Most of the changes we made in the way we spent and saved money were minor adjustments that were slightly uncomfortable or took a little hassle and time, but really they weren't as Some of the things we did that were small but helpful were the following:
1. GET YOUR MONEY BACK-
It takes a little time but it's worth it. I made a few phone calls. Little fees and overcharges that didn't seem worth my time added up into quite a nice refund when I took the time to call the Utility or Financial Institution. Most were very helpful and friendly and willing to reimburse or waive charges.
2. TRIM THE FAT-
Look at what services you can live without. Things like cable, internet, phone. If you can't live without them, you probably can downgrade. At least call and ask. When I did they didn't want to lose my business and offered an amazingly affordable package that was much cheaper than my monthly bill had been.
3. HOW OFTEN DO YOU EAT OUT-
This includes kids eating school lunch, At work, out and about impulse eating and date nights.
We had to talk about realistic times we eat out. We would allow for Pizza Night to remain. But 3 pizzas instead of 4 and supplement with homemade items. It not only saves money but is usually more nutritional too. We packed healthy snacks and water in the car so we wouldn't have as many of those "I'm Starving" moments during errands with no time to run back home to eat. Much healthier and cheaper. Also be sure to use glass or metal refillable water bottles, they don't have the toxins in the plastic, it helps the earth fill the landfills with more garbage and it saves money in the long run. Packing left overs or making sandwiches or bringing shakes for lunch also help us stick to our health and finance goals.
4. NO IMPULSE BUYS
Before if I saw something I needed or wanted and it looked like a bargain I wouldn't think too much about it. I'd figure we could probably afford that. Now I look at the budget and think can we really? And do I really need it now? What is the opportunity cost of getting this doodad? What will I be willing to go without to get it? I usually call and talk to my partner about it and he is very patient even if it seems frivolous and he'll talk me through it and tell me if I come home and think about it and decide I still really need it then I can go get it. But I seldom return to purchase when the impulse subsides. It can usually wait.
5. CHECK ONLINE or phone to see if there is a coupon-
I can't tell you how many times I was about to do a purchase for a school project or materials for a birthday or special occasion and I quickly check online and usually there is a coupon or promotion that ends up saving a little... or sometimes a significant amount. Just check.
6. JOIN GROUP SHOPPING CLUBS
Like Groupon or LYONESS
Now it's true you can go broke with all the money you save so only buy things you would have been buying anyway.
With Groupon we got great deals on hotel and services for Anniversary and Girls Nights Out. Even the PARKOUR lessons I wanted to sign the kids up for happened to be on there!
With Lyoness I ordered the GAS and Grocery gift cards.
Just with Gas Alone I was saving more than I would have plus it felt good to know some of my gas money was going to worthy causes like GREENFINITY and LYONESS FAMILY FOUNDATION and they put a % of what you spend back into your bank and another fraction goes into a long term savings account.
So just by taking the time to order gift cards online the usual expense of filling up my big tank was actually less, I was donating to charity to help end poverty through education, saving $ for my future, and making a difference in conserving our beautiful earth's natural resources.
7. JOIN REWARDS CLUBS
It's kind of the same idea as the Shopping clubs. You have to be careful not to just shop to get the rewards and things on sale, but really only buy what is on your list. Most stores now have some sort of rewards program to earn cash back or merchandise. I have a keychain FULL of rewards club cards. I like Lyoness because it is a great cashback rewards program because it isn't just to one store but there are hundreds of stores you can use it at and thousands of online shopping or giftcards to stores you already shop at.
8. PLAN MENU-
You would be surprised at how much this can save money. Planning what to buy so there is less waste and more reusing and combining proved to be worth the time spent. Also we always made a little more of things like rice so the exchange students could fry it up in the morning with our backyard chicken eggs. Also packaging leftovers in easy to grab containers for lunch or after school snack.
We plan on Sunday the menu for the week and hope to use leftover roast or chicken in the tacos or casserole or soup for the next night so nothing is wasted and we get two meals for the price of one.
I don't always take the time to plan perfectly, but we do have a general idea of daily themes and so I've got the routine down without even planning any more.
SUNDAY- Dad makes La Bandera (Dominican Food) or Roast
MONDAY- SOUP or Seafood
TUESDAY- ITALIAN
WEDNESDAY-MEXICAN
THURSDAY- ASIAN
FRIDAY-PIZZA NIGHT MOVIE NIGHT
SATURDAY- AMERICAN/ BBQ
9. COUPON CLIPPING
Again you need to not buy just because it is a deal, unless it is something you really need. It wasn't in the budget to buy 10 tubes of toothpaste and deodorant, but while at the store I saw an instore coupon to get these name brand items at 10 cents each.
10. STICK TO A BUDGET-
Like I said we downloaded MINT App and set up budgets that were realistic. I always asked for a budget but it was always unrealistic when it came to how much to spend on groceries for 11 people (including 8 teens and adults) So it never worked. He researched online the national average cost per meal and saw that my grocery spending wasn't as outlandish as he assumed. But when I had a more realistic budget it made it like a game to see if I could still keep the quality and health factor but see how I could save. It was a challenge to spend below the National Frugal Average. When we also both discussed our dreams and wishes about where we want to be in 5-10 years it made it easier to say no to little impulse buys or kids begging because like Covey says
"I'ts EASY to say NO, when there's a deeper YES within.
Say no to a few Fast Food stop for the teens and YES to the family vacation wer are saving for!
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