Financially feasible options

[sherryinutah]

Most of us who spend time on GPT sites; like FusionCash also do our best to make financially intelligent choices in other aspects of our lives, as well.

What are some of your tips and tricks for earning and saving?

I simplify my life but refusing to spend money on things I don't need.  I use a digital converter and an antenna, along with an older analog TV so I don't invest in a TV subscription.  I still get about 26 channels; which is enough for me.  If you already have a digital TV you don't need the digital converter.

I use coupons for only those things that I would buy - whether I had a coupon or not.

I don't own and drive a vehicle.  I recently bought an electric bike because I live in a small town where I can get myself around without paying for auto insurance, registration or gasoline. 

When you learn to live without a lot of money it's pretty easy to be frugal.   

[gaby_ro_2004]

I don't buy anything IF i don't need it.I don't go out to eat.Tax refund money goes into a saving account.We have only one car.In this way,even with one income,we have our own house,own car and we can afford to go to Europe every year.

[sak4kat]

All of the above.  One of the hugest money saving things I'd done in the past was use a wonder washer for my family of 5.  I used it nearly daily for 2 years or so.  Every few months I would go to the local laundromat and really get clothes washed well.  Couldn't do towels or blankets so those laundromat trip only trips.  Not only did I save in quarters I would have dropped into the machines.. but gas and wear and tear on my vehicle.  Fast forward... I'm now the proud owner of a washer and dryer.  Busted my tail - but worth every penny.

[betlynjua]

I take very good care of my clothes.  So as a result, they last for many years.  I don't really need a clothing budget per say because I spend very little on clothes. 

When I am looking for a particular item, I have no problem at all shopping at our neighborhood Humane Society Thrift Shop.  I have been able to find things I need for less than a fraction of the cost of a retail store.

Some of the items still have sales tags on them; they have never been used.  It doesn't get much better than that.  If some of the proceeds from sales at this shop do help the animals, which I believe they do, then it's even better yet.   

[oldbuddy]

Most of us who spend time on GPT sites; like FusionCash also do our best to make financially intelligent choices in other aspects of our lives, as well.

What are some of your tips and tricks for earning and saving?

I simplify my life but refusing to spend money on things I don't need.  I use a digital converter and an antenna, along with an older analog TV so I don't invest in a TV subscription.  I still get about 26 channels; which is enough for me.  If you already have a digital TV you don't need the digital converter.

I use coupons for only those things that I would buy - whether I had a coupon or not.

I don't own and drive a vehicle.  I recently bought an electric bike because I live in a small town where I can get myself around without paying for auto insurance, registration or gasoline. 

When you learn to live without a lot of money it's pretty easy to be frugal.   

I live in a suburb of Portland and it's 30 miles out, so an electric bike would be out of the question for me, as well as dangerous in the rainy weather. We also like to visit grandkids and family frequently, so a car is important to us. I worked all my life to have a little left to enjoy retirement.

[froggylover227]

Wow, sounds like I should follow some of these tips! Me and fiance just got our own place, so we are still adjusting to that, but we are also paying for the majority of our wedding November, so saving money for us right now is a must! That's why I am working so hard on Fusion Cash lately. It won't give me a huge amount, but at this point, anything helps!

[JaniceSW]

One of my biggest tips that has worked for me is to not go shopping very often.  Shopping used to be a hobby and a relaxation for me, but after years of it, I began to see how much you buy when you are out there seeing things and think you can't live without it.  Well, guess what?  You can live without much of this extraneous stuff.

As far as a car is concerned, I have driven for 41 years and don't know how to live without one.  I'll literally drive until I know I am totally unsafe on the roads.  As far as a TV, I live alone and it is my company and entertainment many days.  (I am looking for ways to have TV cheaper.)

[southernhorizons]

I'm big on couponing. I try to find a coupon or rebate for almost everything I need, and stock up when I can. I'm also doing the penny a day savings, where each day you add an extra cent. By the end of the year I should have over $600 saved.

[ancmetro]

   Different opinions: Some people do not like money-they think is the root of
all evils. While others think is "it is a must have". Do not buy what you do not
need or want. Save your (earnings) money for a rainy day!

[SherylsShado]

I don't buy the chemical cleaners, it's healthier & so much more cheaper to clean with vinegar, ammonia, Original Dawn dish soap, baking soda & hydrogen peroxide.  The money saved I used to buy a Shark steam mop and a Shark handheld (cleans with steam using water--no chemicals).  House smells clean & fresh.

I also like to re-purpose items.  Sometimes I'll see something I like but the cost is crazy, so I find a way to make it using things I already have or can be bought for alot cheaper. 

[betlynjua]

I don't buy the chemical cleaners, it's healthier & so much more cheaper to clean with vinegar, ammonia, Original Dawn dish soap, baking soda & hydrogen peroxide.  The money saved I used to buy a Shark steam mop and a Shark handheld (cleans with steam using water--no chemicals).  House smells clean & fresh.

I also like to re-purpose items.  Sometimes I'll see something I like but the cost is crazy, so I find a way to make it using things I already have or can be bought for alot cheaper. 

I agree. I use very few chemicals at all for my cleaning.  My favorite cleaner of choice is vinegar; that and the occasional bleach for more stubborn issues. 

Most of the cleaning products out there are gimmicky in my opinion.  Call me old fashioned but sometimes there's just too much marketing out there. 

[aflyingmonkey]

I've started to use vinegar a lot in my day to day cleaning. It is an excellent resource.

I switched my lights to LEDs.
I changed all my batteries to recyclable ones.
I like to get deals from 99 cent only store, plenty to be had!
I like to get deals off Groupon, if I can find them

I think that is all my recent cost cutters. 

[UGetPaid]

   Different opinions: Some people do not like money-they think is the root of
all evils. While others think is "it is a must have".

MONEY is not the root of all evils, it it the LOVE of money which is the root of all evils.

[mrisha]

I have spent money on items that like, but I don't go overboard.   I need my car to get around, it is older than most cars, but I can't afford an new vehicle.  As long as I can go from A to B I am satisfied.

[PGS28]

I make a list of things I spend my money on periodically and if I see myself spending in excess in any area (whether it be trips to the dollar store or eating out) I cut down on it.