ANY One change have done recently to save money in current bad times

1. 57

   Lgaliposted 14 years ago

   I take bus to work instead of car..

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   1. 70

      TrinaLynneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I eat out way less.

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      1. 57

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         LOT of saving this way

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   2. 63

      Lady_Eposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I buy in bulk and if there are any products I like that are "Buy one get one Free", I stock up on it.
      
      Also cut down on Take aways, Chinese, Pizzas etc.

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      1. 57

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         very good ideas

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      2. 57

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         good ideas Thanks

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   3. 65

      RRRoodposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      We bought a digital attena for about $60 and dumped satelitte TV.

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      1. 57

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         that is good how many channels u are getting now..?

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2. 66

   Lady Guinevereposted 14 years ago

   I unplug my microwave after using it.  I heard of this before and didn't really believe the reports about how much one can save on their electric bill.  I was amazed at the savings just by unplugging that one appliance!!  I can't do that to my TV and such because it is too difficult to move things to reach the plug.

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   1. 57

      Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      is this true if not using still use electricity

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      1. 66

         Lady Guinevereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         We are all electric except in the winter months when we use the wood burning fireplace.  Any little bit helps in cutting down the use of the electricity.  I am constantly going behind my husband and turning off lights!  I simply do not get it that he has to have a light on while watching the TV.
         We also use a Reel mower so we don't use gas or electric and we can run it in the rain if we want to.  Most of the garden tools are hand tools that do not use electric or gas.

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         1. 80

            TamCorposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            We unplug appliances, too..but Lady Guinevere--I have to admit that we can't watch TV without a light on, either!  The glare of the TV screen just kills our eyes...so I just make sure all other lights are off everywhere else, as a compromise.

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3. 64

   kmackey32posted 14 years ago

   I lost my home but my rent is more expensive. I had to give up cable.

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   1. 88

      Will Apseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Some clouds just don't have a silver lining!

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   2. 66

      Lady Guinevereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That just doesn't make any sense to me anymore.  It used to be that renting was cheaper than buying a home, but now it is the opposite.  Just doesn't make any sense no matter how you try to justify it.

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      1. 57

         Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with you

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4. 0

   girly_girl09posted 14 years ago

   I stopped using my credit cards and am working towards paying them off completely. That being said, I don't shop as much anymore and buy wasteful things like before.
   
   I stopped drinking lattes (well, actually I make my own at home for a fraction of the cost). I only buy one now every Saturday morning. I actually enjoy it more! I used to buy one every week day, that's around $25 a week. Some days, I'd have two. Eek.
   
   I also rarely go to the movies now (unless on dates where the guy pays). I rent them at home via Netflix. That saves a lot.
   
   I don't eat out as much, either. When I do, I forgo dessert and usually the appetizer and opt for a less expensive meal (like a salad).

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5. 58

   lindagoffiganposted 14 years ago

   I created a Hub that addresses the fact that it is indeed in today's market cheaper to rent than to buy a home.  I agree that renting as a better option than buying just does not make any sense.  A few home buyers have been lucky to find foreclosed homes at a good bargain but isn't that prospering from others misfortune.
   
     Visit me later this evening a
   https://www.hubpages.com/profile/lindagoffigan to read To Buy or Rent is the Question.  This post is by no means a solicitation but a hub that I had written that relates to the subject post.

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6. 49

   badcompany99posted 14 years ago

   Stopped buying the daily paper and other mags, just get my news and sports etc off the internet.

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   1. 57

      Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      very nice idea

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7. 83

   RooBeeposted 14 years ago

   Cooking at home more often
   Brewing coffee at home
   Cutting down to one vehicle for the household
   Enjoying simple (&cheap or free) pleasures

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   1. 66

      Lady Guinevereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      We have only one car, but it wasn't by choice to save money.  I stya at home and my hubby works and he does alot of other things afterwork.  He also does the grocery shopping on his way home to save gas.  Where he works in relation to the grocery stores and the mall--he has to pass by them so we don't waste gas doing those things.  Now if I want to get something specific then he will pick me up and we go back out--but I try not to do that because it wastes gas.

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8. 80

   TamCorposted 14 years ago

   We downsized to save on utilities and rent, which in our area is still pretty reasonable.
   
   We went from a 9 room house with a 2 car garage, to a place half that size, and half the cost of rent!  It was an adjustment at first, but it's been easier than we thought it would be, mainly because we are saving so much more money, and the stress relief from that alone has made this move worth it.
   
   I wrote a hub about our downsizing adventure, but haven't gotten around to putting it on hubpages yet, lol...

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9. 0

   dennisemattposted 14 years ago

   I honestly havent changed a thing!! I have been living on a VERY strict budget for the past 10 years....and life is about the same for me as its always been. My husband and I  go out to eat about twice a year. I pack all his lunches and make most of our food from scratch. Its alot of work, but the only way we can afford to live. I have 3 kids, that I homeschool, so I do not have time for a "real job". We have a garden, raise chickens and rabbits, my husband hunts in the fall, and I am lucky enough to have a liqudation center where I can get most of my canned and boxed food. I do not have a car, cable tv, and I have been unplugging stuff for most of my life. I know things have been hard for alot of people, but I have been living this way for years. I am living proof that it CAN BE DONE!!

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   1. 66

      Lady Guinevereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I don't have an real job either!  When our 2 cars got totalled we couldn't afford to get 2 more so we have just the one.
      
      Tamcor,  There is a space between you and the TV that is supposed to be correct and to correct that.  I would have to look that up again.

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10. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    I really love all hubbers I ask for one change they are giving me many Thanks

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11. 64

    Wingriderposted 14 years ago

    I have found that by switching to vodka I can obtain the same buzz cheaper than drinking beer

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    1. 0

       girly_girl09posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       ahaha. Depends on which type of vodka. There are some pretty NASTY kinds out there. Oloff, I think it's called? blech.
       
       I prefer Grey Goose.

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       Will Apseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I wonder what the Russians are switching to?

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    3. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that is good one

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    4. 0

       dennisemattposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I have found that skipping that pesky evening meal helps to obtain a quicker cheaper buzz too.

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       1. 57

          Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          another good one

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    5. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good one

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12. 41

    getpaidtopostposted 14 years ago

    I watched a documentary on energy savings and it shows most TV's use upto 75% power when on standby. I was flabbergasted. Have been leaving my TV on standby for 15 years. Now I switch it off. In fact I now switch everything off, except for my alarm. Believe it or not, I have noticed a big drop in my electricity bill. Remember leaving on standby cost more money than you think so switch it of and save yourself some money as well as helping to save the environment.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       wow that is good to know thanks for sharing this info

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    2. 66

       Lady Guinevereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I put my clock on a separate plug and the TV, DVD and Cable Box on a power strip.  I turn that off now.  Sometimes I don't even watch the TV during the day and sometimes when my husband is out of town --like this week, I won't even turn it on.  I am going to be saving lots of money!  Thanks!

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       1. 57

          Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          good idea

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13. 61

    Apeppersonposted 14 years ago

    We simply sat down and figured up what we were spending on eating out. It's scary to see what we were paying for eating out, a cup of coffee or soft drink here, snack or two from the C store there...
    
    We've cut all that out. Took a while to get used to it, but it's freakin' amazing how much more money we have now. Bought a thermos and take coffee with me to work now...and brown bag lunches!

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14. 61

    raiderfanposted 14 years ago

    I drink american beeer only now

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I only drink water LOL

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15. 59

    myra636posted 14 years ago

    we unplug dvrs, mirowaves, cdplayers any thing we can to save our house is all ele. so it is hard. Plus I only drive when I have too, we all so stopped eating out.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       lot of good ideas

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16. 59

    PaulaShaftoeposted 14 years ago

    Changed to cheaper auto and home insurance.
    Letting some minor repairs around the house sit for a while.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice idea

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17. 60

    Colebabieposted 14 years ago

    I used to get the Shaken Green Tea at Starbucks, but I make mine at home now and it tastes just the same. I called my cable/internet company and told them that I needed to cut back.
    
    So they gave me the "economy" plan for my internet and cable package, and saved me $20 a month.
    
    I also fill up my gas tank more often. I know that doesn't sound like it saves $$ but it does, when you get down to 0 it hurts your engine.
    
    I grow my own herbs and tomatoes. I eat like a tomato a day, even though the farmers market is $2 for a bucket, it does save some.
    
    My mom makes her own laundry detergent. I haven't done that yet, but she does 5Xs the laundry I do.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       thnaks for sharing very nice ideas

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18. 60

    HealthCare Basicsposted 14 years ago

    I look for sales at the local food stores. I just purchased $95.00 worth of rib eye steaks for $31.00. We have two days a week when the local farmers bring vegetables to markets. The quality is better, fresher, and cheaper than the stores. I also buy in bulk for staples like paper towels, toilet paper, and laundry detergent. It saves nearly 30% to 40%.
    
    Since property values are sliding here in Callifornia, I took advantage of repeal to the current value of my property which was reassessed during the upswing. I will now pay $1000.00 less in property tax this year.
    
    We needed to upgrade all our appliances and I didn't want to use credits cards. I got a low interest loan (4.5%) off my retirement account. Can pay it off monthly for 3 years or earlier if I want. The advantage is it is not reported on your credit line. I then turned in the energy efficiency data of the new appliances to the power company and received cash backs for the upgrades.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       thansk for all the ideas

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice advice

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19. 73

    livewithrichardposted 14 years ago

    I find my deals online now.  When I need new things like shoes, I'll go to the department store and find what I like, try things on, then come home and find it much cheaper, including shipping fees, online.
    
    And, like HealtCare does, we buy our staples in bulk and hunt for the sales for foods.  Veggies at a farmers market on the weekends will always be cheaper than the stores.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice ideas

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20. 60

    HealthCare Basicsposted 14 years ago

    Richard, I like the idea of looking in stores for things you want then going on-line to purchase at a cheaper price. Will be trying that out.
    
    We just placed our two vehicles under one insurance policy and saved 30%off of having individual coverage. I wrote an article when I first joined Hubpages on health insurance coverage for domestic partners which saved us about $1000.00 in pocket change. That money paid for reinsulating our attic with higher R value. Gas company gave us a one time rebate and the heating bill has dropped significantly.

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21. 61

    R. Blueposted 14 years ago

    I turn my underwear inside out and get an extra days wear out of it and I only shower once every other week. My aroma keeps the women away...and man what a savings that can be!!!

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    1. 49

       CabinGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Awwww poor babes, share a shower, works for me

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       1. 61

          R. Blueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Nah...women are too expensive ....better to not let them close.

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22. 49

    badcompany99posted 14 years ago

    Wise words oh Blue one

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    1. 61

       R. Blueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Ain't it the truth brother?

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       1. 49

          CabinGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Ha you 2 losers couldn't afford me

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          1. 61

             R. Blueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Actually I'm looking for a horny beautiful rich woman to support me.....know any?

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             1. 57

                Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                that is nice horny + beautiful

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             2. 49

                CabinGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                With your chat up lines I am sure you wont have any problems. Or you could turn gay, Ronnie Wood would like a nice young man like you lol

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                1. 61

                   R. Blueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      Have to pass on Ronnie.....his loss I'm sure.....

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23. 49

    CabinGirlposted 14 years ago

    So are you single Mr Blue, you intrique me !

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24. 89

    RedElfposted 14 years ago

    All our electronics are on surge-protector power bars (including TV and stereo) because we live in house with 1040s knob and tube wiring (upgraded in some rooms). Switching off power bars makes quite a difference in electric bill.
    
    We put in a new main power board in place of old fuse box when we moved in, which lowered our insurance.
    
    Also we added blown-in insulation over the existing batts in the attic which lowers heating bill in winter and is cooler in summer.
    
    We adjusted thermostat of water heater a few degrees lower, which saves quite a bit as well, and once we have saved up for it, we are going to install on-demand water heater. Then we will not be wasting money keeping a big tank of water hot 24-7.

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25. 69

    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    On a personal note, I quit my caffeine addiction:  no more Starbucks or Tim Hortons. I'm also walking instead of driving.  On a family note, our activities have returned to the creative, imaginative and free.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice

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26. 60

    GeneriqueMediaposted 14 years ago

    I've a fireproof mattress, a hideout, getaway car, skimask, and gun. Just need gumption. Can't seem to find any on eBay. ;D

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27. 58

    lindagoffiganposted 14 years ago

    I only do laundry once a month and shop at the Wholesale food store once a month.  The laundry takes about three hours to do but the savings is worth it. 
    
    I also have learned the value of coupons and will use more online sources.  Right now, I use coupons from the mail and newspapers.

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    1. 80

       Laura Berwickposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Coupons are great. Did you also know that there are a lot of coupons available online? They're so quick to use because you just choose the ones you want and print them out. I don't currently do it because I'm living in Asia and the ones I can read don't work here, but my mom's been doing it at home.
       
       I'm not sure exactly where to find them, but I know that one place is ivillage.com . It may be that there are other places, that's just the only one I know.

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28. 0

    \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years ago

    we are having to down size to a smaller house...... less housework yipeeeeee.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       wow small or large still lot of work

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good idea

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29. 61

    dwmillerposted 14 years ago

    I have put money on a prepaid card that has a savings account interest of 5%.  Get source to build up some funds.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       what card is that?

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       which card is that?

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    3. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice idea

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    4. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good idea

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30. 58

    Christenstockposted 14 years ago

    I was a raging "Bull" anteeconomicbellum (when Bear Stearns was floating above $100/share); then "Bear'd" the whole market!
    
    Then I bought an 08' Maserati, instead of a Ferrari to save some green...

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very nice

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31. 60

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    We planted a big veggie garden this year, hope to can this fall.
    
    I gave up my Caribou mocha's

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       lot os saving and also healthy stuff for eating

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good one

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32. 0

    pgrundyposted 14 years ago

    Don't spend much of anything anymore except on groceries. Stuff I wouldn't have though twice about buying a year ago I now think three times about it and don't buy it.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very useful advice

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33. 74

    N. Ramiusposted 14 years ago

    I've actually spent lots more money in the past couple months than in the past. I eat out more, do more activities that cost money, etc. I'm usually a frugal thrifty person but lately I've been spending a lot more.
    My financial expenses seem to follow the opposite of the economy.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       you are the lucky one in this bad times

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34. 57

    my-success-guruposted 14 years ago

    Yes! I eat out a lot less! Food can be a big expense!

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       nice idea

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       eat out a lot less is healthy too

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    3. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very good advice

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35. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    yesterday I save more money when I buy on sale grocery with coupon more saving

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36. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    today i went shopping to pick up small stuff without car

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37. 82

    Aya Katzposted 14 years ago

    I live in the country where the cost of living is lower. I moved here eight years ago, choosing the particular location based on how much it would cost to live here.
    
    I think many people feel they have to live in the city, where the cost of living is much higher, because that's where the jobs are. However, if the cost of living there is higher than what the job brings in, then it's time to re-assess. It's quite possible that you can't afford your job.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       veryThanks for sharing this nice idea move where cost of living is lower

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38. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    reduced sugar consumption to half

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39. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    cut some TV package saving $10 everymonth

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40. 0

    \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years ago

    well we have had to move house as our rent was too high... I HAVE to tell you things here in Ireland are really taking a nose dive.... lot's of people losing jobs..... and general hardship all round.... chemists closing on strikes because government is refusing to pay as much towards peoples neessary medication, and chemists wont pay either.....

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       bad times we all have to fight hope for best

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41. 59

    elainevcposted 14 years ago

    not really cos I can't seem to stop spending
    
    but I am working a lot more than before, a lot of side-jobs and work from home and stuff...

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       so if have more money no need for changing any habit

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42. 60

    Chloe Comfortposted 14 years ago

    Have been making my coffee at home instead of hittin Dunkin Donuts. Also bringing lunch from home instead of buying it at work.

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very very good ideas. once a month  I treat myself outside fat food

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43. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    I change my haome temp to high when we are sleeping

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44. 55

    wrenfrost56posted 14 years ago

    I only fill the kettle up to as much as I am going to use, saves loads of electric. Have stopped using my tumble dryer and have cut, dyed and stlyed my own hair for the last 6 years, saved loads!

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       thanks for sharing lor of good ideas

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    2. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good ideas

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45. 57

    Lgaliposted 14 years ago

    I did change my insurance company and save $10 everymonth

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46. 82

    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    
    
    Personally...I just keep tightening the ol' belt...

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    1. 57

       Lgaliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       very funny

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47. 60

    JBeyerposted 14 years ago

    Consider watching TV on your PC and canceling your cable or satellite service to save $$$ per year.

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48. 61

    Eric Graudinsposted 14 years ago

    Changed mobile phones from contract to prepaid.
    With bonuses, free calls, etc. we can make heaps more calls and SMS messages for about half the price.

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49. 0

    Ghost32posted 14 years ago

    Planning to build a new home, but figuring ways to do it on the cheap.  One biggie:  Knew I was going to go with earthbag walls but was unsure on foundation--monolithic slab would run over $10,000, and even a four inch slab would cost $4300 at present prices.
    
    Current (and going to happen) plan:  Concrete BLOCKS (not poured in place, so no contractor) for perimeter only, cost under $500.  Floor to be natural Earth, with ONLY (a) a 6 mil plastic sheet ($72) topped with 1/4 inch rubber flooring ($1475).  Very "resilient",  save wife broken bones from falls (her balance is not good), improves thermal mass.
    
    Bottom line:  Complete foundation plus finished floor will come to $500 plus $72 plus $1475 = $2,047, versus what could have been over $10,000 with floor not even included.

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50. 61

    Eric Graudinsposted 14 years ago

    @Ghost32:
    Nice one. sounds great, and very practical.

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