cost saving methods

[palerider]

so any tips on how to cut costs during these times, whether it be on home insurance, cell phones, cable or satleite tv or internet or even grocery shopping? at the homestead we are always looking to cut costs as much as possible but some are just not cuttable so how to reduce, we try to grow some hay for the horses and rabbits, can't cut the cell phones out where we live they are just needed for the distance that we travell everyday(maybe a better plan?) so just wondering what everyone has done. i think it was our friend fvr that cut his cards out and sold the new vehicles for second hand ones

[MatthewnOK]

If there's a big lot or other bent can/secondhand merchandise store near you, you can find some good deals. We cut out TV. If you have to go on a long trip take a cooler with water/soda and sandwhiches instead of eating out. Watch for sales and stock up. We got a lot of barbq sauce for 25 cents a bottle. That sale was over five years ago and we're still eating from that batch. It was funny to see mom and dad come in with 200+ bottles for barbq sauce.

[palerider]

we are at odds here over the tv and computer, the mrs could do w/o the computer and i could do w/o the tv, i see the computer essential to communication and learning, tv i enjoy a couple of shows, food we buy on sale, i love to see the checkouts faces when you go up with 20 jars of peanut butter or 15 boxes of cereal

[nell67]

Join a coupon club,like coupon mom,not only can you trade for coupons you have,but they also list all the local sales ads,and recomend which coupons to use with which sale to get the most out of your coupons,many times that equals free.
I switched to a pay as I go cell plan,and knocked about $70 off my phone bill a month,my internet is cable,a little higher I guess,but I switched the home phone to Vonage for $24 a month,with free long distance anywhere in the US,and save about half off just the basic for a regular landline.

I use the rewards cards at certain gas stations to save at least 6 cents off each gallon of gas (don't have to use your REAL name,they don't check that anyway).

Go to the Amish for some bulk food items,and one even has a dent and bent can store,at least half off those items,plus everything I grow and freeze or can saves tons of money there on food.

I gleen farmers fields to feed the animals,and sometimes there are commercial greenbean fields and tomatoes fields that the farmers allow you to gleen from as well.

[trax]

Do as if you were rich.
Spend as if you were rich.
Only surround yourself with wealthy individuals.
Talk about money, as if you had plenty.

And money will come to you, instead of you chasing it.
Chase it, and it will evade you...consume you...own you.

HEY! I tried that, now I'm brokelol

[laughingbeetle]

If you can't pay for it up front, don't get it. I use a pay as you go phone, shop the sales, and use what I already have. I have an excellent sewing kit, so while I do not make my own clothes, I do keep them in good repair. I only buy new sneakers after I have completely destroyed the old ones. I am wearing the same steel toe boots I bought in 1998. I haven't had a credit card since 1993. No checking account, so no bank fees. Cable, house phone, and computer are on one bill. If there is a big ticket item I want I save up for it. Garage sale season is great for extra camping and fishing gear. When I do buy something new I go for the best quality, so I am not replacing it the next season. That is just my winter boots though. I check the Salvation Army thrift stores for good camping clothes. Why spend bookoo bucks on the latest big name materials that I will likely rip up going through the bush? I am driving a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire; 120,000 mile on it, I bought it in the summer of 2001, it gets 30 miles to the gallon. Since I drive 100 mile a day ( back and forth to work)I do an oil change every 6 weeks or so. I have found that it is cheaper in the long run to have the local dealership do the repairs on my car as it will be done correctly, and the repairs are under warrenty. The groceries are cheaper in the city so that is where I shop for the bulk. I use the stores shopper's club cards, and stock up on the canned goods while I'm at it. I do share a garden with family, and we girls have an extended canning party at harvest time. I could go on and on but I gotta get ready for work.

[laughingbeetle]

Poor is a state of mind, in my humble opinion. If I try to live my life as the pundits on the idiot box say I should be doing, I will end up with ulcers and what all. The life style I choose doesn't require lots of extras, so I don't miss them, never really wanted them. I am happy with who I am. I like who I am, and if I were to meet the Maker right now I would have no regrets.

[Ole WV Coot]

I believe in cash only. I don't owe anything to anyone. I, like Dave Ramsey believe cash is king. If I can't afford whatever now I save for it. I have no credit cards, use a debit card only. Worked lots of OT and retired at 52. Pay $$$ and you can get a discount most anywhere.

[trax]

Pop, right on. I'm cash and carry only.

Remy, one may have chosen to not do those things, chosen to not live the lifestyle your describing, and consciously so, thus have still chosen.

[Alpine_Sapper]

Pop, right on. I'm cash and carry only.

Remy, one may have chosen to not do those things, chosen to not live the lifestyle your describing, and consciously so, thus have still chosen.

there's a big difference between choosing not to, and never having had the opportunity to participate.

Choice implies there was an option there to choose from. Sure, you could have chosen to go make the opportunity, but that's opening up a whole realm of theoretical bull****.

[crashdive123]

The first step in saving money is to know exactly what you are spending it on, and how much you are spending...exactly. Rick did a post on this recently. Keep a log/diary/spreadsheet...call it what you want. Know exactly where your money is going, then you can more eaily figure out what to cut. Shopping around for better prices, even from your current service providers is a good track as well.

[trax]

there's a big difference between choosing not to, and never having had the opportunity to participate.

Choice implies there was an option there to choose from. Sure, you could have chosen to go make the opportunity, but that's opening up a whole realm of theoretical bull****.

You're just no fun sometimes, that's why the other kids always say they have to go home when you come out on the playground y'know.

[crashdive123]

there's a big difference between choosing not to, and never having had the opportunity to participate.

Choice implies there was an option there to choose from. Sure, you could have chosen to go make the opportunity, but that's opening up a whole realm of theoretical bull****.

With very few exceptions, you are who and where you are because of choices that you made. No theoretical reasoning at all.

[Alpine_Sapper]

You're just no fun sometimes, that's why the other kids always say they have to go home when you come out on the playground y'know.

R U CIRIUS? and this whole time I thought it's cause I couldn't afford deodorant...

[Alpine_Sapper]

With very few exceptions, you are who and where you are because of choices that you made. No theoretical reasoning at all.

Well, yes, but I don't ever remember being offered a choice to go hang out at the playboy mansion, ya know? I've made most of the opportunities that I've had, even the ones I let pass. Very few just "fall in your lap". However, that doesn't mean I've had the opportunity to eat $1000 worth of cavier off of Sarah Palin. *sigh*

Some dreams just never turn into opportunity, not matter how hard you stalk.

[trax]

R U CIRIUS? and this whole time I thought it's cause I couldn't afford deodorant...

nooo, I do believe that Cirius is the three headed dog guarding the gates of hell in Greek legend, about the deodorant...umm...no comment.

Hey, you want to go hang around at the playboy mansion?

[Alpine_Sapper]

nooo, I do believe that Cirius is the three headed dog guarding the gates of hell in Greek legend, about the deodorant...umm...no comment.

Hey, you want to go hang around at the playboy mansion?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerberus

And Hugh would probably have me arrested for loitering. I can't afford the cover fee.

[lucznik]

we are at odds here over the tv and computer, the mrs could do w/o the computer and i could do w/o the tv, i see the computer essential to communication and learning, tv i enjoy a couple of shows, food we buy on sale, i love to see the checkouts faces when you go up with 20 jars of peanut butter or 15 boxes of cereal

There are quite a few ways to "watch tv" over the internet. www.hulu.com is one of them. Cut out your $55+ cable/satellite bill and buy yourself a projector for your computer and watch your shows up against a white wall, a white sheet, or a screen. Image quallity can be excellent, the size will be larger than your TV and you won't find a flatter screen anywhere. You can then still watch many of your favorite shows whilst lounging on the couch.

More and more "TV" shows are being added to online viewing sites all the time.

[wareagle69]

we only have dial up though so not an option 400 dollars for the satelite and 50 dollars a month. we pay 35 for the internet now.

[Rick]

I owe so many people. You have no idea. I owe my Maker obedience. I owe my parents respect. I owe my mentors a debt of gratitude. I owe my family eternal vigilance. I owe by friends a debt of thanks and I owe it to myself to live a healthy life.

And you know, I don't mind my debts at all.