Do I have to completely stop the unnecessary spending to save money?

NO:
-going out to eat (including fast food)
-getting nails done
-going to movies
-buying nice gifts for EVERYONE during the holidays
-buying that cute little outift for my dog
-driving unless i have to!
-SHOPPING
-I'm sure the list goes on.


I am thinking about walking to my classes at least one day a week...
I am about to spend tons of money on the first care package...
Gas is outreagous.
Errrr I want to save save save!!!!!
AND I AM NOT GIVING UP MY TRIP TO BELGIUM IN MARCH!

--Amanda

Cut back :yes
You are right on the things that you need to give up.
As far as for the care package, what kind of things does your SO want/need?? If there are certain things he wants and they are expensive have him send some money to help out. If it's just odds and ends then go to the dollar store, buy things like candy and holiday cookis after the holiday since they are greatly reduced.

YOu just have to put your mind into bargain mode and you can easily save 100 or more a month :yes

Have fun on your Belgium trip....maybe start a loose change jar for extra money for your trip :)

maybe start a loose change jar for extra money for your trip :)

That's always a good way to save money you'd be surprised how much money you save when you turn in your change...

i have a coffee can full of change. I just hate going to the coinstar machine because it takes so much money away... but I dont want to roll them either.

i have a coffee can full of change. I just hate going to the coinstar machine because it takes so much money away... but I dont want to roll them either.

Some banks have a change counter. I use to just take my loose change to my bank and they would use a change counter. Just ask banks near you and see if that option is available to you.

i have a coffee can full of change. I just hate going to the coinstar machine because it takes so much money away... but I dont want to roll them either.

Rolling not such a big deal if you want to save though, it's all worth it in the end. ANd rolling is better than coin star since they charge you

Rolling not such a big deal if you want to save though, it's all worth it in the end. ANd rolling is better than coin star since they charge you

Yeah, that. We used to do it as a family when I was a kid - it was fun! If nothing else, do it a little at a time....rolling 2-3 rolls worth a day seems like less of a chore than sitting down to do an entire coffee can.

sometimes sweety, yes it is the only way:goodluck

You don't have to totally cut out all those things you listedn, just cut them down. Every month or paycheck set aside extra money for things like that and then only do them maybe once a month or so after you save up some money, but once that extra money is gone, don't go into your savings money!

clip coupons too

I suggest you make a "zero based budget" for yourself. Basically, Create a budget with everything set at zero then work your way up. Start with your most essential items (housing, electricity, other bills you have to pay monthly) and then see how much you ACTUALLY have left over after all of your essentials are paid. Then write in $$ for food (the amount you THINK you'll spend - or could spend if you cut back on out to eat meals). Then after that you can see how much $$ you have left over. Decide how much you want to save each month, and also keep in mind that emergencies always always happen and you should have $$ in savings or at least in your budget to cover these emergencies (dr. visits, pet care, car troubles, oil changes, just other things you don't "think" of, etc.) Then you can see, after you have budgeted the amount you want to save each month, how much you have to spend on "luxuries" like going to the movies, etc.

One really good thing to do is to ALWAYS "pay yourself first." After each paycheck or $$ that you get, before doing anything else, before paying any bills, put a portion of that into savings where you can't see it. Obviously, if push comes to shove and you absolutely need that money, you can get it out easily, but it really helps to be able to NOT see that you have that $$ so you DON'T feel tempted to spend it!

:) Good luck, getting in the habit of saving is HARD - REALLY hard if you're used to having lots of luxuries and spending all that you have, but it can be done - you just have to be disciplined enough to follow your plans.

I would start by prioritizing which of those things you can live with out and go from there. Just cutting out the dining out is a huge savings. But you definately have the right ideas.

you can also get those flat rate boxes at the post office too

you don't have to stop spending completely but you do have to watch what you are spending on. I stopped getting my nails done because I realized that it was a waste of money for me. I just did them at home. Gas is crazy, maybe carpool or take the bus when it is feasible. I used to take the bus to and from work sometimes because island transit was free so that was better than 2.60 a gallon. also take time to really track what you spend your money on, see what you can do without, maybe you are spending money on starbucks that you don't have to. Also roll the coins, i usually sit in front of the tv and roll and count coins, way cheaper than coinstar :yes

You could always not buy the dog the outfit.

With all seriousness- stepping away from an impulse buy, before you buy it- helps.

Gives you time to think.

It's the only way to stop me. I LOVE shopping. I use it as a void, I've noticed. Yep- a void for boredem.

Also- use cash and not plastic. You see whats infront of you and because it becomes a material thing- you usually become more wise with your spending.

That also helps me.

Just cut back a bit. Stop going out to eat so much, try carpooling, don't buy stuff you don't need. You can still buy presents for the holidays, but just cut back other expenses even if it's for a month or two. You'll be shocked at how much you save :) Good luck!

I suggest you make a "zero based budget" for yourself. Basically, Create a budget with everything set at zero then work your way up. Start with your most essential items (housing, electricity, other bills you have to pay monthly) and then see how much you ACTUALLY have left over after all of your essentials are paid. Then write in $$ for food (the amount you THINK you'll spend - or could spend if you cut back on out to eat meals). Then after that you can see how much $$ you have left over. Decide how much you want to save each month, and also keep in mind that emergencies always always happen and you should have $$ in savings or at least in your budget to cover these emergencies (dr. visits, pet care, car troubles, oil changes, just other things you don't "think" of, etc.) Then you can see, after you have budgeted the amount you want to save each month, how much you have to spend on "luxuries" like going to the movies, etc.

One really good thing to do is to ALWAYS "pay yourself first." After each paycheck or $$ that you get, before doing anything else, before paying any bills, put a portion of that into savings where you can't see it. Obviously, if push comes to shove and you absolutely need that money, you can get it out easily, but it really helps to be able to NOT see that you have that $$ so you DON'T feel tempted to spend it!

:) Good luck, getting in the habit of saving is HARD - REALLY hard if you're used to having lots of luxuries and spending all that you have, but it can be done - you just have to be disciplined enough to follow your plans.


THAT IS A GOOD IDEA.

When Dh and I are in "save mode" we make a list of 5 things we are willing to give up for the time being. And until we decide to come out of "save mode" we adhere to giving up the 5 things each of us listed.

They can't be all completely small things, though. They have to be the indulges you don't realize you're spending your money on, ie. coffee at starbucks every morning. Instead buy the starbucks coffee and brew it yourself at home. (You have no idea how much money that saves!!)

When you make your list of 5 each, you're making a conscious effort to save money, and yet be able to have some wiggle room to enjoy life still.

Open a savings account!

Here's what I do... everytime I get a paycheck, I put $100-200 in my savings account... and make due with what's left until my next pay period.

It's worked great for me. I managed to save up over $850 in a little over 2 months. :woot

(But... then I went on vacation and spent it all :giggle)

Open a savings account!

Here's what I do... everytime I get a paycheck, I put $100-200 in my savings account... and make due with what's left until my next pay period.

It's worked great for me. I managed to save up over $850 in a little over 2 months. :woot

(But... then I went on vacation and spent it all :giggle)


:agree Depositing money in a savings account right away makes it easier to forget about. Saving money becomes so much easier for me that way.