Things You WILL Do to Save Money (sell, sale, items)

[UTBabyGirl]

As a counterbalance to that other thread, what are some things you will do to save money, including anything typically regarded as extreme? A list would be great to hear!

[Kembek]

I use coupons.
I shop sales, discount stores, thrift stores, & dollar stores.
I hang my laundry out to dry.
I turn off my a/c when the weather is bearable and open the windows.
I turn off my dishwasher when it hits the dry cycle.
I don't get my hair cut at high-end salons.
I don't get manicures or pedicures.
I don't buy "products" from hair salons.
I color my hair myself.
I don't buy department store make-up.
I don't buy extended warranties.
I rarely buy books and instead get books from the library.
I don't have a lawn service or a house cleaning service.
I go to matinee movies to get the cheaper price.
I have a pay-as-you-go cell phone.
If I can avoid a toll road, I will.
I avoid buying clothes that are "dry clean only".

[lifeexplorer]

I buy quality stuff that will last, particularly tools, equipment, cars, etc.

[TabulaRasa]

-Buy store brand for groceries and other necessities
-Shop for nonnecessities very infrequently
-Buy my clothing from discount outlets
-Prepaid cell phone that is seldom used
-Make jewelry versus buy it
-No cable TV
-Always pack a homemade lunch for work, never order out
-Exercise outdoors and at community center gym vs. membership gym
-Never buy coffee, always make it at home from whole bean (better, anyway)
-Paint my own nails
-Wear my hair long, both because I like it long, and to minimize salon trips

I don't do anything too extreme, although I'd get rid of my car in a heartbeat if we had viable public trans...in other cities, I've done that. Some people at work seem to think that packing a lunch is "extreme," but whatever.

[greatblueheron]

Many of those listed already...plus:

*No tv/cable...use my laptop for news, tv shows/movies (free on hulu.com)
*Cut my hair myself...(not so bad, it is short anyway )
*Freeze home-made, single-serving meals; use heated oven for several different dishes in one afternoon, then no use for several more days.
*Grow some vegetables and all herbs
*Use 1/2 amt of recommended washing detergent etc
*Buy paper products in bulk
*Use every single bit of leftover veggies etc.
*Use cash/no ATM
*Look for free activities
*Discount stores for non-food items/farmer's mkt for veggies I do not grow
*Buy many store brands-cereal, rice, milk, crackers, etc but read labels first
*Buy non-food items online through big box stores; order enough and shipping to home is free and no gas, hassel, or time spent

THANKS for the thread, like reading others recommendations.

[Tallysmom]

I wash ziplocks. I haven't bought ziplocks in YEARS. WAIT -- that's not true -- I just bought another 4 box Costco "bundle" but I haven't broken into them yet. My last Costco bundle lasted 5 or 6 years.

I use rags or cloth towels for most things instead of paper towels. Although out cat with IBS has been having accidents lately so paper towel consumption is WAY up, a roll usually lasts me 6 months.

I stopped blow drying my hair. It keeps the curl in, and as it dries naturally I scrunch it up to curl it more. My hair should be softer longer, so I can stretch my cuts even more. And while I use expensive shampoo, l found that lather isn't what cleans my hair. I use much less shampoo, thoroughly clean my scalp, run what suds there are down my hair and rinse. Rinses much faster with no waste of shampoo.

I don't shop. I'm one of the weird people that doesn't find shopping fun or relaxing, I simply hate it. I have to steel myself in order to walk into these places, and usually walk out empty handed.

[TabulaRasa]

I hate shopping. I cringe whenever it is presented as a fun outing.

[NJBest]

Solar Panels - Tax payers paid for most of the expenses via government incentives/rebates. I pay nothing for electricity for the most part.

Like lifeexplorer - I buy things that last. Especially clothing.

I use coupons.

Most importantly, I maximize my income in order to save more of it.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

I use rags or cloth towels for most things instead of paper towels. Although out cat with IBS has been having accidents lately so paper towel consumption is WAY up, a roll usually lasts me 6 months.

Same here. I rarely use paper towels. I just bought a six pack and that will last me well over a year.

I have found that newspaper and pages torn out of old phone books actually work quite well for some of the same clean-up jobs that one would normally use paper towels for.

I occasionally will buy a bundle of towels from Goodwill - they stuff a plastic bag full of them and then sell the bundle for $4.99. The worst ones get cut up for reusable cleaning rags; the better ones get used for their original purpose. I have actually gotten a few decent bath towels this way; the last bundle I bought had a whole bunch of really decent hand towels and wash cloths which haven't made it to the "rag" designation yet because they're too nice.

[pvande55]

Use a handkerchief instead of facial tissue.
Kill the vampires with a power strip.
Cat food in bulk.
Wear shoes well past their useful life.
Use hearing protection in noisy environments-saves on hearing aids.