Money Saving Tips Part 2

I've thought of three more money saving tips that I can't wait to share with you. I'm pretty excited because I'm spending AND making money!

Start your Christmas shopping now - For the past five years, I've always started my Christmas shopping about mid-September for several reasons: 1) Stores are clearing out merchandise to make room for Christmas toys and trendier stuff. I bought a toy a couple of weeks ago at Target that was usually $50 for $11.50! The packaging looks great, it works fine and it was $50 at Toys R Us. 2) Buying over a couple of months is a lot easier on the wallet. 3) I always scour the clearance racks at the chance that something will be perfect for someone on my list. Yesterday at JC Penny's they had a ton of racks marked $4.97 and $2.97! 4) Coupons! I also went to Kohl's yesterday and used the $10 off coupon from the newspaper. I bought three clearance t-shirts that my nephew is going to love for $7.00. Kohl's comes out with this coupon every few weeks, so I'll wait and use the next one for another gift (or to reward myself for being so thrifty!)

Craigslist Rocks - I've used Craigslist for several things: we've sold an area rug and entertainment center, bought a couple of nice chairs for our living room and currently I am selling my dining set. Within two hours I've already had two offers! Here are a couple of tips: people are always going to bargain so post it for slightly higher than you want for your item. Mark your posting cash only, you pick up. Save the person's e-mail address and phone number for safety reasons (and obviously never be home alone for the pick up). I also found my job at the Symphony using this site, and there is no fee (okay, that job did cost me my sanity for a season)!

Re-Focus - I have to admit that Mission's Month at church has really effected me. It's been so easy to hide in my little world and judge people for making stupid mistakes. Compassion has never been my middle name, but I've felt really convicted about it lately. With the two missionaries who have shared their stories of hurting people and the sacrifices that others are making, it has given me a new set of eyes. Even though I've been shopping, I haven't had the heart to buy anything for me (underwear excluded). I actually am feeling a little suffocated by all of the things that are busting out of our drawers and closets. And that's a really good thing.

Money Saving Tips

In this economy, who couldn't use a few money saving tips? Here are some things that I have learned.

When I see something that I like in a store, whether that be a decorative piece for my home, favors for a party or a cute onesie, I see how it's made and try to replicate it. For my daughter's first birthday that is in a few weeks, I took this to heart on a tight budget. I made a custom onesie from scrap material and a white shirt she already had, made a matching bib, table runners and felt lady bugs for the table. The total cost was $6.00!

Be accountable. My husband has a firm handle on our purse strings (but not in a tyrannical sort of way!) He tells me ahead of time "This is going to be a tight month. Insurance is due." or something else to that nature. I know to limit my spending during certain times of the year. We also abide by the $100 rule: if we spend more than $100 on any one thing, we consult each other first.

Coupons are your friend. Growing up, I remember my mom scouring through the Sunday paper, scissors in hand. Now I do the same thing with the Value Packs and the various ads that flow through the mail. I also know the routine of coupons that come from some of my favorite stores; almost weekly Babies R Us has a 20%off coupon on any one baby item and Joann Crafts has 40% off coupons at least once a month. I plan my shopping accordingly.

Hand-me-downs are awesome. Okay, so I am a little picky. I'll only use hand-me-downs from close family members and maybe a friend depending on the item. Right now I have three bins of clothes for Elliana to use in the future from three older cousins... some items still have the tags on them! I'm fortunate too; my sister and sister-in-law give me only their best items that are not stained and are in great condition.

Plan ahead. At the end of a season, buy clothes for next year. This is an obvious tip, but last week I bought six shirts, a pair of flip flops, and two bottoms from Gymboree for $30. I also knew I needed a black wool coat for this winter and yesterday I purchased one for $42, normally $250. The Internet store was clearing out their merchandise to prepare for this season's winter clothes.

Eat at home. Even those little trips through the drive thru add up. And if you must eat out, order water with lemon. Those $2.00 sodas make a huge difference (both on your budget and in your waist line)!

So these are a few of my tips for now. I hope they help you as much as they've helped my wallet. In a one income family with no debt, I can tell you that they work!