Living on the cheap...

[davedove]

Boy, some of these suggestions call for real lifestyle changes. Now, I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it's rather drastic. How about some simpler ideas.

Instead of not eating out, how about adjusting how you do it. Instead of a drink, get water. For what it costs to buy a glass of soda, you can get two liters or more at the store.

The same for dessert. For that one slice of pie, you could buy the whole pie.

Don't even get me started on alcohol markup.

This is a big one for a lot of people. If you only live a couple of blocks from someplace, why drive? Walk it in good weather.

If you must drive, try to combine trips. And plan your trips out so you can make the journey without a bunch of running back and forth.

Put your utility bills on automatic payment. You know you're going to have to pay them anyway. By making them automatic, you save on checks and stamps (You can avoid these costs by paying online as well). And if you're the type that tends to let the bills sit on the table for too long, by making them automatic you don't have any late payment penalties.

The suggestions about movies are good too. Do you really have to see that movie on opening weekend? If you can wait a couple of months, it will probably be at your local discount theater.

If you have to, you can make drastic changes, but there are many ways to save small amounts that add up overall.

[sydnie7]

I make bread very rarely, and understand why others do more so. But my solution is a freezer (for many things) and occasional trips to the "day old bread" store. I'm also freezing this summer's inexpensive blueberries for a winter treat. Like others, I buy in bulk and separate/freeze things such as chicken parts, chops and such.

Growing your own produce is fine for some, again not for me. But I found the Hispanic markets often have wonderful produce at 1/3 - 1/2 the price of chain supermarkets. Here in San Diego it's Pancho Villa Ranch Market, up in Los Angeles area it was Vallarta Markets. Green/Bell peppers at $1/pound when Ralphs wanted $3/pound, they always have several varieties of squash for .80/pound, onions have been as low as 6 pounds/dollar and so on. It's well worth the 8 mile drive every two weeks to stock up, I regularly come out with a shopping cart full of fresh produce for less than $30.

Bob found a complete tuxedo suit (that I converted into a formal kilt jacket) at a thrift store for $15.

We are working more along davedove's line but I enjoy reading tips from others, there's always something to learn!

[Colonel MacNeal]

Riding the bus, to and from work, whenever possible. Would ride more but the bus only comes to Arlington in the early morning and the late afternoon.

Saves gas, parking, prevents mileage growth and delays maintenance. Also good for the environment. Plus I'm entertained by all the eccentrics on the bus.