Posted by Anonymous on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Dec 1969 · 11789 posts
I am sooooooo broke right now. :( Does anyone have any tips on how to not spend/ save more money?
Posted by hiimkelsi on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Sep 2004 · 2297 posts
think of saving money as spending/making it. i get really excited when i see my interest rise. i use capitalone online banking. they have a pretty good interest rate. and its all online, so it's pretty easy to use, but you have to have money in there for it to give you interest of course.
you could babysit for 3 nights or something, make 60$, put that right into a high interest savings account and watch it grow. yay! exciting! just as fun as shopping.
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Posted by _Dalida_ on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Jan 2009 · 966 posts
I bought some seeds to start growing herbs, etc...and they've already sprouted! Herbs like basil are pretty pricey, so I"m trying to do certain things myself... I think also a good tip is to not eat out AT ALL in order to save $$$....just make stuff yourself... It's nice too, because that way you know you washed your hands and your food is clean ;D
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Posted by Cali on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Jan 2002 · 2888 posts
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
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Posted by _Dalida_ on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Jan 2009 · 966 posts
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
good tips :)
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Posted by little2ant on Feb 24, 2009 · Member since Aug 2004 · 3055 posts
When you find a deal on a food you know you will eat, buy a bunch of it, if you can. We are really broke right now too, but when I see deals (like 6 pounds of Earth Balance for $3) I stock up because I know it will save me $ in the long run.
Also, I have totally stopped buying new things. Do you belong to freecycle? I get tons of nice free things on there....and get rid of tons too!
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Posted by hiimkelsi on Feb 25, 2009 · Member since Sep 2004 · 2297 posts
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
what an awesome idea!!! i should tell this to michael. he just has cash laying around the house, he gets paid in 100$ bills. having some sort of organization could help him keep track of where its all going and how quickly.
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Posted by humboldt_honey on Feb 25, 2009 · Member since Feb 2007 · 12529 posts
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
This worked for me in college. One time I went three days on a single piece of bread per day because I ran out of food money. I learned my lesson and made better decisions the next month. If you do this, hold yourself accountable.
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Posted by estefania_belle on Feb 25, 2009 · Member since Aug 2008 · 154 posts
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
That's what we do now! It works great. But you really have to do your budget properly to find out if you can even afford a 'fun' envelope. Or your bills will end up being late. I am really broke too lately and it sucks. But at least thanks to this method, I can keep on track and all our stuff still gets paid.
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Posted by Cali on Feb 26, 2009 · Member since Jan 2002 · 2888 posts
I used the envelope method for several years when I was a single mom living on a very small income. At first my fun envelope was $5. But over time I learned how to get the most out of my other envelopes and could increase that one. It was so nice to be able to go out and spend that "fun" money then. I kind of wish I still did this but it is very hard to do with two people unless you work at it (and have two "fun" envelopes)!
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Posted by Rachael Ann on Feb 26, 2009 · Member since Feb 2009 · 28 posts
My best advice would be to look for odd-jobs. I found a job cleaning someone's office which paid $30 per cleaning, and I cleaned twice a month. However, since their business is tight on money now, I no longer have that job. But it was great while it lasted! I even switched them over to gentler, eco-friendly cleaning products. I would say check craigslist for jobs--there is usually someone looking for a tutor, babysitter, dog walker, or something or other.
As far as spending goes, when I am broke (which would be now), the most important thing for me is to not buy anything that isn't really necessary (i.e. eating out--even coffee shops, and driving excessively). I know I shouldn't drive unless its necessary no matter whether I'm broke or not, but it's definitely easier to justify "stopping by that thrift store" even if its not on the way to where you're going, when you are in the cash.
Food, hmmm....well, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches usually become the norm for dinner, but I do try to switch it up with beans and rice, or pasta. Homemade oatmeal and granola are great for breakfast, usually with a banana, since they are both yummy and inexpensive. I also make my bread at home, which saves quite a lot money I think. This allows me to buy the flour in really huge bags, and buy the jar of yeast instead of the little packets, and even though it costs more up front, it really is worth it in the long run, if you ask me.
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Posted by agitpropist on Feb 26, 2009 · Member since Feb 2008 · 8 posts
Consider rejecting materialism. Get your happiness from things that are free. Sneak into the movie theater. Grow your own food. Drive less, commute by bicycle. Lynch your landlord.
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Posted by Di on Feb 27, 2009 · Member since Nov 2006 · 1343 posts
I can so relate. I am in huge debt and today at work we found out due to the economy, we are all taking a 10% pay cut. Raises are on hold until 2010 and as my review is in October, October 2010. PB & J sandwiches for lunch will now be the norm for me.
I have 9 pets to care for and I just pray they will all stay healthy until the economic crisis passes.
Needless to say, I will go in to more debt if any of them gets sick because that is not an option. They will get the care they need, no matter what.
So many are struggling right now and maybe some good will come from it. Parents spending more time with their kids playing board games and doing things outdoors that don't require money. Hikes, playing road hockey, walking.
I know I have to cut out some things I took for granted. My one cup of coffee at Tim Horton's. Buying my lunch occasionally.
Not buying things I want but don't need. Grocery shopping more efficiently so that I am not throwing out food I didn't use.
It certainly is a trying time for us all.
Good luck on your struggles. Many of us can totally relate.
I am just grateful they did the pay cut thing because the other option was to lay many people off.
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Posted by lubimiller on Feb 27, 2009 · Member since Mar 2008 · 3602 posts
I mentioned this in another thread but I used to work for a babysitting agency for extra money. I would tell them when I could work and they would call me if they needed me for those times. I did it off and on for about 10 years. I made lots of extra cash that way.
I cut out going out to eat except one day a week, I never see a movie in the theatre. I have netflix and watch a ton of stuff instantly online. I don't have cable, and didn't even buy the converter for my tv.
think of saving money as spending/making it. i get really excited when i see my interest rise. i use capitalone online banking. they have a pretty good interest rate. and its all online, so it's pretty easy to use, but you have to have money in there for it to give you interest of course.
you could babysit for 3 nights or something, make 60$, put that right into a high interest savings account and watch it grow. yay! exciting! just as fun as shopping.
I bought some seeds to start growing herbs, etc...and they've already sprouted! Herbs like basil are pretty pricey, so I"m trying to do certain things myself... I think also a good tip is to not eat out AT ALL in order to save $$$....just make stuff yourself... It's nice too, because that way you know you washed your hands and your food is clean ;D
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
good tips :)
When you find a deal on a food you know you will eat, buy a bunch of it, if you can. We are really broke right now too, but when I see deals (like 6 pounds of Earth Balance for $3) I stock up because I know it will save me $ in the long run.
Also, I have totally stopped buying new things.
Do you belong to freecycle? I get tons of nice free things on there....and get rid of tons too!
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
what an awesome idea!!! i should tell this to michael. he just has cash laying around the house, he gets paid in 100$ bills. having some sort of organization could help him keep track of where its all going and how quickly.
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
This worked for me in college. One time I went three days on a single piece of bread per day because I ran out of food money. I learned my lesson and made better decisions the next month. If you do this, hold yourself accountable.
Use the envelope method of budgeting. Cash goes into an envelope labeled "Food" or "Fun". The only time you use the bank is to pay bills like rent, utilities, etc. Once food is empty you better live off the pantry supplies. Once the fun is empty you sit at home watching TV or reading a book.
Shop at discount grocery stores like an ALDI. Look for bargains at dollar stores and other thrift places. Tell yourself that you do NOT need that new <insert item you want here> until you have saved up money to buy it.
That's what we do now! It works great. But you really have to do your budget properly to find out if you can even afford a 'fun' envelope. Or your bills will end up being late. I am really broke too lately and it sucks. But at least thanks to this method, I can keep on track and all our stuff still gets paid.
I used the envelope method for several years when I was a single mom living on a very small income. At first my fun envelope was $5. But over time I learned how to get the most out of my other envelopes and could increase that one. It was so nice to be able to go out and spend that "fun" money then. I kind of wish I still did this but it is very hard to do with two people unless you work at it (and have two "fun" envelopes)!
My best advice would be to look for odd-jobs. I found a job cleaning someone's office which paid $30 per cleaning, and I cleaned twice a month. However, since their business is tight on money now, I no longer have that job. But it was great while it lasted! I even switched them over to gentler, eco-friendly cleaning products. I would say check craigslist for jobs--there is usually someone looking for a tutor, babysitter, dog walker, or something or other.
As far as spending goes, when I am broke (which would be now), the most important thing for me is to not buy anything that isn't really necessary (i.e. eating out--even coffee shops, and driving excessively). I know I shouldn't drive unless its necessary no matter whether I'm broke or not, but it's definitely easier to justify "stopping by that thrift store" even if its not on the way to where you're going, when you are in the cash.
Food, hmmm....well, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches usually become the norm for dinner, but I do try to switch it up with beans and rice, or pasta. Homemade oatmeal and granola are great for breakfast, usually with a banana, since they are both yummy and inexpensive. I also make my bread at home, which saves quite a lot money I think. This allows me to buy the flour in really huge bags, and buy the jar of yeast instead of the little packets, and even though it costs more up front, it really is worth it in the long run, if you ask me.
Consider rejecting materialism. Get your happiness from things that are free. Sneak into the movie theater. Grow your own food. Drive less, commute by bicycle. Lynch your landlord.
I can so relate. I am in huge debt and today at work we found out due to the economy, we are all taking a 10% pay cut. Raises are on hold until 2010 and as my review is in October, October 2010. PB & J sandwiches for lunch will now be the norm for me.
I have 9 pets to care for and I just pray they will all stay healthy until the economic crisis passes.
Needless to say, I will go in to more debt if any of them gets sick because that is not an option. They will get the care they need, no matter what.
So many are struggling right now and maybe some good will come from it. Parents spending more time with their kids playing board games and doing things outdoors that don't require money. Hikes, playing road hockey, walking.
I know I have to cut out some things I took for granted. My one cup of coffee at Tim Horton's. Buying my lunch occasionally.
Not buying things I want but don't need. Grocery shopping more efficiently so that I am not throwing out food I didn't use.
It certainly is a trying time for us all.
Good luck on your struggles. Many of us can totally relate.
I am just grateful they did the pay cut thing because the other option was to lay many people off.
I mentioned this in another thread but I used to work for a babysitting agency for extra money. I would tell them when I could work and they would call me if they needed me for those times. I did it off and on for about 10 years. I made lots of extra cash that way.
I cut out going out to eat except one day a week, I never see a movie in the theatre. I have netflix and watch a ton of stuff instantly online. I don't have cable, and didn't even buy the converter for my tv.