Since sticking to a budget (or some reasonable facsimile) is an inevitable part of being an adult, I thought we should share our creative money-saving tips.
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I go to the library instead of buying books (or borrow them from the mom and dad lending library).
I dumpster dive for planters, tomato cages and some furniture.
Last time I tried going to the library for books.. I forgot I had them and took them with me to sea.. then lent them out and came home without them, almost two months overdue.
The library loves me. With all the fines and exorbitant price they charged me for the books they must have built a new wing on a library somewhere.
I too like to look down lanes to see what goodies people have thrown out. I always look through craigslist and the buynsell.
I scour the Liquidators etc for things like paint and paint tools (way cheaper than anywhere).
When I plan projects, I eliminate anything that involves work that I can't do myself (or with Mr. P.C.)
I often make gifts.
When I'm ambitious.....menu planning can be a huge savings.
I'm patient when it comes to looking for something I want or need....I usually always end up finding what I want and sometimes even something better than I wanted, at the price I want to pay.
My Liquidation World paint didn't work so well. :( I think it was REALLY old paint because there were wall adhesion issues.
I buy the noname brand on some products to save some money.
I almost only buy clothes when they go on sale or is very cheap.
I save money by not smoking, not drinking, rarely socializing with friends, by not spending money on makeup, by not buying a pair of shoes every week, by not buying tons and tons of clothes that I don't need or wear...
Oh yea....I thought of some more.
I don't go to the movies (although I don't think this is a budget issue....lol)
I don't go to the hairdressers......hate 'em.
I don't get manicures, facials or pedicures. (again....not necessarily a budget issue. I would be embarrassed to show my hands at a manicurists)(//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/12.gif)
Pedicures, manicures and facials...all very expensive. I've never had these yet but yeah, they are pricey when it includes massages!
I actually plan on saving money on massages when I visit this school of massage. It's cheaper and totally budget saving compared to a real masseuse.
I also go to my hair stylist at his home so that I can save money.
I've bought a lot of Value Village clothing and used books over the years. I love Liquidation World, XS Cargo and Army & Navy. It's a game, as I feel totally ripped off if I pay full price for something.
Homemade wine and don't smoke anymore, unless I'm completely hammered.
Speaking of A&N, they have their annual shoe sale today and for the next few days.
It's a game, as I feel totally ripped off if I pay full price for something.
That's what it is for me too Lil Me. I have a friend who has more money than God and shops like there's no tomorrow. I get a sense she's never particularly happy with what she buys. I get a kick out of getting great stuff inexpensively.....or making something out of very little, or re-purposing something.
Stick to one credit card if possible. That way you won't spend as much. Use credit card that rewards you so for every dollar you spend, you'll get something back. Better still, leave that card behind and stick to cash.
Don't go for the Zellers or the Bay or Sears card... they just make you buy stuff you don't need. (I really HATE them asking me if I want one each time I purchase my items. Enough already!)
Get a grocery list and STICK to them. It's hard to do but I find that if you stick to the essential items ONLY, you won't overspend. Indulge in other items once a while but let's face it... do you really need mangoes or that chocolate bar each time you go shopping?
Keep an eye out for coupons. I go crazy for flyers (go online to get them, save the trees!) or join forums that will let you know when there's a good deal.
Bulk is the way to go but it's not always practical. Still, if you have a friend or two, you can go bulk hunting and share out the cost.
Buy fresh produce when possible. It's amazing to see the cost difference when you compare something that comes pre-package to something that isn't. I know where to find cheap eats and know a bargain when I see one so I buy on the spot.
Great ideas, everyone. Here's a few more:
-Take out a dept store credit card if it's a large purchase you're going to make anyaways (and pay off the balance before interest accrues). One of my neighbours bought a new H20 tank at 20% off at Sears. He scratched and saved an additional 20% and then took out a Sears card for a further 20%. He's a champion in my books!
-I realize this isn't feasable or desirable for everyone, but we've saved so much freaking $$$ since we've unplugged our cable tv. We initially did it because we didn't want the kids brainwashed by advertizing, but we're also somewhat free of the of the marketing mindf*ck ourselves now (but not completly because it's pervasive in every form of media...). I really see what it does to my friends, as I see them spending money they don't have to keep up with the lifestyles portrayed on tv.
Libraries are pointless for me, the only thing they have on Canada is vacation ideas and maps.
I like going out to eat once a week. Cut out the fast food places and I can do that.
Drive only if you have to, no 'sunday' drives.
Sportsdude wrote:
Libraries are pointless for me, the only thing they have on Canada is vacation ideas and maps.
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Maybe it's time to expand one's horizons and research other non-fiction subject areas? Just a thought. I love libraries, and I've developed many other interests by browsing and reading. Take a creative walk through your library and see what happens!
Lil Me wrote:
Sportsdude wrote:
Libraries are pointless for me, the only thing they have on Canada is vacation ideas and maps.
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Maybe it's time to expand one's horizons and research other non-fiction subject areas? Just a thought. I love libraries, and I've developed many other interests by browsing and reading. Take a creative waslk through your library and see what happens!
Well I gave up on America when looking for Orwell, next to his two books are 40 Bill O'Rielly books.
I want to read about history, which my library doesn't subscribe to.
I love libraries! I think they're the best place to get books that you don't want to spend $$$$ on. Lise Jr. loves the books there and we can't get enough of them. We've only just skimmed the surface of what our local library have to offer. Apart from good books, they also have stuff on resources like preschools, storytime, computer games, CDs and DVDs... virtually endless.
I also buy a lot of used paperback books. Heckyl and Jeckyl inherited the reading gene, and they burn through a lot of crappy kids' fiction (Captain Underpants, Wishbone, etc.)
Most major libraries also have an annual book sale/fair. I went to last year's New Westminster Public Library and they had tons and tons of books for under a buck. We got a couple of bags. I'm looking forward to going to it again this year.
The best thing to do is call the libraries and ask if and when they have a book fair. It's always a great bargain to save money.
That's awesome that you guys have such a great library.
libraries are great. used to get dvds, cds and musical scores there to save money. and the annual book sales are excellent too. one time i bought a math textbook there for $2. returned it to the university bookstore after the semester and since they gave back 50% of the list price, i received something like $65! (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/10.gif)
lol!!!!
niiiiiiiiiiiiice
My husband and i used to go to this recycling centre and they had tons of cans of paint for free! We painted our business and several rooms of our house with it...is there anything like that in Vancouver?
Unless they know you or you know some of the guys at the local recyling depot (local 'dump' that gets trucked out to the real dump) they get pissed at you and charge you.
Ive gotten some good stuff from there.
I've been eating whatever foods are in season and on sale.
This isn't a 'budget' tip.....it's just a tip.
When you've cooked your pasta, poor into a sieve to drain.... then shred a whole carrot on the smallest grate into the pasta pot. Pour the pasta back into the pot on top of the grated carrot.....and add a teaspoon of butter. Let it sit for a minute or two and stir. Pasta turns a yummy rich colour and adds vitamins. (great if you have kids who aren't veggie fans) or if you're Michel. (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/12.gif)
I like that pasta/carrot idea, PC. I wonder if it'll work for brussel sprouts? (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Teasing/4.gif)
(//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/6.gif) Ew. I have an aversion to brussels sprouts.
P.C. wrote:
(//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/6.gif) Ew. I have an aversion to brussels sprouts.[/DIV]
LOL, I know. ;)
[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="vny!://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c008.gif" border=0] You have an amazing memory.
I have to say that brussel sprouts, once cooked, do have a terrible after smell in the pot....worse than a poopy diaper.
That's probably one of the reasons why I don't cook em that often.
I think I have a budget tip:
When I buy something in bulk from Costco, for example, two loaves of bread for X price, I share the cost with a friend. Most of the time, I want one loaf, not two. And it also applies to eggs, because their eggs come in two packages and I can only eat one. And mascara, I only want one, not two... so I find someone to split it with me. I save some money this way.
I do that too. I love the Manns snap peas....but as much as I love them, there is an awful lot in a bag....so my neighbour and I split a bag. For the most part, aside from meat....I don't get a lot of food from Costco. Mostly their 'specialty' items....like the baby cukes and their spring greens.
Michel wrote:
Their meat is way cheaper than at Superstore?[/DIV]
Superstore meat is cheaper but Costco's meat is better quality, imo. I don't have a lot of freezer space because otherwise, I'd buy Costco meat more often. They just sell so much of a certain meat like drumsticks, roast beef, pork, etc.
I like that snap peas you're talking about too, P.C. I brought a bag last weekend and have been eating it all week for my lunch. I just love snacking on them. I make sure I have a bag of raw veggies to munch on. Today, I had snap peas, zuchinni, cucumbers and grape tomatoes...all from Costco. :)
I don't know if it is or not Michel. I doubt it. I don't think Costcos meats are cheap by a long shot.....BUT....it IS good meat....and actually, we don't buy a lot of our meat there. Again, usually something special....like a prime rib or their incredible jumbo prawns. I don't shop at StupidStore at all, so I really don't know their prices very well.
I think Michel would like the selection of frozen foods and ready-to-eat meals (refrigerator section) of Costco. Things that don't really need to be cooked...just heated. These convenience meals are a money-saving tip if a busy person would normally otherwise eat out (...but don't make financial sense for a family of 4...unless it's a special treat).
I've been saving money by eating less meat. Trying to cook with PIECES of meat in a recipe (ie stirfry, stew, soup) instead of serving MEAT (ie chicken breast, pork chops, steak) as a main dish.
Yes....some of that stuff is actually pretty good and I'm not a big fan of 'convenience stuff'. The spring rolls are SO yummy.
Michel- Suggestion...since you eat a lot of the same things all the time, make a weekly shopping list once using excel. It will make your shopping much easier, and you can buy enough groceries to last a week! Use the same list every week.
Example:
[span style="text-decoration: underline;"]Quantity Item[/span]
4 cans soup
1 box crackers
1 box cereal
2 packages meat
4 apples
4 oranges
4 bananas
1 carton milk
2 boxes frozen waffles
2 boxes granola bars
6 packages noodle soup
1 package spaghetti
1 jar spaghetti sauce
2 bags Doritos
cat food
Last week I baked 3 large garlic pepper chicken breasts (1/2 package- the other 1/2 is in the freezer). Cut the meat into pieces for 2 dinners + sandwiches/wraps. I'm currently using the bones for a pot of congee.
purelife wrote:
I have to say that brussel sprouts, once cooked, do have a terrible after smell in the pot....worse than a poopy diaper.
That's probably one of the reasons why I don't cook em that often. ......[FONT color=#c00000]I NEVER cook poopy diapers.[/FONT]
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Food issues solved. (//forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/3.gif)
hahahahaha
and a cheap budget to boot.
I must say I feel healthier after going all rice all the time.
SD just learned the secret diet shared by billions of people worldwide.
indeed! I'm going to spread this diet into unknown parts of the world. revolution!
Next thing you'll know I'll be cooking with chop sticks.
Michel wrote:
What's better for health ? White rice, Fried rice or Egg noodles ? [/DIV]
None of the above? I think red, brown or wild rice is better for health compared to white rice....BUT, I eat white rice once in a while because it tastes better with some of the meals I make.
But really, how do we determine "what's healthy?"
I think fried white rice is worse than plain white rice.
Here's the order of what I think is worse.
1. fried rice
2. white rice
3. egg noodles
Sportsdude wrote:
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Food issues solved. (//forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/3.gif)
hahahahaha
and a cheap budget to boot.
I must say I feel healthier after going all rice all the time.
SD.........Next step, salted fish and chinese sausage with white rice
chinese sausage... lap cheung, right? I had that all the time when I was a kid.
aaah! lap cheung and lap youk (cure meat) over rice, cooked in a clay pot.......a fav of mine on a cold day
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Sportsdude wrote:
indeed! I'm going to spread this diet into unknown parts of the world. revolution!
Next thing you'll know I'll be cooking with chop sticks.
I cook with chopsticks. Its great for panfrying stuff.
I dont eat rice unless its with a curry or in sushi. I overate it for years when I worked overseas. Now I avoid it.
[FONT color=#ff00ff size=5]!!!OMGWTFDROLZ!!![/FONT] That looks delish. I don't think I've ever had that served in clay pot.... ...m...u...s...t......f..i..n..d....
My mom cooks that in the rice cooker.
Guy gook fahn. With lots of dried mushrooms and lotsa ginger.I think the marinade is soy sauce, booze, sugar and salt.
Lil Me wrote:
My mom cooks that in the rice cooker.
[SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: italic"]Guy gook fahn.[/SPAN] With lots of dried mushrooms and lotsa ginger.I think the marinade is soy sauce, booze, sugar and salt.
Yes another favorite of mine on cold days........sometime pork spareribs in lieu of chicken
I'm planning to make some dahl in the crock pot this week. That's a great $1 meal.
Bulk dried lentils, some spices, an onion. Some rice.
Hey Lil Me. Thanks tons for the paint....omg !
No prob. I love recycling.
I bought the paint a couple years ago to paint over graffitti in the complex where I live. The neighbour who has taken over the grafitti patrol prefers to use the tremclad spray bombs.
Me too. I'm ever so happy when someone can use something that is no longer useful to someone else. Thanks again Lil Me.
[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="vny!://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/a194.gif" border=0]
[img id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210940327730139778 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 172px; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height=257 alt="" src="vny!://bp0.blogger.com/_UxcBhOem8bs/SFD6nowc0oI/AAAAAAAAACg/Fw_0MeEvki0/s320/make+a+mix.jpg" width=172 border=0] This was my all time favourite book when my kids were growing up. It is full of recipes for how to make the mixes....then dozens and dozens of recipes to use the mixes for. I used to spend a whole day putting the mixes together. Such a meal time saver if anyone is into that....it's really great.
There is a 'base mix', with which you can make biscuits, pancakes, breakfast muffins etc......
I still use the granola recipe, because it is still the best granola I've ever had....and also makes the best granola bars ever.
Great book. (you can probably find them at the 2nd hand books stores.)
Oooh. I will be on the lookout for that one.
Cooked a ton of chicken last night (shake n bake chix breasts) when I made dinner for my dad. So now I've got lotsa sliced chicken meat for pastas, soups, sandwiches, wraps. Had chicken quesdaillas for lunch today.
If I remember correctly, there is a mix for shake and bake. Good meal planning there Miss Lil !!
Anyone know what to do with Rice Krispies besides rice krispie squares?
Cut open the "empty" toothpaste or face cream tube with scissors. There is a ton more product stuck inside the tube.
If it's a rigid plastic bottle, slice it open with a knife.