Dollar Stretcher

Are you a Black Friday Shopper?

dmc_2008 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:51:54 GMT

I used to get up early and head out for the fun of it, a long time ago. However, with the economy in the toilet and people already financially tense I don't believe I really want any part of it this year. It could get ugly!

Are you going shopping, are you brave?

Line-Drying

PsykoKat — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:55:17 GMT

I would like to hear whether anyone here has switched partially or completely over from electric drying to line drying their clothes and actually noticed any saved money on their electric bill...

Thanks!

Envelope system

Carmina — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:19:18 GMT

Does anyone here use it? I only use it for emergency fund (so DH can't touch it). Does anyone here use an envelope for clothing expenses, school, medical, dental expenses also? I was reading Dave Ramsey and it sounds like these items use an envelope. Does anyone here like/dislike this system? I wouldn't use it for anything I already pay online on through bill pay (it's free anyway).

Carmina

Ideas On How To Save Money On Petcare

veterinaryinsider — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:51:22 GMT

Here's a tip on how to save money at the veterinarian: If your vet wants to hospitalize your pet overnight for a condition, ask if a vet tech or nurse is going to be with your pet all night. If not, save your money, take your pet home, and YOU act as overnight nurse. Before leaving, have your veterinarian show you everything that needs to be done (medicating, monitoring vitals, etc.) during the night. This could save you $55 or more per night in vet bills!

Pet care

stevejax — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:38:18 GMT

Hey I just posted a day ago or so about some coupons and i just wanted to add a little about getting coupons for pet care, Its easy to do just follow this link, Bonus coupons, and save money on all your pets expenses.

what's the cheapest thing you've ever done?

cherylm — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:08:38 GMT

i bet this has been discussed before, but i couldn't help myself after this morning's project!

my clothespin bag was falling apart, so it was time for a replacement. i made a new one the same way i made the old one; heck, it lasted 4 years or so! used a recycled mesh onion bag and the same plastic-coated wire hanger from the old one. i had to shorten the bag a few inches and sew a new seam across the bottom, so i was going to use dental floss so it wouldn't rot. wait, here it comes.....so i pulled out the piece of dental floss i used last night, out of my pocket, and used that! oh, go ahead, laugh!

and what's your stunningly cheap secret??

Using coupons

stevejax — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:34:11 GMT

I found that its worth the time spent to go and find coupons to help me save money. It takes me quite a while sometimes but it is well worth it to save the amount that i do. Here is a good place to start, Bonus Coupons.

Keeping records in order to reduce use

Deborahmichelle — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:27:30 GMT

Dear All, I got the bright idea the other day of writing odwn how many cups fo coffee I am getting out of a jar of instant. Then, I'll haave a benchmark from which I can try to improve, by reducign use. (I'll also haave an idea fo how many jars I should hae iin the huose at one timie.) Yours in Him, Deb

RE: Dressing like a diva while on a budget

sandylapper — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:09:53 GMT

As a Dollar Stretcher regular, I enjoy all of the wonderful tips and ideas that people share. I read, with interest, the article about diva dressing on a budget. I regularly head for the clearance racks at the end of each season and scour thrift stores and even web sites that offer incredible deals on clothes. However, all of the clothes that I find are for people who are a medium or smaller. Seldom do I find bargains for those of us who are at least an XL or larger. Any suggestions on where those of us with fuller figures could find similar deals on great clothes?

Your thoughts on "this" frugal concept

Carmina — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:01:28 GMT

I clean a house once a week with a friend. We both have financiall hardship or maybe financial uncertainty with our DH's line of work (but unfortunately she is in a worse situation). As I was finishing the bathroom and the bottle of lysol was empty I made a comment "I'm so cheap that I could add water to this bottle and get more product". (We were done so we threw it away, there was nothing else to clean). She said "Well, with your way of thinking you will never have riches, that's what I've read".

What she meant was that "if you do those things you will always be enjoying "cheap" since you won't look for "best".

I do enjoy using all the fancy products the home owner has. At my house anything other than pinesol, baking soda and vinegar was purchased by DH. I behaved the same way when I have to buy products. I don't buy cheaply made things but I try to find the least expensive in some things.

It really made me think about it and I wonder if it is partially true. I thought about this as I entered the shower and saw 3 bottles of shampoo that I had gathered from the kids bathrooms so I can add water and rinse the last ounce. I couldn't tell you how many bottles of new and partially used shampoo the owner of the house had.

I have enjoyed many more luxuries than my friend who made the comment and maybe it is because of all my penny pinching ways.

What are your thoughts?

Thinking About a Refurbished Cell Phone

Mcbarr — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:18:17 GMT

I have a very old cell phone that needs to be replaced (buttons don't all work!) However; I don't want to spend a lot on a new phone & end up with a contract. New phones are very pricey! I am happy with my current arrangement - just need to replace the phone. I don't text but a camera would be nice. I would like to keep all my current info/number if possible. I have heard of refurbished cell phones but have no idea if it would be a good idea or bad or how to find a reputable seller. I'd appreciate some direction from fellow dollar stretchers. Thanks in advance!!

How much do you spend on Halloween treats?

Carmina — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:57:48 GMT

Do you buy mostly candy? Do you buy other things? How much do you spend?

Personally, I cringe spending $$$ on candy and I usually spend around $15-20 on Halloween. Let me know what your traditions are. I am eager to start new ones possibly not spending more on this holiday.

Carmina

Thinking about "cash only" transactions

Carmina — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:46:58 GMT

I love online banking. I loathe bank fees for this and that, if you have less funds than what hasn;t cleared yet, you get slammed with fees. I'm starting to look at my card with less sympathy. Because my account was very low and went into the red for a few days I have been using cash only. It felt good, even though I had minimal cash. I knew exactly how much I could spend and I was more aware of unnecessary items at the store.

The downside of cash only is getting out of the car to make utility payments. Maybe I will compromise and make set payments online but for my everyday purchases use cash only. Or I can set one day to make all the payments with cash. It will be time consuming and gas consuming too.

Does anyone here uses cash only or a combination of the two?

The Half Rule

Psychic Cat — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:39:25 GMT

A few months ago I began a "Half Rule' for myself. This has been a test of how well this rule works for me and should I continue doing it?

The thought came to me as I was washing my hair in the shower; that most of us (myself included) aren't really mindful of how much shampoo we use, so I began using half the amount I usually used. My hair is just as clean. Then I began using half the amount of toothpase and found my teeth are just as clean.

Commercials show us using globs of whatever the product is, and subconciously we take these ads for fact and I am sure all of us have been using way too much of most products in our homes as a result of this advertising.

We moved to Florida where water is very expensive here, and I gladly look for ways of using the half rule on this as well...such as not letting the water run while you brush your teeth.

If you pay attention during your day you will find lots of opportunities to use the Half Rule...and it does work. You save money and in some cases, help create a more green environment as well.

Is this a good price for salmon?

budgetwise — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:11:29 GMT

My local grocery store is selling 1.5 lb. (24 ounces) frozen slabs of wild caught Alaskan salmon for $7.00.

I was considering buying one, but didn't know if that was a reasonable price.

I would probably get 3 to 4 meals out of that.

Loss leaders at Macey's

zohnerfarms — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:02:29 GMT

Loss leaders for this week on the "Price Chopper" ad from Macey's are Western Family paper towels fro 38 cents, and WF yogurts for 33 cents each. Milk is $1.67 a gallon, and cream cheese is 97 cents. I stocked up for the holidays on the paper towels & cream cheese & bought extra yogurts since DH uses them for his lunches.

Count your blessings

Carmina — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:39 GMT

Through difficult times it is easy to get discouraged, have despair, lose faith and wonder "how are we going to make it". However we need to stay positive as long as we can. The last couple of months have been extremely tight financially. There were weeks were both accounts had less than $10 combined. ON the other hand and for the last few months I ha:

a neighbor bring me a box of food she wouldn't use and a queen size comforter, my father in law, who is moving, sent a box of food,

my frugal skills in the kitchen have improved considerably.

we had enough to share with others

My garden was fruitful (I'm still harvesting carrots and beets).

we had good health and any illness was treated at home succesfully

I have used "everything" in the co-op order, even the veggies that I wasn't familiar with (I learned new recipes)

I withdrew cash from the bank and have been using for 3 weeks to purchase basic needs, except for a $4 big christmas wreath for my fornt door form Savers.

I have a weekly cleaning job that pays little but has fed us and put gas in the car

I have been able to use what I have at home to help those in need

The vaccum repairman charge me $10 (instead of $20) after I explained my situation and he gave me the more expensive product for less

To be honest our financial situation have probably been the worst in the last 10 years. I don't know what the future holds. These "blessings"have helped me see this experience as a lesson in learning patience and gratitude.God bless,

Carmina

Welcome Readers!

Brandy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:54:49 GMT

We have more than 500 readers viewing the site right now. That's great that you are here reading all the wonderful tips and lively discussions we have.

If you are still a reader who has not registered as a member, please register and join us in discussing frugal ideas, do it yourself projects and self-sufficient living. The great information we have to offer here comes from all the posters who have already joined us!

Some people feel a bit overwhelmed by the discussions and don't know where to begin in them. When this community began, only a few of us knew each other from other boards and places. With each new poster, we all make a new friend and that person becomes a part of the community. I am confident that you too will find a home here on the web.

If you are not sure where to start, try posting something about yourself here in introductions so we know who you are. It doesn't have to be a well written full biography. A short paragraph about how you found the community, what your family size is and what your occupation or interests are and why you are frugal or wish to be works great.

When you post an introduction, some of us find articles or discussions that may interest you to help you get started. This is why it's helpful to add a little about yourself so we can help you to find what you need.

You can start new discussions if you have specific questions or comments. We are usually quick to respond so you should soon get ideas to consider or the answers you were looking for.

So don't just read about dollar stretching, become a dollar stretcher today.

The "cash for clunkers" idea has spread to mattresses, & many other goods

Deborahmichelle — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:48:21 GMT

Dear All, Merchandisers have developed trade-in progrms for mattresses & manyother types of goods. See the NY TImes http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/garden/24clunkers.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y Yours in Him, Deb

401K Rules

BVanGuard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:43:02 GMT

So I've only heard about 401K. Apparently it's supposed to be some sort of government financial aid program. I have no idea. Could someone please enlighten me?

making a tough decision -- any thoughts or wisdom you can pass along?

sunshinetreva — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:26:37 GMT

I'm hoping that maybe some of you can offer insight for me, maybe help me see anything that I'm not seeing right now. Today I had a phone interview with a non-profit. 5 minutes after I got off the phone, I had a phone call from the local office asking me to come in that day and do a face-to-face. So I quickly made arrangements, got myself ready, and headed out. After the face-to-face, the director asked me to come back in tomorrow for the final stage of the process; it's a panel style interview and I would have to give a 5 minute presentation.

I have 2 options -- continue after this job opportunity or tell them no thank you before continuing on and wasting everyone's time.

I was told the fundraising events I would be working on would be in my county (where I live) and the 2 counties just west of me (about 30 minutes depending on where I go in that county). Training would be for 6 months including several day trips to Indianapolis (1 to 2 hours away depending on where and the traffic) and some overnights to Michigan to the district offices. After training I would split my time about 1/2 at the office (a 1:15 commute one way) and 1/2 my time in the counties where the fundraising takes place, so not quite so far from home. While I would not get 1:1 comp time, there is some flexibility in my schedule so that when I have evening meetings if nothing else was scheduled in the morning I could come in later.

There is more money at this job than what I had at my last my job. I would get benefits -- health, dental, vision, life, time off, company matched retirement, etc. However, b/c of the commute there is some additional time away from home thrown into the mix. I would have to hire someone to walk DD to & from school as my DH cannot do it. Really I would want someone who could -- no offense to my DH whatsoever -- also make sure DD's hair is fixed in the a.m. (Pamelaw, do you know how to clone yourself?!?) We would have to have some convenience foods; we have very few of those right now b/c I'm home to cook. We would have to spend more in gas (though anything done while at work I would get travel reimbursement from). My biggest concern, and there's no way to judge this until I'm in the job, is how much time I would lose with DD. Of course, I also want to feed DD and clothe her and give her an adequate home to live in, which I will need a job to do. I'm okay right now $$ wise; I could probably go another 3 months or so before worrying about using too much from savings.

I'm trying to remind myself that jobs are not as frequent in this economy, that b/c of DH's disability I am the main breadwinner, and also b/c if something happens to DH it is imperative that I have a job. B/c of his disability he is uninsurable and his SSDI would simply vanish so we (DD & I) would lose that income stream entirely. I think I'm also having a bit of a lack of confidence in myself. That and I've really enjoyed being home the last couple of months.

Even if you've got no insights, your prayers are appreciated.

How do i know that my financial advisor is a good one?

richhardan — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:56:00 GMT

I think out of all the people that i know i need my dollar to stretch the most out of any one. I am a manager at the Local safeway, which brings an okay paycheck but definitely not enough to give my wife and daughter all that they deserve. I was recently told by a good friend that i should find a good financial expert to help manage my money a little better. I just have a hard time trusting my money with someone else, especially when i am already struggling as it is. If any one has any good advice on who i can turn to that i can trust that would be great!

Pleased with work dress code

misscas — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:09:16 GMT

I work at a library and am on my feet a lot of the time shelving books and running the circulation desk. My boss is allowing me to wear sneakers. I have a lot of nice dress shoes but some will even bother my feet sitting down. I don't go all out. Just a pair of knit trousers and a knit shirt so sneakers look okay. My one or two skirts are demin or khaki so this will work too. This will help a lot with the shoe budget. I can also walk to my new job so there is no need to change shoes when I get there.

Shopping for Groceries

Karen K — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:45:45 GMT

Went shopping yesterday and found an unadvertised sale for flour. I usually buy it in 25lb bags that cost between $16-20/ea. It was on sale for $6.99/ea.!! I bought two bags (50lbs) and would have bought four but I was shopping alone. They also had 4lb bags white sugar for $1.59/ea. (advertised sale) I compared the price of the 10lb bags. 10-4lb bags at $1.59 = $15.90. 4-10lb bags at $5.70=$22.80.

When I got home and told hubby about the sales he said "we are going back tomorrow to get more".