Frugal twentysomethings?

[MissKitty]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. :)
I was just wondering if there were any other other young pennypinchers out there? Everyone I know in my age group is either living frugally or living off credit cards, and either way most of them are broke.

I was just wondering, what do some of you do to save money and/or stretch those dollars? I'll share my secrets if you share yours! ;)

~MissKitty

[Cook]

Oh yeah!!!
I do all kinds of stuff. Some of it may even work. My house has low-flow shower head (so there is no pressure and it takes longer), I use the theory "If it's yellow let it mellow; If it's brown flush it down (this saves money i am sure, doesn't help when I go to visit people). I live on PB&J, tuna, and ramen. My house has no A/C, the heat is propane (not sure if this is cheaper or not yet) and I am working on growing my own food (this is costing me the most, turns out I have a odd condition called "Black dead and decaying thumb). I you have any tips please share them.

[Unregistered]

I took some of my old college habits in order to save money...
Here' s a few:
-don't buy music, down load, burn, borrow, trade. suggestion- www.kazaa.com
-Buy groceries- I only go out to eat if I can comfortably afford to
tip 15%. I had to learn to cook...sometimes it's fun.
-brown bag lunch at work
***NEVER BRING YOUR ATM TO LAS VEGAS: VERY IMPORTANT***
-!!!Stay away from cell phones!!!
esp. sprint pcs.- If you destroy a phone, it's $100 minimum for a second one- you can't reuse them if you cancel- can't sell them for parts..., they drop calls, charge you when the phone is ringing, charge you minutes to use your voicemail, they won't listen to complaints, their customer service is poor, you can't adjust your plan to accomidate changes fast enough,and if you do, you're locked into a lease again, etc.
-Finding a cheap hobbies, ie. drawing, sports, reading, etc. If I stay busy with a regular schedule, I don't spend that much $$ to stay entertained.
-You can reuse the same sheet of fabric softener several times.
-I also spend a lot of my time ironing my clothes instead of
going to a dry cleaners
-If you're petite, it is ok to buy your clothes from a children's store ie. jeans from Abercrombie and Fitch for kids $39 vs. $60.
Sometimes I can buy workout clothes from the little guys' section at Target and Walmart. Their shorts can cost as little as $5.00-
they fit, and people don't notice, I'm going to ruin them anyways.
-Carpool anytime you get a chance, gas gets so expensive.
-I run everyday, I refuse to get a gym membership. Walking burns just as many calories if you go the same distance.
-I have also bought my work clothes from the thrift shop, great esp. if your waiting tables.
-I've sold clothes, books, cd's, etc. in order to afford gas money.
-I'm trying to put away money every month somewhere between
$25 and $50. I'm still extremely poor, but I may need something to fall back on.
The hardest part is not buying things I'll never use.
I'd love to hear more tips...

[Jayesh]

Hmm.. I have some

- Get a cell with million night and weekend minutes. Ditch your old land-line phone. If you need you land-line forminternet, use the money you spend on the land-line phone for cable modem. hey, you are'nt saving money, but you have a faster connection
- If you cant ditch land-line, dont use the call waiting and mailbox service. Buy a phone that has mailbox (15$ a month turns into 180$ a year. Your phone will pay itself off)
- Do your cooking in "bulk" Learn how to freeze your groceries, and how long do differrent foodstuffs last. That way you can buy groceries in bulk (like from Costco or something). But make sure that stuff doesnt spoil, or else it's money down the toilet. also, Since you are cooking in bulk, you save on electricity. You will be suprised how much electircity the oven range wastes while it's trying to heat up. If you make several dishes in a row, you save a lot of power. Also, if you have something ready in the fridge, you wont eat out as much

[CAT11]

To add a few things...

Clip coupons and use them when you shop. But word to the wise..don't use coupons on foods you won't eat. Waste of money. Try to eat from a wholeness, wellness standpoint. Whole foods....like fruits and vegetables, are better for you anyway. Frozen foods are only so great. Make sure you get plently of protein...peanut butter, tuna, and soy are good. Keep fast stuff around, (this could be where frozen dinner comes in) so when you are exhausted, you don't break down and order pizza.

Try to live within your means. Shoes, clothes, music are great, but when you are looking at $300 credit card bills a month, nothing matters.

Don't let people stiff you on gas money, huge discrepanceys in dinner checks, so on.

Thrift stores can be lame, but the ones in upscale areas can be great for clothes...try the shabby chic look for your decorating....the projects of refinishing can give you confidence and be easy on your budget.

About the cell phone...be vigilant about your minutes. It is worth a $75 plan with a little cushion than a $50 that you go over and rack up to $200 a month. Be honest about your phone time.

Anxious to read more too....

One more thought...usually being good to the enviornment is just as cheap as not...and in many cases, cheaper.

[Phoenix]

A lot of these are great suggestions. I agree wholeheartedly about not going out to eat and cooking to save money. Brownbagging lunch is such a moneysaver (and not buying things out of the vending machines that are around you is too). Some things my friends and I have tried:

* using our student ids (even if we've graduated!) to go to a movie and get the discount. Either that go to a matinee.

* doing dessert...you know, go out and get dunkin donuts or something ($1-2?) then go to someone's house and watch a movie that one of you owns and has seen already (but the other person/people haven't). You can switch off and have it be your turn to see a "new" movie next time

* invite friends over for a board game/card game night. Saves money - you stay in but maybe spend a few bucks to buy chips while someone else brings soda or dip, etc.

*try to pay cash for things if you can...(like groceries, things from the Walmart). I think you'll spend less. it's easy to charge things and pay for it later (or not pay for it and let it rack up on your card), but when you actually have to shell out cold, hard cash, things look differently and you start to ask yourself "do I REALLY need that?"

Just a few suggestions.

[Solo]

I love discussing ways to save. There are many books out there that can help. Also many money sites and forums.

I've got much credit card debt I'm trying to pay down! stay away from credit cards. You can call them and have your rate reduced if you have decent credit. 9.9% is a good rate.

We use Microsoft Money to try and budget but we haven't done very well so far. I make good money but spend it all on crap we don't need.

Max out your 401(k).

Have an Emergency fund.

Get a job you love, you'll be good at it.

Marry someone with the same ideas about money.

Women should stay home and take care of kids if they have them.

Shop on the Internet for the greatest bargains.

Get a plan together so you don't always stress about money.

Do as I say, not as I do.

[Cook]

Diggin' this guys. I like the one about using the student ID, that is great I still do that. The other thing that is mentioned is lowering the ole CC interest rate. I did this last weekend, all ya gotta do is call and ask real easy.
One other thing I have a pretty good drive to work and I got a Shell Master card, there is a 5% rebate on gas(from shell). I only use it for gas.
The dessert thing, the donut shops around here will give ya a couple dozen for a buck at closing time, sure they are a day old but you won't hear me complain.
***THE PUBLIC LIBRARY***
Most that I have been to have movies(older but free), music (some really great stuff), books (the ones you are interested in, not the ones that you had to read in school), and they also have speakers and music. Worth checking out anyway.
Keep'em comin'

[MissKitty]

Wow! It's so refreshing to see that other young people practiceing living frugally. Sometimes I feel like my Husband and I are the only smart ones out there, while everyone else is creating a false affluance with credit cards.

My tips:
*Read books about budgeting, saving money, investing, making your dollars go furthur. "The Complete Tightwad Gazette" is a favorite.
*Buy a used car instead of leasing a new one. We drive an older model BMW that is completely paid for.
*Live below your means. Find the cheapest apartment in the nicest area to live. We live in a lovely old Victorian apartment for so much less than what our neighbors pay a month. Shop around.
*Keep ALL your reciepts. Even for things like gas, cigarettes, lunch, and movies. This is the best way to find out where your money is going and where you can cut back.
*Invest the maximum amount into your 401K definately!
*Shop thrift, outlets, and clearance sales. I refuse to pay over $10 for any clothing items because I get everything thrift or on sale. I never pay full price for anything, but I have a very nice wardrobe(CK, Express, GAP, etc). Even Old Navy has jeans on sale for $5 if you keep looking. Bakery outlets are great too. We get loaves of bread for $0.60 and stock out freezer.
*Don't buy lunch, bring your own from home. A perfect way to use up leftovers from last nights dinner.
*Don't buy coffee, invest in a few nice travel mugs and make coffee at home.
*Shop with a list.
*Buy non perishables and paper products in bulk.
*Bake several things at once and freeze them. (This works great for meatballs and cookies)
*Make your grocery list from the sale flyers and take advantage of the sales.
*Freeze extra produce and meats.
*Share dinners with friends.
*Cut dryer sheets in half.
*Use less. Consume less.
*Walk to the grocery store! Ice cream and junk food gets real heavy on the walk home. Buy only what you need.
*Shop for X-mas all year and keep to a budget. Sweaters and winter clothes are super cheap in the Spring. Handmade gifts are always valued and appriciated more than plastic trinkets.

~MissKitty

[Jayesh]

I found the following tips on zacks.com on how to keep your dates in budget. They are pretty good, but I wouldnt follow them on the first few dates

TEN ROMANTIC OUTINGS THAT DON'T INCLUDE A STOP AT THE CASH MACHINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Who says picnics died with Norman Rockwell? A place with a view, a basket of sandwiches and a couple of wind-resistant candles are all this recipe requires. No reservations or cookbooks necessary.
2. Most video stores offer two-for-one specials at some point in the week. Everyone gets their way. No pouting necessary here. Optional: a bag of Act III microwave popcorn costs $0.89 while 2-liter Coca-Cola Classic will set you back $.99.

3. If there's something good that can be said about the emergence of those giant bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc.), it's those big cushy chairs with just enough room for two located throughout the stores. Plus, most of the stores in those chains sell gourmet pastries and cappuccinos. Total cost for two with pastries and cappuccino: $7.83. Browsing is still free.

4. It's amazing how much ground you can cover in an hour without a car, bike, or inline skates. A nice romantic walk is always good when you've got something important to talk about and even better when you don't.

5. Part of growing up and joining the real world is learning to cook, and there is no greater labor of love than a making a favorite meal for that special someone. While you'll likely need to make a trip to the grocery store, they'll never know if you took advantage of coupons and rebates.

6. Get the most out of your weekly expenses. Make a date to do laundry and maybe save a couple of bucks by sharing a dryer. Plus, it's a great scouting opportunity to determine clothing tastes and needs for birthday and holiday gifts.

7. Like fossils, neo-Impressionism or the social heiarchy of baboons? Why spend two hours in silence at a movie when for the same price you can spend twice as much time engaged in great conversation and interactive fun at the local museum or zoo. Plus, many institutions offer "Free Days.'

8. Picture a quiet moment walking amidst covered bridges, bubbling fountains and low-quality Astroturf. Miniature golf courses are as popular with consultants as they are with the Spice Girl demographic. Great for those couples with the competitive spirit, and it makes for a nice double date, too. Estimated cost for two: $12.00.

9. Washing your car has never been this fun. Good teamwork makes even the most undesirable of jobs a bit enjoyable, and, of course, you'll get done twice as fast. Depending on how often you wash your car, you can take turns ganging up on this routine task. Playful, cheesy-romantic water fight is optional.

10. Turn running errands into a positive experience. Go grocery shopping together, or take your significant other along to help you pick out that new piece of furniture. And, when it comes to emptying out that loaded-up car, two is better than one any day.

[Jackie]

I haven't bought a cd in years. Nothing like the old Napster, but Bearshare works better than my lack of money!

However, if you like cd artwork (? :confused: ), you can get cds from www.bmg.com - buy 1 get 12 free...nothing like it so cheap, except the above.


:)

[MissKitty]

Another thing I have been doing to save money (this may sound silly) is enter contests! My Husband and I don't have much money to spend on entertainment aside from renting videos, so I have been listening to radio stations at work that give away prizes and tickets to local events...and I have been winning!
So far (since November) I have won tickets to the local symphony, the ballet, a jazz concert, the "Vagina Monologues", movie premire tickets, and free admission to the local amusement park and waterpark(we haven't used those yet). We could never afford to experience all these things but by making a phone call we get to enjoy this stuff for free! Luck has nothing to do with it, it's all about paying attention.

~MissKitty

[Cook]

these days it seem i am to poor to pay attention:(

[Spud-Child]

I have very strong feeling about napster and other ways of downloading music...I think that it is stealing and will have long lasting implications on artists and the music industry...that aside, I also have a huge CD collection and have hardly paid full price for a single one. If you are still in school or work in publishing of any kind you can call the artists publicist office for a media kit. These include the CD and usually an 8x10 pic of the artist or band. Other than that, I highly recommend half.com and second spin. I've gotten CD's from both of these for as little as 99cents...sometimes the cover art is missing or messed up, but the CD's always plays fine and it's a legit copy of the music.

Further, I highly recommend public libraries. I don't rent movies much..not because of the rental prices, but the late fees. I've a horrible habit of not returning movies on time and the late fees can be killer. My library allows movie rentals--for free! Not necessarily new releases, but there are some good ones.

Also, keep track of your spending, try to work out a budget. It's amazing how much $3 here or $5 here can add up. I avoid thrift shop shopping and ebay for these reasons. I started thinking that since I was only spending $5 on something that it didn't matter and then suddenly 50-100 purchases later I was running short on cash for rent and utilities. I'm still working on trying to bring lunch to work. Everyone I work with eats out and it can be difficult to eat in since lunch is social time for all of us.

Last but not least, if you live in a city and drive figure out before you drive what the best way to get to a place is. If you aren't carpooling sometimes it's cheaper to take a cab than to pay for parking if you are in a rush, and if not in a rush, then taking a train or cab can save a lot. Otherwise carpool, carpool, carpool....and let your friends know that if you are giving them rides all the time that it can get kind of expensive and you'd appreciate it if they can chip in for gas...they are still getting the better end of the deal, afterall, you have to make the car payment, pay for insurance and deal with the frustration of city driving.

[Unregistered]

Hi Spud-Child
This is sunbear- I'm at work without my password so I had to write this unregistered.
I hear your feelings on the music thing. For the struggling artist, yes I know they need our support.
But most of everyone else out there, they seem to be doing well (as well as their producers, lables, etc.)- I hated hearing stupid stories about how rich they are, etc. rappers pimpin', Aerosmith's $1000 up the nose/night habit, etc etc. I got to the point where I don't believe half of the rip off stories anymore unless it was by their own label.
And you want to hear something funny? I went to see a show for $12, the CD by the same artist is $18.
Not to mention I hate buying CD's unless I know I'm going to like at least half of it anyways.

[Solo]

Well, this is turning into a thread about music. I'm game.

Here's my 2 sense:

The record labels rip-off artists every day. The artist get next to nothing from each album sale. The record companies charge too much for a CD that costs next to nothing to make. $18 is robbery, bordering on rape!

I hate that the artists get hurt too, but not as much as I'm glad to watch the record companies squirm and try to find a solution to this "problem". But they can't stop this and I love it!

Artists need to cut out the middlemen if they want more money. Check out Prince's website at www.npgmusicclub.com. He sells his music direct now! So he sells less records without the label's promotion, but he makes the same money, U dig? Prince is a hellofa musician and a shrewd businessman. Learn something!

[Jayesh]

Solo,

I agree with you that the artists dont really make money off the CD's and most of the money goes to feed the already fat cats in the business.

However, ripping music of CD's and distributing over the net is still stealing. What do you suppose the bosses of the recodr publishing companies are going to do to recover the losses?? fire themselves or fire some hard-working fella down the line

Jay

[Spud-Child]

Solo, Sunbear, and Jay...Well, I've had a heated discussion over this often enough, and work with several beginning musicians. I was a music industry major in college, though I am currently an accountant by profession. I think we should move the topic to a different thread though. This one being about being frugal and ways to be frugal is a pretty valuable thread, so lets start a new thread to discuss music downloads....I can start one in the "play" area of the message boards...that's probably where it fits best.

As for frugality, the other thing I was going to suggest is "social networking" This can really allow you to live well beyond your means, give you time with friends, and have blast...

for example. I work as an accountant for a nightclub conglomerate, so my friends often make at least one night a week a night out with me. We go out to the clubs and have free drinks and a good time, on the flipside, one of my friends manages a tanning salon, so of course we all tan at her salon as guests. Other friends work retail and we can get friends and family discounts, one works at a movie theater so we get free or matinee pricing all the time.

It works great and costs little, and no one feels taken advantage of because we all give eachother whatever hookup we can.

[MissKitty]

Does anyone else have any money saving ideas?

~MissKitty

[Jayesh]

Spud,

Regarding the social networking thing, the idea seems attractive, but isnt it a bit rude to expect friends to give you discounts? I mean if I owned a tanning salon, and my friends walk in and expect a session for free, then I would most probably give them one, but wouldnt be friends with them if they keep doing that, unless I get something in return

Of course, it is a great idea if you keep doing favors for each other, but then who's keeping count of the favors? Why not just exchange money instead of exchanging favors??

Jay

[Spud-Child]

Jay
We don't keep count of all the favours, and if we did, I probably would be the one who hooks people up the most. I'm pretty well connected. The point I was making is that this doesn't cost us anything at all, and because no one takes advantage and makes a nuisance of themselves it works great. It's actually beneficial because it allows us to all spend a lot of time together doing things that we enjoy socially. I guess my friends and I have a bit of an unwritten understanding that if we can do a favour for eachother we will, but not to ask for favours too often. I recommend keeping this way of cutting costs to your closest circle of friends though..I don't think it would work with people who are just aquaintances.
~S

[MissKitty]

I used to trade employee discounts and benefits with friends when I worked retail. I agree that it is a great way to save money. I had a friend who worked in a movie theatre and he would hook me up with free tickets in exchange for allowing him to use my employee discount where I worked.
Years ago, I had friends who were mechanics and would work on my car for the cost of supplying the needed parts and showing up with a case of beer. :) I drove an old muscle car, so they enjoyed working on it, and I learned a lot about my cars engine by paying attention. A free education!
For our wedding, we didn't have to hire a photographer because several of our friends are photographers. We just supplied the film and paid for developing.

It does pay to know people in the right professions! Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

~MissKitty

[gelitas]

Hey! You all have really great ideas. There is on thing I've noticed though...whenever I deprive myself of the little treats I enjoy I get really bummed and go way over board when I end up having to shell out a lot of $ for unexpected expenses. I've learned to treat myself to little things once and a while. For example, I do bring my lunch to work most of the time, but once or twice a month I make a lunch date with friends and go out. Also, I give myself a small clothing/shoe/other allowance...if you know you only have $20/mo you'll select something good or save up. That those unavoidable expenses don't seem so bad b/c you've already been treating yourself. I hate it when I have to spend a lot of unavoidable things and then have nothing left over to have fun with. This way I've been nice to myself without hurting my budget too much.

A couple other suggestions:

1) Only carry one wallet (I transfer my mine from purse to purse even if it doesn't exactly match) and keep coupons for stuff you'd buy anyway in it.

2) Buy an entertainment book and use it, but again only for stuff you'd buy anyway--they have tons of good coupons--like $5 off your groceries/mo...a free $10 from target when you get a perscription filled there etc.

3) Drinking at your house or friends' houses is much cheaper (and often a lot more fun) than drinking at the bar

4) Avoid impluse buying. If you need something head directly for it and then leave...or if you're looking for clothes, etc. browe first and only come back for what you'll truly use.

5) For clothes--basics are great. Stuff that goes with everything just makes more sense.

6) Clearance stuff is great. I just bought two basic sweaters for $3 the other day.

7) I have a hard time carrying cash. Once I have it, I spend it. I debit or charge most things...it keeps me from making small purchases unless it's something I really think is good deal (like the sweaters;).

[Lipgloss Boost]

For Decorating - talke in old furniture. adopt stuff from your relative or garage sale. i *love* this show Trading Spaces & can't wait to get more furniture to decorate! it's alot more rewarding when you've done it yourself, gives you something to do, & is cheaper when all you have to buy is the paint!

[Unregistered]

get every bonus card on the planet! I have a Safeway card (supermarket in DC/MD) and get a lot of food for low prices. Can get 4-5 frozen entrees for $7 sometimes! ALWAYS check the circulars and by at least 75% of food/toiletries on sale. Clip coupons, very important. Try to buy your lunch 2x/wk at the most. With clothes, go to stores like Annie Sez, you can get some nice clothes. always check clearance racks at stores first, like Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor; quality clothes that just didn't sell well. For shoes, go to a warehouse store like DSW. And, last, buy generic for vitamins, meds, cereal, paper goods;it's the same thing!

[michalmm]

My friends call me cheap, but lets face it I'm just frugal. Here are my "two cents"

*Buy good clothes that you don't need to replace very often and only buy them on sale. I have a closet full of clothes from Bananna Republic and some of the pants I purchased there were only $7. I am also a fan of any outlet stores!!! Its not worth buying cheap brands if you know they will go out of style or will wear out.

*Bring your own coffee in in the mornings. I wish I did this more because it would save me a bundle. Oh, and if you like flavored coffee I reccomend the flavored creamers (I enjoy the Kaluha flavored in the am)

*The Library is the BEST place for videos and books. Plus, it's free!

*Have the MAXIMUM amount withheld from your paychecks in taxes (Single and zero). You are almost always assured a nice fat refund check in January.

*Also, call your HR person and ask about pre-tax deductions. I know that youy can even have things like bus and rail passes taken out and that can save you some cash.

*If its convienent take the bus or train to work. I save $30 a month doing this and I do not have to be awake to get to and from work. (I also get a ton of reading done)

I am looking foward to hearing more suggestions!!!

[ljrgoingcrazy]

I just wanted to note that it is like giving the government an interest free loan on your money when you file zero on your tax deduction and get a big refund check. It is much better to withhold the correct amount of taxes and invest that extra money you get so you can earn interest on your money, not the IRS! Just a tip from a tax accountant.

[michalmm]

I understand why you wouldn't want to give the government more than you owe. As an economist (who has a fabulous accountant), wouldn't you rather get a big refund rather than have to pay? Unless you want to go through the hassle of doing quarterly estimated payments, how many people have exactly the correct amount withheld.

I say, give the government an interest free loan. They are going to get that money from you one way or another, and in some way you will benefit from that loan "in kind".

[ljrgoingcrazy]

No, I would not rather get a big refund than owe at the end of the year. It does not make economic sense. Why would I want the government to be spending my money all year long when I could be spending it myself? No thanks.

[michalmm]

Well, I hope all of your clients have money in the bank. If not they'll be scambling around looking for money to pay Uncle Sam by April 15. Or do you just tell them all to file for automatic extensions?

[Phoenix]

I agree w/ ljr...save the money up or invest it rather than having extra $$ withheld. That is money that you could have had all throughout the year rather than having uncle sam hold it. And who's to say that you won't get money back anyway? I think a lot more people got refunds this year than last year.

By the way, even if you file for an extension, I believe you have to pay at least something toward the estimated amount you owe...but you can work out a payment plan that way.

[JLM]

Here are a couple bits of money saving advice I've gathered:

Don't let yourself continue to get into debt. At least avoid charging consumable things like food, clothing and gasoline.
(House debt and education debt are good debt.)

Before you buy something, ask yourself if it's a NEED or a WANT/DESIRE.
Use the 24 hr rule, if you see something you want to buy, leave the store and come back to buy it if you still want it in 24 hours. Often you'll realize you don't need it. Some people use a "7 day" rule.

Food
-Never shop hungry
-Shop food sales and advertised specials
-Buy canned food and buy in bulk
-Always take a list and try to stick to it
-Avoid buying junk foods and convenience foods
-Try store brand items instead of more expensive brands
-Buy fruits and vegetables when they're in season
-Buy laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper at discount stores

If you need a car:
-Consider paying cash for a good, used car (2-5yrs old). It will save thousands.
-Consider taking the bus (at least temporarily)
-Walk to nearby places whenever possible

-In addition to books, music, videos, most librarys offer free internet access if you have a library card. Use this to get a free web-based email address. (yahoo, hotmail, etc)

Cheaper things to do:
-Rent movies
-Go to the beach, a park or have a picnic, go for a hike
-Instead of eating out with your guy, cook a meal together
-Look for free concerts, festivals or free events in your town (check in local newsaper)
-Go to local sports events

-Elminate extra phone features like call waiitng, call forwarding and caller id.

-I haven't bought a CD in a long time, I listen to what I already own, borrow from a friend/sibling or just listen to the radio!

-Use cheaper or drugstore brand cosmetics. Stock up on free samples.
-use an electric razor instead of disposable blades

Conserving Energy-Take a quick shower instead of baths
-Wash only full loads of laundry and wash in warm or cold water (not hot)
-When leaving a room for more than 5 minutes, turn off the lights.
-Cook on the stovetop when you can instead of the oven.
-Use toaster oven, slow cooker, microwave instead of the oven.
-Vacuum coils at the back and bottom of fridges and freezer
-Pull fridges and freezers away from the wall at least 6 inches to 1 foot.

-Make a written list of clothing needs, and buy "mix and match" items. Buy home washable fabrics.

Medical/Dental
-Get an annual check up. Some conditions can be prevented and you can avoid huge future medical expenses this way.
-Get enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition to avoid poor health
-You can avoid a lot of expensive dental work by simply taking care of your teeth! Use a simple fluoride toothpaste, a good soft bristle toothbrush and floss daily.
-With prescriptions, shop around. Prices can vary from one store to the next.

-Limit amount of what you spend on gifts.

Hope this is useful to someone.

[sunshine]

Living frugally can be hard when you aren't used to it, but gets easier the more you do. Plus, the feeling you get when paying down debt (or just paying your bills on time!) is great.
Take a walk.
Start a journal.
Frequent the library and read a book.
Trade magazines with friends so that you don't buy them all the time. And books. And movies.
I am a fan of the cell phone. You get free long distance and on my plan I can make unlimited evening and weekend calls. I can spend hours talking to a friend at a relatively small cost.
Eat for sustanence rather than pleasure.
Admit your financial situation to your friends so that you aren't forced to spend money you don't have to keep up with them; chances are they don't have the cash either.

[squirmy]

These are all GREAT ideas! Especially for someone like me, a forced part-time worker.

I've set a budget for myself that divies up my income by percentages. That's really helped me to stretch my dollar. I've gone on the advice that you should save between 10 and 50% of each paycheck and then don't touch it at all until you've reached some goal, either monetary or if you have enough to invest/use it for a trip/pay for that down payment on a home/for retirement. Anyway, I automatically take 30% out of each paycheck and tuck it away into savings, and it's increased my account exponentially. One of my other high priorities is taking out money for debt. I set aside 45% of each paycheck for this because I want to pay it all off as soon as possible. In the end, I'm left with spending 20% how I wish, including $$ for gas, gifts, teaching materials (I'm a teacher), and spending money. It works out really well. And, the key making your budget work is to STICK WITH IT!

Percentages are just one idea, and there are many ways to budget. Hope this is helpful for someone out there.:)

[sunshine]

another thing I do...
I buy a bottle of flavoring and a thing of half-and-half and keep it at my desk at work. That way I just have drip coffee (free) at work and get to make it so much better and like an americano but without the cost.