So we've decided to go on a crash-course savings binge! :) (okay, so Paco's already really good at this..but I'm going to do it!)
The idea is that for three months we really stock up our savings account (as we've had to dip into it recently) so my plan is to skimp out on just about everything to get it as high as we can, as quickly as we can.
Some of my plans include: more rice, beans, and potatoes. Putting YMCA membership on hold for a few months, one I thought of today is doing push-ups when I get cold--instead of turning up the heat, having Sammy wear things two or three times before washing them. I'd like to say I'll walk or ride my bike more, but I have a new dis-like for my new double stroller and I don't have a bike (and even if I did, I can't take Jacob on it yet :( )
So...what are some ideas YOU have for US that we can do??
Food is huge. Keeping utilities down is big too. Doing less laundry (I need to add that one to my budget binge). Babysitting and eating out always take more that what we think. We try to do trades with babysitting and that saves a ton of money. We didn't eat out at all for several months and that helped a ton. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteUNPLUG! Unplug EVERYTHING unless you are using them, that'll save on utilities (along with laundry).
ReplyDeleteNEVER buy anything (grocery wise) unless they are on sale and/or you have a coupon. This saves people TONS!
I agree with the babysitting "swap!" I don't think I hardly ever pay for a babysitter (but we rarely use one anyway).
That's all I got for now, good luck.
Bring your kids to my house, then have a date night watching a movie at your house. You can get movies for free at the library (or from Valary). Seriously, call me next time you need a night "out"!
ReplyDeleteOk, sorry, I just thought of two more things. Grocery Outlet. There is one at 3140 Williams Rd which is the one I've always gone to, but there is also one at 2300 Monterey Hwy, probably closer (why do I go to the other one?). It doesn't have everything, but what it does have is super cheap.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing is breakfast. I don't know what you guys usually eat for breakfast, but I think that breakfast cereal is a huge rip off. Very little nutritional value for $6/box. Of course you can usually find it on sale but it is still almost $3/box. But does a bowl of cereal really fill you up? I try to encourage my kids to eat something else (cheaper and healthier). They love oatmeal, Amy even eats it raw with milk and we call it meuslix (sp?). Even toast is better(or bagels or english muffins etc) if it is whole grain. Protein like eggs or yogurt fill you up. We also throw lots of fruit (fresh or frozen) in the blender for a smoothie. (Crazy, but I add spinach, too--you don't taste it but how often do you get vegetables for breakfast? Warning, it turns your smoothie the color of mud...) I have a whole-grain pancake mix that I make that doesn't take long to throw together in the morning. There are a lot of healthy options that are much cheaper than cereal! They can make cheap dinners, too. Email me if you want more of a recipe for any of these ideas.
Sorry, sorry, I just thought of something else. There is an Oroweat outlet at 1033 S Bascom Ave. Bread, bagels, english muffins, hamburger buns...I buy lots and freeze it. They often have lots of freebee deals.
I already told you about Real Produce, so hopefully I've remembered everything now!
Lists in the grocery store is a big one for me. I wander the store too much. Do not go in w/o a list, and ONLY get what is one the list. I never come out with only what I went in for. If you know it is only a few things, only take a $20 in with you (or whatever you need). (Leave your purse at home, NOT in your car. It will get stolen...You'd be amazed at what you don't pick up if you have a limited amount of cash on you and don't have the all powerful credit/debit cards with you.
ReplyDeleteOh, and freeze your leftovers in those really cool Ziploc containers :-) hahah
ReplyDelete