I want to give a big Internet hug to everyone who posted comments on Living on Less. There were so many great tips and I’m thankful you all took the time to share with all of us. I took your advice and got a Sunday paper that had tons of coupons. I had no idea! I made my grocery list for the week and tried not to buy anything that wasn’t on that list. I usually go to the store with a few things in mind that I need and then just grab anything else that sounds good at the time. Not the best grocery strategy. So after my shopper card and coupons I saved $11.63. Hooray!
I thought I would also share some of the things that I have come up with to try and save money, since you all shared with me. I don’t have a lot of techniques but one thing I am conscience of is keeping things unplugged when they aren’t in use. I can’t honestly tell you what this has saved on our electric bills because I didn’t keep track, but I know that your appliances still use energy so long as they are plugged into the outlet. So unless I’m using it, I unplug lamps, toaster, coffee maker, etc. I also make sure I turn off the porch lights when I wake up in the morning and only keep them on when needed overnight.
Also, since I got a great coffee maker for Christmas a couple of years ago, I rarely ever stop at the convenience store on the way to work. I cannot imagine how much money I would waste in a year by picking up $1 coffees 4-6 times a week.
That’s all I’ve got really, I’m going to hopefully continue to grow this list of ways to live cheaper and whatever I come up with I will share. This month is the first month of a new budget strategy I am trying out which I think will work great at our house. If it goes well I will share it with you. Keep those Living on Less ideas comin’!
*FYI, I’m hosting a giveaway that ends on Thursday night, there aren’t very many comments so your chances of winning are high!
Sher Bailey has been a dedicated voice for the Love and Marriage blog for over a decade, sharing practical advice on everything from stretching a grocery budget to finding the best homeschooling resources. She writes from the unique perspective of a full-time traveler, living and working on the road in her motorhome alongside her husband and their two cats. Sher’s diverse body of work is fueled by her belief that with the right tools and a little creativity, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth and adventure.
Adorably Distracted... says
I’m so glad it worked for you!! the Sunday paper is always a huge help!! Check out these websites for a couple more coupons! totally worth it! i’m not sure if you like board games but every now and then you can save 10 dollars on a game!
couponmom.com
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10
Dollface says
Im really glad the coupons worked for you!! Def sign up for emails from your favorite places those always help when I want to shop!! xxxooo
Lindsey says
Glad the coupons helped! I’m addicted to coupon clipping now, haha!
Charis says
The coffee thing is a super saver, I freaked out a few years back when I figured how much money I was wasting on $3 lattes! Sheezer!
And thanks for the comment, we’re staying away from the fires, although at my work right now it smells like there’s a campfire in the hallway, yikes…
I’m also giving away a free session on my blog! Here’s the link: http://dancingthetightrope.blogspot.com/2009/09/luminous-life-freebie.html
Brittany and Charlie-Social Butterfly says
You should try “the grocery game”. Type that into the search bar and read about there website. My mom uses it and save tons of money and gets free stuff all the time.
a H.I.T. says
The Sunday paper rocks for coupons. And before I buy anything, I always google the store name and the word coupon to see if anything pops up.
Lucy Marie says
Great tips! I am so bad at unplugging things. I leave my laptop on ALL the time and I know it’s so wasteful and unnecessary.
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