So I think most of the country is struggling to pay bills and save money now a days. The housing Market sucks, the Big Three Auto makers are in trouble, unemployment is at an all time high, and government bailout is a regular phrase heard in every day life. The year looks gloomy, and everyone is trying to keep their heads above water. Michigan is especially hurting, with the Auto industry touching just about every job around.
I know I look for deals all the time, I used to just be a loyal shopper and stick to the same grocery store and not look for specials on certain items, but that has changed. I go where the deals are and stock up on things we eat a lot of when they are on sale. This year with our income tax rebate we got new front windows and basement windows. The temperature in our house has changed dramatically and I know we are going to save money in the long run. We are saving for when I am off having a baby this year. I am extremely lucky to have 8 weeks of Aflac coverage and another 4 weeks of vacation to use. but Aflac doesn't pay 100% of coarse, so we have to get a stash going for bills to get paid. My job had a raise freeze this year for the first time ever. Justin's work, after 6 years of a raise freeze, took 5% off of every employees paycheck. Times are tough, and finding a new way to deal is getting tricky. Justin is working 3 or 4 nights a week dealing poker. He is lucky he found something he LOVES to do, But its rough not having him home every night, but it makes a big difference paying bills. I'm sure like everyone else, we don't go out to dinner as often as before. If we do its a special occasion and we have a coupon, or its the Free wing Tuesday at Buffalo Wild Wings. gotta get that deal!
I just signed us up for Red Robins Birthday club also...you get a coupon for a free burger on your birthday. Ya can't beat that!
some other websites I check out are:
http://billeater.com/money-saving-tips
http://www.promotionalcodes.com/
http://www.freebies.com/
Things I do on a regular basis so we can save money
I know I look for deals all the time, I used to just be a loyal shopper and stick to the same grocery store and not look for specials on certain items, but that has changed. I go where the deals are and stock up on things we eat a lot of when they are on sale. This year with our income tax rebate we got new front windows and basement windows. The temperature in our house has changed dramatically and I know we are going to save money in the long run. We are saving for when I am off having a baby this year. I am extremely lucky to have 8 weeks of Aflac coverage and another 4 weeks of vacation to use. but Aflac doesn't pay 100% of coarse, so we have to get a stash going for bills to get paid. My job had a raise freeze this year for the first time ever. Justin's work, after 6 years of a raise freeze, took 5% off of every employees paycheck. Times are tough, and finding a new way to deal is getting tricky. Justin is working 3 or 4 nights a week dealing poker. He is lucky he found something he LOVES to do, But its rough not having him home every night, but it makes a big difference paying bills. I'm sure like everyone else, we don't go out to dinner as often as before. If we do its a special occasion and we have a coupon, or its the Free wing Tuesday at Buffalo Wild Wings. gotta get that deal!
I just signed us up for Red Robins Birthday club also...you get a coupon for a free burger on your birthday. Ya can't beat that!
some other websites I check out are:
http://billeater.com/money-saving-tips
http://www.promotionalcodes.com/
http://www.freebies.com/
Things I do on a regular basis so we can save money
- Put less in my 401K
- paying bills on time or early to not have late fees
- turn the Thermostat down in the house
- not using and paying off first the high interest credit cards
- driving more careful to not use as much gas
- being aware of errands to run and not making unnecessary trips around town
- taking lunch when ever I remember to make it:)
- cancelled all magazine subscriptions
- lowered my netflix movie Que, and bill:( LOVE my MOVIES!! I should give it up)
- looking up promotional codes online to get deals on shipping or %'s off coupons
- shop around for deals...looking at weekly ads every week to see what is on sale
- not eat out so much, and if we do we have a coupon or special deal
- look for fun free stuff to do as a family, walking the riverfront downtown is always a favorite of mine.
- check out websites of our favorite stores to see if they offer coupons
what have you been doing to save money? I'd love to hear more ideas!
also check out my final four poll....and vote for who you think is going to win!!!
2 comments:
Oh I love this one as I've always been a thrifty lady! I think that even if I was rich, I would shop the grocery papers, get clearances if possible and use coupons. It's all a real thrill of mine! OH and I love the riverfront. I went with Gina last year what a blast! I know that I've ALWAYS, even when Marissa was little(she's 15,) taken advantage of ANY free local(city,county etc..) events that are free or a few dollars. IE...Concerts in the park, fireworks, Easter Egg Hunts. Also, the church's in the area have all kinds of things for the kids and when Gina(my sister,) and I find those we go to all of them. Yes, you are looked at as if you need to be SAVED since your a visitor...lol...but we are already Christians.
You are right though, man it is a time to be even more creative than ever in all things. Each purchase is thought through.
I know that I see less people even at the grocery store. And when eating out, as Amy said, most the time there is no wait anymore. And yes since it costs like 50.00 bucks to eat out anymore, I can't justify it much since we can buy 3 nice meals out of that.
I really pride myself by shopping strictly around the grocery flyers and making as many meals as I can from them. It's fun actually. My dad doesn't use coupons, yet reads three papers a day and always saves and brings me the coupons over. I could go on and on.
People may say one is CHEAP, lol. But why wouldn't ANYONE try to stretch there dollars? I mean there are the rare times that I say FUCK IT and get a 3.50 Tim Hortons drink, but it isn't daily! There are times that I do say, "let's go to the Japanese place," and that's $100 for sure, but just now and then. Sometimes Marissa needs clothes and that gets pricey because if you get her what she won't wear, what's the point? We just ordered furniture, but it was long overdue. And we are fixing some things up around here...but believe me not astetic choices, needed updates!
My husband made some bad financial choices recently or I would have 10,000 saved. My job just got cut and I'm down to 20 hours a week and I am 3 less paygrades plus my insurance is double now. So, I want to start saving again but it will be a little tight.
Anyway...I loved this blog. Nothing like finding somewhere else to get a little deal!:)
bills.....schmillss..........just spend like crazy and ask later for a bail out!!!!!
Post a Comment