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Entry bubble Your Turn: Spending Less Money

By: Editor | June 01, 2009 | Category: Money

Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.grocery store receipt

I recently read that “thrifty is the new black.” Who knew that all the lessons my thrifty Midwestern parents taught me growing up would someday land me with the “in” crowd!

Today’s question: What’s your favorite place to find tips and tricks to spend less on daily life? (Can I get a shout out for a government source? Any votes for ConsumerAction.gov?)

| View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: editor   money   save_money   spend   your_turn  

Comments (8):

blue comment bubble Posted by Unknown on June 01, 2009 at 12:25 PM EDT

Thrift measures: Cut all paper goods in half, fire cleaning crew, use coupons, buy clothes at thrift stores, only use the beauty parlor for coloring, cut and style my own hair and polish my own nails, shop at 99cents store and Big Lots, learn to sew, buy clothes that don't need the cleaners, Use ammonia and water to remove stains, clean jewelry, and floors. shower every other day, unplug electronics not in use.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joan on June 01, 2009 at 01:58 PM EDT

I like "Unknown"'s ideas!
Avoiding clothes that are dry-clean-only, and using cold water in the washing machine, are two big ones for me. I'm thinking about putting up a clothesline, too. I've even convinced some of my kitties to use kitty litter made out of recycled newspaper (available in stores).
Joan

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joan on June 01, 2009 at 02:00 PM EDT

Oops! Almost forgot to mention my favorite place to pick up tips for thrify living: it's GovGab, of course. I have it bookmarked and read it daily.
Joan

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blue comment bubble Posted by Tonei on June 01, 2009 at 03:39 PM EDT

I use www.fatwallet.com and www.retailmenot.com to find free stuff and great deals on online and offline shopping. Ramit Sethi's blog at www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com is also a great source for financial advice.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Ann on June 01, 2009 at 04:30 PM EDT

I've been saving money by doing a lot more cooking and pack my lunch instead of going out to eat and buying lunch. I love http://allrecipes.com/ to find new recipes. Also love my public library - you can check out all kinds of cook books, and make photocopies of the recipes you want to keep! No need to spend tons of money on cook books!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Nora on June 02, 2009 at 01:33 PM EDT

I look to Lifehacker.com for DIY projects and re-purposing junk (and for a lot of other things, but these are the real money-savers).

It's nice when some free time + stuff laying around the house can be turned into something useful, as opposed to going out and buying even more junk.

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blue comment bubble Posted by the Virginian on June 03, 2009 at 11:56 AM EDT

I can appreciate the author's comments about thriftiness ... I myself married a wonderful midwestern woman who, along with her insistence on calling my Pepsi "pop," has further developed my cost-consciousness.

There's a really helpful govt. website with some great tips at http://pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/66ways/index.html.

Additionally, I find that paying bills online through my bank helps save money from stamps. It's not much, but I'd like to think my midwestern wife can appreciate the thriftiness ... and the "green" aspects of less paper through electronic statements and bills as well.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Sharon on June 03, 2009 at 09:36 PM EDT

Meals are one of the best ways I save money. Herbs, wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice and certain spices add taste and flavor.

You don't have to have the traditional tomato, cucumber and lettuce salad. You can add almost any ingredient to make a main course salad, including fruit, canned goods, dried fruit, rice, pasta, canned tuna or salmon, left over chicken, steak, chops, corn chips, sour cream, cheese, tofu, couscous, nuts, etc. The list goes on and on.

I love to come home at the end of a long day and throw together my Anything Salad using what I have in the Frig and Cabinets. I toss it, put some crackers or taco chips on the side and I've got a good and usually healthy meal.

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