Re: Need suggestions on how to reduce spending....... - Page 6

just bee · ‎03-10-2010

@Mominohio wrote:

Staying home helps. Leaving the house (not for work or church or other things that you do regularly) for leisure ALWAYS costs money, if for nothing else, for gas and car expenses. So when you aren't working, try going home and doing things there. Some long put off decluttering, or creating photo albums. Spend time with people at your home, rather than paying to go out to restaurants or concerts, plays etc (or whatever you do for entertainment).

@Mominohio

No truer words. Don't get caught in that trap in which you start thinking that everyone in the world is having a more interesting life because they're out and about, mixing and mingling. Chances are, they're bored or they're in the trap, too. I need something to talk about with my coworkers, so we're going to the Chocolate and Coffee Fest.

I often think we need "experiences" so I'll buy tickets for a show and when we come home we think: And why did we just do that? Same with restaurants.

I do like to get out and blow the stink off -- that's why I have a job. And a dog. Getting out and walking with him is like free therapy.

I always think we "need" to go to festivals and concerts and plays, but at my age I barely remember them afterwards. I always ask: Do I really need to pay fifteen bucks for a beer?

If you need to be out, find activities that won't cost you anything or that at least stay within the budget. Take advantage of discounts. Now that I'm over 55 I won't walk into a Walgreens unless it's Senior Day!

~My philosophy: Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels, here on Earth, who teach us to be better human beings.~

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

@tarsmom, I can relate because when I no longer wanted to deal with daily meetings and client visits, I took a job in the same company that was less stressful. A pay cut was necessary. You've gotten so much good advice so all I'd say is eliminate debt, follow a budget and simplify your life. I don't think you'll regret your decision - good luck.

Evie2004 · ‎09-09-2010

@tarsmom wrote:
Hi all,

I am 61 and have been in management for many years. I decided to take a less stressful job and start soon (same company). It will be a big pay cut.

So ladies that are retired (or anyone else), how did you transition into a lower income? I don't buy coffee out, I don't go out for lunch, I wear black slacks every day, we don't go on big fancy vacations, etc. I do spend money on makeup and get my hair done about every 5 weeks. We are going to call the cable company this week to ask for a lower rate.

Any/all tips are appreciated! Thank you!

@tarsmom, there is a great financial guru out there, who has a financial plan that works for everyone that wants to make their budget work..the bottom line is to make a list of every $ that you need to spend money on,rent or mortgage, food, healthcare, credit cards, etc & give every dollar a job..people are amazed how much money they blow everyday..It looks like you have a few years to get things in order, paying off debt, & contributing as much as you can into retirement savings, in anticipation of what your retirement income will be..it doesn't sound like you go overboard on your stated expenses.

We had never heard of this plan, but I think we followed his advice

without knowing it..& it was sure worth it..good luck!

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Havarti wrote:
It was amazing how much that one tip helped, and we also do not buy those coffees, or eat out much, or like to travel anymore – so it was learned buying life’s basics. Another thing they suggested that we do is take every $5 bill we get in change (can’t ask for it…life just gives it to you) and it goes in the “fives for fun fund”. Those always make us smile - not 5 ones, only $5 bills. We use that for anything fun…going to the movies, buying a treat that isn’t in the regular budget,

Hope that helps a little. You will figure it out quickly…and it is really a work in progress because costs/deals change at various places so you need to change, too.

@Havarti

What a FUN idea !!!

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

The only thing I started to do in order to build up my nest egg to travel more was the hardest YET the easiest!!!!

There are only the 2 of us both retired, BUT, I love to cook & bake.

I used to have dinner Company (friends) 2-3/week & I do cook every nite anyway. Always try to bake from scratch --then our local store has BOGOs every week!!

Well, I started stocking up because was good deal THEN one day I realized I had more than I would ever use or need. Things were becoming outdated after a few months - I packaged up excess and dropped off to food bank.

The food store is my fav place to go😳But now I go 1x/week for a weeks worth of groceries for just us. I force myself to go only 1x. If I don't have what I wanted to make - I just improvise with what I have. With the price of meat going so high -ground chuck $6.99/lb, sirloin $8.99/lb,ribeye $11.99/lb, sausage $5.99/lb and pork chops $7.99 & wHY is cheese (7.99/lb) and various lunchmeat $10.79 and up!😳 Hardly by deli products.

We limit eating out to weekends - I am amazed in the past months I've saved over $300 cuz I'm not buying things on BOGO or big pkgs of meat (they will break packets for you).unless needed that week or next.

i started mixing my scratch cake mix and dividing it for either 4 cupcakes or square cake and cut into slices & freezer. For brownies, I make full sheet and divide into individual ones and freeze. And frosting in larger batch or filling which would last a month in my LNL.

Then I scan newspapers for best deals on staples, fruits, vegs, TP, coffee & things I use daily or thru the week. Walmart matches the prices of competitors so I go there to save a few pennies..

This month so far I've saved $128.70 but I don't need any frozen items at this point & just made polish stuffed cabbage for dinner and 6 bags to freeze for later. Yummy!

I keep telling myself I don't need to stock up, 5 min from store & im not in a third world country! Food is readily avail😀

Its been working now because I went back to making up a weekly menu as I did when the boys were young & I worked.

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

Do your laundry using cold water.

tarsmom · ‎03-21-2010

@AuntG wrote:
@tarsmom, I can relate because when I no longer wanted to deal with daily meetings and client visits, I took a job in the same company that was less stressful. A pay cut was necessary. You've gotten so much good advice so all I'd say is eliminate debt, follow a budget and simplify your life. I don't think you'll regret your decision - good luck.

Thank you; that is very sweet of you! I prayed and considered this for a long time. No one WANTS to get paid less, but there's more to life than money. I was anxious, emotional and overall overwhelmed. No $$$ is worth that! Plus managing others is a different ball game than managing just yourself. I'll figure this out