What is the number one (or two) thing you do to save money?

[Anonymous]

Lots of folks seem to have coupon success but I am having coupon fail. I've been getting the coupons from the Sunday WaPo and most of them related to stuff I'm not interested in buying - like home hair coloring kits, tons of different sauces, and potted meats. What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

I try to do as much shopping as possible at Shoppers Food Warehouse. Sometimes there are some duds, but the produce is good and inexpensive. And they have lots of international foods. I buy meat from Teeter (on sale only(, Trader Joe's and Costco. Also some produce from Costco.

[Anonymous]

1. breastfeed!
2. plan weekly menus / eat leftovers for lunch
3. cook vegetarian a few times a week saves a bundle
4. yard sales / freecycle / craigs list for baby stuff
5. buy diapers online in bulk
6. use miles for trips to see family / friends
7. coupons for whatever we can

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently moved here and I notice that people in the DC area place a high status symbol on food/groceries. Organic, Local Farm-raised, Whole Foods, etc. I'm not judging it, but it isn't anything I've heard before moving here.

For me, it's not a status thing AT ALL. Really. I drive an 8 year old car, live in a non-descript house, don't own any designer clothing.

BUT, I'm willing to spend extra on good quality, organic produce for the health of my family. I truly believe there is a difference in taste and that it's best to have my kids avoid the hormones and pesticides (and meat slime) associated with non-organic foods.

I think it has more to do with this area having people who are involved in government (Ag policy), educated and know about the different things that are being done to our food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You financed a sailboat but have only one car and you economize on phones (?)

'Twas purchased BK - before kids. We used to do a lot of hiking and canoeing, but after we bought the boat we'd sail most weekends and many vacation weeks between May and mid October. It's hard to spend money in the middle of the bay! I wouldn't trade the mental health benefits. Some things are better not put off until retirement or until you are too old and feeble to enjoy it.
One thing I liked about sailing was I never had that 'I'd rather be doing something else right now' feeling. I also ate a lot of crab and learned some good recipes for rum drinks Can't wait until the wee ones are swimming, I hope we will enjoy the boat together when they are older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find the "bean" post depressing, for me at least. Maybe it's the "foodie" in me, but it just sucks the joy out eating when you plan your meals a month in advance. It's like there's no room left for spontaneity (unless once a week is considered that). Next thing your sex life will be a preplanned activity as well ... and in that case, I'd rather eat beans.
I am impressed with the menu though ...

Um, don't all married parents have to plan sex? We'd have sex once or twice a month if we didn't plan it.

DW "Sorry, no sex tonight, beans are making me gassy."
DH "How about tomorrow"
DW "Sorry, but beans tomorrow night too"

This made me laugh out loud

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of folks seem to have coupon success but I am having coupon fail. I've been getting the coupons from the Sunday WaPo and most of them related to stuff I'm not interested in buying - like home hair coloring kits, tons of different sauces, and potted meats. What am I missing?

Coupons go through cycles. The majority of the coupons I use are for personal type items (body wash, deodorant, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc) or first aid/vitamins (band-aids, tylenol). If I couple those coupons with sales (or in-store coupons from Target.com or Safeway), I end up saving a good amount. There are very few food coupons I can use since we don't buy meat and we eat a lot of fresh fruits/veggies.

[Anonymous]

Shop my closet. When I have the urge to buy something new, I search the back of my closet and find something I haven't worn in a while that I still like. I usually forces me to come up with a few fresh outfits.

If I can't find a way to wear it, I force myself to give it away. Today a good friend of mine is wearing a skirt and jacket that used to be mine, so at least someone saved money.