Tips for Saving Money, Cutting Expenses, etc.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

I started buying my shampoo and conditioners at walmart, rather than the salon or at Ulta/Sephora. That cut my shampoo/conditioner costs in half.

I started doing that, too. My shampoo/conditioner was about $5 cheaper there, but the generics are even cheaper than that. I get the feeling that the conditioner is a little watered down (the consistency is more runny) but it still works just the same so I guess I don't mind.

[KSUViolet06]

Here's a tip: Cook.

I know people who eat dinner out at least 3 nights per week and always complain about money. It's as if they don't know what that big thing in the kitchen with the 4 hot thingies on top is supposed to be used for.

They also think that just because you're dining in, it has to be boring or not taste as good. Not so. There are plenty of "budget gormet" cookbooks out there. You save money buying groceries and cooking, and you can even lose weight.

Also, PACK YOUR LUNCH for work.

Going to Fridays, Outback, etc. every now and then with co-workers is cool. But going every single day is going to cost. You'd be surprised how many people complain about money, yet spend at least $50-100 a week eating lunch. Pack it!

It doesn't have to be ham and cheese. Heck, you can buy a bunch of different things (yogurt, chips, pretels, ham and brie, etc). You'll probably save your waistline too.

[AGDee]

I take leftovers from dinner for lunch almost every day. Since there are 3 in my family and most things come in packages of 4, there is always one leftover for my lunch the next day.

[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

[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.

[DaemonSeid]

A few tips, I guess...

Cable...get rid of premium channels if you don't need them...most of what's there can be found online or in the video store. No sense in spending 20 bucks a month for things you have already seen and don't plan on watching.

PCs - learn how to do minor repairs and upgrades on your own, Geek Squad is a rip off. Also learn how to use your software tools for cleaning and optimizing because to have a PC recovered from a virus may cost you as much as 200 to 300 dollars.

On a tangent with food - If you are one of those that is trying to eat healthy but hates veggies try also getting a juicer and mix some of your fruits and veggies together (get some good recipes to show you how) because you can make some great tasting juices without having to a) spend money on fruit juice and b) do a lot of cooking.

I can spend a decent amount on fresh veggies, then cook up the rest of my dinner (meat and starch) and then as my drink have my juice (this also eliminates your sodas and such) and you are done.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

PCs - learn how to do minor repairs and upgrades on your own, Geek Squad is a rip off. Also learn how to use your software tools for cleaning and optimizing because to have a PC recovered from a virus may cost you as much as 200 to 300 dollars.

That's easy for you to say, Mr. Computer guru.

[Kappamd]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

That's easy for you to say, Mr. Computer guru.

He's right, Geek Squad is a major rip-off, and their skill-set isn't even capable of advanced repairs. Most things Geek Squad does you should be able to do with a little research.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by Kappamd

He's right, Geek Squad is a major rip-off, and their skill-set isn't even capable of advanced repairs. Most things Geek Squad does you should be able to do with a little research.

@ CG..well I had to learn this for myself as the first time I decided to upgrade my PC with new memory, the guy charged me 200 for 5 minutes of service. No lie. I always tell me friends and I have said this here too, if you know someone that knows PCs, (Just as you did CG) take it TO THEM instead of the Geek Squad. Most of them are not even A+ Certified and have on some occasions have done more damage than good.

I made the mistake of taking my PC to Circuit City 2 years ago because it got something that even I could not fix and they
a) took one month to fix it after they told me it would take a week

b) broke something else on my machine and tried to say it was already like that when it was a new part.

and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend!

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

@ CG..well I had to learn this for myself as the first time I decided to upgrade my PC with new memory, the guy charged me 200 for 5 minutes of service. No lie. I always tell me friends and I have said this here too, if you know someone that knows PCs, (Just as you did CG) take it TO THEM instead of the Geek Squad. Most of them are not even A+ Certified and have on some occasions have done more damage than good.

I made the mistake of taking my PC to Circuit City 2 years ago because it got something that even I could not fix and they
a) took one month to fix it after they told me it would take a week

b) broke something else on my machine and tried to say it was already like that when it was a new part.

and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend!

I loled SO hard at what I bolded. Hilarious! What did you do when they told you it was already broken? I know that had to be an argument, like "Can I see your manager?" argument. lol

With the exception of one time, I've always taken my computer to one of my classmates (and friend) for repairs. Dell fixed it once, and they're expensive. My friend knows computers really well. She got rid of my virus and she installed my Norton 360 for me. Most of the problems I have on my computer, I just call her and she walks me through it. But ever since she installed Norton on my laptop, it's been working fine. She's awesome.

I don't know any mechanics. Other than the dealer, I honestly really wouldn't trust anyone doing work on my car anyway. So far, I haven't had any problems with it. However, when I take it in for regular service, it is expensive. Minis are made by BMW so I always take it there to get it serviced, and they charge me an arm and a leg everytime. But I would rather pay that and leave knowing everything is right, rather than dealing with someone who doesn't know what they're doing, which would cost me more money in the long run.

[ThetaPrincess24]

[QUOTE=DaemonSeid;1857338
and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend![/QUOTE]


My husband now changes all of the oil in our cars instead of going to the 12 minute oil change place across the street.

[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.