Tips for Saving Money, Cutting Expenses, etc.

[jojapeach]

So I must be the lost one? I've always thought people understood the last posts about cooking at home and brown bagging it.

Here's another tip I practice at home that might be "extreme": turn off the water in the shower. My husband and I started doing that when Ga was in drought mode. Although the drought is over, we just kept doing the same thing. Our Atlanta area water bill is usually around $25-$30/mo compared to the $60+ my married, childless friends often pay.

Also, drive slower and plan routes with fewer stop signs and traffic signals (just sitting and waiting) for fuel efficiency. Yes, the price of gas has dropped to manageable levels, but you don't have to literally burn all your gas by speeding or sitting at lights. I did both when I was commuting from Brookhaven to Norcross, and I was always able to see a difference as I could fill up at least 2 days later than before I made changes.

Last one: the Farmers Market is your friend. Good produce, grains, etc. at lower costs and sometimes in bulk. But that requires cooking at home, doesn't it?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by jojapeach

Here's another tip I practice at home that might be "extreme": turn off the water in the shower. My husband and I started doing that when Ga was in drought mode. Although the drought is over, we just kept doing the same thing. Our Atlanta area water bill is usually around $25-$30/mo compared to the $60+ my married, childless friends often pay.

Are you saying to turn off the water while your shampooing/shaving?? Or cut off the water to the shower when you're not in the shower? Otherwise, I can't figure out how I would take a shower without water...

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Are you saying to turn off the water while your shampooing/shaving?? Or cut off the water to the shower when you're not in the shower? Otherwise, I can't figure out how I would take a shower without water...

lol lol lol

This is not directed at anyone on GC, but some people do, actually. You know, the people who splash on perfume/cologne without touching one tablespoon of soap and water? lol

[jojapeach]

^^^ I've changed the oil in my Honda for years. It's easy, and I love doing stuff that some people would assume women won't/can't do. I honestly believe any single lady could change the oil in a Honda (I hear it's harder in other cars), and guys love to hear that a woman can do that. Plus, saving money!

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Are you saying to turn off the water while your shampooing/shaving?? Or cut off the water to the shower when you're not in the shower? Otherwise, I can't figure out how I would take a shower without water...

Ok. I meant run the water to start the shower, get yourself wet enough for your needs, then turn off the water while applying soap, shampoo, etc. Then, turn the water back on to rinse off.

[ThetaDancer]

Originally Posted by jojapeach

So I must be the lost one? I've always thought people understood the last posts about cooking at home and brown bagging it.

Admittedly, I was someone who was clueless about just how much I was spending on lunches (around $10 a pop, most days of the week). It sounds stupid but I just never thought about how much it was adding up. Same with my Starbucks habit(probably $3-5 everyday), which finally is no more! Now I'm bringing my lunch at least 4 out of 5 days, and I'm not only saving money but I'm eating healthier and I'm eating things I actually like.