stores has "Meat Truckload Sales" from time to time and that's when I stock up as you get a reduced price for buying 10 lbs or more of certain items...it might depend on the meat lockers in someone's area, but I would recommend calling and asking for the details first on prices per pound/processing fees, etc, and make sure to ask about carcass waste! You start out with a 250 lb quarter to pay for by the pound, but might only end up with 175-190 lbs of actual processed product. Just my experience :)|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|15:01:45|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 03:01 PM (Eastern) by 98.213.152.114" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
15|3|bf wanted to buy half a cow before and buy a small freezer and I told him there is only 2 of us now, the meat would have freezer burn|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|15:55:25|10/11/2011|
Posted on Oct-11-11 at 03:55 PM (Eastern) by 108.192.106.129 o by the time we get to it, doesn't make much sense for just 2 of us...and I am not a big meat eater besides. Also I do get lucky and find meat on sale sometimes $1.99 for hamburger meat here is a good deal.
o
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o0..0o Linda
16|1|Bumping for more tips!! Thanks to all who have posted so far|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|09:13:32|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 09:13 AM (Eastern) by 174.54.82.253and hopefully we walk away with some new ideas!!!!!!!!!
17|2|Try to use a coupon for everything, Ask friends & family members to print coupons for you (inside)|cjdj|Lintaos@optonline.net|10:31:03|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 10:31 AM (Eastern) by 69.115.159.93rent books, dvd's, magazines from the library
barter w/friends for rides/? Use your gifts in exchange - everyone has gifts
sell unwanted items at garage sales or Ebay
use plastic bags (free from stores) for your garbage
use pp... you'll save tons on stamps & envies
save btfe (easy things to trade)
signup for birthday club discounts
bring your lunch to work
buy cheap water & capri's - leave them in your car....
really stockup on sale items and put that extra money on your bills
make your own coffee
prepare for college in advance - sat testing.. look for work programs, grants and scholarship money.
Be nice to people.. it always comes back to you... The more people you know the better off you are...
connections... 
I'm not saying to make everyone part of your inner circle... That would not be wise
Pay things on time - interest is killing us..
Try to live on a budget..
Always seek wise counsel on things you don't know and do your own research.
remember to rebate too
Carol
18|3|Don't need the raok.. Hope it helps someone...|cjdj|Lintaos@optonline.net|10:32:04|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 10:32 AM (Eastern) by 69.115.159.93me
20|4|inside|cjdj|Lintaos@optonline.net|10:54:20|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 10:54 AM (Eastern) by 69.115.159.93Don't hold on to any cards that charge you monthly fees
Check your debt card and make sure your not paying fees
Use your own banks change machine - don't pay to use someone elses and if you need to pay for it..
it's time to change banks. lol
Make sure you have the minimum in your accounts to avoid extra bank fees
Don't use 411.... Look it up online... stop giving away your money.. or send me the $1 and I'll look it up for you..
go generic over name brands.. I don't always like to do this... I don't think they are the same but if you have to
Make sure you fill your property rebate out on time. Gee, that's several hundreds of dollars that people let go...
Try to shop at different stores for sale items or barter doing this between friends..
Reuse your bill envelopes and pay your bills online
buy cheap checks.. You don't need to pay $20 for a box of checks that you'll never see...
Amazon has free kindle books ..thanks Joy lol
write a list of needs and wants...Don't address the wants until you met the needs
save all the b1g1 free coupons.. esp pads.the drug stores always do b1g1F deals for pads
get all of your school supplies July, August & September for the year...
send free ecards instead of birthday cards.. If they have a computer..lol (Daysprings have nice ones)
Look for discounted paint... to refresh your rooms... Someone always screws up mixing them.
Use timeshare or homeowners to rent a vacation place... You'll have more room and you'll be much happier.
Use conditioner to shave instead on shaving cream... You're legs will be alot smoother too
Get free pens & pops from your bank
pluck your own mustache & eyebrows or bribe your kids to do it. lol
19|1|I looove using those Target printable coupons alongside manuf. coupons...|noway|mizzbishop@gmail.com|10:50:21|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 10:50 AM (Eastern) by 98.196.93.223So many times they match up and it's just such a great way to save. The other day I stacked the Target Extra gum coupon with the manuf. coupon that is out so I got 2 packs of gum for free. Little things like that add up, you just have to be really organized and know what coupons you have and frequently visit the Target site, clearing your computer's cookies regularly or getting friends to help you print especially good ones. On that note having local friends who also coupon is really great for sharing your stockpiled items and trading coupons and deals.
I don't need to in the raok I just wanted to interject my opinion. :) This thread is so much fun!
21|1|I don't need the Roak, here are some of my tips:|lv2qpon|jcummins1@rochester.rr.com|17:18:40|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 05:18 PM (Eastern) by 67.247.180.40I use Good Seasons Salad dressing. I add a little extra oil to make it go further.
I like dole Salad in a bag. I eat salad almost every day. I add regular lettuce and spinach to the salad mix and so that goes further. It also tastes great.
I make my own salad croutons. I just make toast, cook it a little in a pan with garlic seasoning and then cut it up.
I make homemade soup which is easy and saves so much especially if you have a chicken bone or some leftover meat and veggies.
I take old Christmas cards and cut out gift tags from those. Those look expecially nice on the packages. My mother used to do this and now I do. I make my own Christmas cards on the computer and sometimes other cards too. It is nice to add my own thoughts.
When the kleenex runs low in a box, I fill it up partially from another box so I have kleenex in each room. I have allergies so need to have kleenex nearby. also use hankerchiefs expecially when I go out as Kleenex gets all clumpy in a purse and those pocket ones are very expensive.
22|2|Here's a couple more things I/ We do..I am a avid reader, I read on average 32 books a year, I buy all my books used|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|20:14:12|10/12/2011|
Last edited on Oct-12-11 at 08:32 PM (Eastern) by 108.192.106.129either on line at a site that donates to charity, or I buy at a thrift store locally. No library near my house & I don't have a car so this works best for me. I have a friend who loves to read the same type of books that I do, we swap 10 books every 6 months, we mail them to eachother(book rate)...It helps us both keep the clutter down in our houses by passing the books to eachother instead of keeping them and we both discover new authors, new reads so it works out great! After I read the books she has sent me, I drop them off at a local laundry mat where books are left,(take a book, leave a book) and sometimes I pick up a book or 2 to read myself.
Our store has 2 mark down carts they put out on thursday & Friday- I buy all my fruit and veggies off that cart,lunch meat, cheese. I get a weeks full or more and freeze or home can it. I never pay full price for those things ever.
Split costs with a friend for things you need:
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Also we buy cases of toliet paper at Sams the case contains 40 double rolls, it cost $20. We split the cost with a friend and split the tp, so we each have 20 double rolls of tp which last us about a month in a half.
We also buy our garbage bags at Sams in a case of 200 for $7, and we split those with the same friend as the tp, so 100 bags cost us $3.50 and last us about 6-8 months before we need to buy again, a great deal!. This also helps our friend get things they need as they don't own a car and my bf does the shopping for all of us.
o
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o0..0o Linda
23|1|THANKS to all who posted!! My son picked.... driller|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|21:34:15|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 09:34 PM (Eastern) by 174.54.82.253And I am emailing you the coke code now :)
Truly appreciate all the tips, thanks for posting here for our RS family!
24|2|Yippeee, Thank You~~|driller|harj@frontier.com|22:33:16|10/12/2011|
Posted on Oct-12-11 at 10:33 PM (Eastern) by 50.36.125.30The code worked just fine Shel. Thanks soo much for having the game.
~Judy in MI~ :)
25|1|for|joseph|parkerjoe3@yahoo.com|17:32:57|10/13/2011|
Posted on Oct-13-11 at 05:32 PM (Eastern) by 76.103.86.91people who like to read online for free it's called daily lit tons of free books to read on line
26|1|Leave the kids at home with someone while you shop!|jdlaurie|savethosepennies@aol.com|18:37:58|10/13/2011|
Posted on Oct-13-11 at 06:37 PM (Eastern) by 76.101.225.143I figured out that I spend way to much extra money on things the kids want when they are with me! I guess I'm a bit of a pushover when they want something
27|1|get checking accts that pay YOU to use ....|Skaytes|skaytez@gmail.com|07:06:45|10/14/2011|
Posted on Oct-14-11 at 07:06 AM (Eastern) by 67.236.149.206your debit card. My bank pays ME $.20 each time I use my debit card anywhere. My acct also pays ME back if I use any other ATM machines other than my bank..they refund the monies charged back to me and my acct also pays me interest on my checking acct as well. It's a 'green' acct so no paper mailing each month but I always am checking my acct online anyways so not a issue with that. They also do not charge any fees per month for using the debit card or checking acct and no minimum balance as well.