What are you doing to save more money?
America Saves Week, an initiative launched by local, regional and national organizations, kicks off Feb. 21.
Its aim is to highlight the importance of saving money, whether aggressively or in small ways. As millions have been forced to take pay cuts, saving has become a necessity. Others are building on a strong foundation and are saving to further secure their future.
The U.S. Savings rate could rise as high as 6 percent in the wake of economic crisis.
How much more are you saving per month or year? Are you cutting daily or monthly expenditures to increase savings or are you investing to reach your goals? What changes have most increased the amount of money you’re able to save.
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48 comments Add your comment
The Coupon Diva
February 17th, 2010
7:30 am
I use coupons in all aspect that I possibly can including grocery, clothes, resturants, movies. Also I take all the clothes that my daughter outgrows and the ones I no longer want and sell them on the ebay store and take them to the consignment shop. We also only eat out once a month.
The Coupon Diva- http://www.thecoupondiva.com
Reds
February 17th, 2010
8:42 am
I plan meals out on Friday of each week, do the shopping on Saturday, and that saves a ton of wasted food. I tend to use 2 packs of chicken per week, cook it in a way that can be used for multiple meals (usually cut into smaller pieces makes it go further), and 1 pack of other meat for some variety. This weekend, for example, I made a beef brisket (which was on sale a few weeks ago, 3.25 lbs for $8), and we ate half on Sunday, and it’s going into chili tonight. This has really been the biggest cost saving measure. We were really bad about “I don’t feel like cooking, so let’s just go out” that is not good for the wallet, the food in the fridge, or the waistline. I’m trying to get into using coupons. I bought my book, and I’m slowly but surely amassing coupons for the stuff that I need. Havent looked at trimming down the cable tv yet, but it’s a thought we’ve had. We just had to buy a new vehicle, so those cost saving measures helped us to where we were able to put $5k down, and it not really hurt too badly… just gotta keep it up!
You ain't frum round here R ye?
February 17th, 2010
8:42 am
I don’t spend as much.
Reds
February 17th, 2010
8:43 am
by “book” i mean coupon holder thingie..
mystery poster
February 17th, 2010
8:57 am
@Reds
A agree about planning meals. I find that when I plan meals for the week and shop accordingly, I spend much less.
From having two kids in college, we had some credit card debt. That’s now been paid off, and the money that we were spending on that credit card is now automatically going from my paycheck into a separate savings account. Haven’t touched it yet, and I hope I don’t have to.
mystery poster
February 17th, 2010
8:58 am
@Reds
I also just bought a new car. I waited until the dealer had a 0% for 60 months deal which saved over $3000. With that deal, I didn’t put any money down.
Sugar
February 17th, 2010
9:09 am
I make a weekly grocery list, and plan my menus according to what is on sale at Publix that week.
I clip coupons.
However, the smartest thing I have ever done is putting in a veggie garden. I have saved SO much money by growing my own veggies.
I also shop at meat markets, and purchase their “family deals”. Pattons Meat Market in Duluth has some great packages for $55. I buy one “deal” about every 6 – 8 weeks, split it all up into individual servings, and freeze it.
Richie Rich
February 17th, 2010
9:17 am
I don’t budget, I eat lobster for dinner and wipe my but with $100 bills.
Eat Healthy
February 17th, 2010
9:22 am
OMG look at the nasty gruel The Coupon Diva is peddling coupons for. Land O mom’s lunch meat??? Are you kidding? That stuff is disgusting and is filled with preservatives. 90% of the food on her site will kill you by the end of the year. Eat healthy folks, don’t eat cheap processed coupon food!!! Wake up America!!!
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
9:27 am
Using less water in my Bong.
Drinking Vodka instead of Scotch.
Moving in with a friend…saving approx $550 per month, bigger living space, garage I dont have to walk too, 4800 Sq ft instead of 1100 (one helluva deal).
Taking advantage of the BK Lounge $1.00 Whopper Jr and the M,W,F 2Whopper Sammys for $3.00.
More one night stands and less dating.
More casual sex and less dating.
Searching out better deals for non-counter medications…tee hee.
Robin
February 17th, 2010
9:29 am
I need all the suggestions I can get for saving money. We can’t seem to save ANYTHING, because we owe so much and/or something always comes up. … car breaks down, must have root canal, etc. Help!
Over it all!
February 17th, 2010
9:45 am
Every time I cut back in one place the cost of something else goes up. I feel like I am just running in circles. Cable bill goes up for the second year in a row. I cut services & they just raise their prices a month later. Price of water has gone up for the second year in a row (gotta have water), gasoline is up from a year ago (gotta have gas). I cut in one place only to be hit by an increase somewhere else. I now shop generic for so much. I plan meals by the sale ads, but feeding a family of 5 (4 boys) is not cheap. I use a gallon of milk every freaking day. Of course no pay raise in 2 years & our health insurance has gone up along with co-pays so we actually bring home less now. I am soooooooooo over it! I feel like I can’t catch a break.
N
February 17th, 2010
9:46 am
Taking brown bag lunches to work 4 days a week. That alone saves $80 a month assuming you go cheap and do a $5 fast food lunch when you go out. If you and your spouse do that you just saved $160 per month or nearly $2k per year.
Thinking twice before buying wants and not needs.
Use restaurant discount sites such as Groupon to save big on eating out on the weekends.
Paying myself first automatically to 401k, roth ira and emergency savings accounts. Setup automatic deductions. When we started the emergency account we opened up an INGDirect account and did $5 per day ($35 per week).
Sladerssan
February 17th, 2010
9:57 am
I am coming up on my 10th anniversary of NO home phone, NO cable and brown bagging my lunch 4 days a week. Because of my sacrifice, I have no debt and am able to save because I spend less. It is changing your mindset on what is necessary and what is luxury. Oh yeah, my health is much better, I stress less and pay less in medical bills.
Daniel B.
February 17th, 2010
10:01 am
I just don’t spend. Eat in. Don’t buy stuff. I keep myself entertained at home.
saver
February 17th, 2010
10:11 am
wow some of y’all have no interest in saving money. I recently graduated from college, and my parents definitely dont have ANY debt from me.. why would they? we are old enough to be paying our own way.. and we should be taught to be responsible with our money and shouldnt be in debt ourselves from it. Ive never had cable and Ive lived on my own for 5 years. To really save money youve got to pick and choose what is necessary and what is not. Buying stuff new, especially cars is definitely not necessary. We all know about coupons and shopping for deals, but Im convinced most of society would rather not use their precious minutes and just buy name brand stuff at full price on credit.
dixie pixie
February 17th, 2010
10:14 am
Now that it is lighter outside, I bike to work–18 miles each way. I have totally cut out junk (convenience) food. Less food, more exercise, less medical bills, less on gas, less on car insurance. I also reward myself. For every pound I lose, I put $1 in savings. We hosted a Christmastime indoor “yard sale”. I don’t have a home computer–ride my bike to the library. I don’t have cable–read a book or do a home improvement project. We tend to recycle just about everything and try to reuse as much as we can.
Another tip: If you like a product, call the 1-800 number on the product and let them know. Most of the time, the company will send you coupons for FREE items.
Get organized: if you can find what you need quickly, you will be less likely to spend money on something you don’t need.
Home Depot offers FREE home improvement classes!
Get a group of volunteers to have “sessions one night per week. This week, you teach people how to make a quick, delicious lasagna. Next week, your friend teaches how to patch drywall. The next week, another friend eaches how to grow tomatoes. . .
Reds
February 17th, 2010
10:28 am
N – wants vs needs… definitely. Still learning that one though.
Saver — you and I (paying for our own college, and my student loans are my only debt) are definitely in the minority. Do I wish my parents would have helped out more? Only when I write that check each money to pay for my loans. Every other time, I’m proud that I did it on my own.
Dixie — just think what it would be like if you did $5 per lb!
That’s what I am trying to do, and that money is going to a cruise next year.
Rana Cash
February 17th, 2010
10:45 am
@ Dixie Pixie You’re on to something. I absolutely love the concept of group activities like the ones you’ve mentioned. Are you and your friends already doing that?
mystery poster
February 17th, 2010
10:46 am
Slightly OT, but during New Years week, one of those morning shows evaluated the cost per pound lost for some popular weight loss programs. Most of them averaged nearly $100 per pound. When you figure that 95% of people who lose weight that way gain it back, it comes out to a pretty poor investment.
dixie pixie
February 17th, 2010
10:53 am
We invested in a used chest freezer–not too large though. We asked the milk company for a few crates and keep our food separated by crates. I don’t have the space to grow a large garden, but I trade with other gardners. I grow tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers. My friends grow potatoes, okra, etc. and we swap. If I don’t have anything to swap, I offer to work in someone else’s garden pulling weeds or something they need and take my “pay” in vegetables.
I also have no debt from college. I paid everything while I was there by becoming a teacher’s assistant. Five or so hours a week grading papers or filtering his email–had my “check” applied directly to my tuition and housing so no taxes were taken out. I also applied for smaller scholarships that nost people wouldn’t take–most people won’t even try for the $25 or $50 scholarships.
Since we are trying to adopt, we put almost a whole paycheck into an account every month. Because this is something we WANT, we have never taken anything out of this account. That is where my $1 per pound lost money goes.
dixie pixie
February 17th, 2010
10:55 am
@Rana–that is they way I grew up and have stuck with it. It seems to work and everybody benefits.
N
February 17th, 2010
10:58 am
The problem with most weight loss programs is they are a quick fix which means you only lose water weight and then gain it back and then some. A healthy and sucessful diet usually includes nutrition and exercise and eating 3 meals a day, not skipping meals. A good book is The Best Life Diet.
BUCKMASTER
February 17th, 2010
11:00 am
@ bongwaterslurpee…
I hear ya man if your member is over 10″ most girls at the Motel 6 will give ya $20 off cause they going to be enjoying the meat rocket express too…..PEACE
lovelyliz
February 17th, 2010
11:02 am
When making an entry in my checkbook, I round up withdrawals and round down deposits. It ads up quickly. Unfortunately about the time I have enough $$ save for Christmas or something special, I have to call the Roto-Rooter man, but at least the $ is there.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:06 am
Cut those expenses is the bottom line.
I use NetZero for my internet access.
I dont have a cellphone. Still us landline.
If going out to eat dont purchase alcohol at restaurants.
Waffle House…use the $5.00 menu.
Kroger has a 3 day sale almost every week. Shop on those days.
Smokers…try the Marlboro “72’s”. Shorter cig, however, one doesnt really recognize the difference. $28. per carton and is a more healthy cigarette.
Just eat a banana or piece of fruit for breakfast.
Stopping the constant spending is the key. Live below your means. Less is MORE!
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:07 am
BUCKMASTER
February 17th, 2010
11:00 am
LMAO!!
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:13 am
At convenience stores, purchase only Gasoline and smokes (BY THE CARTON)!!!!!!! NEVER purchase smokes by the pack…NEVER…never, never!!
RaceTrac is probably your best bet for smokes (BY THE CARTON) and gasoline.
That 99 cup of Joe, every workday, adds up…
52 x 5 (days per week) x .99 = $257.40 annually.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:14 am
Turn down the temp on your water heater just a smidge.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:15 am
Once the dishwasher finishes the wash cycle then open it and let the dishes air dry.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:18 am
Use a 2 blankees and toss the electic blankee.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:30 am
Purchase lighters, Scripto, by the 10 pack at WalMart. They should last all year.
Never purchase BIC lighters as they are manufactured by the French EuroTrash.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:31 am
Use a higher deductible on your Insurance needs…auto, home, healthcare.
Use the FSA deduction.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:32 am
Stop your subscription to the AJC! You can read it online!
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:34 am
Instead of wearing your underwear once, turn them inside out and get another days use. Less washing/drying and they will last longer.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:34 am
Put “taps” on the heel and toe of dress shoes…they will last much longer.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:36 am
Do online bill payment.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:38 am
Instead of Pamper/Huggies etc use an off brand. Your child wont know the difference, they are only gonna crap all in them anyway and your little ones rear-end is no more special than the other babys rear-end.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:42 am
Discontinue your sanitation service. Many common household items are flushable, take your confidential data to work and use their shredder and the rest (as long as there are no identifying markings) can be tossed into your neighbors yard.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
11:45 am
After your wash machine finishes the wash cycle open the lid and let your clothes sit for about 2 to 3 hours…they are much dryer and take less time in the clothes dryer.
mystery poster
February 17th, 2010
11:53 am
@BWS
I was surprised at how little savings it was to increase our car ins. deductible from $250 – 500. Only $36 a year for four vehicles.
As far as not buying coffee but buying cigarettes, you do understand how much you could save by cutting the cigarettes, too?
Rana Cash
February 17th, 2010
12:09 pm
@ Bong How best to manage a commenter who offers a great tip like ‘online bill payment’ along with advice to turn your underwear inside-out. You’re entertaining, and sometimes helpful
.
BongWater Slurpee
February 17th, 2010
1:06 pm
Tanks Rana!! Just tryin to help the needy!!
Clyde A. Lettsome, Ph.D., P.E.
February 17th, 2010
3:18 pm
I look for discounts I already have through my association and club memberships, through my employer, based on my birthday, in my wallet, and etc.Then, I see if I can combine any of those savings with deals and coupons from stores and restaurants.
Clyde – http://www.findhiddendiscounts.com
Molly T
February 17th, 2010
7:22 pm
My family did a garage sale to try to pocket some extra money too. Now every time we no longer have a use for an item we have laying around the house we sell it it online.
A helpful site to use is the virtual garage sale services of tagsellit. We used to use ebay, but the commissions were a pain, and now, selling stuff is free, and people come to our house to pick it up which is fine.
~Molly – http://www.tagsellit.com
Danson K
February 18th, 2010
6:36 am
I use price comparison shopping sites to determine the best and true value of a product. These sites offer options of how to find the best deal from several merchants all in one site.
Danson K – http://www.onewayshopping.com
brandi
February 19th, 2010
8:20 pm
Shopping at Aldi for milk 1.99/gallon, most of the time!!
Frugalbabe
February 28th, 2010
11:13 am
Ok, to start with I concentrated on just one item of savings which has a few brranches. connectivity and communication. First I got rid of my phone landline which I really wasn’t using it since veryone in my house has a cell phone – we don’t even remember our land linenumber! Then, I got rid of the contract cell phone which I had for the family, but payments felt like they were individual accounts since the bill was so extremely high. I started limiting the amount of time I and the kids spent on the cell phone – telling to use it, at least for now, only for emergencies. Then I bought everyone a preapid cell phone – NET 10 to be exact, at Target. The rates are the best ones out there right now, with .10 cts/min & .5 cts/text, 24/7nationwide. Plus, there are no roaming charges, no contracts, no hidden fees, no cancellation charges. The only thing is that to really see the savings we each have to keep the calls at about 300 minutes a month, which is totally doable!! Monthly bill should be no more than $15 each. So, just by making these changes I’ve been able to save about $150 a month!!