03-18-2009, 08:30 AM | #121 (permalink) |
Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
|
Yes, I think that one can live off lots less in certain parts of the country. We'd have to COLA scale it.
__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
03-31-2009, 01:50 PM | #122 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
|
Quote:
I do carry a single $100 bill in my pocket. I have a few $100 bill stashed in the apartment. I can easily spend the $100 on something that I'm yearning for or even the other bills to help make it a large purchase. But here's the thing, I don't want to break the $100 unless I absolutely have to. Once it gets broken, the 1s, 5s, 10s, 20s, all seem to flitter away really quickly. I've had the $100 in my wallet for 3 years now, and the rest also for about 3 years.
__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
|
04-29-2009, 10:28 AM | #123 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
|
one of the butchers I try to visit in the neighborhood. He's really nice man, gives away a ton of advice and food, if you buy $25 he gives you a pound or two of chicken leg quarters...he gives some advice on cheaper cuts of meat.
seems to be that it also conincided with NYTimes article on cheaper cuts of meat. Quote:
__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
|
05-22-2009, 08:20 AM | #124 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: My head.
|
So, I just bought some parts for my car and I gots ta mention ... when buying ANYTHING online ... once you find the right price ... go google, and type in "::>>store name here<<:: coupon". You will always get at least a 5% off coupon like I did for parts for my car.
|
05-22-2009, 08:23 AM | #125 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
Ooo awesome trick, thanks Xerxys!
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
05-24-2009, 11:19 AM | #126 (permalink) |
Insane
|
I use mint.com to track my expenses and its free. All you have to do is enter your online bank login and password. The website is legitimate and doesn't sell your information. It's been rated highly on money magazine. You can set up a budget and track it monthly; it even will email you alerts when you over spend or your bill payment date is approaching.
|
05-24-2009, 12:36 PM | #127 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: My head.
|
Nice one Corneo, but I don't think I'll indulge. For those of you who think that if they will stare at another spreadsheet, they're gonna die, I use Notepad to track my expenses. Once I have all the months savings and bills tallied and taken care of, I can export it to money and delete the notepad. It takes 10 seconds to do the last step!!
Last edited by Xerxys; 05-24-2009 at 12:40 PM.. |
06-21-2009, 08:46 PM | #128 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: My head.
|
Hey guys ... S&K Mens Wear coupon ... Go nuts!!
|
08-09-2009, 05:50 AM | #129 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
Administrator
Location: Manhattan, NY
|
Quote:
While I don't keep track of everything on a spreedsheet or a notepad, I do see everything (98%) of it in our monthly credit card statement. I pay for just about everything with a rewards card this includes small payments under $2. Now we currently have 4 frequent flyer round trip tickets business class for anywhere around the world. I recently found this blog. It's quite informative... The Non-Consumer Advocate
__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
|
01-26-2010, 02:13 PM | #130 (permalink) | |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
Here's an interesting idea: Voluntarily living without heat.
I think I'm too much of a wimp for it, but it seems to work for some people: Quote:
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
|
01-27-2010, 09:10 AM | #132 (permalink) |
...is a comical chap
Location: Where morons reign supreme
|
For 2 years when hubby and I lived with my mom in eastern NC, we only ran the heat 2-3 hours a day...and that brought the house up to a toasty 50ish. Her house was over a hundred years old and had no insulation to speak of. Running the heater 24/7 only brought the house up to 60 degrees or so, but then the electricity bill was more than the rent was, so we ran it briefly out of necessity. No heat at night. We became good friends with electric blankets, extra layers, and beanies. Thankfully the winters were short and it only got really cold for a couple of months. We also had no A/C in the summer, which sucked far worse than no heat.
It wasn't fun, but we did it. I could do it again if I had to, but I certainly wouldn't choose to.
__________________
"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa |
01-28-2010, 06:43 AM | #134 (permalink) |
warrior bodhisattva
Super Moderator
Location: East-central Canada
|
I don't think I've touched on this yet in the thread, but to continue on the path of the DIYer (do-it-yourselfer), I have been reaping the benefits of working at home and saving money while I'm at it.
The example I want to share is making your own tea vs. buying it at a cafe "on the go." I purchased some loose leaf sencha at a specialty shop. It's good quality, but it still brews as low as $0.30 a cup. Compare that to Starbucks, where I think they charge as much as $1.50. But I double infuse my leaves, and so I'm down to $0.15 a cup. Compared to $1.50? It's ten times more expensive to go grab a tea at the cafe vs. making it at home (or at work). So if you have the facilities, consider making the switch to a DIY mentality. You could argue that it's more work to make it yourself, but it's not really that much more work when you think about it. And you could also say that it's nice to go out for a break and grab a coffee or tea. Yeah, but you could always bring a travel mug of your own brew with you and go for a walk. If you grab 2 or 3 coffees or teas a day, it adds up quickly, especially when you know it's as much as ten times more expensive (we'll say at least five times more).
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot |
01-28-2010, 08:34 AM | #135 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
|
Quote:
The same cup of coffee will run you about $1.75 at most coffee places around town; admittedly, there it will also be organic, fair trade, and possibly locally roasted, depending on where you go. But a savings of $1.25 or so per cup is pretty significant, and you're right, it does add up.
__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
|
01-28-2010, 02:05 PM | #137 (permalink) |
warrior bodhisattva
Super Moderator
Location: East-central Canada
|
We're frugal, not destitute....
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot |
01-28-2010, 03:36 PM | #138 (permalink) |
Alien Anthropologist
Location: Between Boredom and Nirvana
|
This is one of the Best Threads Ever (IMHO) and I'm always glad when new posts appear here. A huge money saver for me & the Hub was to quit buying & drinking Soda Pop. And it's been easier on the recycling AND our waistlines. Even my dentist said that he has noticed our teeth look better and are healthier! No need for paying to get whiteners either. SO, yep...lots of pluses here.
I re-use all the free smaller plastic bags I get from the grocery store. I bag yucky trash every day or so and take it to the garbage can in my garage on my way to my car. I have spent little on the Large expensive trash bags this way (though I still have them) and my kitchen area is always fresher smelling. Lemme think of more and I'll add those. Oh, yes...we hardly ever buy and cook red meat these days. The savings is quite noticeable and my tummy seems happier. **I envy those of you who have room for gardens and grow some of your food!** That is truly wonderful & healthier. Thanks for doing that. LOVE how this post feels like the Original TFP remaining... Good stuff.
__________________
"I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB |
02-11-2010, 10:46 AM | #139 (permalink) | |
Junkie
|
Quote:
If you drink soda, it probably goes without saying that this idea would also apply to soda. The groceries sometimes have 12-pack or 2 liter bottles really cheap. Probably goes for beer, wine, and liquor, as well, but for me that's more of a go out social kind of thing. I rarely drink alcohol at home. Lindy When I'm on the road, I buy coffee at one of the ubiquitous McDonalds or Burger King drive thrus. It's fast, inexpensive, and I like the coffee better than Starbucks anyway. |
|
02-11-2010, 12:02 PM | #140 (permalink) |
warrior bodhisattva
Super Moderator
Location: East-central Canada
|
Starbucks does burn their coffee. I prefer Second Cup or Timothy's World Coffee.
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot |
05-19-2010, 02:55 PM | #141 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: My head.
|
One more time, always google for coupons when purchasing anything online.
I'd also like to give bigups to two of my favorite parts dealers. One of which is Certifit and my favorite Rock Auto. My car needed 2 inner and one outer tie rod, 4 rotors and 4 brake pads (rear and front). I got all these at rockauto for a total of $209.10 after a coupon brought it down to $189.90. Just 1 component would have cost me that much at any given repair shop. They're very good to work with. |
05-22-2010, 07:00 PM | #142 (permalink) |
Non-Rookie
Location: Green Bay, WI
|
I saw a fellow at work today with this, and I thought I'd just throw it out there - it's a make your own soda dealeo - obviously, pays out big time over long term (particularly if you drink a lot of soda) but it's a bit pricey (He said around $200) for all the up front costs (including getting the bags of name brand soda syrup.
Sodastream | Turn Water Into Fresh Sparkling Water And Soda
__________________
I have an aura of reliability and good judgement. Just in case you were wondering... |
05-23-2010, 07:49 AM | #143 (permalink) | |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
An interesting article about a cheap way to travel Europe:
A Walk From Vienna to Budapest - NYTimes.com Quote:
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
|
07-02-2010, 07:35 PM | #144 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Whatever house my keys can get me into
|
When i traveled through western europe a few years ago, my budget was 40 euro a day (for everything - food, lodging, fun). and it wasn't really that hard. i stayed in hostels, ate pasta and etc. from grocery stores, routinely pooled money with other travelers to buy nicer food from grocers and liquor, met up with people at the hostel common rooms who led me to great local bars and fantastic house parties, and on top of it all still went out during the day to see the sights and museums and etc. Public transportation is wonderful and cheap. Two hours after eating, 90% of meals are forgotten anyway, so might as well just eat something cheap and healthy or healthy-ish. fast food and regular dining out is wasteful.
when at home I like to do the various things mentioned above, plus my two-cents is simple: live within your means, and never use credit for anything. ever. credit is not worth it. if you really want it, save up for it and it'll all be worth it. the only debt i think is at all reasonable is a mortgage, and even there it better not be more than 25% of your take-home pay or you will be payment poor and still poor. I don't have CC's or any other credit b/c I always keep an emergency fund on hand of at least 1000$ for unforeseen expenses. that is how you avoid credit cards for "emergencies." Plus, a little planning ahead and foresight will prevent an awful lot of "emergency" spending. as has been mentioned before, certain things will run out or need replacing, so plan for it. you're going to have to do your brakes periodically, your A/C will fail at some point, you will need to do routine maintenance on your house or car. so plan for them and life will be better. /soapbox
__________________
These are the good old days... formerly Murp0434 |
07-02-2010, 09:17 PM | #145 (permalink) |
The Reforms
Location: Rarely, if ever, here or there, but always in transition
|
Hah. I was just pinging around the idea in my head to start a topic of "Post things that cost less than a dollar, (1 Euro) and detail its overall value", then I come across this thread.
I'm sure I have a few articles in my notes that deal with household economics, but it might take me days to find them. Here is something else, though: As winter’s cold creeps in, we all revel in the little things to keep cozy. The Natural Wave is ceramic plate that fits over an old school radiator. The heated plate keeps your drinks and snacks warm without having to use additional power and energy like a microwave or oven. Pretty ingenious and if anything, it makes those old rusty radiators look a lot better.
__________________
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world (that is the myth of the Atomic Age) as in being able to remake ourselves. —Mohandas K. Gandhi |
07-03-2010, 03:26 AM | #146 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
I just finished planning our trip out to Montana. We're leaving in a couple of weeks. All along the route I've been able to find campgrounds in national forests that range from $0 (free) to $6/night. We'll be pitching our tent in beautiful places all along the way at minimal expense. Add that to the fact that we'll be making the journey in a diesel that gets ~50 mpg, and we'll make it a cheap trip indeed.
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
03-20-2011, 12:28 PM | #147 (permalink) |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
|
Bump.
Frugal tip: After making large batches of tomato sauce, use whatever is left over in your Dutch oven or saucepot as a base for making a batch of soup. I just made a kickass minestrone using the remnants of some homemade pizza sauce (after I used said pizza sauce for making 2 pizzas and froze some sauce for later).
__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
06-05-2011, 09:38 AM | #148 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: hampshire
|
car washer jets blocked - dont try poking a pin down, use the air hose at the garage to blast any obstruction. I guess if you do it now and then it should prevent clogging and give a longer life to the parts.
Been given unwanted hand lotion moisturiser stuff? Dont give it to the charity shop, feed your wood with it - um - as in timber. Got a dog? Make its treat - Liver cake recipie - Blend one pound of liver with half a bulb of garlic and one or two eggs. Pour this gloop into half a pound of flour (other way round smoke comes out of blender) Bake in a greased and floured cake tin, or individual cake tray as you would a cake - until the knife comes out clean. Dice it and bag it. Keeps for 6 days in fridge or you can freeze it down. Dogs Birthday? Decorate with primula - you can use the tubed cheese to write with. |
06-13-2011, 06:46 PM | #149 (permalink) |
Upright
|
Can't do the bike thing here either. Everything is an hour away! But I do buy in bulk to save me gas money by less trips. Also internet purchases are delivered to the door by the USPS still. Don't know about next year though, I hear they are struggling. No more 50 cent letters to Alaska, I suppose. I hear they are considering charging by the mile!
__________________
One day our cell tilted forum projects will be charged automatically with sound waves. Or is that even possible? |
06-17-2011, 01:28 AM | #150 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: hampshire
|
You can still grow plants if you have a windowsill - I have a wall mounted (means I shoved it over an old bent nail on the fence) upside down hanging tomato plant thingy.
Back to frugal. Ex Mother in law told me when she was a gal in Norway, they would throw fresh snow on the floor and sweep it out with brooms - said its good for lifting dirt out of carpets - it sticks to the snow. I should imagine the children might like to be helping with that one. |
06-26-2011, 12:15 PM | #151 (permalink) |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
|
I needed to clean my coffee pot today. It is something I try to do every couple of months, usually right after I buy a new gallon of white vinegar. Not wanting to waste the vinegar/water mix I'd just run through the coffeepot, I decided to use the hot liquid to mop my floors. I just poured a little bit from the coffeepot onto the floor and mopped it up with my microfiber mop. Voila, clean coffeepot, clean floor, and I used the vinegar twice.
__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
06-27-2011, 05:00 AM | #152 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
Our water is so hard, I usually filter the vinegar with a tea strainer to remove chunks of calcium and run it through the coffee maker 2 or 3 times. That used vinegar is also great for shining up stainless steel and pewter - I usually attack my coffee maker, teapot, sink, and pewter fruit bowl with the same vinegar. It is also excellent for getting hard water deposits off from shower walls. Put it into a spray bottle, grab a scrubby sponge, and you're set.
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy Last edited by genuinegirly; 06-27-2011 at 05:02 AM.. |
07-01-2011, 10:25 AM | #154 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
When purchasing fast food someplace unfamiliar, always say you want it to-go. In some cities, there are more taxes for dine-in purchases.
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
07-06-2011, 06:13 AM | #155 (permalink) | |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
Here are some tips on saving from a CNN Money article: 7 ways to save on everyday expenses - Faster, better, cheaper: Ways to save (1) - CNNMoney
Quote:
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
|
07-06-2011, 07:25 AM | #156 (permalink) |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
|
I saved some money at the farmer's market recently on accident, and it made me realize it's probably something I should try more often. I went to buy some strawberries, and they were 3 pints for $8. We buy tokens at the market using our debit card instead of using cash, and it turned out that what I thought was 8 tokens was 7 tokens. I said nevermind, I'll just take two, but because it was so close to closing, the berry stand gave me the 3 pints for 7 tokens.
Lesson: Show up right as the market is getting ready to close, and say, oh, I am down to my last (insert $ here), and maybe they'll give it to you for that price. It's an easy way to dicker without actually dickering (for those of us who do not like to haggle or dicker). Goodness knows they don't want to take home produce like berries--they would rather sell them for less than not sell them at all.
__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
Tags |
frugality, tilted |
|
|