Living on the cheap...

**CDNSushi** · 3rd July 09, 12:25 AM

This is a low-cost thread. I realize that the economy really stinks right now and people are being hit hard even in our own back yards. I've read all sorts of threads here on XMTS even, about our clansmen getting laid off, experiencing paycuts, and things getting tough all around.

Well, this is a thread for all of us! I'd like to know what are YOUR top ways to live a little more cheaply? How about everyone contributing a couple of tips to more frugal living? The only thing I ask is that: a) your ideas be realistic and useful (e.g. please don't post that buying a USED Ferrari instead of a NEW one is a great way to save $50,000)... b) try not to repeat what others have already posted c) it would be good if you've had some personal experience or success with what you're suggestion.

Anyway, I'm going to kick this off with a few tips of my own.

- I finally got off my butt and phoned the satellite company to cancel my movie channels. That saves me $20/mo. right there.

- When I know I have to go out with friends (and that can get expensive in a hurry) I try to have supper and a couple beers at home before leaving. Then, I can drink just one drink slowly and order only an appetizer or a dessert instead of springing for a full meal with alcohol (that can be $50 easily here in Japan).

- I've started commuting to work by bicycle. I get my daily cardio workout and save a TON on gas!

Anyway, I'll post more if/when I think of them. How bout you all? What's your secret to living well on a budget?

ith:

**Mipi** · 3rd July 09, 12:49 AM

What about drinking water instead all famous beverages with a lot of sugar (natural and artificial) and "chemicals" added. Cheaper and much healthier.

Very simple one...

**Rob Wright** · 3rd July 09, 12:55 AM

Some movie theater's have free summer kids shows, usually movies from the previous year. Depending on the showtimes, you could eat breakfast and then see the early show which has the lowest attendance. For example the theater I work at has free kid shows on wed and thur. Showtimes are 9:00, 11:30, and 1:45. The 1:45 is the busiest due to the heat and the 9:00 is the slowest because people are still sleeping.

Rob

**Bigkahuna** · 3rd July 09, 01:20 AM

Originally Posted by Mipi

What about drinking water instead all famous beverages with a lot of sugar (natural and artificial) and "chemicals" added. Cheaper and much healthier.

Very simple one...

Drink Tap water instead of bottled water. If you must drink bottled water, reuse your bottle.

**Jerry** · 3rd July 09, 03:56 AM

Well due to health issues and distance, bicycling is out for me, but I do save on gas by combining trips. For instance, if I have a doctors appointment, My wife goes with me and we do our grocery shopping, banking and as many other things we can in one trip. I dropped everything on our cell phone service other than the phone itself and cut that bill by more than 40%. One other cost saver, In the summer, my thermostat stays at 82 degrees F, and no higher than 68 Deg F in the winter, and I often cut off the AC entirely during the night if it is going to be a cool night. So far, my highest electric bill in an all electric house has been about $225.

**JolyStNicholas** · 3rd July 09, 04:05 AM

I use Direct TV for my tv service, runs us about $159.00 a month and Florida cable for my internet service,$44.95 a month. I'm bundling them both, getting a better internet service, for $109.00. Going to save almost $100.00 per month.

**Dan R Porter** · 3rd July 09, 05:53 AM

I quit smoking, saves $200.00 a month!

**vmac3205** · 3rd July 09, 05:59 AM

If you are going out to dinner, avoid alcohol. That will save a bunch, and go early. Most places have early dining specials now between say 4 PM and 6 PM, or late, between 9 and closing. And be sure to use those coupons that are available. Movies are cheaper during the day, and there are now a lot of churches and social groups showing movies outdoors during the summer. Check those out. It all adds up.
When we go to Highland Games, we camp rather than stay at a motel. Saves a couple of hundred during the weekend.

**george7** · 3rd July 09, 06:07 AM

We started raising chickens and turkeys (chickens for eggs and meat, turkeys for meat) and hunting pigs. We've got over a hundred pounds of pork and countless eggs. That and our garden produce enough food to supplement our grocery bills.

**KD Burke** · 3rd July 09, 06:11 AM

I work in an office. I "brown bag" my lunch. A couple minutes in the morning making a snadwich and I save $5 to $10 per work day on lunch.

While I'm not a coffee drinker, a co-worker is now bringing a long a thermos of coffee she brews at home. Avoids the ghastly office blend without resorting to Starbucks.