Fru-Gal Friends

Subject: Cutting corners.. Tue 11 Mar 2008, 8:32 pm

Any advice or ideas on cutting 'expense' corners???

I'm struggling to come up with ideas on anything else I can do.

Mortgage rates are practically increasing monthly here. We took steps recently to transfer a lump sum (not a huge amount) off our balance and I'm trying to transfer smaller extra amounts each week or fortnight on top of our regular fortnightly payments to help reduce the outstanding balance a bit quicker.

By changing companies we've reduced insurance bills on the home and cars, and greatly reduced our phone bills.

I bulk-buy where possible, we do d.i.y. and repair where possible and buy preloved before new when necessary.

I do still struggle with the electricity bill, can't seem to reduce that scratch

We rarely eat out or have take-away food, don't go to the movies often, don't have expensive hobbies. I did reduce my work hours a few months back and although my wages dropped, I feel much more contented and no longer feel that my life revolves around my job.

My motive for cutting corners is to pay more towards our mortgage without having to resort to working long hours again. It might seem a bit like searching for the golden fleece...lol.

I'm pretty stumped for ideas on anything else I could be doing. Any suggestions?
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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 4:54 am

Skin,
Sounds like you are doing really well.
Let me think on it, and I'll see what else I could possibly come up with.

~M
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"It is not how much money you make - it is how you spend it."

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1693

We are in the same boat Skin....the newest thing we are doing is getting rid of our cell and using a free long distance thing on th computer offered by google...DH's brother invited us to use it...not even sure what it is called..I'll ask DH and let you all know. That will save $50/month.
The other thing we did was join Netflix...I know that it sounds crazy to spend $ to save,,,but whith prices of EVERYTHING going up it is CHEAP entertainment...we get bored in the evenings and Rob is famous for running to town and drops $20 each time...so this is CHEAP compared,,,and the kids can watch movies online for free all they want. Keep in mind we don't have cable or dish, so we don't pay for any tv.
other than that...I am stummped...and am looking for new ways too...we want to save $ for the unexpected.

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 11:12 am

Sounds like everyone doing what they can . our Electric has a budget billing you pay the same amount of money monthly then at the end of the year you last bill is either way over or very small
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 11:27 am

skin, it sounds like you're doing what you can.

I've toyed with the idea of buying a bike and riding it to and from work in the summer months. We would cut the insurance costs, gas costs and it would be good exercise. But, I the street I travel on is quite busy. I'm scared of the traffic and getting hit by a car.

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 2:16 pm

Skin, what about the grocery store?
Do you feel there is anything you can cut back from there?

~M
_________________
"It is not how much money you make - it is how you spend it."

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 2:54 pm

I agree with the others skin! Our electric bill is a big killer also. I am working on that though or at least trying. Grocery is the only other thing I could think of!
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Vicki

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 5:39 pm

I've improved my grocery shopping.
I had hoped to manage 'once a month' grocery shopping but it hasn't really worked out so far because I simply don't have enough freezer space. Fortnightly works very well. I buy a lot of generic/store-brand and stock up on specials. If at some stage we get a smaller 2nd freezer I'll tackle 'once a month' again. I also buy detergents, t-rolls and petfood in bulk at another large chainstore. Much cheaper than the supermarket. So I'm pretty conscious about grocery spending (can't vouch for DH's occasional supermarket visits though!).

Sissy, I have thought about getting a work transfer so I can walk to work (5-10 minutes max.). That's still under consideration with continual rising petrol costs.
_________________
~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 7:47 pm

Skin we are fighting this battle .. today on the news the said that Dairy going up 10 to 13% Gas goes up daily and prices at the grocery up to 50% on some things.
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: Cutting corners.. Wed 12 Mar 2008, 9:29 pm

Sissy, are there other safer routes you could take on your bike....or maybe you could walk instead?
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Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa