My $.02 Tuesday 9/8

So you’re saving money on groceries and various other products by couponing, rebates, extra care bucks and reward cards.  Maybe you still need to stretch a buck a little more or maybe you don’t like to coupon. Is there anything else I can be doing to save? Here are a few tips and tricks to make that dollar go a little farther.

* Consider a meatless ( or less meat) meal one night per week.  Try beans, lentils, veggie soup or bean burritos.  Maybe try breakfast for supper!

*Set out a “change” jar or can and put all your coins in it! You’ll find you don’t miss it and it adds up!

*Join up with friends and neighbors or online pals who like to save money.  Share coupons and deals, trade for items, carpool and working together on things saves time and money!

*If you’re a small family, find others to share ”bulk” items with when there is great deal to be had by buying a large amount

*  Always shop around before buying. Don’t be afraid to ask for a “bottom dollar.”

*Don’t rule out low cost shopping places like Aldi, Big Lots, Thrift Stores, Goodwill and garage sales.

*We don’t get everything we want right now.  Practice patience and restraint when buying. Have you ever waited on buying something only to find out later it wasn’t that great or important anyway and saved yourself some money? 

Finally, decide what items are not negotiobale to you.  This can be small petty things like “I have to have Gold Medal Flour” to the things of great importance  like “I want to  have time with  family and friends around.” Maybe that seems like an extreme, but I don’t think so. When my want list causes me or my husband to have to spend more time working for money to fulfill that want list than being with my family or friends, my list needs to be re-evaluated.   We live in a time when  it’s  easy to get wants and needs mixed up.  So, what’s on your non-negotiable list?