rethinking my finances - any suggestions

Seek out any secondhand or salvage grocery stores in your area.

Those are all good - though I wouldn't say no clothes or no shoes - I would suggest going to thrift stores and secondhand stores. There's quite often good finds there, and if you can get a pair of jeans that look like brand new for $1, why not? :)

I did this a few months ago as well. There are quite a few ways to cut back dramatically without feeling like you are putting yourself in purgatory(which for me would be no shoes).

Check out thegrocerygame.com and couponmom.com on how to combine coupons with store sales are match them up to get stuff on super sale. (The Grocery Game costs money, but the 1 month trial is only $1 and you will save far more than that). If you're not willing to make the investment, check out the message boards and you will get tons of info.

Carrying a tote is a great idea. I always keep one rolled up in my purse just in case I need one.

If you have a few dollars now, invest in a few notebooks and binders while the back to school sales are on. The notebooks will come in very handy when doing the coupons and sales ads.

Keep a list of the stuff that you can keep for long periods of time where it won't go bad. Some things have shelf life longer than a human, so things last a month. Keep that it mind when stocking up so you aren't wasting money buying stuff you can't use or need before it will go bad.

Not sure what memberships you are referring to, but thinks like gyms and others sometimes have a fee for breaking the contract, so just make sure you won't be spending more money to save.

Good luck!

One thing that really helps me is saving my receipts and posting my really great sales on here. It motivates other people to "beat you" and you do you best to out-sale others.

no clothing? will you be naked?

Cook at home !!! That is a big one for us!

I just recently switched to a Discover cash back card and I charge almost everything on it and pay it off every month.

Evaluate needs vs. wants

This is a good one! :o)

Shop sales for the clothes - I just got some great items at WalMart for only a $1. I try not to buy clothes full priced - if you shop the sales and clearances you will never have to pay full price- even at the upscale shops at the mall, etc.

I am just learning how to better shop the grocery store - using more coupons, shopping the sales (but only for items that we will actually use - it's not a bargain if we don't normally use it), and buying less junk food.

I did get some rewards from credit cards, but we are no longer going to be using plastic (going through bankruptcy). Things just got way out of control for us....Good luck in cutting costs.

They all sound good
You will need clothes, just maybe be thrifty or secondhand stores?>
I have been doing a points system website that rewards with gift cards to all the local stores like Walmart, Target, Sears, Pennys, lots of resteraunts too. (and on line stores too)
It's mypoints.com
check it out.
send me your e-mail and I will send a referral to you (you can earn points that way too)

It looks to me like you have a really good list there.

It looks like you have a good list. If you work, take your lunch to work instead of eating out. I carry a lunch bag with blue ices and enough food to get me thru a 10 hour work day.

-Thrift shops and yard sales for clothing and household goods.

-Find a community garden to be involved in or a local food producer/CSA/farmer's market to curb your food bill (yes, they do exist even in the cities).

- Take advantage of the local library for entertainment.

I think you should buy clothing and shoes that you really love and are well constructed. They will last you far longer and you'll get a lot more enjoyment from them.

My tips include:

turn off electric items when not in use, particularly computers, microwave, and cell phone charging (this phantom use really adds up)

turn your craft into money (see Etsy.com), cheap to join, cheap to maintain, you can make some extra cash in your spare time

turn your books, videos, and games into cash at Half.com

become a book reviewer for an online site, and get free ARCs and books

grow your own herbs; all you need is a sunny spot, not even a yard

filter tap water instead of buying bottled water

substitute iced tea or other make-it-yourself drink for soda

swap your skills with others who have skills you need

enjoy museum free days and/or buy a year pass; I always end up with a better value, and I take advantage of their member-only events


There are probably tons more...maybe you can write a book about this when you're done. That's how to make some extra money!

great list here