Penny pinching hints and tips (page 4)

Junction-Guy

Thanks for all your tips.

Here is something I used to do when I was surviving on minimum wage.

I used to buy cheap tennis shoes at Dollar General, they were white leather/vinyl. Once the shoes became dull looking, I would take Easy Off oven cleaner and wipe them clean with a rag, the shoes would look almost brand new again.

And yes Im cheap.

JWdaughter

My husband is in the reserves. We use the commissary, which saves a lot of money. We get very affordable life insurance for me that we have purchased through the AF. I freecycle in both directions. I love to read, and am not shy about garage sales, thrift stores etc. to get books and other items. I have very little use for $dollar stores, they are a good place to buy things you don't really need. Online bill paying is free and easy. From past experience, I have always been happier with second hand cars than new ones. Not icky old ones, but good, newer dependable cars that are what I need. Just don't smell brand new. I have had better luck with maintenance on them also. Find a mechanic you can trust, if you know you can't do it yourself.

JWdaughter

My husband is in the reserves. We use the commissary, which saves a lot of money. We get very affordable life insurance for me that we have purchased through the AF. I freecycle in both directions. I love to read, and am not shy about garage sales, thrift stores etc. to get books and other items. I have very little use for $dollar stores, they are a good place to buy things you don't really need. Online bill paying is free and easy. From past experience, I have always been happier with second hand cars than new ones. Not icky old ones, but good, newer dependable cars that are what I need. Just don't smell brand new. I have had better luck with maintenance on them also. Find a mechanic you can trust, if you know you can't do it yourself.

truthsearcher

NEVER pay retail

Get acquainted with the local thrift shops

Don't eat out too much

Give up alcohol and cigarettes

sweetstuff

Turn off and unplug any electrical appliances when they aren't in use. Dont' have your place lit up like a airport runway strip, if you aren't in a room, turn off the light.

Like some of the posters mentioned, don't throw out food, make a sauce, cake, muffins, something with it. Buy staple groceries in bulk, canned tomatoes, flour, vanilla. Saves from paying a large price for a small bottle or package more often.

Cut down on long distance plans, cell phone plans, cable by bundling a package.

Buy clothes at the end of the season, pretty much everything will be on sale.

I color my own hair, I am not paying 100.00 for what I can do for 8.00.

Actually, hmm, forget this, I'ma going find me a rich man, and get spoiled!

Junction-Guy

Maybe I will find me a rich woman-LOL

sweetstuff

Good plan Junction!

SnakesInTheTower

hey scully, about the banana bread. I always use ripe bananas for that or smoothies. I sometimes have issues with my banana bread being a bit dry. I think my oven runs hotter than advertised on the dial. Any suggestions (I am using a recipe from Joy of Cooking).....???? (and yes, this bachelor actually can cook and bake, at least from a recipe)

back to the topic....as for other money saving tips. I have been thinking about buying a new car. My current one just got paid off in June. 5 years old 150,000 miles (bought brand new)..... starting to show its age. Before I started down that path, I took the car to have it detailed today. $150. All day job...they shampooed the carpets and upholstery, degreased the engine and compartment, detailed everything.... that car looks nearly new. Bet it would have added $1000+ to the resale value had I been selling it. Nope, not trading it in or selling it after all... its all clean again.....$300+/month saved...

if you like to eat out and like to try new restaraunts (US only as far as I know), try this web site: http://www.restaurant.com/ Once you sign up (no fee), you can get access to tons of restaurants buy buying discount certificates (usually $25 certificate face value for $10...usually have to buy $35 worth of food..but still, $35 worth of food for $20....good deal)...but in my email today they are offering $25 certificates for $4. THIS IS LEGIT. Pay for it online and print it out on your printer and take it to the restaurant. I have used it before to try an Indian restaurant. great way to try new places/cuisines.

SnakesInTheTower (of the "loves to eat, loves to eat cheaply" Sheep Class)

PEC

http://www.restaurant.com/ is a joke, it is not ready for primetime, there was a total of one restaurant on the list in a 5 mile radius of me. I live in San Diego, CA, Google maps shows more than 750 restaurants in that 5 mile radius.

Philip

HAL9000

Turn off and unplug any electrical appliances when they aren't in use. Dont' have your place lit up like a airport runway strip, if you aren't in a room, turn off the light.

Also turn appliances OFF not to standby. Walk around the house & look at all those little red lights telling you "wasting power".

Replace incandescent lights with the new fluoro types: you can get compact fluoros now that replace those little halogen lamps that eat power.

h9k aka "Prince of Darkness"

Penny pinching hints and tips

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