Let's start by asking some "hard" questions.
Where did the $$$ go?
Always, start reviewing your current expenses. Which are "fixed", must be paid cost, the needs, and which are the extras, the wants. Divide your monthly expenses into these categories, and see where you can cut the spending.
Do I need it?
When reviewing the expenses, before making any purchases,you must ask yourself,
"Do we need it? And, do we need it now?"
Most of the time, you'll be amaze that the answer is "no."
(that was not the case when we recently had to replace our oven, since I regularly bake bread, breakfast food and pizza)
"Do we need it? And, do we need it now?"
Most of the time, you'll be amaze that the answer is "no."
(that was not the case when we recently had to replace our oven, since I regularly bake bread, breakfast food and pizza)
How do I save on necessities like groceries?
Can I do it myself?
RN and I tackled many home projects during the last 7 years.
We are no experts by any means and we learn as we go.
It might take us alittle lot longer to get our projects done, but in the end we saved a lot of money.
Room makeovers
&
Home Improvements
We are no experts by any means and we learn as we go.
It might take us a
Room makeovers
&
Home Improvements
Can I still have fun?
Oh Yes!
Rent movies rather than going to the theater. (popcorns and all).
We watch favorite tv shows on the internet (just plug the cord from the computer to the tv), instead of paying for cable.
Do you like eating out?
Use coupon books or printed discount offerings (often found on Restaurant website or facebook).
Invite friends to your house for dinner, game night or a movie.
Stay Frugal,
Daniela
Linking to
twelveOeight
Stay Frugal,
Daniela
Linking to
twelveOeight
11 comments:
We have long lived "below our means" rather than above. But, we are always looking for ways to be smarter with our money. It is particularly important now because I am retiring from teaching in June and we will be on a fixed income. It isn't really fixed because we don't count the sale of my husband's art and he sells at least 1 painting a month. Anyway, we just decided to cut both of our newspaper subscriptions because we can read them on the iPad or the laptop. I go on a self imposed "no spending January"- almost over. I am amazed at the projects I have completed this month with just using what I have on hand. I did 2 heart swaps without buying anything. My plan is to not by anything for February also and see what I can produce.
My projects are frugal, but they don't look cheap!
Good Morning Daniela, In this day and age where there are so many job losses and increased utility bills we all have to be careful with our money.
Like you I cook, I do not buy anything boxed as the additives concern me, but also because it is much cheaper to produce a meal with seasonal products.
Anything which is left over, I freeze for another time.
Like you say, it's about thinking "do we really need it now"....and usually the answer is no.
When I look back to how my grandmother and mother lived, it seems our lives are too consumer driven, when is enough, enough...it seems never!
Thank you for an interesting post.
I'm sure you will get many interesting comments.
Best Wishes
Daphne
I don't mind about being a consumer because that's how the marketplace works. We buy and sell from each other and keep businesses in operation and people and families afloat with jobs. I do, however, try to make sure I'm not spending wastefully, throwing out food (which can account for a lot of wasted money) and I too got rid of my cable among other things. I enjoy doing things simply because the more you have, the more you have to take care of. There is only so much time in the day for that, right?
Liz
We do live within our means and have given up striving to have so much "stuff". I use things up now and watch what I spend-I buy a lot more NEEDS and a lot less WANTS. Great post, Dani! xo Diana
Great post and very timely. We're always looking for ways to spend less money. I save by thrifting about 90% of what I use in home decor and craft projects, and we always buy second hand furniture. This keeps things out of the landfill and we save money so it's a win, win. I'm patient and I wait for what I'm looking for to come along.
When it comes to groceries I try not to buy impulsively because that usually leads to buying prepackged or junky foods that drive up the bil, and that I don't really want. I find having a list really helps me keep on track, and I cook homemade meals as much as I can.
Tuula :)
You and I think alike. I'm going to try to insert NO SPEND weeks into my year this year. I've also considered buying a small freezer to help buy items on sale and freeze more foods - like beans and such that I make in larger quantities and portion out. I'll let you know how it goes.
-Revi
Dearest Daniela,
Love reading such kind of posts and only wish that more people would use common sense! YES it is possible to stretch your $$$ and still feeling good about life. Being content is one main ingredient!
Hugs to you,
Mariette
I think most of us have to be frugal at times. We also do most of the work ourselves. It just takes forever. It's a great way to stretch the &.
Always there with sound and frugal advice. What great tips, as usual.
It's always a good idea to be conscientious of where your money goes. We do watch our pennies as much as possible. But we also like to enjoy life a little too. So we treat ourselves out to a restaurant once a week. Jimmy handles our bills and has done a good job analyzing our budget to cut costs and pay off bills. We don't really live on a fixed income right now since Jimmy has a side business and gets OT at the station every now and then. That always helps!
There are so many ways to save. I've basically gotten down to the nitty gritty with my basic finances, but still I know I waste things. I'm trying to do better with not wasting food, for example. Many recipes are products are made for larger families (or at least families of 4), so I have a hard time cutting down recipes because it means not needing a full can of anything, but I'm still trying...and freezing stuff. lol
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