Everyday ways to save money

[Tish]

I know that anyone who has found this forum realizes that OAMC is not only helpful for the busy family, but also good on your budget. I was thinking that we can also offer each other support for other frugal ways to save money. While I visited this idea in the beginning of this forum I really think this would be useful so I am going to try again! Here are my ways I can think of right now to save money:

1) Pay your bills on time. Please don't pay late charges if you can send the bill immediately!
2) Bake from scratch. If you don't bake bread, learn. It makes your house smell great, and tastes wonderful. Breads & Baking Forum can give you lots of help!
3) If you can have a garden (I'm having difficulties with this in the desert!), can or freeze. I know that Jellyqueen and Jenny Canning & Preserver Forum would love questions. I haven't canned yet but you never know!
4) Shop sales on grocery and use coupons when you can. I have saved $50 a shopping visit just by looking around.
5) Consider generics and store brands
6) Buy at the dollar store and other discount places
7) Make your own spices Herb & Spice Mixes
Test how much shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, laundry softener, you really need. The amount listed on the back is not always accurate. You may find you can get away with using much less! Or you can make your own Home Made Bath & Beauty Products or Home Made Household/Cleansers

I'm hoping that maybe you all will post other ways or places you have found that will all help us save some money. The rest of our forum is devoted to the saving of money, time, and family through OAMC. Hopefully we can combine these a bit and help everyone out!

[Tish]

Oh yeah...make craft items for your children yourself instead of buying!
Kid Fun recipes

[Michelle Dominic]

When you see coupons on the shelf check the expiry date and do the math as to how many times you will use the product before the coupons expire and take that many. Also most times when you see coupons the item is not on sale. Keep the coupons and when it goes on sale stock up using the coupons to get an even better deal. This week I got something that I would normaly pay $8.00 for on sale for 5.99 and I had $2.00 coupons.That translats in to half price.

[Michelle Dominic]

Never rent a kids movie again! Set up a swap club. Get a group of parents with kids around the same age. Make a list of what you already own and swap as needed. You can buy used movies very cheeply and keep this list growing. You can do the same thing for kids books. And don't forget the libary! I would need a second job to pay for all the books my 6 year old reads if I had to buy them new.

[Tish]

Michelle Dominic wrote:
Never rent a kids movie again! Set up a swap club. Get a group of parents with kids around the same age. Make a list of what you already own and swap as needed. You can buy used movies very cheeply and keep this list growing. You can do the same thing for kids books. And don't forget the libary! I would need a second job to pay for all the books my 6 year old reads if I had to buy them new.

Michelle...so true! My little one has a library in her room that rivals some schools! We also go to the library and get books out for our every night reading. I also am able to buy some books from the library. Thanks for the input. (I need to start going to yard sales for movies - talk about $$$)

[donnaw.v. mcguire]

Don't forget that running the oven full is cheaper than running it 3-4 times. i always make lasagna,stuffed shells, and maybe a meat loaf all at once on" hamburg sale week" Sliced meatloaf sandwiches Yum!!

[Tish]

I didn't really think of that, but it's true....just like keeping your freezer full is more efficient than emptier. Thanks!

[donnaw.v. mcguire]

I can't believe how great this site is!!!! OAMC and the canning are the greatest additions. Keep up the good work!!!!

[Tish]

Thanks Donna...I am having a great time helping people, or at least hoping to help. Give us more tips if you think of any!

[Tish]

The highest markup items on the shelves are at about chest level. Reach up or kneel down to select the cheaper house or generic brands.

[donnaw.v. mcguire]

one of my greatest money saving tips is to keep a book of meals even the ones you know so well you don't need a recipe . i sort by main ingredient,then when say pork loins go on sale i whip out my list do a quick check of what else i need to do my oamc then off to the store. sometimes we get in a rut ,the list just helps jog your memory and keeps you from getting started and realizing you need one thing you don't have.

[Sackville]

My favourite tip is learn how to bone chicken and then you can buy whole birds and cut them up yourself. Or, if you have a small family, a 1.5kg chicken will give you enough for several meals: roast, meat for casseroles and a lovely broth for soup. It's the best value going

[Tish]

My grocery store has a rack of reduced or out of date produce at the grocery store. You can buy fruits such as pears and apples like this. Cook them and run them through a food processor for baby food. They are usually perfectly ripe, juicy and sweet at this point. Buy the reduced mushrooms and make spaghetti sauce or stroganoff. You also buy various vegies and eat right away or dice, cook and freeze for a quick veggie for dinner or soups. Just a thought.....

[Andre!]

Sackville Girl wrote:
My favourite tip is learn how to bone chicken and then you can buy whole birds and cut them up yourself. Or, if you have a small family, a 1.5kg chicken will give you enough for several meals: roast, meat for casseroles and a lovely broth for soup. It's the best value going

I have been toying with the idea of buying say 4 chickens on sale, then boning them myself. The carcass gives you broth, then you end up with 8 of everything else (except the hearts, livers...) which you can freeze in single or double portions.

[Tish]

Andre! When I see a great sale for chicken I CAN'T pass it up. I will buy at least 3 whole chickens and that could potentially make 15 meals for my family of 3. (Sometimes more if I know it's something the little one won't eat) It's amazing how well a chicken can be stretched with a little ingenuity. Great idea Andre!