Looking for Frugal Help
by Alyssa Avant on August 20, 2008
in Just Frugal
Welcome back!
Ok, this was to be my year. I was going to be Frugal in 2008. Well, as I blogged a while back I fell off the frugal wagon. I had tried CVSing, couponing, meal planning, cutting back, cutting things out, etc. Some of which worked while some didn’t.
I did not get the hang of CVSing and often found that I’d have to purchase items I did not need in order to save, which to me was pointless. The other issue was the CVS was in a town I didn’t often shop in and therefore meant a trip that wasn’t planned, more gas money, etc.
Couponing was another failure. Not sure if it was me or what. I did not get my hands on enough good coupons and even after buying a Sunday paper that I didn’t normally buy I still came up short. I even joined coupon trains to only get coupons for items I never buy.
The meal planning was the one area that has been super helpful and that I actually enjoy. I’m still doing it.
We also cut back and cut out as much as we could. I feel positive about the changes that I made.
So, all you frugal mamas out there. I need your help. Please!!! Leave me comments, links, tips, just help me!
I'm Alyssa, a Christian writer & speaker, but most of all a wife & mom with an amazing husband, Greg and three energetic kids. I am in a season of simplifying my life, which God says means trading good for best. Please stay, connect, and follow my journey.
Alyssa,
Being frugal is so much more than what you have mentioned here. It is a way of life and if you are ready to change that, then you can do it. It is really a mind change as opposed to learning all the tricks and tools of how to do it.
Just like with losing weight. I did not start losing weight until I did a mind changed and stopped panicking so much about it.
You are frantic girl and that is not good for Child of God.
I think that if you sit back and really take stock of what all you do, what your family’s needs are, and how frugal changes will benefit you it will make a huge difference in how you use the tools and tricks.
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Hey Alyssa,
Check out my page on some money saving tips I’ve come across and what I utilize.
Also, a friend recently tipped me off on a local group that gets together and actually swaps coupons. I’ll try to post the link here and maybe you can find something local for you. I haven’t visited in person yet but was invited to soon.
Also, I joined http://www.freecycle.org which is sort of the global network and then joined within it my local freecycle community where locals post what they are looking for or what they have to give away free (no selling). I’ve given away lots of clothing and have received packaging supplies and landscaping items for my yard…all FREE.
I also joined another yahoo group that puts out notices on Freebies and other resources and that has been interesting as well.
I hope you will check out my lens at the very least and see if that helps you think of anything else that might apply in your situation.
I’m a fellow WAHM…w/ an ebay store. http://www.tracysestatesale.com
Best wishes! I’m always on the look out also to save money! Frugal, frugal….FRUGAL!
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Hi, Alyssa. I am with you on the CVS thing, if I don’t need it or can’t sell it on eBay, I pass. I focus on what I spend out of pocket, rather than dollar amounts on coupons. For example, if Ragu spaghetti sauce has a $1 off coupon, and it costs $3, but the store brand is 99 cents, I am going with the store brand. I am not brand loyal, only loyal to my wallet. So all that couponing can end up costing you money if you choose not to buy the lowest price item. Out of pocket cost is what matters.
I am sure you will get lots of good tips, just wanted to agree with you on the CVS thing.
Take care,
Suzanne
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Wow, being frugal takes a lot of work and dedication. But with patience and planning it can be accomplished.
Having a family of 7, we must be very frugal. Menu planning is a must but we also set aside one day of the week for take-out nite.
We also plan our shopping list according to our menu so we don’t overspend. I try to use coupons, but I always forget.
We shop in 3 – 4 different stores, one for groceries every 2 weeks, a warehouse store once a month and the produce stand weekly and of course the Dollar Store for snacks.
As for clothing, we have hand-me downs, but we also shop at Consignment shops, and always shop during sales. We never pay retail price for anything.
My kiddos also have a long wish list that they continuously add to and that is perfect for Grandparents to purchase which of course saves us money.
Like I mentioned, it is something that you must work at, and before you know it you will be an expert:)
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I think one of the things that really helps us is spending cash only, and we have the Financial Peace envelope system. This really helps me to see where my money is going and also helps keep me on the budget I planned out the month before.
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Hello! As a single mom with 3 kids I try to be as frugal as possible. As mentioned, some things work and some don’t.
Freecycle is great — it’s amazing what people want to get rid of – for free. Consignment stores are good too — they can be a little time consuming, but it’s worth it.
Food is a something I spend alot on, so I try to cut corners whenever possible. I make menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and use them when grocery shopping. I only use coupons for items I would be purchasing anyway. I shop in bulk once a month. Regular prices in warehouses like Costco and BJs are much lower than sale prices most other places!
I cook alot of meals that are easy to stretch (spaghetti, chicken and rice, etc.) I often cook enough for 2 meals, so we eat one and freeze the other. And I don’t buy alot of conveniently packaged food (snack bags, individually wrapped items) either. You’re paying for the convenience of something you can do yourself….
There are alot of ways to save on your utility bills as well, but I won’t bore you with that!
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I too go through my phases of more and less frugal. In my opinion, you have to find what works best for you. I tried the CVSing thing (except it was Walgreen’s) and found it wasn’t worth the effort FOR ME. Your time is valuable also, especially when you have a family, so you should approach frugality like an investment – what is your return (money saved) over your investment (time).
I think it’s good to try different frugal tips and see what works and what doesn’t. In the long run you’ll incorporate things that work for you and things that don’t. Or you’ll be able to apply a principle you learn to other areas of your life. As long as you are smart about trying to get the best price you can without spending more time or aggravation than you want, you’ll be happy.
All that said, I have a few articles in the frugal section of my website. I would also recommend http://www.moneysavingmom.com as she has lots of good stuff to share.
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Duh! I just saw you have msm.com in your sidebar.
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