I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a “super saver.” In fact, my husband and I both feel strongly about wise money management. We save faithfully, invest dutifully, and strive to give generously. And we do our utmost to keep spending to a minimum.
We believe that “little things” add up and we talk about our money goals regularly.
Here are just a few of the things we do to cut costs and keep our money “output” low:
- We don’t have cable TV.
- We rarely eat out.
- We rent or buy movies instead of going to the movie theater.
- We save up for quality items instead of contributing our money to the Target dollar bins.
- We don’t make spontaneous purchases. We read reviews. We discuss our needs. We think about it. We talk about it some more. THEN, we buy.
- We don’t take out loans or buy things on credit.
By being intentional about our choices, we hope to model good money management skills to our daughter so that she’ll grow up without having to feel the “weight” of debt or the stress that often results from poor money handling.
This is a topic I feel strongly about so I was pleased to recently have the opportunity to review the Moonjar Classic Moneybox ($24.95), a retro tin with three separate “banks” for saving, spending, and sharing. Essentially, the idea is to encourage your child to think about where their money is going when they receive it.
I like the concept overall. The three categories are fantastic and the idea of giving your child a “piggybank” or box of any kind is a good one. Our 2-year-old daughter already gets excited about putting money into the different compartments. That said, I think I would like it more if there were different “slots” for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for easier calculating and transporting to the bank. I am assuming that this little box is geared to 5-10 year-olds, but it can easily be used with younger ones as well.
YOUR TURN: Leave your best money-saving tips. You can leave up to three separate tips for three separate entries.
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Moonjar Classic Moneybox ($24.95). To enter, leave a comment on this post [see above] prior to Tuesday, January 13 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
*UPDATE* The winner is #76 HilLesha. Congratulations!
I like to combine coupons with sales when grocery shopping.
Don’t take the kids shopping! I spend a lot more when the kids are with me. (impulse shopping at its worst!)
Stock up on items you regularly use when they are on sale.
Buy off season for great discounts.
I make myself put 50 cents in a jar everyday.It does add up over time.Please enter me and thanks
for the giveaway
My very best way to save money is to stay home! Every time I leave home it costs me money! Thanks for a fun giveaway!
You really have some good tips! I like to use coupons, buy on sale and i save all of my coins
I am a cash only person. I pay with cash for everything with the exception of 4 checks per month that must be mailed off. If I don’t have the cash for a purchase I just don’t need it. My HE washing machine gave it up last month – along with the Christmas expenses, but I was able to stick with my cash only policy. Of course, if something happened healthwise I would do whatever is necessary to get the money. Thank you for offering this prize.
I plan my weekly meals by using the Wednesday circulars and coupons I have collected. I make a list and stick to it (most of the time — sometimes that bag of chocolate candy that is an unadvertised manager’s special is just too tempting). Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!
I buy in bulk and make meals ahead of time. This saves me money and time.
I donate money right after I get paid and before my money goes for that extra dinner out or shirt I really don’t need.
I pay myself first that way there is always something to fall back on later.
I cut coupons and wait until items go on sale and then use those coupons while the item is on sale.
We pay our bills on time which actually is magical, because late fees sometimes accrue high penalty rates! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
Growing fruits and veggies in our garden is a magical way to save money and truly enjoy these delicious goodies organically! : )))
Thanks so much for this give~away! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
The way I save money is buy unplugging my chargers when not in use and checking for online coupons and deals!
Thanks for entering me! Great contest
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
Best thing I’ve bought to save money is my programmable thermostat.
print off coupons online
Shop online throught a portal like Ebates to get cash back.
Use coupons
Buying something when it is on sale and you have a coupon!
I don’t buy anything, until it goes on sale, unless I really need the item. When it does go on sale, stock up.
I save up my change in a jar. Then when it is full, I wrap them up in a coin holder and take it
to the bank.
Match coupons to sales paper items. This is especially handy when the store has double or triple coupon sales.
Every time you come home put all the coins smaller than a quarter in a piggy bank.
Don’t spend what you don’t have! After you pay all the interest on your credit card, your bargains will not be bargains any more.
Spend on needs, and be careful about rationalizing wants. Wants should wait for special occasions, and be saved for and paid in full at the outset.
We make a list before going shopping with the agreement that any items we find that is not on the list must not total over $10. It gives us a chance to fudge on a bargain if needed but it still sets limits so we don’t overindulge. But the biggest saver for us has been using only cash…no more credit cards except for emergency expenses. And those emergencies must be real emergencies. A new tire or snow chains when we get freaky weather. Someone breaks a leg and we need to buy crutches. Stuff like that.
Enter me in the contest.
Never buy on credit
Use a thin silicone spatula to get the last bits out of mayonaise, peanut butter and margarine tubs.
I have changed to CFL bulbs throughout the house.
I use Redbox for movie rentals. $1 a day sure beats a theater price.
Try not to buy clothes that require dry cleaning – now that saves me a bunch of bucks.
Try to bring your lunch when you go out. Not only will you save money, you will eat healthier.
Sounds simple, but when you find something you use on sale, buy lots of it. Yesterday, my dh’s favorite salad dressing was just $1.99, so I bought 6 of them. Since they are usually 3.89, I saved $11.40!
It’s easy to fall prey to advertising. Remember to only buy what you need, not how much you will save if you buy. A few months ago I fell into a trap when a store was offering a great one day sale. I purchased things I didn’t really need just because of the savings and after all it was only good for one day.
Have your coupons handy and organized
i changed all my light bulbs to the energy savers :)
i look for deals on ebay i find quite a few of them :)
i use loads of grocery coupons when i shop because my store doubles coupons i save loads of cash
I comparison shop. I stock up on items that are on sale and will last a long time.
Don’t order cable TV. It is a waste of money. Always be on the lookout for the best deal. Thank you!.
I bring my own lunch. It doesn’t seem like much, but lunches at places around my office are a minimum of $7 each, which could add up to $35+ a week, not including tax and tip. That is enough for my DH and I to have a nice dinner out once a week, if we wanted.
Every time I get my paycheck I put 50 % in the bank. I also use coupons when I grocery shop!
Using coupons religiously really adds up. They often come out to coincide with supermarket discounts on the same products, so you’re saving even more.
I’ve gotten a ton of great ideas.
I meal plan and write very detailed grocery lists and stick to them.
I go shopping with a list and try not to vary from it.
We use our public library to get movies to watch with no rental fees.
I plan shopping/errand trip so that only one trip has to be made.
Stay home
Don’t get too hungry, too angry, too lonely or too tired. It causes your to overspend, overdrink and overeat.
I shop with coupons only . Items that I can pick up at a consignment shop I do because the savings are great .
we always put all our loose change into a piggy bank… and then off to the bank to gain interest!
No cable tv here — it is cheaper and more rewarding to listen to music and read books!
My family saves all their change and whenever there’s something special we need or want we have the cash and don’t have to rely on credit for anything.
I put all my change in a 5 gallon water jug thru the year.
never, never, NEVER go grocery shopping when hungry and always stay to the outside edges of the store for the cheapest and healthies foods
use coupons at a store that will double and triple them to maximize savings
What a great idea! I’d love this for my grandaughter!!
please enter me
coupons!, and is this a need or a want?
I LOVE to find bargains at thrift stores. I rarely buy my son new books because I can find them used at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost! Thanks!
We turn our heat way down at night and when we are not home…it makes a big money difference and it is good for the environment!
I always use coupons at the grocery store. I also try to wait for the double coupon days to go shopping. Thanks!
While my kids are little and do not care for name brand things and they grow SO fast, its the Salvation Army shop for me. I have saved so much money buying slightly used clothing its crazy. Now my oldest daughter is 13 and she hates new and scratchy clothes. She requested we go to the Salvation Army and we got 6 pairs of pants and several shirts for about $24. You cannot beat that! (Of course, undies & socks I always buy new!)
harmonden[at]wowway.com
Lately we’ve had to do more and more. But my favorite thing to do I learned from my husbands family. Once a week or so you have MUSSGO night, where everything in the fridge must go.
wait for sales, use coupons decide if i realy want an or need the item
Always pay down debt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Shop for Christmas all year long. My husband is always amazed when the Holidays come around, I have so much stuff already!
WE DO NOT PURCHASE THINGS WE DO NOT NOW HAVE THE MONEY FOR AND WE SAVE FOR BIGGER PURCHASES LIKE CARS, APPLIANES, FOREIGN VACATIONS. IT’S NICE TO COME HOME AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT WHEN THE BILL WILL COME.
my tip is to shop around on the internet especially for big purchases, you can really save a lot if you chose not to settle.
I shop at Whole Foods, Henry’s, and Mother’s so coupons are not always easy to find. Mambo Sprouts sends out a coupon booklet for all-natural, organic products and I use those to save. I also only buy things on sale and do a lot of comparison shopping. I try to buy in bulk when it makes sense and we’re going to use it. I love Amazon and their Subscribe and Save program (we do that with my son’s 7th Gen. diapers and some of the other things we go through regularly). If I have more tips I’ll share them with ya!
I have an 11 year old that I would LOVE to get this for. I think it would be a wonderful way for her to learn that she needs to put things aside for each of her goals or desires. Thanks!
I find one of the best money saving tips to put into practice is the following:
categorize cupboard,cabinet and fridge items alphabetically and only replace the main items with (ONE) letter at a time.
Try to buy whatever you need on sale or use coupouns
Have your coupons handy and organized. Always use a list to buy groceries according to preplanned meals. Bring your own calculator into the grocery store, so you can truly compare price, even if you have a coupon.
Don’t buy bulk if you will end up throwing part of it out.
Importantly, do not buy groceries on an empty stomach–you will be tempted to buy snack food.
Clip coupons & match them to sale items.
And, while this may sound old-fashioned, we use leftovers whenever remotely possible. Almost no food goes into the trash.
My friend belongs to a warehouse store and we purchase cleaning and paper products in bulk and split the packages between us. Neither of us wants to buy 10 packs of anything so this way we each get and pay for half. It’s worked out quite well for us and we do this every few months. We also shop with a list and get just what we need.
I shop around for the best deals and use coupons whenever I can and rarely buy clothing unless it’s on sale.
I leave my debit and credit cards at home. If I can’t pay for it cash then I don’t need it. It’s amazing to see how much I save by doing this and have eliminated impulse spending.
The envelope system works for me. It’s more painful to spend that cash than to just swipe my debit/credit card.
For groceries, I use many coupons and try to wait for what we need to go on sale and then buy it with the coupons. Of course, this works best for items like toothpaste, deodorant and the like. Again,
many thanks…..Cindi
Another way that helps me save money is shopping for Christmas gifts for people throughout the year!
I listen for ideas while we are talking about things and make sure later to make note of it. Great bank idea and one that is needed in our home!
Thanks, Cindi
I hardly ever buy anything full price. If it is an item that we really need and worth full price, then it is an exception. Thanks, Cindi
we shop out of season on the clearance racks for discounted clothing:)
making a list before going shopping and sticking to it is helpful!
using coupons is our #1 money saving tip:)
We also only use cash, no credit cards at all. We contribute to three different savings accounts each paycheck, one for emergencies, one for vacations and luxuries and one we don’t touch.
I just saved 60.00 on today’s groceries with coupons :)
If I’m doing a shopping day with friends, I set my limit before I go and withdraw cash that morning, and that’s all I spend.
Like Sheila H said above, I save all my change throughout the year and cash it in to buy Christmas presents, as a shock absorber for my end-of-the year budget.
I buy resale for clothing & practical everyday items.
Send away for and follow up on rebates. After you buy a product with a rebate, send in the form that day. Then mark your calendar to remind yourself to follow up with the rebate company if the check hasn’t show up.
I get my books from the library, it’s free.
10% of what I make goes right into savings….we do our banking online and right after direct deposit goes in, we transfer $ to savings…from same bank…so it’s a piece of cake. thanks again
no credit cards…all cash or debit card…means NO extra fees and temptation to spend $ we don’t have. thanks again
pay with bills, and save the change…I never pay with my change…so all the change I get back, goes right into my mayonnaise jar…to save up…thanks
I shop with coupons but always compare prices. Sometimes there is another item that is a better deal despite the coupon.
We took all our change to our bank recently and we had a little over $170. Change adds up very fast! Rolling it yourself takes time but it’s better than losing some of it to the machines that take a percentage.
Buy Foods in Bulk.
DO save your change in change jars! Instead of going to an automated change machine at the grocery store (that charges you several cents on the dollar), take your coinage to your bank and see if they have a free coin changer! Those coins add up fast!
For one month, save every receipt from every purchase. Add up your receipts at the end of the month for a sometimes shocking look at where your money goes and how many of those purchases were necessary.
When I get the urge to buy something on impulse, I walk away from it and give myself 24 hours to decide if I can really afford it and/or need it.
Use a credit union and have a small amount deducted each month from your check before you ever see it!
Signing up for emails and frequent buyer programs from your favorite stores
Buying holiday gifts throughout the year when things are on sale
Clipping coupons from the paper
I love the idea of things like this. Something so simple can go so far. never to early to teach children sound money principles!
I live by a budget, therefore living within our means. You would be surprised with how much less you spend when you know it must fit.
pinkpanthers94@gmail.com
PIP – Personal injury protection can be completely waived to also reduce your auto premium. I have not had PIP on my policy for over 10 years with no negative impact
I use cash back sites and shop clearance sections and look for free shipping codes.
Always pay cash. We don’t eat out often. Thrift stores rule!
I have found a couple of consignment stores in our area that offer great prices on quality kids clothes. And of course I consign our clothes after the kids grow out of them… Some of my co-workers and I do a sort of “clothes swap” each season to see who might fit into what the other has grown out of! It works out pretty nicely!
With a family of 4, I need to be able to spend money very wisely at the grocery store…. We use coupons (doubled) when items are on sale, rebates, shop at clubs like BJs or Costco with friends (so we split the large items), and purchase lots of packaged items at Target or Walmart where they are so much less than a “grocery store”.
I shop for items on the internet using cash back sites. I already have over $50.00 in my “account”.
Coupons, comparison shop, and my best tip of all – don’t use credit cards to impulse shop- take cash and stick to a budget.
Visit your local thrift stores once a week. I often find brand new items.
The metro mama gods hate me, I never win… :(
ahem… hint hint.
Ahhh a money saving tip… hmm let’s see… well as always, my number one money saving tip is DOLLAR TREE. It’s a great store, they have all kinds of cool stuff for just a dollar each.
using coupons and not going to starbucks everyday… even though I would like to
I’m not really all that good on saving money but I am working on it. I mostly put change in a jar.
groceries are a big expense-I plan my weekly meals around the store’s sales-only buy what is on sale and use my coupons
Also, I shop at garage sales a lot.
Oops. I just realized I’m suppose to leave a tip. I use coupons and ask myself if I really need it.
My son got a coin-counter bank for Christmas and he has really loved seeing the amount total up. I like the idea of this bank because of the spending, saving and sharing compartments. I would like to teach him more about wise money management. Thanks for the giveaway.
I always ask myself..Do I need it or can I live without it…I have left many things there at the store after I answer that question
Make a weekly menu so you aren’t buying groceries you won’t use during the week, plus it will save extra trips.
i want to win
I like using the Grocery Gathering over at BeCentaAble, http://www.becentsable.net/ . In their own words: “Here we host a “gathering spot” for other blogs to bring you all the great drugstore and grocery deals from across the country as well as resources and coupons.”. Its great because they list grocery stores all over the US.
I like to save all of my change
Don’t have any shame in going to yard sales, because you never know what you will find at a really good price. :)
Shop locally from people on Cheapcycle – it is the opposite of Freecycle.
Use coupons. :)
I invested in a Coffee Machine and I use it rather than buying an expensive Latte each day.
We save our change and when it’s vacation time, this is what we use. If we are not good savers our vacation is not as nice as if we do well on saving our change.
If my 11 year old nephew really wants something that’s pricey, he goes through his old toys that he does not want anymore and we put them up on Ebay. With the money he makes he is free to get whatever he wants!
I buy my jeans at thrift stores. You can find great designer jeans at unbelievable prices and they are already broken in.
Instead of getting pricey coffee everyday I bought a pretty travel cup and make coffee at home instead. I splurge once at the beginning of my week at McDonald’s only and now I look forward to Monday’s!
boy do i need your help in this area
this is such a good idea!
I save money by writting whenever I spend money, that way I can see where it’s going and trim the fat
My husband and I empty all of our change at the end of each day into a jar. When the jar is full, we count and wrap the change and either use it on something we really want or put it into our IRA.
When I order something on line, I always search for coupon codes before I buy.
smchester at gmail dot com
i never spend change
Attend yardsales,rummage sales,thirft stores etc to buy gently owned clothes,books,toys,etc. Participate in the http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ 30.00 for a box of food. ty 4 the awesome giveaway and entry:)
Use coupons from newspapers,magazines,and off the net.ty 4 the awesome giveaway and entry:)
use ad matches from weds local grocery ads from the newspaper at walmarts ! ty 4 the awesome giveaway and entry:)
My bf and I rent movies from the library. New ones too so we don’t have to pay crazy prices at blockbuster.
I find a lot of great coupons on the internet. They are usually higher value than the ones in the paper. I also send for a lot of free samples of shampoo,deodorant,toothpaste etc. Sometimes they are pretty good size samples.
When out shopping we hit the resale shops. You can find some really nice new items for a fraction of the cost. Where else can you get a brand new Dora outfit for $5.00 with a pair of pants,shirt and a jacket. Plus garage sales are really fun to shop.
I still look at all those really great bargains that are too good to pass up and I pass them up.
I make homemade marinara sauce and freeze it in quart sized containers. It is less expensive than the store jars.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Before I go shopping I make a list of all sale items that I want from the various circulars. I then match up coupons to use on the sale items.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I stopped impulse buying. It was hard at first and it took a while to do but I am now free of impulse buying stuff that I don’t need.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I use store coupons and try to get the products on sale.
Coupons, saving loose change and having a small garden in the summer (love my tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers).
I love this! What a great tool for teaching kids how to manage & distibute their money & most important how to share. I got so many great ideas from everyone elses messages.
Myself I count on coupons & use them on a regular basis.
My boys spent an hour counting the money in our change bank today. That bank idea looks fantastic to teach kids how to save specially when grandparents give them money.
I buy produce from a local co-op which saves me tons of money. I highly recommend finding the local produce in your area!
i haunt my local thrift store
To save money, I scour the internet for coupons that I can send away for to reduce the cost of the things that I alreay would be buying!
madamerkf at aol dot com
stumbled – InternetFinds
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
I make our laundry detergent. At first I was hesitant after being a many year Tide user but found it works wonderful.
I hang cloths outside to dry and just toss them in the dryer a few minutes to fluff. Has had a very noticeable change in our electric bill (electric dryer)
We have changed all the light bulbs in the house to energy saving and can see the return on our electric bill. They should have paid for themselves in about 3 more months and are said to last years.
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
I buy extra papers for Sunday coupons and match sales with double coupon savings. I save all my spare change and cash it in and use it to off set my grocery bill too.
I now make my own bread. It costs so much less. And I know in summer we will have a veggie garden.
Shop the day/week after a major holiday for big time savings.
I use pharmacy transfer coupons to get gift cards when getting prescriptions renewed. Sometimes I can score a $30 gift card off a $1.25 prescription. Not too shabby!
Always look online before buying to see if you can get an item cheaper on the internet. Often you can combine internet purchases with free shipping and % off offers and really save big $.
We don’t have cable either. It’s a quick and easy way to save hundreds of dollars each year.
We buy clothes from thrift stores. It’s not jut inexpensive but it’s good for the envionment.
Coupons are great but not if you are not actually going to use it- or its going to rot before you use it..buy what we need and don’t get greedy- if we have free items coupons we get and donate right away to a food bank or shelter.
Go vegan and save teh planet in the process.
Take money out of your pay before you get it. Like the 401k or credit union savings, that way you won’t really miss it.
Easy – drink lots of water – better than cola and better for you
I cut coupons and use with sales….Cant beat it.
Don’t take out loans (including paying by CC). If you can’t pay cash, you can’t afford it. Save up for it instead, and you will give yourself time to decide if it’s something you still want.
Automatically deduct money from your paycheck before you see it. This can be going into your 401(k), a savings account for emergencies, a money market fund or myriad of other choices. If you talk to the accounting dept. at your work, most companies will deposit a specified amount into other accounts before they print your check, so you don’t even notice it’s gone. If you don’t see it, you won’t spend it!
Match coupons to sales! I regularly save 50-60% off my grocery bill by matching sales to coupons and knowing which stores double coupons (Frys, Bashas and Safeway always double here in Tucson).
don’t buy anything you don’t have monies for
I never buy anything on credit.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
exchange outgrown baby clothes with another mom who has kids that are bigger/smaller than yours
sign up for rewards clubs- american eagle recentaly sent me an e coupon for 10 off a 10 purchase
Using cutup old tshirts/ holey socks for baby wipes- used twice before throwing out
Try NEVER to shop when you’re emotional, hungry or sleepy. You’ll just buy stuff you have NO business buying. Ask me how I know.
Make a list and stick to it as much as possible.
Always pay cash NEVER credit cards.
SHOP SMARTER
I ‘can’ and dehydrate foods so nothing goes to waste.
This is a really great way for my nephew to understand how to take care of his money.
I save my change and then when my sisters family comes to visit – my nephew counts it up and we go do something together with it – this year it was $96 in quarters.
coupons are the best!
I try and use coupons that double. And i try and buy things that are on sale, or that i can get for practicably free.
I don’t carry my credit card around any more. I bring our check book and a couple bucks in cash. If there isn’t enough in the checking account then we don’t need it. I also use coupons and do surveys for extra cash. Thanks for the chance.
You don’t have to join a gym to get a good workout! My family goes on hikes around our home regularly, takes walks around the neighborhood and swims at the city’s community pool.
I look through grocery advertisements to see which store has which items on sale, then build meals around those specials.
I use coupons dutifully (and keep them organized and with me wherever I go).
Eliminate all the expensive things that aren’t a matter of life and death.
We use the want vs. need rule. If you want it, you have to save for it. That gives you plenty of time to do research, check for deals, and decide if you really want it or if it was just a passing fancy.
Use double coupons for as much as possible.
I pay myself when using coupons, for example if I use 2 dollars worth of coupons 2 dollars goes into my money jar it adds up quick
Check out books, movies, and music from the public library. It’s free and they will send you an email when your selections are ready to be picked up. Lots of research for big purchases. And coupons for the supermarket are a must!! Thanks!
I only take cash with me to the grocery store, if I take a debit or credit card I always send more!
If your bank offer a program to put the extra change into your savings account-DO IT!! It really adds up quick1
I save all of my change, and by the end of the year, I have a couple hundred bucks to spend on Christmas!
I don’t want to win this. I just wanted to say that this is a great tool for teaching young kids to make smart money choices. (My four years old son has one.)
Money-saving tip: Type the name of the company that you’re going to buy from followed by coupons in Google search before making your search (i.e. “Children’s Place coupons”) Usually, you’ll find some great discount/free shipping/etc. coupons!
I just saved 70% at Rite Aid by using coupons to match the sales.
Meal planning is a big one for me. If I go to the store with a plan, I usually don’t buy what is not on my list!
Ask yourself if an item you are going to buy is really necessary. Is it a want or a need.
Always use coupons. I save so much money this way.
I put my pocket change in a jar everyday and then when it gets full, i deposit it in my savings account.
When I pay cash if the store has a gc I’ll have my change put on it and continue to do and then when something unexpected comes up like a gift I have money for it.