We live pretty frugally. So I’ll share some of our “tricks”.
You are far better off ditching the cable. You can get Netflix (you can watch this on a computer or gaming system) for $8 per month. There are plenty of shows and movies available. Yes, in the beginning, they will be “reruns” for you, but faster than you think new episodes and movies will show up. We combine that with the use of our local library. Our library usually gets most new release movies we are interested in. We request them online and just pick them up when they arrive. That is free!
We have DSL, basic phone and Netflix, and we play less than 50/month for all three.
If you insist on keeping your bundle call and see if you can renegotiate the price. Look up introductory prices and try for those. You may need to ask to speak to a retention specialist. A retention specialist is meant to keep customers around and happy.
Coupons are tricky. You may find yourself buying things you don’t really need, just because it seems like such a great deal. The time investment for extreme couponing is ridiculous, and not doable for most. Shop smart. Budget and stick to it. Stay away from convenience foods. Check out generic and off brands too. Buying in bulk can be great. But make sure it’s a real deal. Sometimes a little math will prove to you that the advertised deal is not as great as it sounds. When something you KNOW your family uses regularly goes on a great sale…stock up!
You can also start a garden. We grow and freeze quite a bit of the veggies grown in the garden. Last night we ate chard we grew last year and the kids pulled some carrots for dinner too. After the initial set up, our garden does not take a great deal of time. ANd the time it does take has turned into a family project.
We have also learned to shop online for some items. We use amazon.com. We have a prime membership so we get free movies, free kindle books and free shipping on most items. The cost is $80 per year. But since you can add up to three people to the account, we added my BIL and he pays for half of the cost. So worth it for all of us! We have learned that not always, but many times, it’s our go to place to shop. We have saved money on everything from computer stuff, to car parts and shampoo. Just make sure to do your research to be certain it’s a good deal, because there are times were amazon is outrageously more expensive than other places.
Check out free entertainment in your area. I am often shocked at the opportunities I have found for me and the kids. You may be too. A few times a year, a google search may help you find some great things to do as a family.
Sell things you don’t need or use. We love craigslist for this. And we have made some pretty good cash out of our old stuff that I may have otherwise donated. Be cautious and use common sense of course.
It may be a great time to comparison shop. Look into a home refinance. Call insurance companies and make sure you are getting the best deal. Check rates with the electric companies, etc.
CHange the thermostat. Throw on a sweater instead of cranking up the heat. We live in Texas and it gets HOT here. We still keep our AC at a moderate temp, but we have the ceiling fans on high and encourage the kiddos to play in the same room with us…it keeps our electric bill down.
We also made sure to install a digital thermometer and we have it set around our schedule. When we are under covers at night the house is cooler.
Vinegar will clean most things wonderfully. We rarely buy any cleaners. Vinegar does a fantastic job. It’s cheap and easily stored. As an added bonus, it’s non toxic. I also know many friends who make their own laundry soap to save money.
Pack lunches. School lunches add up over a week’s time. Unless your new financial status qualifies you for free or reduced lunches, start brown bagging it, if you don’t already. This counts for hubby too.