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DivaTribe Discussions => Personal Finances => Topic started by: Jen on November 04, 2006, 06:38:18 PM



Title: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: Jen on November 04, 2006, 06:38:18 PM
Some ideas that save me money on a regular basis:

1.  Bring my own bottle of water when I'm away from home so I don't have to buy any
2.  Make coffee at home
3.  Line dry laundry - even partially drying it before using the dryer, or drying part of a load, uses less electricity
4.  Eat meals at home
5.  Use Netflix's one movie at a time plan instead of the three at a time plan
6.  Making things from scratch instead of relying on convenience foods (still working on this one, but the times I do manage to do it I know it's cheaper!)

I would love to hear more ideas of things that work for you in your everyday life.


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: HeatherH on December 21, 2006, 04:28:45 PM
Plan weekly meals around grocery ads.  Stock up on expensive things (like raw almonds) when they're on sale and then store them in the freezer in managable portions.

Jen, the coffee at home thing has been a big $$ saver for me this year!  Great tip!


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: Jen on December 28, 2006, 05:38:33 PM
Here's one we probably all heard growing up -

Turn off the lights when you leave a room!  (Now I find myself going around the house and turning off lights when nobody's in that room. ;))


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: HeatherH on December 29, 2006, 09:51:06 AM
(Now I find myself going around the house and turning off lights when nobody's in that room. ;))

Soooo true!   :flower:  We are doing this a lot now that we're in a house instead of apartment.  The first two electricity bills were  :eek:.  I think we're getting the hang of it now.


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: Kat on February 25, 2007, 10:11:14 PM
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's one I've had to teach myself: turn things in when they are due, thus saving yourself the late fees (library books, movie rentals, etc.). The small payments can really add up, and then you're out some big cash! That and don't speed-the last time (and hopefully LAST last time) I got a ticket, I was out over $100!


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: HeatherH on February 27, 2007, 09:02:11 PM
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's one I've had to teach myself: turn things in when they are due, thus saving yourself the late fees (library books, movie rentals, etc.). The small payments can really add up, and then you're out some big cash!

Very good advice!!!  It's amazing how much those fees are now; plus the ding on the credit report that goes along with them.


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: Soap Star on March 20, 2007, 08:57:19 AM
* Carpool - saves gas $ and wear and tear on your car, not to mention helps the environment.

* Get your books/textbooks from the library instead of buying them.

* Download/purchase your favorite song (1 song approx. 99 cents) rather than buying the whole CD (about $15).

* Netflix instead of Blockbuster!  Wish I could get BF to understand this one (sigh).


Title: Re: Easy money-saving habits
Post by: allinyc on November 24, 2007, 05:40:49 AM
I use public transporation and only use my car on weekends.

Take advantage of things work pays for.  For me, we have a pre-tax transportation benefit.  I use that, then I also get reimbursed for if I pay for a Metrocard or use my car to go see a client.  I often end up MAKING money from this benefit.

My work also pays for my cell phone.  (I guess my point is, check out what your job would pay for for you!).

I don't have a 401K but people who do, often say this is the closest thing to "free money" a job can give you.

If you go out to eat, or dinner at a friends/family, bring leftovers home!  This often goes for lunches/dinners for a couple of days.

I like the financial threads.  I am sure I can come up with more stuff later!