I’ve Been Cutting Back – How About You?

Prices are still going up. It seems like every month something (or many somethings) costs more than the previous month. Keeping up with it all is proving to be a challenge these days. I am finding that I have to cut back on services and find more creative ways of pinching those pennies. I keep asking myself when it is going to end, and I am a little worried it won’t be soon enough. How about you?

Back at the end of December I started reevaluating my purchases. My needs, and my wants. Categorizing this way is helping me to make decisions on how I am going to cut back on things this year. What needs to go? What needs to stay? And, maybe more importantly, how do I want to bring in a little more money to get a few things I know I am going to need this year and next? I know I have to make some purchases.

I ended last year working extra hours, so I did start out this year pretty well. I just need to keep up with things now. Cutting back is my priority at the moment. I already cut one of my streaming channels and find that I am fine with the ads so that bill isn’t so high. And this is the month I am making decisions on other subscriptions. Will I keep them or not? Decisions will have to be made.

I am also cutting out some other purchases and finding ways of cutting costs on some items. I’m looking at how I can spend less on food, cleaning, and personal hygiene items. I am deciding what clothing items I really need and hoping to find a few things at a discount.

Clothing is the most difficult thing for me. A couple of years ago I sold a lot of 2x, 3x, and 4x, clothes because I had lost a lot of weight. I gave away what I couldn’t sell. I had to replace a lot of items and was working within a budget. I was able to find some items second-hand, but not as much as I would have liked, so I wasn’t able to make all the purchases I needed. I lucked out and received a spring/fall jacket for free, and a well-used winter coat that I used for two years but now needs to be replaced. But I went without some things, and now am finding that I need them.

One way I have cut expenses on clothing was by using Temu. Say what you will about that platform, but I decided to try out a nightgown through them and fell in love with it. It’s the most comfortable nightie I have ever had, and I paid less than $10 for it ($7.99, I believe). I loved it so much that over a few-month period, as I could, I ordered enough to get me through the week plus a couple of extra nights. It was more affordable than buying them any other way at the time. I can’t complain about them either. They are holding up so well.

I’m now looking for a new winter coat and a few other items. I am cutting back in some areas to come up with the money for these things, hoping to get decent things at a reasonable cost. When I tried before winter to get the coat, I was looking at having to pay $60 to $125 for something nice enough. My hope is that I can get one for half the price, at least, now that winter is pretty much over.

I’m getting creative with things, trying to not go overboard on cost as I get what I need.

What are you doing to cut costs? Any ideas for finding good deals on items? I live in Maine, near the Bangor area, but I am finding I may have to order some, if not all, of the things I need online.

~ Shannon

Prepare for the Next Holiday Season

Now is the time to prepare for next Yule and Christmas. Yes, it may seem too early to bother but it really isn’t. My cousin actually bought the first gift for the holidays before the new year even began.

Many times, the bestest and I would take Skye and Zowie shopping before the new year. They bought what they wanted with their Christmas money, and we took advantage of all the wonderful sales for the next years’ needs.

It used to be a lot of fun. Things used to be sold for a lot less back then.

Tips on saving money for the next holiday season.

To begin, you’ll want to make some lists. Keep them in your purse or wallet at all times. You’ll need to refer to them throughout the year.

1. First, make a list of any decorations and like items you need for next year. Perhaps you dropped a few bulbs and need to replace them. Or the cat chewed on some ornaments, or broke off tree branches! Make a list of what will be needed for next year.
2. Next make a list of items you’d like to have. You may or may not get these, depending on finances, but at least you’ll be clear on what you want.
3. Then make a list of regular things that need to be replaced, such as greeting cards, tissue paper, gift wrap, the platter that was broken on Christmas day, and tape.
4. And make a list of gift ideas for next year. Some examples from my own list: Skye and Zowie both like colorful socks. Zowie’s husband likes long black socks. I want to pick up a few toys for Little Man; perhaps a wooden puzzle, number magnets, and a Tonka truck, and some things for Little Miss like dresses and dressup clothes. Mom likes anything having to do with her family, so she would like a calendar, mug, or other item with family pictures. And Sheila quilts and knits, so something along those lines would be perfect. There are obviously going to be things you wait to pick up, such as favorite candies. (Though some of these may keep in the freezer. Find out and pick up what you can while on sale.)

Now that your lists are made out, you’ll be able to see what you need at a glance.

Tips for saving money on purchases:

1. Set a budget. On overall one, or a per item one.
2. Shop the after Christmas sales.
3. Shop clearance sales throughout the year.
4. Check out thrift stores for items such as baskets, wrapping odds and ends, cards, envelopes, decorations, fashionable scarves, cookie cutters, fabric scraps, and canning jars. You’d be surprised what you might find that is still in good condition.
5. Shop junk stores. I’d be tickled pink if someone went to a junk store and bought me an old-fashioned tea-cup and saucer for my collection.
6. Visit yard and garage sales. I once bought brand new looking mugs and filled each with a small stuffed animal and small treats, to give as gifts. The stuffed animals also came from these venues. I just brought everything home and washed them.
7. Flea markets are another option. Think old stuff. Freshen the items up and use them as gifts. For example, anyone with a spoon collection would love spoons from other states. And old suitcases make for great storage. Refresh them to give to a friend looking for vintage ideas for their place, or use them for your own storage needs.
8. When possible, use coupons combined with sales to get some of the items needed.
9. Are you a member of MyPoints, SwagBucks, or another points program? Use the points you earn from emails, shopping, surveys, and more toward gift cards that can be used to buy gifts and other needs for next year. (Just be sure that you’re using points before they expire.) (These links are referral links. I’m a member of MyPoints and SwagBucks, so you’re helping me out when you join through my links. Thanks! I really appreciate it.)
10. Some apps also give gift cards for activities completed. Again, pay attention to expiration dates. My sister introduced me to ShopKick recently, and I’ve been getting used to it. The other day she showed me a couple of ways to use the app. (This one is also a referral link. Anyone following through will be helping me out. Thanks!) Use these gift cards to buy gifts and other holiday needs.
11. If you have enough of a balance on MyPoints, SwagBucks, ShopKick, or another venue, you might consider requesting the gift cards now and using them toward these purchases. But be sure to check the points needed for different denominations. It may be more worth your while to wait for a bigger pay out. Though this is not the case with every program, so do the math before deciding. You want to make every point count.
12. Don’t forget about the craft stores while shopping. They also have clearance sales, and you can get your crafting needs for the holidays at reasonable prices.
13. Use Kohl’s cash to get free stuff. For even more savings, buy clearance items with the cash.
14. Some stores have rewards programs. Use the points to buy gifts and other holiday needs.

Planning and shopping aren’t the only considerations when planning for the next holiday season.

Other useful tips:

1. Check items off your lists as you get them, so you don’t waste money on repeats.
2. Set up a big box in a closet to hold all the items you’ll buy over the coming months.
3. If anything will be staying with you and has a place, put them away as you get them. Christmas decorations go with your existing ones; platters, cookie cutters, etc., would go there as well, unless you have a specific cupboard for them. And the holiday scented soaps, shampoos, body washes, and other items you stocked up on go in the bathroom.
4. Do your research. Will the item you want to be more affordable at a physical store or online? Think about other things you may need if a deal will be best online providing you buy $50.00 worth of stuff. For instance, sales on toys at Walmart.com might be coupled with the new pants you’re going to need for work in order to realize good savings.

Do you have any tips about saving for the next holiday season? Please share!

~ Shannon

8 Ways to Spend Less

Are you looking for ways to spend less? Who isn’t, right? I’m doing this constantly. I wanted to share with you a few ways to spend less so can add these moves to what you are currently doing.

Compare prices on items you need

Know the routes you usually take when running errands or going back and forth to work, and figure out which business on those routes has the best deal on what you are looking for. I don’t buy a lot of things regularly, but I know which place has the best deal for each item I need.

I know to stock up on incense while shopping with my daughter Skye because one of the places we visit has the best deal and scent options. Is incense a necessity? Ordinarily no. However, I rent a room in a house where most of the tenants smoke cigarettes and other things in the house even though they are not supposed to. This makes my room and my stuff smell bad 😦 Until I can find a better, affordable living situation, incense is often my best friend.

Coupons and/or sale prices are not always the best deals

Often a store or other brand will be the better deal, even after you factor in the sale + coupon price. Be sure to check for the best price in all scenarios for the ultimate in savings.

While milk A might seem like a good deal with the coupon, milk B or C may actually cost less even without benefit of a coupon. Be a smart shopper.

Find out when the matinees are

I know. There are just some movies that you have to see in the theater. I’m waiting for the second half of It. I went to see the first half with my sister and friends from work, so now we are all anxiously awaiting the next part. Movies are expensive. Food and drinks are expensive. When I went the last time, I noticed a small popcorn is no longer even an option.

Go online or call around to each of the movie theaters in the area and find out 1) how much regular tickets are, and 2) when matinees take place and how much they are.

I have a Roku and, if I’m too excited to wait until it presents itself as a freebie on one of the Roku channels, I will rent it for just a few dollars. I save this for movies I am excited about, but not so much that I need to go to the theater.

Where can find the best deals on used DVD’s?

Currently, for me, this is Bull Moose. There isn’t the biggest selection ever, but I can get a used DVD for $0.97. They are sealed in an envelope and are sold as-is, but I have never had a problem. Recently I’ve picked up two of the Bourne movies, and As Good as it Gets. Both play beautifully.

Yard sales and thrift shops are also good options.

Find free things to do in your community

Movies or concerts in the park. Parades or car shows. Book signings by your favorite author. You might be surprised by what you find.

Can’t afford to go see your favorite band in concert? Pack a picnic lunch and meet your friends in the vicinity if the concert is taking place outside. You can still listen, and socialize better than you could inside the gates. And, if you are lucky, you may be able to watch the concert on a screen. If not, that’s fine. At least you got out to do something.

Take advantage of the local park

Some things you can do in the park include picnicking with friends and family, reading, play a board game with the children, yoga, meditation, and picture-taking. You could study there, or take work with you. You can walk or jog, or even sit and reflect. These activities will provide you with (mostly) free entertainment for hours every week.

Take advantage of off-season rates

Hotels and other places often have discounted rates before a season begins or once it has ended. Even some places that close during the winter will likely have an off-season period where you can get a discount. This could save your family a good deal of money over the years, plus the areas shouldn’t be as crowded.

Hotels may offer other discounts, or know of some

At the inn where I work, we have key-cards that give guests 10% their meals at Applebee’s, coupons for the same amount off at Texas Roadhouse, and coupons for a free drink and chips with purchase of a sandwich at Harvest Moon Deli. Sometimes we have coupons for other restaurants and even some stores. It never hurts to ask when checking in.

Also, if the front desk agent knows the area well she may be able to tell you where the nicest places to eat while on a budget are, where the diners with the best prices are, and what there is to do at no cost. They really can be a wealth of information.

Shannon

Straightforward: The Restaurants I Choose + Why

Frugality is important to me, as I know it is for you. Some of us need to be frugal, others are frugal for other reasons. Whatever your reason, I believe you should still be able to enjoy certain things, like to eat out once-in-a-while. Honestly, I could not live without this occasional luxury.

My aim is to find the best deal on the best quality of food when eating out. Let’s face it, if I’m going to get a filling meal that is also healthy, it is going to cost me. I try to cut costs on groceries when possible to allow me to splurge sometimes when I am out-and-about.

Why?

Because I’ve decided. I no longer want the cheapest of the cheap when I go out to eat. I don’t feel good after eating (most) fast food, so I am changing how I do things. Does this mean I no longer go for fast food? No. It means that I’ve actually decided to patron to places that offer healthier options or use local ingredients.

I’m trying to eat healthier. I have weight issues, and it will be financially better for me to eat healthy now than to deal with health issues later. This means I’m looking to save more money in other areas of life to counteract what I am spending on food.

I prefer burgers from Five Guys and burrito bowls (every so often) at Chipotle when I need fast food options. A salad from McDonald’s just won’t cut it. My average spending for Five Guys and Chipotle is $12.00. I prefer to drink water, and I only get a burger at Five guys.

When I want a real sit-down meal, I’ll go somewhere else. Much of the time seafood is involved, but not always.

Even though I try to eat a mainly Paleo diet for health reasons, I do splurge a little on food. However, I am looking for ways to modify things even when I go out. I’m considering bunless burgers at Five Guys, for instance – replacing the bun with more vegetables to keep me full longer. I also refuse to beat myself up over the splurge that may not be the healthiest. You gotta have fun sometimes, and I do love food.

Right now my favorite restaurants are the Seadog, Paddy Murphy’s, Five Guys, Verve, and Thai Orchard. I can get filling meals that are healthier than fast food. And I don’t feel sick after eating at these places.

To save money, I do a few things:

• Ask for gift cards for my favorite places as holiday gifts.
• Look for coupons.
• Go for lunch at a buffet if it is cheaper than the dinner buffet.
• I am a member of Eat Street (not an affiliate link), where after ordering out so many times you get a $3.00 coupon, and where sometimes an additional $3.00 discount is provided through email.
• Join birthday clubs at my favorite places.
• Join member programs at my favorite places.
• Sometimes guests at The Inn where I work offer to buy me meals.

Now that you know food is my biggest splurge, tell me what you think. Do you have a guilty pleasure that you’re not willing to give up for your frugal lifestyle?

Shannon