Here are my top 5.
1. Couponing! Back in September, I found the world of couponing. I got into it pretty quick. The first month I started I halved our grocery bill. Since then, I have probably halved it again. That even includes toiletries, laundry, personal care items, etc. If you want to learn about couponing, there are lots of blogs out there to help you on your way.
2. Movies. We get free redbox or blockbuster express movies. There are often free codes. We got a bunch of free redbox rental codes in Orville Reddenbocker popcorn boxes that I got for free - 50 cents! Now that's what I call cheap entertainment! :)
3. Fresh Produce. Last year was my first attempt at a garden. It went okay...I need to find a solution for those squirrels! This year I was able to start a little earlier (see previous post). I paid a couple dollars for some seeds and hopefully we'll have a good crop of lettuce and spinach. Then I have enough left over to plant again in the fall. We'll plant different vegis in April. Seems like the price of fresh produce keeps going up so this helps with the food I can't get with couponing.
4. House Repairs/Furnishings. Luckily, I have a handy husband that is willing to tackle the house repairs and fix ups with me. And what makes that better is my dad lives close and he lets us borrow tools and his wisdom. When I am looking for decor or furniture for the house, I check craigslist first. I've gotten a free couch that is going in our spare bedroom off there. I've also gotten other furniture on there for a really good price. For other items that I can't get on craigslist, I wait for it to be on clearance. I've also referbished a couple of Ronnie's furniture pieces from his bachelor days. This has helped us decorate our new home in our budget. Not to say I haven't splurged on an item or two...oops...
5. Non-necessities. We try to cut out some of the things that aren't neccessary. Like we don't have cable or a landline. Although, there is always room for improvement in this area....
Now, what are the ways your family saves money?
In this economy, we could all afford to save a penny or two, right?!
