Tell us the last thing you did to save money

[amaranthe]

With the economy like it is, what with gas prices being so high, and money always seeming to be so tight for alot of people, I thought it would be interesting to hear what other people's penny pinching ideas are. So, tell me, what is the last thing you did to save money?

Mine was when I went to town with the kiddos this week, rather than stopping and getting them a snack and drink at a convience store, I brought along a small cooler with ice and kept drinks and cut up fruit and veggies along with dip for us in there for us. Since we were going to be gone a while, (pool, library, park, running errands, etc.) We munched on them off and on all day and it was much healthier and much cheaper than convience store fare.

So, tell me....what's the last thing you did to save money?

[SharonA]

I shop at three to five different places to get my grocery/personal items for the week/month. I took off early yesterday morning before the heat of the day hit and after rush hour, and went to three stores plus a Pharmacy where I buy Prelief. Thus saving gas by doing my shopping all in one trip plus doing comparative price shopping. While at one grocery store, I bought several packages of meat/chicken/pork that were in the Manager's Special area. That is where the meat that is getting close to it's "best if used by" date is located and the prices are usually reduced to at least 1/2 price per pound. One of the stores I went to is a member's only bulk item store. There, I bought several items that, if I had bought at a regular grocery, would have cost at least 20 cents more per can for store brands and around $1.00 more per can for the name brand I bought in bulk.

Today, I have the job of wrapping all the meat I bought yesterday to put it in the freezer plus reorganizing my pantry so I am able to store the bulk items. The money I saved yesterday is well worth the work I will be doing today.

[ICNDonna]

We live in the country and I've cut my trips to town to save on gas. And we combine trips --- if we have a doctor's appointment, we make a list and stop for groceries on the way home. And if I need just one item, I started walking to the little store a half mile away. Also, I just changed checking accounts so I can pay some bills on line with no charge for the service, thus saving postage.

And I never, ever pay full price for clothes. I wait for sales.

Donna

[Wolfe]

There's only two of us, and my stepson on weekends, but we do the bulk of our grocery shopping at the wholesale club. It's so gratifying to get a package of ground beef that's four times the size and only twice the price of the regular grocery store. When we get home, I divide the meats into meal-sized Ziplock bags and stock the freezer. Even milk, eggs and butter are such a bargain there!

We also have a garden and grow as many vegetables as we can. We have several meatless meals each month too: homemade macc and cheese or broccoli souffle.

Honestly, the most usual thing I do to save money is cut back on my meds. I skip the noon Elmiron, as long as I'm feeling okay, and make a script last a couple weeks longer. There are many meds I can't do this with, but I can with Elmiron and my pain meds during the summer when I always feel better.

[snowgirl]

We live in the country and I've cut my trips to town to save on gas. And we combine trips --- if we have a doctor's appointment, we make a list and stop for groceries on the way home. And if I need just one item, I started walking to the little store a half mile away. Also, I just changed checking accounts so I can pay some bills on line with no charge for the service, thus saving postage.

And I never, ever pay full price for clothes. I wait for sales.

Donna

I like what Donna says never pay full price for clothes. wait for sales. NOw that I am on Ss Disability I understand that even more so. I did have to buy something for a wedding the pants were 50% the shirt was not on sale but I figured the pants I did good with. Vicky

[mary124]

I go to the grocery stores/wholesale clubs once a month-usually Saturdays-and I stack up on everything. The only things that I can't buy on a month basis is fresh fruit and milk. I usually pick them up on the way home- as there is no store within 15 miles from our house. (I like to say we live out in the Country but the city is coming out to us!)

[Claredale]

Great idea for a post!

Hubby and I have started riding together pretty much every day. We work for the same company, but are just 5 minutes apart. So that leaves my SUV at home in the garage. I think on average, we are filling the tank on my SUV every 2 months now and just driving the Accord as much as possible.

Another good idea suggested by one of my neighbors is that several of us have plants that needed to be thinned out so we have swapped our perrineals and even a few bushes which meant I haven't bought a single plant this year. I have bags of extra monkey grass and ivy that I have given away as well.

I have never spent full price on any clothes since I wait for the end of the season sales to wear the next year. Same for hubby. So what if we are a year behind in our styles.

Now that most of my company's employees are all in the general area, most of the restaurants and fast food places give us a discount, so that helps tremendously. We have also discovered some of them have email mailing lists where they send coupons out. Lots of 2 for 1 meals whenever possible. I also shop for my veggies and fruit at the farmer's market on the way home now. We don't eat much at home since we don't fix dinner anymore. With hubby's stomach issues, I usually eat a bowl of cereal if I am hungry. Wwe are empty nesters, so it's just the two of us, so that makes a huge difference!

It's actually been kind of fun figuring out how to save money.

Looking forward to reading other people's ideas!

T83

[sandymarie]

We bought one of the Wahl hair cutting kits and since all the men are mostly cutting off all their hair in the summer time here. I cut my husband's hair thus saving 15.00 a month. To be truthful I am getting pretty good. A lot of his friends are asking who cuts his hair, they like it. I never agree to do that though. Also using smaller watt light bulbs saves quiet a bit in the rooms we hardly use. Like Donna said , we also get as many errands done in one trip rather than 3 or 4. It gets more tiresome on the days we go, but others are more restless.


JJ

[SandyRN]

I sucked it up and went to Aldi super market. I'd never been there before but I was pleasantly surprised. You have to bag your own groceries, but I walked out of there with a HUGE overflowing buggy full of food for 157.00!!! I was so tickled...then, after I unloaded all of that I decided to go to Dollar General for all my toiletry items like deodorant, toilet paper and walked out with laundry stuff, cleaners, and generic ibuprofen and tylenol for almost nothing. I figured I'd saved well over 100 dollars that day. The food will last a few weeks, the stuff I got at Dollar General will last all month...and many of the things I bought are name brand items, just SO much cheaper than at the grocery store.

[Claredale]

Don't mean to change the direction of this post. I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention about watching out for yourselves when you are out. I live in a pretty quiet town and my neighborhood is much like what I grew up in where neighbors watch out for each other, etc. But there has been some instances where lawnmowers and things being taken out of garages and sheds. Plus I know 2 women at my church that's purses were taken during our worship service Sunday night.

The ecomony is of course bringing out the sticky fingers in people that ordinarily would never do such a thing (I would hope).

[dyno]

We combine trips for things as much as possible. I also will do a lot of my shopping for gifts online during sales. I save money and gas that way and many times I wait for the free shipping.

[SandyRN]

Jolene, you reminded me of something. I do almost all my gift shopping online. I save gas, time, energy, etc and can get the gift mailed to it's destination without shipping charges most times. I also get many of my books online so I don't have to make a trip to the book store. I love Amazon....they have EVERYTHING you could possibly think of. This week I was pondering a drive to the pet store that sells Frontline Plus tick/flea prevention for my dogs. I hate going there because it's just a hassle of a drive. I looked on Amazon and found what I was looking for for about 20 dollars less than what the local store would have charged me and about 30 dollars less than the vet!

[Wolfe]

I have also found that I turn things off a lot more. If I am in the kitchen, I no longer leave the television on for background noise unless I know I'm going to go actually SIT within the next 5 minutes. (Love those new "curly" light bulbs! They never burn out, give great light, don't give off heat, and take less energy!)

I also discovered that as the day cools, I turn the air conditioning on just long enough to bring the house temp down to equal temperature, then turn it off, open all the windows and turn on the ceiling fans. Hubby works in heat all day and WANTS his air conditioning, but by a little sleight-of-hand, he hasn't even noticed that it isn't running!

[ICNDonna]

I turned off the "dry" feature on my dishwasher.

Donna

[mary124]

Where we live we somehow have a breeze most of the time, so when i am home long enough, usually on Sundays I open up all my windows for the better part of the day, then when it gets too hot I will turn on the A/C. Also when it comes to taking Emzy to the vet, I go a little out of the way, ( again living out here in the Country, so everything is in town) but its so worth it, as her shots, heartworm meds, etc are less than 1/2 price then they are at the Vets office.
My husband and I also drive into town each morning -- his job requires that he drives most of the day while my job is an office job. The only problem with that is if I have doctors appointments sometimes its a hassle, but with the gas prices here ($4.00 a gal- know its a lot higher in a lot of places but still).
When it comes to reading, I will go to the half-price bookstores as like the last time I went I bought 7 books for less than $20.00
Also a lot of times since we don't use a lot of dishes we wash them by hand, if I do put them in the dishwasher I turn off the dry cycle.

[ICNDonna]

I get most of my reading material from our local library.

Donna

[mary124]

Donna: thats the best place to go for your books, granted, but we don't have a library in our little town- but they are building one! I can go to the next city over but it would case me a nice big fee as I don't live in that city; and the few friends that I know of who lives there, they don't read a whole lot so they don't go to the library all that often.

[amaranthe]

Love all the tips! You guys have some great ideas! Keep em coming!

I started trying to hang out some clothes on the line several times a week. Also, I had my husband change the oil in my car last week instead of taking it in to have it changed like I usually do. Another thing I do is when I get a run in a pair of stockings, I cut off that leg, and wear them with another pair that had a run that I cut the leg cut off. :) (Only thing is, I cant wear them during a flare, when my bladder is too sensitive to wear ANY hose, but other than that, works like a charm!)
I also save the cereal bags to use for wax paper. (That one is probobly one of my cheaper things. Cracks my DH up! But hey, it works!)

[Claredale]

Regarding books. I work in a large complex and all the ladies have started putting books in the bathrooms when they are done with them. Some have people's names in them, others don't. Some of them even have ratings and info like if you like romantic comedies, you will like this one. We just have book exchanges and magazine exchanges all the time. I love to read so I had a ton of books sitting at my house, so I brought them up here. I go check out other buildings bathrooms as well. It's really a neat idea!

T83

[mary124]

I too have a little group of people who I really don't know but after reading a book, I give them to my sister and from there it gets passed along, all in all most times there is a least 4 other people who gets to read it.

[ICNDonna]

Another thought is maybe talking to someone in your church about a book exchange. Or any organization you belong to --- I belong to a spinning club and we bring books in to share. And when everyone is finished, I take them to our little community library.

Some people have exchanges in their neighborhoods. I have a friend who lives in a tiny community where there's no library --- a lady there put a bookcase in her garage where people can take books and swap for others. The last I heard she has added shelves!

Donna

[snowgirl]

Regarding books. I work in a large complex and all the ladies have started putting books in the bathrooms when they are done with them. Some have people's names in them, others don't. Some of them even have ratings and info like if you like romantic comedies, you will like this one. We just have book exchanges and magazine exchanges all the time. I love to read so I had a ton of books sitting at my house, so I brought them up here. I go check out other buildings bathrooms as well. It's really a neat idea!

T83

books in the bathroom. Now that is a good idea Tracey. Still don't think that is how your employer got fortune 500 employer could have been a little perk though. Vicky

[sailawaygrl]

I wash clothes at night to keep the dryer from overheating the house in the day and the dishwasher too. I read that if you make sure your dishwasher is full you actually save water by using it rather than hand washing them. My water bill has gone down about $5 a month since I started this. I aslo unplugged appliances that we usually leave plugged in whether in use or not (mixer, blender, toaster etc.) I read about that also- they use electricity even when they are "off".

I also shop at Aldi (Sandy-did you know most of their products are brand name packaged for them and they have a 100% garantee of satisfaction) and use coupons for name brand items at other stores-Family Dollar actually accepts coupons too.

I like trying to save money, I look at it as a challenge and then plan what I do with the savings--like take a cruise!! My favorite vacation and my goal to feel well enough to go on in 2009!!:woohoo:

Sandra

[Claredale]

Sandra, I hadn't thought about the dryer idea. That is a great one to start. I am so thankful to read these tips!

Hugs, Tracey

[amaranthe]

I found a great store in my town a few weeks ago that is owned by an former interior designer. It is a consignment shop for home furnishings! :woohoo: It is SO cool! They have things like pictures, oil paintings, accessories, oriental rugs, lamps, crystal, china, etc. even trees all on consignment! And best of all, she is really picky about what she takes so it's not like someone's garage sale cast offs. I got a silk tree there just like one I saw at a retail store that was over $200, but I got it for $40 and a huge landscape style oil painting in a really pretty frame for $38 :woohoo: Definately will be going back there! :D

Love all these ideas! The one about the books was great!

[SandyRN]

I forgot to mention that I get a lot of books from book trading sites online. They only cost the price of postage for media mail. I posted the sites once before but I'll put them here again for all you readers. It's not a sales site, it's just book trading. You put your books you don't want on a list, and people pick from your list, and you pick from others. At first you can buy credits which is STILL a major bargain or you can just use the first credit you get by adding 10 books to the list. The directions are easy.

www.paperbackswap.com
www.frugalreader.com
www.swapadvd.com for all you movie lovers!

[Briza]

Well, personally I have been making a lot of rice and pinto beans from scratch and that saves a lot of money!! and there is a tortilla factory in town that makes great corn tortillas, which I prefer to flour tortillas.. Luckily I like to make AND love to eat pinto beans w/ corn tortillas or cornbread, and they are a cheap protein alternative, and when eaten with rice, even just plain old white rice, the combo of the two ( beans and rice) create a complete protein.
Also trying to only buy the fruits and veggies that are in season has helped. I don't like many frozen veggies, but I pretty much like frozen spinach as well as I do fresh steamed spinach, and the frozen spinach is cheaper and goes farther. I top it with nuts and some ricotta or other cheese I can tolerate for a snack, or sometimes even a meal if I include a piece of whole grain toast.
And as others have mentioned, I try to consolidate my shopping trips when I go into town, where before I would just crank the engine and go whenever I felt the need. Those days are over :(
And one more thing...my lime tree finally produced limes this year, small limes (mexican or key limes, depending on where you live) so I'm not having to buy those this year :)...luckily I can tolerate citrus.
But for those of you following my stolen lawnmower story....I finally bought a new one, and mowed 1/3 of the grass (4ft high) and then asked a friend to come finish it...well he completely destroyed my mango tree that I have been babying for 4 yrs...I got ONE mango off it last year and am sad to say now that that was probably the one and only mango it will ever produce. boo hoo
:(Bri

[Wolfe]

I finally broke down and started washing clothes on cold/cold instead of warm/cold, and they really do come out just as clean. My husband is going to put a clothes line up for me this weekend. Gee, I had forgotten that my dishwasher even has a "dry" feature!

For those of you starting book exchanges, you could easily spend hours browsing the "sale" section of Barnes & Noble online where they have books for as little as $3 each. I too exchange them with friends. Also, my friends save money by coming to me because I have a DVD recorder and I put all the good movies and TV on discs for them to borrow.

Some of us are so good at cutting corners that now, when things seem tighter, it's difficult to find a corner to cut! But I guess that just means we're good at what we do. I really appreciate all the tips here!

[Claredale]

I remember when I used to help my grandmother hang clothes out on the line when I used to spend summers with her up in Pennsylvania. Our city ordinances don't allow clothes lines, so that isn't an option for me. But I did run a couple loads this evening. I wash most of my clothes on cold anyway. It's just better for them. Even the towels, because the heat from the dryer kills any bacteria.

I was telling my husband about this post and he said something that he was doing. He is no longer going to gas stations that use ethanol. Even though we hear that using ethanal is better for the environment, in the long run it isn't as fuel effecient for your car. He has been keeping up with the gas mileage since where we normally get gas has 10% ethanol. He said changing to regular gas has improved our gas mileage to 3 to 4 miles per gallon and the cost in most cases is either cheaper or close to what we paid before. I never knew that there was a difference between gas stations. I just thought that whichever one was the easiest to get to was the one to use. He is also researching "hyper driving" which is all new to me. So far I know it has to do with watching your RPMs and not using your cruise control as much.

I have also started unplugging appliances in my kitchen. It's not like I use those too much anyway! LOL! My husband calls it the museum room at our house. As I have said, we are empty nesters, so cooking is rare at my house. We eat a nice lunch and the snacks in the pantry don't require much preparation.

T83

[ICNDonna]

EEEEK! I'm getting cabin fever from not going anywhere! We live in the country and have been limiting our driving. I've been used to driving 14 miles if we're out of ice cream, but now I wait until there's something really necessary before I go.

Donna

[amaranthe]

EEEEK! I'm getting cabin fever from not going anywhere! We live in the country and have been limiting our driving. I've been used to driving 14 miles if we're out of ice cream, but now I wait until there's something really necessary before I go.

Donna Same here, Donna! I think cabin fever is reaching epidemic proportions right now, what with gas prices being so high!

T83- I read that somewhere too about electrical appliances still using energy when they are plugged in, even though they are turned off, b/c they are sort of in a suspended "sleep" mode, ready to be at our beck and call. So, I've been trying to remember to unplug mine too, though admittedly, I am not very good at remembering alot of them. But alot of them, like my sewing machine, the tv in the guest room, the coffee ma\\ker (since we just use it when company comes), etc. can stay unplugged for a long time and never be missed or noticed.

My Aunt swears she saves a bundle by putting a timer on her hot water heater to go out at 10pm and come back on at 5 am. She says there's no point in paying to keep it hot all night when no one is up using hot water in the middle of the night! I haven t done this one yet, but plan to. Makes sense to me!

I also try to be careful now when I DO buy clothes anymore to make sure they arent Dry Clean only. I do have a few suits that are, (and of course everybody needs a navy and/or black suit, and it's pretty hard to find a nice suit that is machine washable! :)) But, other than that, I try to stick only with things that can be washed, and am not wearing my Dry clean only stuff as much these days.

[Wolfe]

Wow! I LOVE the hot water heater idea! I have a time that's just sitting around not doing anything. I'm going to go tell my husband right now. Thanks!

(Donna, I always thought ice cream was a necessity?)

[c2miracle]

Dollar stores and Goodwill are fun places to shop! My oldest daughter found a prom dress at Goodwill last week for only $5. Now thats a DEAL!!!! :smile tee
I even found a nice suit jacket from a well known designer, that was only $8. :woohoo: Take Care. Think Positive! :flower:

[ICNDonna]

Well, I did give up and go get some ice cream! However, we needed a few other things too. :smile tee

Donna

[mary124]

Goodwill is a good place to shop; I can't find anything for me (probably don't have the patience to look- as I know people have told me between there, Ross and Marshall you will find stuff at low prices! - but again I don't have time and patience with anything!!)
However, my Sister bought a dress (at Goodwill) for a Wedding (Mother of the Bride type) for only $15.00; just the other day she was looking for something and she found a Washer behind the trash barrells and it worked - she paid nothing for it!!

[amaranthe]

I love Goodwill too! Though it is pretty much hit or miss there. But, when you "hit", it is always a big hit! The only thing I hate is that clothes arent grouped together by size or anything, so you have to look at ALL the dresses, or whatever! But, when I have the time, I love finding a great bargain there. Cant beat a dress for $5 or a purse for $2 or $3! :)

I got a really pretty royal blue dress there a few weeks ago and a great tiger print one too. For me, with the IC and the meds, my weight constantly fluctuates, and can go from one extreme to the other, unfortunately. Who can afford to go buy a new wardrobe at the mall with every weight change? I cant, anyway. So, Goodwill and the consignment stores save me there.

[curlette]

Hi Sweetie, What I've been doing is taking my own satchels when I go shopping, they charge us a nickel per plastic bag if you don't bring your own. I also cut coupons, buy in bulk when sales are on, ask for 10% discount if I buy anything by the case and it's not on sale, we've cut back on fruits & vegies, only buy locally now, cause everything has sky-rocketed up here in price. Gone back to baking my own bread with the BreadMaker, can't believe how much all the ingredients have gone up, but it's still cheaper than what they charge for a loaf in the store. Basically making do with all the necessities, but really watching all the munchy stuff and foods that don't have nutritional value, like soda, not buying nearly as much as I used to. Some interesting tips here. Thanks for this Post and drop me a line to fill me in on how your summer is progressing.
Hugs & Prayers,
GBU

[Bessie]

I open up credit accounts at the stores I shop at the most. The stores will usually give you a 10% discount on your first purchase and then as you use your store credit card they will send you lots of coupons. I have received coupons for 10-50% off and some for $5.00-$20.00 off. Now of course you have to be disciplined and not spend more than what you normally would buy but the extra coupons have really saved me lots and lots of money.

Another thing I do is when it comes time for Wedding gifts, New Home gifts, Birthday gifts, etc. is shop at Bed Bath & Beyond because they always have 20% off coupons and sometimes even $10.00 off coupons. If you buy a gift that is on the registry they will even wrap it for free and attached a small gift tag. I went last week to buy a friend some gifts for her Bridal Shower and her Wedding. My total was around $90.00 and after I used my 4 coupons I only paid about $60.00 for 4 nice gifts. I got a spice rack, a 10 piece Pryrex set, a beautiful glass pitcher, and a set of 12 wine glasses. And the best thing.....I don't have to wrap them. That alone saves so much :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: Bed Bath & Beyond will let you use multiple coupons and they even take expired ones so I save them up.

I watch cereal boxes for great little gifts. If you save the little tokens you can get some cute stuff for free. I got a Barbie radio with headsets for 6 tokens. I did not even have to pay for shipping.

And remember if you ever get bad service when you are shopping take the time to email or call the corporate headquarters. I recently had bad customer service at a store I shop at too much :) and sent an email about it and the company sent me a $25.00 gift card. I also try to remember to call about good service I receive too.

Look in the newspaper for coupons if you like to eat out. You can usually find some for buy one entree get one free, or buy one entree get the second half off. I always share a meal with my husband if we don't have a coupon to use (he really wants to eat the whole meal himself :lmao:) so when we go out to eat it is pretty cheap.

If your trash service offers recycling service use it. I just started using it and I am amazed at how many trash bags I have saved and I feel good doing my little part to help the Earth :help:

If you ever run out of wrapping paper you can use the comics or the plain brown mailing paper. You can let the little ones draw on it or paint designs. You can also add rubber stamping, stickers, etc.

If you have any outstanding balances on your credit cards that have high interest rates you can apply for a credit card with 0% interest for 6-12 months and transfer the balance. They will usually charge you a balance transfer fee but if you have a large amount left to pay for it will usually balance out.

O.K. one more......I finally this year forced myself to set up a Christmas account. I put away a little each paycheck into our Credit Union and by the time Christmas gets here I will have money to pay for the gifts and not have to charge them. I have the money automatically taken out before we get our paycheck. It will be so nice this year not to have the added stress of coming up with money at the end of the year. :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

I just thought of another one.....I use my Mastercard to pay for everything (other than my department store credit cards) and pay it off at the end of the month. I never have to pay a finance charge and the best thing is they give me reward points. After you save 10,000 points you get about $100.00 in merchandise. It adds up quickly. I will cash in some of the reward points to get some gift cards that I can use as Christmas gifts too. I love getting free stuff!!!

[amaranthe]

Wow, you guys! What a bunch of terrific ideas!

Curlette, we have been trying to buy less soda too. (I'd be embarrassed to tell you guys how much we'd been spending on it! Kids and hubby rarely drink anything but when it is in the house!) So, we needed to be cut down anyway, since it is empty calories. (I can drink some and am okay with lots of ice. But certain ones bother me.) But, still, way better for all of us health wise to cut them back and certainly helps on the grocery bill too!

Bessie, those tips are awesome! I am so glad I started this thread. But, do want to mention one thing...the credit card ideas are great, but only if you use them, like you do, Bessie. My Mom used to do this to get the discount and then cut up the credit card after that. She didnt call the Credit card company, she thought just cutting them up was enough. But, when she went to buy a car, her credit score was much lower than it should have been. They told her it was b/c all those store credit cards counted against her b/c they were still open. Even though she had no balance on them, in the creditors eyes, she had the potential to charge them up, and so that cost her points on her credit score. Now she's learned to cancel them immediately if she doesnt plan on keeping them, not just to cut them up. (Of course, in your case, you use them, but just wanted to mention that for other ppl that might be like my Mom was and just get them to get the discount that day.)

I LOVE all you guys ideas! You rock! Keep em coming, these are great! Thank you all so much!

[Bessie]

Yes, you are right about that. You do have to call and cancel your credit cards or they are considered open accounts. You do have to be pretty disciplined to keep up with all of that but in the long run you can save so much money. If you are doing a large home improvement project and are able to save 10% it can make a big difference.

If you are in the market for appliances, Sears is real good about sending out coupons. I got some in the mail the other day for 10% off of 1 appliance, 15% off of 2 appliances, and 20% off of 3 appliances. Also check the floor models. You can save bunches if they have even a tiny little scratch on them.

Another thing people can do is to request a copy of their credit report. I think by law you are entitled to one free copy per year? It ususally will have 3 different credit reporting agencies listed. It is good to check them all 3 against each other to make sure they all have the same information.

O.K. if I think of any other ones I will post them later. It is fun coming up with new ways to save money. Thanks for starting this thread :hi:

[Bessie]

Here's another money saving tip:
Check out Ebay for coupons and gift cards. I look for baby formula coupons, store coupons, etc. Sometimes if people receive gift cards and don't like the store they are good at, they will sell them on Ebay. Also, you can find baby clothes and toys on Ebay for great prices. If you can get them in lots you can do even better :)

[hdb1982]

Since I am without ins at the moment I have found a way to save 130 on one rx. My normal rx for Percocet 10/650 1 x 4hrs is 249.00. If my dr writes it for Percocet 5/325 2 x 4hrs(same total mg only diff is 2 instead of 1 every 4 hrs) it is only 118.00. So for the EXACT SAME MG PER DAY. I save 131.00 per month. So call your pharmacies those without ins and see if it is cheaper to get a lower mg just more pills. Thankfully the pharmacist told me this or I never would have thought to ask. I know prices change from pharm to pharm but never thought that 360 5mg Percocet would be 130 cheaper than 180 10mg Percocet. In my mind, more pills=more money but I guess my thinking is off.

[Bessie]

Wow, that is an amazing savings on your prescription. Can you use the generic or do you have to use the brand name? I know with my thyroid medicine my doctor told me to always use Synthroid and not the generic. I have had reactions to the generic of Synthroid and also my high blood pressure medicine Altace. :mad: I wish I could use the generic on those because it would save me lots of money.
I have heard that Costco has great prices on prescriptions and you don't have to be a member to use the pharmacy. You can go online and even check out the prices for the medications. I have not used them yet but I will be looking into it to see if I can save more.

[amaranthe]

Heather, that is AWESOME that you saved so much on the rx! It is always a good idea to check online for printable coupons and rebates for r/xs too! Lots of times they have $10 off or even $25 off or free trials for 1 week or 1 month. Definately worth a look! Also worth checking for coupons for OTC stuff. They frequently have coupons for $1- $ $2 off. It all adds up! This site is great, it lists almost all of them: http://www.internetdrugcoupons.com/

Some examples of what it has: Ambien 7 day trial and $20 off reusable coupon
Lunesta 7 day trial
Cymbalta 14 free pills
Kadian $20 off coupon
Topamax 42 pill trial
Ultram Er $25 coupon
Skelaxan $30 coupon
Provigil 1 week trial (7 pills)
Chantix (Save $30)
Vesicare $25 Rebate
Flomax 1 week trial
Elmiron $20 rebate
Detrol La 30 day free supply
There are a whole bunch more too! I think the site lists ALL the drug mfgs coupons out there at the time both r/x and OTC! :D Pretty cool, huh! Hope it was okay to list that. If not, please let me know! Just know that it would help a bunch of people, since most everyone here takes meds, and you can use the rebates and coupons even w/ insurance, since it saves on your r/x copays out of pocket amounts. Hope this helps!

[hdb1982]

Oh, I am sorry. That is for the generic. Almost unbelievable isn't it!

[Bessie]

Oh my goodness. I wonder what the brand name would cost? The price of medicine is going through the roof.

I did go to that website and I have signed up for several coupons. There is one for Ambien Cr that can save you up to $100.00 :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: That is amazing. :)

[mary124]

My sister and my son went to a "day old bakery" and bought a few things; my son noticed a sign on the wall that said something like "discount to Military Persons" and he asked the clerk about that he told him he needed proof so he pulled out his ID and they got 10% off on whatever they bought and they also received a punchcard for 10 purchases and with that when is used up they get another 10% plus 2 free items of their choice. I think I need my son to go with me to this place.

On the prescriptions I signed up for rebates on a couple of medications one is Vesicare and the other one is Lamictal- with the Vesicare I get $25.00 coupons which is the same for my co-pay so I pay nothing! and on the Lamictal I have some coupons for $20.00 off -copay is $35.00 so its $15.00.
My cardio doctor's office gives my husband samples of one of his medications and in the 3 years that he has been on it I think we had to get it filled 2 times, other than that every other week or so when I go in to get my PT/INR checked she gives me a handful of samples so like right now we have over 3 months of supply.

[amaranthe]

I hope it is okay to post this. (Wasnt sure, but hope it is ok. If not, I will understand if it is deleted), but I think it is okay.(crossing fingers.)

Wanted to pass along another tip. There are several pharmacies that give gift cards and cash back for transferring prescriptions there. For example Rite Aid right now is offering a $30 store gift card for transferring one r/x there from another pharmacy. The offer is only good thru the end of the month. (You can always transfer it right back to your reg pharmacy right after you fill your r/x, b/c you get the gift card right then.) Many pharmacys do this fairly often. Walgreens does it about 4 x a year. They just did it in April for $25 gift cards. Kmart does it too about 3-4 times a year, sometimes offering a $25, and sometimes $30. CVS also does it fairly often too, they usually do a $30 gift card too. Lots of Mom and Pop places also offer $$ off for transfers. A pharmacy in my town gives free bottles of Tylenol and Motrin. It always pays to do a quick search online of the pharmacys to see if any of them are currently offering gift cards or cash back for prescription transfers.

Also, (though most ppl are aware of this by now), just in case you are one of the ones that arent, Walmart now offers several r/xes for $4. They have a list of them on their website.

Hope it was alright to post this and that it helps someone save some money. It saved me $30 this month! Plus I got a free bottle of Tylenol and Motrin! :D

[SandyRN]

Hi Sweetie, What I've been doing is taking my own satchels when I go shopping, they charge us a nickel per plastic bag if you don't bring your own. I also cut coupons, buy in bulk when sales are on, ask for 10% discount if I buy anything by the case and it's not on sale, we've cut back on fruits & vegies, only buy locally now, cause everything has sky-rocketed up here in price. Gone back to baking my own bread with the BreadMaker, can't believe how much all the ingredients have gone up, but it's still cheaper than what they charge for a loaf in the store. Basically making do with all the necessities, but really watching all the munchy stuff and foods that don't have nutritional value, like soda, not buying nearly as much as I used to. Some interesting tips here. Thanks for this Post and drop me a line to fill me in on how your summer is progressing.
Hugs & Prayers,
GBU


About the breadmaker, do you have any recipes you could post? I have one gathering dust. I love to make bread in it but I usually buy the made up boxes in the store because I'm not much of a 'baker'. I'd love to try and learn some recipes though if you have time to post them!

I'm loving this thread!

[SandyRN]

Here's another money saving tip:
Check out Ebay for coupons and gift cards. I look for baby formula coupons, store coupons, etc. Sometimes if people receive gift cards and don't like the store they are good at, they will sell them on Ebay. Also, you can find baby clothes and toys on Ebay for great prices. If you can get them in lots you can do even better :)


I shop on Ebay EVERY Christmas for my oldest who I have started a collection of cellos for. He's gotten a different one every year. They're cool replicas, or music boxes, etc...it's neat to start something like that for your kids that they can put on their bookshelves when they have their own places as adults. I like to think that they'll look at those things and think of dear ole mom...sniff! I have also found some collectibles for Tom who is a St. Louis Cardinals fan..don't know why since we live in Charlotte! Anyway, our computer room/office is full of his stuff. (on his half of the room!)

[amaranthe]

I would love to learn to bake bread too! There is nothing like the smell of bread baking! I dont have a bread maker yet, but plan on getting one (used of course! :))

I always do a Christmas ornament for each of my kids every year. When they grow up, they will have them for their own trees. I started it when they were babies, with the Babies first Christmas. Then, each year I add whatever they are into, like one year it was Barney, then Blues Clues, then Fairly Odd Parents, a baseball ornment, Barbie one, (this year I can already tell it will be Ben 10 and Bratz oranaments) I like to think it will be a reminder for all the things like loved as they grow up. Then when they move out they will have them for their own trees. Though I think I will have to start buying 2 of all of them, b/c it will KILL me when they move out to see the tree w/o their ornaments on there!

We also make some ornaments every year too, some to keep and some to give away. Last year we made clothes pin reindeers that were really cute. I LOVE Christmas SO much!

[SandyRN]

It would kill me to let those ornaments go too. I plan to keep all their "first" ornaments after they all move out because I'll have a naked tree without that stuff! LOL That's a great idea about buying 2 and keeping one. I think I might start that this year. Thanks for the great idea! :) By the time my younger two move out they'll have a halfway decent start for their own trees.

[amaranthe]

It would kill me to let those ornaments go too. I plan to keep all their "first" ornaments after they all move out because I'll have a naked tree without that stuff! LOL That's a great idea about buying 2 and keeping one. I think I might start that this year. Thanks for the great idea! :) By the time my younger two move out they'll have a halfway decent start for their own trees.

Hmmm....wonder if I maybe could find an extra of each of the ones I didnt buy up until now on Ebay? Definately gotta do that! (Ironic, huh to be talking about buying more stuff on a thread about saving money!) LOL! But hey, you cant put a price on the memories, can you?

[Bessie]

I did the same thing with my son. I bought him an ornament every year and also a nutcracker. He is now married but I kept all of the ornaments and nutcrackers. He asked me last year if he could take the nutcrackers home with him and I just boo-hooed and said "No" :tsk:
I really need to let him take them so he can start that tradition with his little one. I think that would make a nice Christmas gift this year, but the ornaments aren't going anywhere :lmao:

[georgecoolname]

Lots of ways.

* I shop at thrift stores and they have the best stuff! That's what gets the most complimented on.
* A lady from church cuts my hair for free and actually cuts it the way I like it.
*I go to multiple grocery stores because certain items are lower than others in different ways.
* I have to buy most things on sale, but it saves.
* It's cheaper where my mom lives, so sometimes I bring back food from there.
* I don't have a car, but I bike everywhere. I do have a bus pass and it's 1/2 off through my school.
* I pay online to avoid postage and to pay things on time (if I can) to avoid late fees.
* I camp out or sleep in my car on vacations to save money, plus I buy my own food for most meals instead of eating out every single time.
* I get free food when I volunteer, but that's not why I do it. The same with bible studies and after church on Sundays. Oh yeah, the same with swim races and other potlucks, etc.
* Sometimes I get things for free when people move to the mainland or from my mom at her house when I visit.
* The library here has free magazines and books around. I use them for my scrapbook cut-outs or donate them to the schools or hospitals.
* I use plastic sacks from the grocery store for my smaller wastebaskets
* I use kitchen towels instead of paper towels when I can
* I use tupperware instead of plastic baggies to put food in

Too tired to think of more. I'm loopy from my pain meds.

[Tinkerbell23]

Luckily my job pays us for the miles we drive and i save that money for a "rainy" day. (because even luckier my dad pays for my gas! w/ all my prescriptions i cant afford both) I used to spend $ on a med decaf coconut coffee everyday so i went out and bought a coconut creamer and the large creamer cost the same as 1 coffee. now i make it myself!

[SharonA]

Tennessee has a sales tax free weekend right before school starts. You can buy a computer up to a certain amount along with clothes, school supplies...all sales tax free. How I saved money...I didn't go shopping that entire weekend. :lmao:

[Claredale]

Sharon, I did go shopping over that weekend. I did my shopping for next season's clothes and saved a lot of money, plus I bought snack foods since that is what we normally eat at supper. I also got a purse at JC Penny's doorbuster sale, so it was half off plus no tax, plus I had a coupon. I also went to Bed, Bath and Beyond since I have several coupons and got a start on my next round of wedding gifts and Christmas gifts. I found good prices on picture frames and a pretty lamp at Hobby Lobby. I couldn't stand to "save" anymore money, but I got alot done in the little time I allowed, and definitely didn't go over my budget! I even got hubby and outfit for his golf trip he always goes on over his birthday with the men from our church. He will look almost professional! LOL!

[kadi]

Joined www.bookmooch.com - It's a book trading site. You list the books you want to give away & for each book you send out (usually about $2 if you mail by media mail within the US) you get a point that can be spent on a book you want. Most books "cost" one point, so it's usually an even trade.

Also, today bought a $5 footlong turkey sandwich from Subway. That will make 3 meals for me (lunch, dinner, & dinner tomorrow too!).

Oh, and Safeway sent me some $10 off coupons if I spend $50. They will expire on Thursday, so I'm going to make a run for stock up items today (TP, paper towels, kotex, dry cat food, canned pears, oatmeal) etc. And then I'll buy fresh groceries on Thursday...

[mary124]

We have a tax free weekend here in Texas as well. You don't pay sales tax for any and all items up to a $100.00 (this usually includes clothing items and now they are adding some school supplies like backpacks-) since my kids are out of school, we still go and get new clothes, which I save some money not a lot though. I think ours is next weekend.

[Claredale]

That is how our tax weekend is. Our schools started yesterday, so it is as busy as the day after Thanksgiving. I am amazed at all they put on the tax free list and what isn't on the list is normally on sale. I guess the stores are getting more desparate to sale their end of season stuff as soon as possible.

T

[Angeles]

Things I did/do to save money to balance things out with medical expenses:

1- I had to give away my dog: grooming and vet expenses became too much. (this was hard)
2- Don't drive that much as I used to, to save on gas.
3- Beauty: Color my hair at home!
4- Homede Manicure + pedicure: (sometimes I go for a pedicure, b/c is summer)
5- wax (legs) at home
6- Haircut trimming only, at a place where they allow me to dry my hair there so I don't have to pay $30 for blow drying!
7- Eat at home as much as possible
8- Buy "on sale items" at supermarkets but always try to maintain quality food intake (since already have so many restrictions)
9- Stopped cable, caller ID, call waiting.
10- Car wash less frequently, sorry car.
11- Purchasing suplements online in amounts of 3 that have free shipping.
12- Monitor my bank account constantly to avoid paying overdraft fees (last year I paid many)
13- Do Yoga at home with DVDs as opposed to going to class ( I go once in a while for a special treat)
14- Stopped purchasing things I don't really need....I think twice: do I really need this?

If someone has more tips, please share!

[mary124]

This probably won't help anyone else--but since I have been home from surgery/hospital-my husband goes to the store for us--buys exactly whats on the list-- of course it takes a few phone calls to me as he really doesn't know some of the items that I need (thank goodness for cell phones)- but he actually saves money -when I go to the store I usually buy whats on the list and then some!!

[hdb1982]

Can you use the store gift card to pay for your rx's or are they not good for that? Do you get 30.00 for each rx or for only the first one you transfer?

[Lexie]

I grocery shop and use the pharmacy at Giant Eagle. They have a fuel perks program where you get 10 cents off per gallon of gas for every $50.00 you spend. The pharmacy (which I've visited very frequently lately) sometimes runs specials where you get $1.00 per gallon of gas for every new Rx you bring to them. It really adds up! I filled up my tank for only $30.00 last week :)

Also, since I've been following the IC diet very strictly (since I'm recently diagnosed) I don't go to restaurants anymore or buy coffee in the morning. I used to spend a TON of money at bars and restaurants, especially at lunch during the work week and at happy hour! (I've also lost some weight by eating homemade things -- restaurant meals really pile on the calories!)

I also buy a lot of things on eBay -- mostly clothes. I love to shop at Banana Republic, but it gets really pricey. I'll find something that I like in the store, and then search for it on eBay and get a huge discount. For instance, I found a trench coat that I loved, but it was way too expensive. I didn't want to pay that much -- went on eBay and found the exact same coat (brand new, with tags) for under less then half the original price. Love it -- wear it all the time!

I also go to TJ Maxx a lot -- they sometimes have really good deals on suits and other clothes to wear to work. I can't spend $300 or $400 for a suit. TJ Maxx usually has them on sale at about 75% or more off the original price. Business attire can be so expensive!

Another thing I do, which is fun, is attend auctions and estate sales. My parents love to shop for antiques and I sometimes go with them. At a recent estate auction I got an entire set of dinner ware from the 1950s for practically nothing. My parents have gotten a lot of framed art, glass ware, and lamps -- all really unique and very cheap.

Some other cool things I've gotten from antique stores or auctions at very good prices are:
A leather bound edition of Longfellow's poetry from the early 1900s
A complete set of Mark Twain's works, great condition with colored illustrations
Capri Dot Depression Glass (which I use for every day use)
A fur coat and a leather skirt -- very cool vintage stuff
Other vintage clothes -- I get them dry cleaned and get alterations done if needed. I always get compliments because they're so unique. I have some really cool vintage 1950s party dresses.

An other thing I do is use Amazon.com -- a LOT. I love Amazon. I have a DVD fetish and get used DVDs for a few dollars. Also, Amazon has free shipping.

[Julie B]

I buy a lot of things via Amazon. Not only do they have new books for a penny :woohoo:, you can get bedding, toiletries, groceries, electronics, and a lot of times you can buy in bulk for cheaper than Costco. Also at Amazon, if you find yourself buying multiple things from one seller, you can email them and have them discount the shipping costs. For example, for penny books you still pay the 3.99 shipping, but if you buy four or five from the same person, they might be willing to put them all in a Priority box for $8.00. You get it quicker that way also.

You can also sell your stuff on Amazon. You only pay a commission when you sell - unlike Ebay - and it doesn't take a lot of time. We sold some board games recently on Amazon that were Christmas gifts from years back and never used. We actually got more than the retail price because they were "limited editions!" I just put a Sony DVD reorder on today that I bought but realized I didn't need (my friend just made the DVD for me). I discounted it quite a bit, and will lose a little on that, but it is better than having it sit here and not get anything at all.

I am loving all of these ideas!

[Julie B]

OH another thing.........our local Kroger has a "manager's special" area in the meat department. I check that a couple times a week (it is on my way to pretty much anywhere) and now have a freezer full of meat. I never looked before this economic crunch, but when I finally did, I saw that the meat was perfectly good, most with sell by dates still a day or two in the future!

[Julie B]

I have to laugh.........we sold three more games and the DVD burner! It makes you kind of giddy.....I am going around the house trying to think of what else I can sell! :woohoo:

PS: Does anyone else think like me that in the long run this crappy economy can be good for us? I mean, people are eating food at home instead of restaurants, using less gas, many are walking more, people are playing games with their kids instead of paying someone else to play with them......

And I have been in an emotional war for years about this excessive consumerism at Christmas anyway.......now it is chic to reign in the spending and be creative about presents.

[jaime15]

I have to agree with you, Julie.
The excessive spending had to stop at some point. All the greed got the best of most of us.

I think this is a great thread.

Our ways to save at Christmas....since it's coming up next.....

We are Christian so this year our son will get three Christmas gifts.
The wisemen brought 3 so we can give 3.

In my husband's family we usually draw names. The last couple of years we have found someone we actually know and spend it on them.
This year it is a lady from my MIL's church. She gets $800.00 a month from the government....this is her only retirement. They sent her a letter in Sept. that they had been sending too much and she owed $2000.....to be paid in a certain amount of time. We raised enough to do that........so I know she will be having a hard time adjusting to this new amount......

[Mothergoose]

That is just wrong of the goverment on so may levels, I am glad you were able to help her out with this, I think this happens often but people keep it to them selves, don't want people to know they are having a hard time.

That is what xmas truely is about.

Gog bless you

[ICNDonna]

We don't exchange Christmas gifts in our extended family any more except for the children. Several years ago we decided to avoid the stress and expense of spending hours shopping to try to find a suitable gift for a group of people who don't really need anything! Now we have a row of sacks with everyone's names and we drop in silly little gifts --- it can be anything from a piece of candy to a lottery ticket, but it has to be cheap --- and we have FUN!

The shopping we do is for people who really need help --- and we do take a name from our local "Wish Tree" every year.

Donna

[mary124]

This year, for our family (we are going down to Houston) we picked names-the only ones we have to buy for are the children (16 and under) most of them are getting small amounts of gift cards- my youngest niece will be getting the 'three Princess" dolls that i picked up in January for $1.99 each (they were regularly $15.00 each (the Disney store where I went to was going to close- so I picked up a few things) Also I don't know about anywhere else but the bed and beyond stores will take their coupons even though they expired. You can use more than 1 as long as you have items for each coupon.
We also traded in our cars for new ones, and even though gas is much lower now then it was earlier this year, we filled up last night with less than $15.00 (this is with gas at $2.03 --we put the premium (?) kind every few weeks; and even with that we still saved. The gas prices out here in Austin range from $1.54 to $2.00 for regular unlead.

[Mothergoose]

Gift cards

I know gift cards are everywhere, but they are not as they seem.

Last year my freinds daughter was given a number of gift cards, she was robbed on boxing day when she was going out to buy herself gifts, by having her purse snatched, when thithere is noway to cancel them or anything else happens the cards are gone, they are the same as cash.

Some stores they expire but they don't tell you this.

Some not many, I think this may have changed for most, but not all, you have to spend the amount on the card, they either won't give the extra back, or they won't let you keep a balance on them. This often forces people into spending money to get all of their money off the card.

Last xmas they were giving out the stats for how many people actually cash in the cards.

If buying these for someone make sure they have access to the store it was bought from. My children were given cards to a music store, which is only found in major cities, a 7 hour drive for us, it was a long time before they got to use the cards.

Check to make sure they can use them at their online stores.

Just my thoughts

[mary124]

My sister give my son's g/c to a movie theatre that are all over the place in the Houston area- great gift but there is only one in the Austin area and it was on the South Side---we live about 30 miles north of Austin so it was a few months till they used them. I usually buy the Visa gift Cards this way they can use them anywhere.

[Claredale]

This has been a great thread.

We have been talking in our Sunday School class and at work about what to do about Christmas.

At work we have adopted 2 men (brothers) that truly need help. They have some mental and physical disabilities and live in poverish conditions. The person in our office that has been working with this family actually works with the animal rescue society in their county and she says they are proud and it has been hard to get them to speak much, but she has now given us a list for our entire workgroup to help them...from food, personal items, to blankets and household needs. They also have animals that have had to be taken from them, which was very tough on them. They had many (many varieties), that it was just impossible for them to take care of even though it was their love to do. But they know their pets have gone to good homes and we are going to help them with their pets too so they can keep the ones they have left. It will probably become a year long project for many of us here.

Our Sunday School class is doing something similar but I haven't heard the details yet.

We have 2 sons, and a daughter-in-law. We aren't spending much all. They are grown so it's easier to make drastic changes in our celebrating Christmas this year. It's awesome that we actually discussed going this direction last year since it has become so materialistic. Its more important to take care of people that can't take care of themselves.

We are also giving food to our local food banks because they are so low on how much they have available. Our workgroup used to help sort food out during this time of year and they have told us they don't have enough food for us to even sort, so several of us at work have set up food boxes for the food banks along with the "Toys for Tots" barrels.

I always enjoyed giving my kids things that I know they wanted and through their childhood that made many great memories. Now, this change will turn it around to giving to people that are truly in need.

I have changed my way of thinking and spending too due to the economy. I was watching a show on TLC the family that has 17 kids and growing. When I heard one of the little girls said that everyone should save their money and take care of other people.

This is the beginning of the holidays and I am already feeling more hyped about it then I have in a long time.

Tracey

[Annie2]

Before going to a store or shopping online I ALWAYS check online bargain sharing websites for sales, coupons and promotional codes for online sales. Two of the sites I check are CouponCabin.com (you can search by store name for coupons and promotional codes) and GottaDeal.com (discussion forums here are full of good deals). There are many online sites you can check where people share bargain info. I've saved a great deal by consulting these websites before buying anything. I also have registered with online stores as well as regular "brick and mortar" stores and have given them an email address I use only for shopping and bargain hunting (no spam going to my regular email). I now am regularly notified of special sales, unadvertised sale prices and frequently receive coupons for 30, 40 or 50% off my next purchase. I save a ton using these coupons and online specials for my holiday shopping.

[Mare]

I went to the 99 cent store and found pyridium (phenazopyridene) tablets under the brand name of Prodium, 30 tablets per box for 99 cents. They also had Miconazole Nitrate cream to treat yeast infections for seven days for the 99 cents. I stocked up. I love that store! Hope I am allowed to say that here! I have no personal connection to the store. I just love shopping there.warm regards, Mare:smile tee

[SharonA]

Did you check to see when they go out of date?

[Mare]

Hi Sharon,

The Prodium tablets have an expiration date of 07/09 and the Vaginal cream has an expiration date of 09/10. warm regards, Mare

[Angeles]

there are sites where you can print coupons for OTC and rx medication.

[sailawaygrl]

This was a great thread so I thought we should "bump" it up so our newbies can contribute and learn some things as well.

Sandra

Not sure if I posted this saving tip before but, using the Grocery Game or Coupon Mom can be a terrific way to save money at the grocery stores and chain drugstores.

Anyone else have any tips???

[Cassaundra]

I was reading this about insurance. Since we all have one or many chronic illnesses, I thought that this would be of interest to you guys.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourHealth/battling-the-system-a-patients-tale.aspx?page=1

[amaranthe]

I keep forgetting to check http://www.internetdrugcoupons.com But, I checked today and they had discounts, coupons and rebates for several of my meds!:woohoo: Just wanted to remind other ICers to check that site frequently to make sure you are saving all you can on your meds.

When I checked today, I got the following coupons to save the these amounts: Lidoderm patches: $30 a month, Seroquel: free trial and $75 off 11 months, Estrogel : $20, Elmiron $35 for 4 months.

Hope this helps someone!

[Zygala87]

I have a four bedroom house with a TV in every room. I just found out that even when the TV is off it still is using electric current. I pulled out the electric cord on all of them except the one in our den. I don't know yet if it will help with my bill but should find out next month. I'm shopping now for Christmas gifts, looking at sales. I looked into my closet and found ways to up-date my cloths with scarfs, jewerly ETC. I bath & cut my two dogs nail now instead of taking them to the groomer. Every little thing helps. Hugs, Ziggy

[tigger_gal]

anything that is plugged in draws electricity. you brought up a great point.
Coffee pott
Stove (even if its gas the time is electricial)
Toaster,
Microwave
tvs as you said
lamps
light lights
computers
fax and printers
stero's
basically anything with a plug.

[Zygala87]

Tigger_gal thank you for the list. I did not know the extent of items that continue to use electric current even if they are off. Hug, Ziggy

[ABliske]

Great thread!
1. Goodwill, Target, Dollar Store, & Costco & buy generic!
2. Don't use the heater! We had fires and got free firewood all last winter.
3. Get son's immunization through the county at $15 a shot!
4. get prescriptions through the mail (I believe it save about $5- $15 a month - every bit helps.)
5. my husband cuts his hair, mine, and our son's
6. we eat mostly at home and make our own pizza dough in a breadmaker - just add the ingredients and it does everything
7. camp for vacation
8. don't use laundry dryer sheets and home dry clean clothes that need it
9. bring a lunch to work! wish I could convine my husband to do the same:) He eats at Taco Bell or Burger King a lot so it's not that pricey. He never gains a pound. I'm so jealous.
10. sorry, I don't buy many gifts. I will pretty much only do so for a kid b-day party. I love to give books. I still try to remember b-days and call or send a card.
11. have clothing exchange parties with friends
12. we had canceled cable for a while but now we have direct tv for $35 a month
13. no home phone


My sister has a family of 12 and she...
1. uses www.Grocerygame.com - You have to pay like $6 a month but she thinks it's worth it.
2. has garage sales often and sell things on e-bay
3. has made her own laundry soap (idea from the Duggers on tv)