Will this change or improve my life?? If not, I probably don't need it.

I have to disagree, for myself, with number 1. I prefer to use my debit card because then I know where the money went. When I have plenty of cash on me, I tend to spend it without thinking about where the money is going. Then when it is time to withdraw some more from the ATM, I always wonder where did all that cash go? When I use my debit card, I can easily check my purchases online at my bank's website and say, Ok, I know where I spent that money. If there are additional tips for spending less but still using cash, I'd love to hear them! (I do spend cash when there is a cheaper price for gas than if I used a card.)

Regarding #1 - If I pay cash (especially for small purchases), at the end of the week, I look in my wallet and wonder where it all went. If I pay with a credit card, I can look up exactly where it all went, and how much it added up to. Plus, my credit card pays me cash for the stuff I buy anyway, and since I always pay the balance, so it never costs me more.

To Charlotte K - #4 means that if it wasn't worth the full price to you, then it isn't worth the bargin price. Not always true (I might want something, but am willing to wait til it is on sale so that I can save), but don't buy something "just because it is on sale."

I agree with the comment about cash from Cathleen- I can blow through cash, but always think twice before putting something on my credit card. I love to grocery shop- being a "foodie", and have limited my trips to only once a week- with a list. This has been my biggest saver, and the start of many creative meals with what I have in the pantry!

#12 is so true. When I first got my apartment I was on a tight budget. The bad thing was that I am a shopoholic. I stayed out of stores, except the grocery store, for 6 months. I was able to get on track and I didn't miss much, why torture yourself by going "window shopping" when you don't have the money to buy anything.

i love number 12 - stay out of stores. this is one funny lady...

On #4 they mean if you wouldn't have bought it at full price, don't buy it just because it is on sale/at a bargain store.

Another caution should be #13: Don't browse online with your credit card handy if you've not made a conscious decision to spend. I have to be careful at eBay or being on Amazon to puchase something, but needing only a few dollars more for free shipping; if you are careful, that CAN be a bargain -- but it is no bargain if it wasn't planned & necessary.

Another great tip I've learned... I have 2 weaknesses that wast money...1. Going to Garage Sales and 2. Buying little things here and there that add up to a lot.

The solution I found was to make a list of all the "little" things I tell myself I'd like to get, but don't really need. Examples: A plastic envelope or small box to keep receipts in, a nice hand soap dispenser, collapsible storage bins or little baskets to collect clutter in. I don't need these things, but buying one or two every week starts to add up. Instead, now, I keep a list of these things I need and if I find one at my many visits to Garage Sales (also works for thrift stores) and I see something on my list in good condition, I bargain for it. It's a lot less costly to buy a storage bin for $1 at a Garage Sale as oppose to $12 at the store. And now when I go to Garage Sales, I'm buying things I need, not a lot of worthless junk!

While the shopping tips are helpful, I disagree with several of them. As a 66-year-old who has spent most of her life trying to stretch dollars, I would amend the advice as follows:
1. Bargain stores are great as long as you go there with your needs listed. I have saved a collective thousands of dollars over the years at Tuesday Morning, Marshalls and TJ Maxx (my three favs). Just remember to shop carefully and check all items for missing buttons, torn seams, blemishes, mars, etc. etc. If you see what you want, buy it then! By tomorrow, it will likely be gone.
2. Shop department stores sales with coupons when available. Again, the savings can be amazing.
3. Clip grocery store coupons from the Sunday paper. Taking the time to do this, can save you hundreds of dollars in a year's worth of grocery shopping. Besides, you should clip them as a good consumer: the cost of the coupon is figured into the price of the product. So, without the coupon, you're paying, a premium for the product. Use the coupons for only products that you would be anyway.

I can't believe the cost of groceries these days -- especially since I'm on Social Security now. But, I've learned how to save over the years. As one of my former work colleagues used to say: I make the buffalo on the nickle squeal!

Shopping tip/spend less:

Leave your wallet in your car. If you see something you want to buy you'll think twice/three times if you have to go back to your car to get your wallet! Most of the time you'll decide not to buy!

This is all so true. Basically only what is needed will be bought. What also works (for me) is to keep a running list of what is needed and wanted. Cross it off when purchased and don't stray away from the list and eventually, I will have the needs and wants covered without the extra and unnecessary stuff creeping into my money.

These tips for spending less also trickle down to having less clutter in our homes. When we think twice, three times, even four times about purchasing an item in order to save money, then the items we bring into our homes will be fully thought out and pre-edited. We can ask ourselves while at the store: will this item help my home function better? Will this item make me feel better? Will this item add some kind of value to my life? We will buy items that will serve us better in the long run both financially and space-wise.
www.cluttercowgirl.com

Good advice....I stay away from stores...my weaknesses are online shopping. So many sites have free shipping if you spend over a certain amount so you are inclined to buy more that way. #4 is confusing.....but I think it means dont buy it just cause its on sale...if you wouldnt get it at full price anyway, dont buy it just cause its on sale. Good advice really. These days many of us are frustrated with so many things....rising prices, out of control economy, job losses., etc. I have kids and tend to buy for them out of guilt (they are grown) bcause my parents were able to do for me back in the 50's/60's with so much less $. I try to pray about things before major spending.....I find that keeps me on track better.

I didn't understand number 4 either. Glad I'm not the only one. :)

I think what they mean by number 6 is that sometimes when you go into bargain stores, you find reasons to buy something just because it's cheap.
You may rationalize in your head that you need it.
If you buy stuff that you have only bought at full price before at other stores, you know that you have used it in the past, and you know that you are getting a good deal on it.

This is a wonderful list. Thanks! I especially like #4 - that's smart.

Two areas where we have overspent again and again are 1) coffee at Starbucks and 2) eating out. So, in order to get that under control, I determined what our budget should be for those areas, and then at the beginning of the month, withdraw that much cash out for restaurants, and use a Starbucks reloadable card for our coffee budget. This has helped immensely--we can always know how much we have left for the month, and helps us plan our trips to those places more wisely.

Regarding clutter, adding a few "little" items to your shopping list, and continually bringing in more stuff: I had the enormous chore of cleaning out my mother's home after she passed away, so I now, before I buy something, I ask myself, "Do you love this object enough to keep it when you have to downsize to a smaller place or move into a nursing home?" That question has stopped me from buying a bunch of things that I thought I just had to have. . .and the level of clutter is slowly getting smaller in my house.

By managing my checking account, I spend less. My monthly annuity is deposited to my checking account the first day of the month. At that time I figure out what expenses I know I will have for the month, Including how much I am going to put into my money market/savings account (pay yourself first!) On the last day of each month, I transfer any money left in my checking acccount to my money market account leaving only enough for outstanding checks. By doing this, I start fresh each month with my annuity check and don't have leftover money in my checking account from the prior month tempting me to buy things I don't need. Once it is in my money market account, I tend to forget about it and the savings grows and grows. When the checking balance isn't fat, I tend to watch my spending more closely.

You're right! Don't shop...you don't buy. I have saved alot of money by only shopping one day a week. On that day, I do all my errands, make a shopping list and do not stray from that list. You not only save money on "stuff" that you really don't need but you also will save on gas!
Try it, you'll like it!

I use a method to manage my checking account that is similar to the one Sharon posted, but with a twist. I get paid twice a month and I have most of my regular monthly expenses set up to be paid automatically. I leave an amount in my checking account that is an estimate of my variable expenses (admittedly, gas has been harder to game plan lately) plus about $100. The rest gets transfered into my savings account. I usually carry only my debit card and know that I do not have a lot of extra money in my checking account. This keeps my splurges to a minimal amount and if I want to spend over $100, I have to go home and get my credit card AND transfer the money from savings to cover the purchase. This makes any splurge a huge hassle and the item usually is not worth it. Finally, I transfer whatever is left in my checking account when my next paycheck is deposited. It has become a game for me to see how much I have left over and transfer to savings

Number four means just because its selling at a bargain doesn't mean you need it or should buy it. Only buy things where you know the retail price and realize the savings

I am with Charlotte, I don't understand #4? Also, in lieu of # 5, I totally agree! Always ask yourself, do I NEED this. I cannot tell you how I see something in the store and think it is the cutest shirt so I buy it just to find out I have something SO similar at home. Just because you think something is "cute" does not mean you NEED it!

Something to think about? Don't watch QVS shopping channels and don't watch commericals after 12 midnight i.e. as seen on TV products.

Janice Swearengin
Huntsville, AL 35803
janice@gdssco.com