Be Realistic
Be realistic with yourself while shopping. Is it within the Budget? Is it something I want, or something I need?
Example:
I want a new Honda Accord Crosstour ($32,000)
BUT,
The Honda I have gets 10 more miles to the gallon, I can fix it and do maintenance on it myself, and unfortunately we're still paying it off.
The benefits of my current car outweight those of buying a new one. Especially because buying a new car would put us in more debt.
Want to know more about how budgeting works? Click Here!
Coupons & Price Matching
The majority of stores, especially ones that sell food stuffs, accept coupons, including the Commissary. Walmart has a wonderful price matching policy, you don't have to bring proof, you just have to tell your cashier when you're checking out.
Our Sunday paper is $2 a week, On average I can get $10 worth of savings out of one paper. If you subtract the cost of the paper that's $8 saved, which could buy just about any 2 tall drinks from Starbucks! If you save $8 every two weeks that will pay for a pedicure every month!
To read about my Not-So-Crazy Couponing Methods Click Here!
Specialty Products
The Philips Norelco Face Shaver, can save hundered of dollars a year if your man has to shave 5 days a week. Check out my research and reasons why its a good investment Here!
My Emergency Mini-Generator has saved me a ton of money on calling a tow company to jump start my car when I leave my headlight on over night and drain my battery (just about every other day) It's also a great thing to have in case your power goes out!
Carpet Shampooer will save you money on getting your upholstery and carpet cleaned. Cleaning your carpets regularly can help them last up to 3 time longer as well as make sure you get your security deposit back if you're renting.
Hair Care
Cut your husbands & sons hair yourself. Men in the military have to get their haircut at least once a week. Invest in a good pair of clippers, and learn to do it yourself, the clippers will pay themselves off at least twice, and will last years if you maintain them correctly.
If you don't want to risk making your man shave his head, at least remember to use the haircuts as a tax write-off!
(it's considered part of their uniform, so be sure to keep the reciepts!)
If you color your hair regularly, try going to a private stylist, one that styles hair in their home or will come to you, or try a beauty school in your area. They're generally cheaper than a full service salon.
Car Maintenance
If you can do it yourself, easily and without damaging your vehicle, DO IT!
Most cars produced before the year 1999 are fairly simple to work on, do some research online or visit your local auto parts store for more information. (Or e-mail me, I might be able to help point you in the right direction)
Recycle for $$$
Ever looked on the side of a drink bottle and seen CA CRV .05 ?
That means that at certain venues that bottle is worth 5 cents. Most pop bottles and plastic and glass drink containers are worth anywhere from 5-25 cents. It may not seem like a lot but if you just put it in a jar after you trade it in, it'll add up faster than you thought.
Thrift Shop & Buy Used Products
There are a ton of websites out there where you can sell used goods and purchase them.
I am always lurking on these sites to see what people are giving away. Especially when you live near a base! People are constantly moving across the country or back to their home state, they don't want to move a ton of stuff, so they sell it!
I've recently purchase through Bookoo.com and found:
$5 for a Bissell Vacuum (Retail $50+): $45 in savings all it needed was a new filter ($4.99)
$50 for a Bissell Pro Heat Carpet Shampooer (Retail $150+): $100+ in savings all we had to do was dust it off and buy shampoo for it ($11.99)
And you can find so much more!
If you know of another site like these, please let me know so I can add it!
Consignment stores are becoming more and more popular be sure to check and see if these are in your area
If you know of another store like these, please let me know so I can add it!
Read more about my Thrifting Tips and tricks click Here!
Military & Student Discounts
Always ask if the place you're shopping offers discounts!
Always show your Military or Student I.D. sometimes you don't have to ask.
Shop online when the website offers specific discounts.
Ask your bank if they have Military or Student accounts that would benefit you.
For links to websites and stores that offer mMilitary discounts click Here!
Commissary and X-change
Use coupons!
Check their websites for specials regularly.
Participate in the Commissary Rewards Program and Subscribe to the Xchange Savings Emails
To see how I save extra while taking advantage of their awesome prices click
Here!
Make it Yourself
You don't have to be a Crafting Goddess to make someone a gift, and you don't have to be a Pro Chef to make an awesome homemade dinner. Learning to make things yourself and to cook from scratch are to very valuable talents. You could save so much money, making a birthday cake at home versus paying $25 to have it made at a bakery. Save money by having a nice dinner at home instead of spending the big bucks on a fancy restaurant.
To see some of my favorite DIY tutorials click Here!
To find an awesome recipe for dinner click Here!
Stay tuned for the rest of this almost-a-series on how to save money :D
