You Win! Blockbuster is more expensive, and I’m a cheap-o
Posted on October 8, 2008 7 Comments
OK, I clearly paid too much for B’s post-surgery DVD selections, LOL! You guys were kind enough to point out that recent TV seasons were available much cheaper on Netflix and also pointed out that the library is a great resource for videos and DVDs. And I thank you for that! Blockbuster isn’t the way to go, I guess. As someone who rarely rents movies, can you forgive me?
This discussion is a great example of how, for those of us living on a budget, clearly even the smallest things matter. Here are a few small things I do to keep costs down:
- In my building, I shopped around for the cheaper cup of coffee between Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, McDonald’s and the winner, Au Bon Pain… they even give a discount if you bring your own cup. Woo-hoo! (OK, bringing your own cup is way cheaper, but I don’t wake up early enough in the morning to make it.)
- Pay all my bills on time so I don’t pay late fees
- We don’t keep a land line, only cell phones
- We started buying cat litter at the grocery store because the same brand is cheaper than the pet stores
- We buy our Clif/Luna Bars by the case at Whole Foods b/c you get a 10% discount on all purchases by the case
- Do my own manis, pedis(and they’re fab, thank you)and brow waxing
- Stay home at least one weekend per month to avoid spending at bars/restaurants (plus, it’s good for the soul and sleep schedule)
- Use coupons!
- Resist the urge to buy a new work bag, even though I look ridiculous carrying a backpack because my old bag killed my back
- Keep a bottle at my desk for water, instead of buying bottled water
- Rearrange my furniture at home instead of buying new stuff! (I think it helps get the chi flowing.)
What small things do you do to cut spending in your daily and monthly routines?
Category: Money
Tags: budgeting
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October 8th, 2008 @ 2:08 am
Great post, especially considering what’s going on in the economy lately!
I started working from home 4 days a week, so I’m saving $$ not buying coffee, driving 50 miles round trip, or buying work clothes. For the kids, hand me downs, layering and clothes swaps with other families. We do bargain matinees and the kids packs for snacks. Of course, coupons, shopper loyalty cards, free shipping offers. And online shopping through Ebates when I can, which gives me additional cash back.
Keep it up – you’re doing great!
October 8th, 2008 @ 3:30 am
Here are a few things I do to cut spending:
Use online bill pay. It saves money on stamps and creates less paper clutter.
If I need to buy something online, I go to ebates.com which is an online rebates site. Once you reach a certain amount you get a check mailed to you.
I know it’s been said a million times in the PF blogosphere but I avoid eating out as much as I can.
October 8th, 2008 @ 4:15 am
I’ve been going through my monthly expenses and trying to save money there: I got VoIP and ditched my landline, switched to a super-cheap prepaid mobile phone deal, changed car insurance companies and found a salon that does a good mani/pedi for a lot less than my old one.
And, yeah, trying to eat at home more. Sigh.
October 8th, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
I’ve always done my own mani/pedis–I’ve only had a manicure maybe three times and the only benefit is that they can get my nails a little more square than I can myself. Not worth $12!
My boyfriend and I no longer eat out unless it’s a mystery shop so we’re getting paid AND reimbursed. Lest you think we’re suffering, we’re doing two or three of these shops each week. We bring our lunches to work every day.
I drink coffee at work for free. Granted, we have one of those pod machines so I can still get flavors and it’s really good, but even when it was a pot on a burner, I only drank coffee from work. I also only drink soda from the fountain at work.
I only have a cell phone, no cable, and no internet (my boyfriend has internet, so my computer lives at his apartment).
We shop at Costco for lunch things and non-perishables and are pretty good at not buying things we won’t use. Paper towels, tp, laundry detergent, granola bars/poptarts, trail mix, and chips–we’d be buying these things anyway but we’re saving money by getting them in bulk.
We watch tv shows on Hulu.com instead of on television where we’re bombarded with commercials that make us want to spend more money. Seriously, tuning out the commercials does wonders for making me spend less.
October 8th, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Squawkfox did a similar article. Here is the link:
http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/10/08/squawkback-what-are-your-top-3-frugal-tips/
October 15th, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
paying bills on time to avoid late fees is NOT a money-saving strategy, it’s common sense! Seriously, pay your bills by the due date because you’re a responsible adult.
January 29th, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
i use coupons from Sunday tribune.Man, saves me a lot..like 50% to some of my purchases.