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05-20-2007, 02:00 AM
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#61 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Threads: 41
Posts: 3,334
| When you're trying to be frugal, you have to remember that time is money. A few things people have mentioned as ways to save money are ridiculous because the money saved isn't worth the time and effort it took to save it. It's sometimes not worth the sacrifice: the opportunity cost of your time may be worth more than the dollars and cents you'd save. | 
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05-20-2007, 02:09 AM
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#62 | | Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Threads: 85
Posts: 725
| Sometimes, the sacrifice is needed especially when you only have $10 in your account, and you couldn't afford to spend $4 on transportation for one day because you need the money for something else. | |
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05-20-2007, 09:55 AM
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#63 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Land of Hope and Dreams
Threads: 80
Posts: 1,129
| We're so cheap we're celebrating Mother's Day today instead of last Sunday. Roses were less than half the price, and Wife's favorite brunch buffet will be $15/person cheaper. Probably could have also gotten a discount on cards, but unfortunately already purchased a couple of weeks before.
Actually, real reason was daughter was out of town last week. However, it does seem like a good money saving idea: Valentines Day on 2/15 or Christmas on 12/26 anyone? | |
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05-20-2007, 12:05 PM
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#64 | | Member
Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montclair, CA
Threads: 19
Posts: 745
| Whenever I buy something, I feel like someone is punching me in the stomach as I hand over the cash. That's pretty cheap no? | |
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05-20-2007, 12:38 PM
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#65 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Threads: 171
Posts: 2,760
| I am forever finding deals on the web, ecoupons, printable coupons, specials, discounts, bargains, you name it. I find it fun. I think my h. is quite plesed that I find this an enjoyable hobby! Those of you who have been around cc for a long time remember the " Bargain shoppers -discounts,deals and coupons" thread. I will find the link and post it. | |
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05-20-2007, 12:43 PM
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#66 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Threads: 171
Posts: 2,760
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05-20-2007, 12:45 PM
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#67 | | Member
Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montclair, CA
Threads: 19
Posts: 745
| What sites do you go to to find your deals and such?
I know of only one site, http://slickdeals.net/ | |
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05-20-2007, 01:16 PM
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#68 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Threads: 1
Posts: 172
| audiophile, I take advantage of post-holiday cheapness by buying wrapping paper after Christmas when it's on sale and squirreling it away for the next year. Off-season shopping is a fantastic way to save money; I've gotten summer clothes on sale in September. | |
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05-20-2007, 01:35 PM
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#69 | | Member
Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southwestern PA
Threads: 12
Posts: 380
| Other bargain sites:
fatwallet.com
techbargains.com
deals2buy.com | |
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05-20-2007, 05:13 PM
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#70 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Threads: 34
Posts: 2,052
| Audiophile said: "Valentines Day on 2/15 or Christmas on 12/26 anyone?"
My birthday is 12/26...major opportunity for cheapness!!
Best financial decsisions:
1) Always lived on less than what we earned. Started this the day we were married and never stopped. We both grew up in families that were constantly teetering over the edge of financial doom. Made it possible for DH to quit his job to go back to grad school, and kept us from financial disaster when I had to leave my career due to illness.
2) Bought a house that cost below what the experts say we should spend based on our income (and we did this in a very expensive part of the country). Previous owner was a fixer-upper and in nine years, the only big thing we've had to do was replace the roof. We bought our first house after 14 years of marriage (after all those &^#%$@ student loans and child care expenses were finally finished!), and fortunately, it was at the low point in the market. House payment is low, and we haven't touched the equity.
3) Good insurance. DH's medical coverage saves us from financial disaster due to my illness. A life insurance policy I bought when pregnant with DS#2 had an automatic increase rider for the first 15 years, and will take care of college/equity loans for the kids education if I'm not around. Major peace of mind.
4) DH and I are experts at cheap travel. We get frequent flyer miles from our credit card and we don't fly without at least two free tickets. We will fly separately if necessary to get cheaper rates. We camp. If we're someplace we can't camp and are eating out, lunch becomes the main meal (when prices are lower), and bring local food (fresh breads, cheeses, fruit, veggies) in for dinner.
5) I re-use ziplock bags. I sew our curtains and for years, my work clothes. I paint and wallpaper our walls and do other assorted home repairs. We do our own yard work (it's obvious...). I give the kids' old clothes/kids gear to friends/nephews/nieces. We use the library and patronize used bookstores (a major source of savings -- we are a bookwormy family!). Thank goodness none of us are label-happy when it comes to clothes. We had both kids' Bar Mitzvah parties at home -- neither one wanted a hotel/restaurant party. DS2 and DH cooked and we had an open house. Bought party favors in bulk from Oriental Trading. DS2's friends still wear the camouflage hats I got for $15/dozen, and they still talk about the party. Spent a tiny fraction of what passes for a shindig in this part of the country.
6) We use Quicken -- EVERYTHING gets entered. Makes it really easy to see where the excess spending is happening.
7) Kids do not have TVs or computers in their rooms. We are lucky they aren't always reaching into our pockets. We've always explained how and why we spend, so they know that when it comes to the important stuff, they will be able to rely on us. They also know that they'll have to help.
No skimping on college, though I do pray for merit money at DS1's top choices. | |
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05-20-2007, 05:36 PM
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#71 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX
Threads: 227
Posts: 2,118
| It seems that a theme is emerging. Many here have very creative ways to be frugal, but when it comes to education they will go overboard for their young ones. | |
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05-20-2007, 05:40 PM
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#72 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Threads: 8
Posts: 263
| So the thinking is that if you give them the best foundation, they'll go on to be successful adults that don't have to mooch off their parents, in fact, they may willingly support their elderly parents on down the road..... | |
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05-20-2007, 05:49 PM
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#73 | | Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Threads: 82
Posts: 775
| Zimmer07, I'd do anything to make sure that my kids didn't think they had to support us in our old age!! | |
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05-20-2007, 05:57 PM
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#74 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Threads: 8
Posts: 263
| LOL, I certainly don't want my kids to think they have to do that for us! My own parents, as poor as we were at times, were excellent money managers and are actually very well set for their "old age". Nonetheless, each one of us kids has their own contingency plan for taking care of our parents which we've all discussed with each other but not with our parents (although I don't know why we bothered since my parents have the next 20 years all planned and they just turned 80). I do hope that my kids would at least be willing like that - okay, I guess I mean I hope they will love me like that!! | |
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