Saturday, July 9, 2011

What I've Learned About Saving

OK, so it's been about 5 months since my first stab at finding ways to save and I think it's time for an update. Not because I'm now an expert at this, because I'm definitely not, but to share what I've learned and to kind of keep a record for myself. So here's what I've learned:
  • Homemade bread is a great idea...when you don't have morning sickness. That was the first thing to go from my weekly menu. The powerful yeast-y smell that was once intoxicating suddenly became torture. I haven't really picked it up since, but we still make homemade whole wheat tortillas, pizza crusts, pancakes, and pasta, and we've switched to a cheaper brand of bread (that's actually a lot softer than mine, I have to say.)
  • Coupons are not the best way to save! I can't stress this enough! Back in February I signed up for a million coupon sites thinking I was getting such a deal. The sad truth is that buying off brands is usually cheaper than a name brand with a coupon. That's how they trick folks. Fortunately, after a lot of experimentation, we've been able to figure out that almost everything - with a few distinct exceptions - is just as good when you use the off brand version. I like Great Value (Wal-Mart) and Market Pantry (Target) a whole lot. Not so much Western Family. 
  • Price matching is only sometimes useful. We shop at Wal-Mart and find that their produce is often sold at the same price as nearby farmer's markets and other discount stores. They do a pretty good job of offering the lowest prices. It's most helpful for produce we can buy in bulk like onions, potatoes, and apples.
  • Homemade laundry soap. Remember that one? STILL haven't gone through my first batch after almost 6 months. At this rate, we're looking at $2.50 per year for the stuff. Also, homemade cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, among other things, is a huge saver. 
  • Groupon is great for saving on dates, we just have to be careful not to go crazy otherwise we end up spending more money. 
  • And finally, I'd say the #1 trick in saving money at the store is meal planning. Just plain and simple. We look at what we have, we plan around that, stretch what we can, and voila; shorter list, bigger wallet.
What tips or tricks do you have for saving money? Costco, other methods of coupon cutting, etc.? I'd love to know so I can add to our list. :)

    3 comments:

    1. these were such good tips and good to know! I love the off brand stuff...Costco supposedly has the cheapest diapers AND they are in bulk so you don't have to go get more every week or so...also, I make my own cleaning supplies too...it's great to know I'm not breathing in toxic chemicals!!! Food is where we spend the most on because we love fresh food....happy savings ;)

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    2. great tips! We've discovered the same things. The only big difference I would say with the coupons is here, Kroger and Publix will send you coupons to use on TONS of stuff (off brand and not) and that has been a big money saver too. We have a Sams Club membership and that will definitely be saving us a TON once Mason is here. We just went today and priced everything. If you have a place like that near you, it's worth the membership cost.

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    3. I should add to this that I know some people who are really talented and know how to work extreme couponing and save a TON, but it seems like a headache to manage. Plus you don't really get flexibility in what you buy, you eat and use what you get deals on.

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