I'm already getting better - I use coupons, I go to the library instead of the bookstore, and we hardly ever order food. But there have to be more ways that we can save money. If only my husband would stop taking cabs everywhere he goes...that would save us a lot. But he's stubborn about that - so that's an ongoing battle. Any suggestions on how else we can budget or save money?
Cabs is a big one!! But with the weather getting warmer, walking will be more optimal.... and since everyone loves the baby, you dont have to buy her anything just let us!!!
ReplyDeleteAh, budgets!! We save a lot by planning out our meals and only buying those items, etc, but it sounds like you're already doing that. We also set a budget for clothes, going out, things like that and once we've spent it, it's done for the month or whatever.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
If you can find a Dave Ramsey FPU class near you that would give you excellent info. My dh and I took FPU last year. Otherwise check out books on budgeting from the library. Good luck with your budget.
ReplyDeleteBudgets really mean being more conscious of what you are spending. Buy what you NEED and youll see how much you save! :)
ReplyDeleteEncourage hubby to take his lunch to work if he doesn't already. Trade babysitting with friends so that you can have a night out. If you don't want to go out to eat, go for a walk in Central Park or sit in a bookstore and read books! Or, go out for coffee & dessert.
ReplyDeleteTotally know what you mean about cutting back. Not that I made a fortune as a teacher but now that we're down to one income, saving money where we can is a must. Can't help any with the cab situation...here in Alabama the only time we see cabs is on the way to and from the airport! :) I would recommend keeping a binder of all your coupons and organizing them according to category (i.e. grocery, Target, baby items, clothes, etc.) Also keep a ziploc for all your weekly coupons that will soon expire and keep an up to date list of what you have so you'll know when you're out and about. I would also try to find a blog or site that frequently updates coupons offered in your area. I found a site in my city by Googling coupons blogs in__________. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the stubborn husband on budgets. My husband refuses to make an effort to not eat out EVERY SINGLE lunch. They need to learn to not be so stubborn for the sake of the budget.
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled upon your blog.
ReplyDeleteThat is an oh so cute picture of your daughter in the shades. On saving money.
1. Set a shopping limit, even try a shopping ban. Cab, ordering any food, etc. Once you reach that limit, then you have to walk, eat in etc. If you do a ban same applies, all that is a no go for 30 days. See if he can do that for just 1 month. Or set a limit, he will either see how much money he spends and save the mula or find cheaper ways to get around the city since he only has X amount of bucks for the precious cab.
2. This might sound weird, but do you have a damaged items section in your store? Coupons are great too, but you already do that. But stores will mark down boxes or cans by like 75% because they don't look pretty. They can not sell anything that has gone bad or has a hole in it. Just used, so I look in our section and that saves some mula too.
3.When you want a date night do a themed couples night, you switch people's houses, and the theme, the host has everyone over and provides drinks and the plates, forks etc... Everyone else has to make a dish, then you listen to that style of mucis. Fun, cheap and it changes.
Okay I will quit writing and essay comment.=)