How do you tighten an already tight budget?

Question

Does anyone have budget ideas for those of us who were already on a tight budget before the gas & food prices went up? I don't go to Starbucks and I don't get my nails done so the advice columns that talk about packing my lunch to save money don't apply because I already do that. Has any one in the lower or middle class income level found any great money saving or money earning tips?

Answer 1

I hear you.  All the suggestions I read about, I already do.  Then I look back at my purchases and I can't really cut anything!  We needed this and that, etc.  Yes, I can probably do without *some* things I buy each month, but a month is a long time and really I'd be saving like $50.  Whoopee.  I need to save more like $200.  Where can I cut expenses by $200?  I really can't.  It's frustrating.  The only thing that would help us, is if one of us got a P-T job in addition to us already both working F-T.  It wouldn't be good for us and our 2 kids.  We've made some small cut backs, while still keeping our lifestyle:

1.  We dine out 1x a week (Saturdays).  It's our indulgence and we have fun as a family.   We cut out desserts and alcoholic drinks and can save about $25-30 off the bill.  This helps in keeping our dine out expenses a month on track.  We will also do a cheap dinner out - like McDonalds or Burger King.  If we overspent on a dinner, we'll use our pocket money for it if we have enough.  Me and my hubby get an "allowance" each month.

2.  We buy store brand at the grocery store whenever possible.  Coupons don't save me much money and its too time consuming, if I'm only going to save $2.00.  We try to limit our grocery shopping.  We try to use up all our food before we go grocery shopping.

3.  We quit smoking in January, saving us $1500 / year.

4.  I have to have air conditioning.  I turn the thermosat way up during the day, when we are not home.  Not sure yet if it's saving us much money.  

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

CLIP COUPONS OR FIND WAYS TO INCREASE INCOME.

Answer 3

Clip coupons or use a grocery coupon service online to save money. Use public transportation to save  on fuel costs if possible. Turn the A/C temp UP (warmer) a few degrees and use a fan. Check with your local electric/gas company to see if you qualify for assistance with your bill. Swap "services" with friends and neighors in a similar situation. (i.e. Babysit for a neighbors kids a couple days a week if they will watch yours a couple days to save on daycare costs) Take on a part time job close to home for a few extra bucks if possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. We are all feeling the crunch from the economic downturn and are also looking for ways to save. You may also qualify for public assistance if your income will not allow you to pay all of your bills. They may be willing to help with groceries if you can still work and carry the bulk of the bills.

Answer 4

First I always pay myself first out of my paycheck. That money goes straight to my savings acct. No matter how little it will add up.

I shop using coupons. I find them in the Sunday's paper (Smartsource and RedPlum inserts) and I use www.smartsource.com to print off coupons. Next I save them and match them to sales ads. You can find printable coupons online at www.boodle.com, www.smartsource.com, www.coolsavings.com

I shop a lot at Walgreens or rather they pay for me to shop there. Stores like Walgreens, Target, RiteAid will take their store ad and a manuf cpn (like the ones you find on the internet or the newspaper.) I usually get my health & beauty products at Walgreens for next to nothing using the above method.

I line the windows with tin foil or cover them with a dark blanket during the day. I lower the air cond. temp or use fans.

I plan all my errands on the same day to save on gas money.

I pay all my bills online to avoid stamp costs.

I eat healthy and limit excessive eating out. I also find inexpensive entertainment. Redbox movie rentals has a free code on Mondays. (Go to their website.)

I work my full time job and pick up 2 min. part-time jobs on the side.

Answer 5

1) buy from the 3 day old minimum list in  order to kill the impulsed buying

2) shop wholesaling/warehouse outlets

3) buy generic, bulk of NEEDED items

4) focus on eat to live (= survive) for a year (great way to lose weight, to cleanse your body)

etc.

Answer 6

cut out the internet access and use computers at the library for internet us - save you $30-50 a month, clip coupons or buy store brands at the grocery store - whichever is cheaper