How Do You Save?

Who wouldn't like to save money when they go grocery shopping? The good news is, it's not as hard as you may think. It's heard some people say that clipping coupons takes time. Personally, I think it's worth my time to save the amount of money I do. Also, keep in mind that like everything, the more you do it the easier it becomes. After a while you'll work out a system that is right for you and it will become less and less time consuming.

Tina and Linda:
Thanks for sharing ways your families are saving! These are great tips!
Maranda

We raise our own pigs. You buy piglets in May, then call the processor in October or November. Ours comes and gets them even. We take ours to
sagesmeatprocessing.com. We pick it up neatly packaged to our specifications. Hormone, and additive free, less expensive and better for you too!
Linda

We use dialinfree.net for our internet. It is really free. It is dial-up but it cost nothing.
Tina

I live in the Allegan area. Maxson Motors in Allegan does my monthly oil changes on my car for $15.50 complete. You need to call for an appointment.
I also use our local Beauty college for haircuts @ $4.99 each."Walk ins" welcome.
Also, There is a "salvage grocery" center in Bloomingdale that sells slightly dented/damaged canned & boxed items for 1/3 to 1/2 their normal price.

We save on paper plates by washing our own dishes. We also save on paper towel as we us miracle cloths, we use one roll of paper towel every two months now. All together we save $25.00 to $35.00 a month. (Thanks to Shawn as we will now save on knapkins.) We also quit the paper and read news on the computer. We use to go to town (5 miles one way) everyday. We now go 2 times a week. We switched garage services and save $70. a year.

I shop at Wal-Mart because they will match
prices of other store ads. They will even
match produce prices. You just bring in the ad to show the prices. If it is a store brand item they will match price with their own store brand.
That way you only need to shop one store.
Best to shop when it isn't busy because it does take a little time. And best to be organized with ads before you reach the check out.
Really enjoy shopping the new Wal-Mart Super Mart on Alpine.
I have always received good service and the store is great to shop in.

Thanks for the e-mail! I love the Restore and how great that you get good deals and you're helping a wonderful organization.

We shop at Aldi's for most of our food. Prices are as much as 1/4th of Meijer, produce is cheap and fresh, everything is of highest quality. We buy all of our clothing at Salvation Army -- many designer labels, some never even worn! Drive more slowly, consolidate errands. Building/hardware materials are at the Habitat For Humanity Restore on S. Division just south of 54th St. Appliances, yard-care equipment, etc., we always buy used: lots of good appliances available at St. Vincent DePaul thrift store on S. Division. They also often have computer peripherals. They also have lots of good furniture, and they will deliver it to you.

Jamie, way to go! It sounds like you are really making an effort to save in every area of your life. Thanks for sharing!

I turn our heater off at night and while no one is here. Used the Winter Protection Plan with Consumers to keep our heating bills in check during the winter. We eat out only once every few months. Always search for the most product per ounce on every grocery item. Limit servings. Pick up pop cans on side of road (got $8.30 today!) Drive only when necessary, ride bike to work, or walk, or carpool.

Meijer sometimes have sales on can vegtables and other itmes. When they or other stores do, stock up!! My wife and I use white wash clothes for napkins. We can each use one over many days then wah and they are ready to use again. Cheaper than buying napkins ona regular basis, and it saves a little trash from going into the ground!!

We do use regular napkins when we have dinner guests.

Lynn:
Thanks for sharing your insights. What a saver you are and what great ideas on simple things we can all do to save a little money!
Maranda

organize & pay bills ON TIME -avoid late fees! coupons used with items on sale. use up food bought-how much food is thrown out that spoiled ? meat on sale-stock up on & put in deep freeze. organize errands to drive once instead of back & forth. cruise control saves gas. i pick up cans along the country roads -$20 usually in a month! drive a little slower & keep up with air & oil filters & tire pressure-saves wear & tear on car & saves gas. take advantage of FREE ITEMS with rebates (rite aid, walgreens, meijers) & i also DONATE items to church & goodwill - TAX DEDUCTION.

Thanks for the comments Jill. It's helpful to hear what folks are doing to save!

We're heating one level of our house with a wood stove and eating out a lot less.