Question by cheeta: How do you stretch your dollars?
As a SAHM I am always looking for ways to save a buck. We use cloth diapers, make my own baby food, and shop mainly at second hand stores. Love staying at home with my kids, and was just wondering if any of you had any great money saving tips out there?
Best answer:
Answer by Amanda!!
I always buy secondhand stuff too, it’s a habit of mine and probably saves us thousands. I use ebay a lot : ) I also buy what’s on sale at the supermarket and yeh thats about as far as the extent of my money saving expertise goes lol. I honestly couldn’t think of anything more than what you do already, keep up the good work
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Well I still use disposable diapers but I buy the store brand since my daughter isn’t allergic to them. I also buy store brand foods or wait for a good sale like 10 items for $ 10 or Buy one get one free. And I try to buy bulk when we have the extra money and just put the extra back(in the freezer) so when we are broke we have back up meat and whatnot. We too shop at second hand stores because you can get soo much clothes for such a small price and stuff like that. I dunno if this is considered stretching a buck but for the holidays and Bdays I try to pick things up along the way when there is a little extra money floating around. That way I have some stuff already when an occasion rolls around.
You might want to walk to the store or bike there. To save Gallons.
It’s all much like everyone else says. I however buy food that will stretch. I make a big pot of pasta sauce and freeze it, I make stews instead of meat and potatoes. Buy meat in family packages because it’s cheaper. I watch wasting electric and gas. Do big loads of laundry instead of small.Your doing fine, today we all need help stretching the dollar.
Coupons, look in flyer’s which place is cheaper to buy meat/fruits and veggies. I also grow my own stuff in my garden – spinach, tomato’s, cucumbers,raspberry’s, and peas. With that I have saved some money, I also like to take my son apple picking – its actually cheaper to go out and pick your things apples and strawberry’s. mark down a budget for your groceries/activities/consignment store – second hand – hang your clothing out to dry in stead of the dryer – so save energy and hydro bill.
Cloth is a good saver and for the environment you’re doing good – I really like to hear that.
coupons! lots and lots of coupons. make your shopping list and stick to it. presort out any coupons you’ll need BEFORE standing in line. also watch for stores offering double or triple coupons.
shop store ads. places like walmart will honor competitors ads if the store isn’t nearby.
if you have cable. cut it back to basic cable. no movie channels or premium channels.
having a family night can be very affordable. redbox (located at most mcdonalds and some walmarts) rents movies for $ 1. they are new releases….none of those old, worn out movies. make your families favorite meal, pop some popcorn (which can be bought inexpensively) and pile up in the middle of the floor with blankets and jammies!
if you have an electric hot water heater, turn it off at the breaker box when not in use. it will retain hot water for over a day. just be sure to turn it back on before bath time! this alone saves $ $ $ $ .
lights off when not in a room. for the bathroom, get a night light instead of leaving the light on at night.
drop the temp. on your thermastat 2 degrees (or more depending on your comfort) in the winter and raise it 2 degrees in the summer.
i have actually gotten some great bargains at places like kohls off their clearance racks. brand new clothes that are actually CHEAPER than second hand shops.
have a yard sale to dispose of anything you haven’t used in your house in a year. get rid of all of the kids old coats and toys. not only are you cleaning out your house, you’re making a bit of money AND helping someone else save some money!
name brand isn’t always better. we use a lot of store brand foods in our house. they are usually made by the same people who make the name brand stuff…you’re just not paying for the name!
Im a stay at home mom too and Im always trying to save money. I put a bottle of water ( one liter) in the toilet tank, lol..It sounds weird but it saves us at least 300 gallons a month which adds up! Also I make my own cleaning supplies, I use good ole’ vinegar and water and I buy a box of cheap arm and hammer to clean tough pots and the tub and stuff. Also about 4 months ago I was watching Good Morning America and they gave a couple of sights that pay you to give surveys, I signed up for the Inbox dollars and you get .50 cent per survey, they are pretty long so I only do one or two a night after the kids are in bed but I make about 25 or 30 dollars a month doing that and I also look around online for free samples sights. I signed up for eopinions and they send you free samples and then you have to fill out a survey about it…we get like 30 day supplies of laundry detergent and a weeks worth of dog food, baby diapers things like that, every little bit helps!
1 Replace all light bulbs with the new energy saving bulbs. They cost more but last for years and will save you many $ $ $ Don’t use them where you are switching light off constantly though.
#2 Get those surge protector or electric strips that you can plu all your TV, VCR, DVD player, radio etc.gadgets in.They still use electricity even when off. By flicc of a button you can stop the electric drain when you are not using these gadgets like when you go to bed.#3 Go on line to compare all insurance you pay and shop for the cheaper deals.#4 Eat before shopping take along your own pop or beverages when riding in car or going to a movie. Why pay $ 1 or more for pop if you can bring a 50 cent can and a bag of snaks.Hide them @ movies ticket stand however.