DEBT

[BK_Adores_Chase]

So I've always been determined to pay off my debt but yesterday I made the decision to discontinue my phone service and cancel my netflix --- that's 40 dollars right there that could be going towards my bills.  I've also made the decision to cut my weekly grocery bill down from $75 to $40 --- I already try to price match, but I'm going to take it to the next level by looking through more ads and printing off coupons (by the way, know any good web sites where you can search for coupons for certain items)?  YAY ME!  My fiance doesn't think I can do it but I'll show him!

[cateyes1]

So I've always been determined to pay off my debt but yesterday I made the decision to discontinue my phone service and cancel my netflix --- that's 40 dollars right there that could be going towards my bills.  I've also made the decision to cut my weekly grocery bill down from $75 to $40 --- I already try to price match, but I'm going to take it to the next level by looking through more ads and printing off coupons (by the way, know any good web sites where you can search for coupons for certain items)?  YAY ME!  My fiance doesn't think I can do it but I'll show him!

Good for you keep up the good work, oh and shop at targets my daughter is AMAZING at saving there 

[dreamyxo]

I rarely use coupons because a lot of them are for products I don't buy anyway and a lot of them are for processed foods that I am staying away from.  What saves me money is planning meals by buying things on sale.  I go online and look through the circulars for the supermarkets in my area and look to see what specials they have then plan my shopping that way.  I'm trying to pay off debt too so any bit helps.

[froggylover227]

I know you will at first cringe at the thought of this, but have you ever considered the dollar store for grocery needs? I use a "Dollar Tree" store in my area, and besides stuff like paper and other household items, they have plenty of food. They have a little freezer section with many name brand items, and no, they are not expired. When money is a bit tight, I will head over to the dollar store. At a name brand grocery store, for two weeks worth of food I would pay around $200. At the dollar store, for two weeks worth of food, it comes to about $100. It adds up over time, and there is honestly nothing wrong with the food. Give it a try! 

[dreamyxo]

The Dollar Tree is good too and I buy food from them but sometimes you have to be careful because just because it's a dollar doesn't mean it's a good deal.  For example they have those little fruit pies there that I like so I bought one.  I went to SuperWalmart and they normally have them for .88 cents as the regular price so in that case the Dollar Tree wasn't the cheapest.  You just have to be careful to compare different places.  I always buy my bread there because it is cheaper than the grocery store but once in a while the grocery store will have a special for .99 cents. 

[smy0850]

I've been looking for ways to cut costs but some of it is my fault like the money I spend on both of my kids to play soccer, I don't have a lot of money but refuse to take that away from my kids so they can sit home on the evenings & weekends and play videos games and gain weight. Sure I can take them out to the parks for free but that doesn't compare to the training & friendships and things learned on a team playing sport. I do use coupons, I don't drink or smoke which saves me a lot, I don't have a car payment and earn a decent salary working FT.

[squirrelgirl44]

If you can stick with it, it will certainly save you some money! I did that years ago and it really helped!

[ancmetro]

       Literally, I forgave my debtors a long time ago.

[Consultsone]

So I've always been determined to pay off my debt but yesterday I made the decision to discontinue my phone service and cancel my netflix --- that's 40 dollars right there that could be going towards my bills.  I've also made the decision to cut my weekly grocery bill down from $75 to $40 --- I already try to price match, but I'm going to take it to the next level by looking through more ads and printing off coupons (by the way, know any good web sites where you can search for coupons for certain items)?  YAY ME!  My fiance doesn't think I can do it but I'll show him!

Your on the right track! You can get massive savings if you get into the extreme couponing for perishables and non-perishables. Lots you can get from freebies online also.
Go to the manufactures websites for things you typically use.
coupons.com, redplum, smart source online are good ... use different zipcodes since coupons are typically published regionally but are good nation wide.
Take advantage of Targets online coupons that you can stack a manufactures coupons to increase the savings.
Learn to utilize CVS's Extracare Bucks and Walgreens Register Rewards ... they are instant in store rebates that you can use like cash on other items.
Get get every reward card for stores you frequent that compounds savings.
Don't forget that coupons are not just for groceries ... they can be used and are out there for restaurants, clothing, etc.
Prove your fiance to shame and prove him wrong and pocket the savings.
If you get to stockpiling keep in mind you can make cash off it by selling on ebay for revenue on items that you get pennies on the dollar for.

[shamilton62]

Learn to utilize CVS's Extracare Bucks and Walgreens Register Rewards ... they are instant in store rebates that you can use like cash on other items.
Get get every reward card for stores you frequent that compounds savings.

This is what I do,  I love CVS I have stockpiles so many toiletries that I don't need to go this week.  The downside is that you need to remember to cash in your extra bucks. In our stores they allow you to ring up your extra buck purchases cash out, and then use the extra bucks you just earned to buy the other stuff in your cart.

[margaret0524]

Personal debt  I am very careful about using credit cards  I try to be very sure I need something before I buy it  And I pay attention to the interest rates on the credit card   There can be a large range of interest rates   And I hope this country manages to get its debt under control, fast and fairly

[sommap]

If you have an Aldi's store in your area, you can get some good deals there.  They don't take coupons or credit cards.  They have mostly off brands, but the ones I have tried have been very good. 

[kords21]

I had a personal revelation back in 2008 about my personal debt situation and was not happy about it all. Worked my tail off to pay off student loans, credit cards, my car and pretty much any other kind of debt that I had. It's paid off now. My money stays with me and not get transferred via me to other banks. Now, that interest rates on such things are going to rise, I'm very happy I took action when I did. Good luck in your endeavor!

[jaymz462]

Good for you BK!  A few years back I decided to get myself out of debt too.  I've been putting most of my money each month toward paying off loans.  It's hard, especially when I wish I had some extra cash to go out or something, but it's worth it.  I'll have my last loan paid off by this time next year and can't wait to be debt free (assuming nothing comes up, that is.)

[zanger09]

I'm lucky and probably won't have to go into debt, but those are pretty good ideas. Couponing can really be an amazing thing. How are you going to live without phone service? Do you still have a cell phone?