How to save money on household expenses?

Question

I am wondering about yahoo answers users tips for saving money on household expenses.

A few tips in these areas would be great:

-groceries

-electric bills

-water bills

-childrens activities

-pets

-housecleaning

-gardening

Hubby and I both got pay cuts of about $700 total a month- OUCH! So, we really need to buckle down and get downright frugal. We own our house, and are in no danger of losing it, but we would like to not be so tight and not living paycheque to paycheque.

Any tips on how to be frugal?

ALSO any tips on how to get hubby to STOP spending so much money?! He spends $20 here, $20 there, let's go for lunch, lets stop for a bite to eat on our trip, let's buy this video game, let's go on a weekend hotel stay, I want every single sattelite tv channel, etc. I am trying to get everyone to stick to a budget, but so far nobody else (kids ages 6 and 1, and hubby) is willing to stick to a budget. How do I get on a budget that everyone is excited (haha) about and will stick to?

We get married in less than a month and would like to start our new life off on the right foot.

Thanks a ton.

Answer 1

Groceries, buy the store brands. Most of them are really pretty good and cheaper than the name brands, plus have a money back guarantee if you don't like them.  Only buy national brands when you have coupons.  Buy in bulk when it saves you on the per unit price.  Grow your own veggies and herbs, freeze excesses or trade over production with neighbors who grow what you don't.  Morph meals.  I got this one from Robin Miller on HGTV.  Use the main ingredients from one meal to make another later in the week.

Electric/water bills - only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine because it takes the same amount to run a full load as a partial one (more bang for your buck) Line dry as much as possible (it's free) and use the dryer just to take wrinkles out.  Turn off vampire electronics and change incandescent light bulbs to CFLs.  Use motion detector night lights in the dark rather than turning on lights.  Use solar powered lights for security and safety in the yard.  Capture water you would otherwise let go down the drain and use it for plants.  

Housecleaning-use vinegar or baking soda.  I mist my shower with vinegar daily after showering to keep soap scum and mildew at bay.  Both of these household items can clean most things in the kitchen and bath saving buying cleaning products.

Pets-If you aren't squeemish and your pets need basic vaccinations, you can administer many yourself (Fosters Smith Vet catalog and online has many).  If they need medications, it is much cheaper to order them online than buying them from the vet.

Paying cash is a great way to control spending.  Take out the money at the beginning of the month and give everyone, including yourself an allowance.  They can spend it any way they like, but when it is gone, there is no more.  Same goes with eating out.  Set a budget, take out the money and that is what you have to eat out with for that month.

Answer 2

I found lots of great ideas in this book, which you can purchase used from Amazon for $1.50.

http://www.amazon.com/Yankee-Magazines-L...