10 Things we DON’T Spend Money On
posted by Andrea | 11/22/2010Since I started my business nearly 3 years ago, my #1 goal has always been helping my clients to create their best life by simplifying and organizing {big shocker!} At times this has been a bit overwhelming; but for the most part, I really enjoy what I do and the fact that I am able to de-stress so many people on a weekly basis — honestly, I should be a therapists!!
And throughout the years, one of the main questions I have been asked {besides if I color-code my closet} is how I simplify our spending, organize our budget, and reduce our expenses.
Wow…that’s a biggie!
Photo Credit: Arvind Balaraman
OK, so I know that every family and situation is completely different, and I am by no means going to tell you how to spend YOUR money. Instead, I’ll simply explain a few choices my husband and I have made to drastically reduce our expenses, improve our budget, and simplify our finances.
Sound good?
First of all, for those of you who don’t know me — I’m obsessed with shopping the sales, using coupons, and finding rebates. These choices save us a nice chunk of change every year, but today, I want to talk about how we save money and simplify our budget by NOT SPENDING {imagine that!}
Let me explain:
When we first got married in 2006, my parents suggested that we try to live off 50% {or less} of our income. That way, we would build up a savings account and if one of us lost our job, we would still be able to manage.
Great advice — except neither one of us made very much money working for non-profit organizations.
However, we figured my parents probably knew what they were talking about {don’t you just hate it when your parents are right!} so we decided to give it a try. But in order to do so, we had to live simply and limit any extra expenses.
So we decided not to spend money on the following things:
Warning — you’re about to see just how cheap we really are!!!
1. Restaurants:
I know, this is a big one, but we almost NEVER spend money going out to eat. We do occationally go out to eat, but only if we have a gift card and we use BOGO coupons to make our gift cards last even longer.
2. Magazines, Books, DVD’s, etc:
We don’t subscribe to any magazines, we don’t buy books, we don’t buy or rent DVD’s, and we don’t subscribe to any online movie programs like Netfix. I do get one magazine as a gift and we subscribe to a few free catalogs.
Plus we have a library right down the street from our house, a library at church, and a library at Dave’s school so we can get tons of magazines, books, DVD’s, etc. for FREE. And the best part is, we can return them once we’re finished, which means no clutter in our home!
3. Fancy Electronics:
We don’t pay for fancy cell phones, GPS systems, MP3 players, Bluerays, DVR’s, HDTV’s, or anything that starts with an ” i “. We only get the free phones that are offered through Verizon every 2 years and we don’t pay for any type of data plan — no text messaging or internet access for us!
We get the most basic internet package from AT&T…and we recently broke down and “splurged” on the basic {23 channels} cable package when our antenna stopped working!
4. Computer Warranties & Programs:
We get excellent deals on our computers so the warranties are often just as much as the computers — which means it’s probably not necessary to have the warranty. We also don’t purchase any anti-virus, spyware, software, etc. because we get it all for free online.
Visit Ninite.com to download all kinds of free programs, tools, gadgets, and security essentials.
5. Cleaning Products & Services:
Yes, you read that right — we don’t spend money on cleaning products or services! I am not brand loyal so I simply use anything I can get for free after rebate or for free with a coupon (which is a lot!). I make all our own rags, and I borrow a friend’s steam cleaner for my heavy cleaning — which only uses water.
We don’t pay for any type of cleaning service…however Dave definitely does his fair share of cleaning!
6. Alcohol, Pop, Coffee, and other Fancy Drinks:
OK, let me just assure you that we are NOT against drinking alcohol, pop, coffee, or any other fancy beverages…we’re just cheap!
We don’t pay for drinks at restaurants, and we only buy coffee when we have gift cards or when I redeem my Swagbucks. I never buy wine, beer, alcohol, pop, coffee, or tea from the grocery store unless we have company over AND I can get an amazing deal. I make my own hot chocolate, I get free coffee after rebate, and believe it or not, I’ve even gotten great rebates on alcohol from Rite Aid!!
7. Toiletries:
Don’t worry, we still wear deoderant and wash our hair…we just use products I get for free! As I mentioned before, we are not brand loyal and are satisfied to use whatever I can get for free with rebates, coupons, and sales.
So far, in 2010, I have only spent $3.60 on toiletries — and we have bathroom cabinets filled with extra hair products, make-up, shaving necessities, toothpaste, toilet paper, and more. I also give bags of toiletries away to our church and other community organizations every year.
8. Recycling:
When we first bought our home and started looking into utility companies, we soon realized that recycling was expensive. We still wanted to do our part to be environmentally friendly so I looked around on the web and found loads of free recycling plants in our area. So, every couple of months I deposit our recycling on my drive to work. It takes me about 5 extra minutes and cuts our garbage bill in half!
9. Lawn Care, Plants, and Snow Service:
We do all our own mowing, edging, raking, blowing, weeding, spraying, plowing, shoveling, etc. Yes, it takes time, but we enjoy it…and those services are super expensive.
I’ve also managed to get nearly ALL the plants in our yard for FREE!! How? I found a ton on Craigslist – all for free! I also made friends with our neighbors and offered to split their plants in exchange for a few free sections — they readily agreed! After 2 years, I ended up with so many plants that I was able to give a bunch of them away!
10. Interest, Finance Charges, and Late Fees:
Yup, I’m ending with a big one — but have you ever really looked into how much money you waste on interest, finance charges, and late fees?
Aside from our home and a few student loans we had early on, we don’t buy anything unless we have the cash. We still use credit cards for all our purchases, but at the end of the month, we pay them off — in full.
11. Clothes:
OK, just one more! I just had to throw this one in because in 2009, Dave and I decided not to spend any money on clothes — and we succeeded! We did ask for a few items for Christmas, but other than that, we went an entire year without purchasing any clothing or accessories. And it wasn’t even that difficult to do!
So these are just a few of the things we choose NOT to spend money on, and believe me — it really adds up! Each year, we’ve manage to live off LESS THAN 50% of our income, mainly because we just don’t spend our money. We use the extra 50% to build up our savings, pay down our mortgage, invest, and plan for retirement.
Now again, let me reiterate that my intent is not to tell you how to spend YOUR money. I’m just trying to answer all the questions I get about how we simplify our budget and reduce expenses.
So what can you do to start saving more and spending less?
I’m no financial expert, but my advice would be to start small and pick ONE area that to focus on. Maybe you can reduce your grocery budget by $10.00 a week, or only go out to eat once per month. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s do-able for you and your family…and then commit to sticking to it for several weeks. And remember, every little bit helps!
What do you do to simplify your budget?
Linked to Top Ten Tuesday
Filed under: Budgeting • Frugal Living • Living Simply
April
24/11/2010Andrea, all are great tips,
I, actually, don’t think you are cheap at all, you are just smart.
I do all the same things and some more.
I have to make a note about clothes. .. Where were so many coupons available for a clothes this year. For example $10 off $10+ in Lord & Taylor past spring with no minimum purchase required. Coupon was in various magazines. Lord & Taylor is not a cheap store, but it have a discount racks like any other store. So I got my hand on a few coupons and renewed my spring wardrobe. Sometimes just paid tax and sometimes had to add a dollar or two.(literally) No need to go to a Salvation Army.
Also magazine subscriptions doesn’t need to be purchased. I get 5-6 magazines weekly. All free. Recently started to receive Wall Street Journal. Also free.
Website, you mentioned Nitite.com. I didn’t know about that . I will check it out. Thank you.
DVD rentals: if you have Red Box nearby, they offer a free rental every single week. But library is a great way too.
There are many ways to save money, of course.
[Reply]
MaryEllen
24/11/2010I can’t remember the last time we spent money on any of those things! It is so nice not to have to scrimp and scrounge just to have things that aren’t that important anyway. When you live without them for so long, you really don’t even miss them. I’m so glad you posted this, and I hope many people take your advice. Happiness is not made up of things!
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Happiness is NOT made up of things…you are SO right!
Thanks MaryEllen. I’m glad to know I’m not the only crazy one who scrimps ans saves!
[Reply]
sue
24/11/2010I’ve been couponing for 36 yrs. since I got married. We had 4 children who all have a B.A.or B.S. that we payed for–we built ou own home-I mean actually pounding in the nails, 23 yrs. ago and did have a small mortgage that has been payed off (My husband wasn’t willing to live in a half finished house for many years like many friends did, He thought our family life was more important) But couponing has certainly progressed far since then. I just found out how to use swagbucks withou spending money so I’m hoping for free running shoes soon–Luv your site!
[Reply]
Martha Cummins
24/11/2010Please tell me how to get toiletries for free!!!
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Jennifer
24/11/2010Very impressive list! Some things I don’t spend money on are book orders that come home from the schools, haircuts for the men in my life (and rarely for the women), interest payments other than the mortgage, shipping charges (won’t buy online if I have to pay for shipping!), many toiletry items, or gum for the kids. I only get gum if it is free, much to their disappointment!
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WenDee Riffe
24/11/2010ok–andrea!!! this is what i did today~~let me know if i made out or if i needed to do this differently!!!?? also–any of the posters can throw in suggestions!!! i want to do this “CHEAP” thing as well!!!!!!!!
went to CVS and purchased the secret deo. that was in the add for 2.99 with 1.00 ECP back 1 box klenx also in add for 1.29 and optifree for 12.99 with 2.00ECB back I had a 1.00 off coupon for the deo. and 1.00 off of the optifree
then my ECB’s which were 3.00 i did another transaction~~ another secret deo. for 2.99 and used another 1.00 coupon 2 glade candles 2 for 5.oo and i had 1.00 off and then i used my 3.00 ECB
thanks~~wendee
so the total for both transactions was 21.10????
so could i have done better or was this a good deal!!!????
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
WenDee,
I think you are definitely on the right track…the key is to do separate transactions — which you did!
I try to keep my out of pocket expenses as close to $0 as possible, but you had the Optifree which was kind-of expensive so $0 probably wasn’t doable in your case.
One thing I would keep in mind is do you actually need everything you purchased? If so, then you got GREAT deals. If not, then you probably could have eliminated some of your out of pocket expenses.
It sounds like you saved a bundle…exciting! I always love a great deal
[Reply]
Natalie
24/11/2010Not to be nosey but how much do you and your husband bring in each month? My husband is paid by commission so our income varies from month to month but for the most part he brings home a little over $3,000 and we survive somehow on it. Some months are tough while others are extra in the savings account.
[Reply]
agatha
24/11/2010Thank you so much for all the terrific information! I’m especially interested in the free cell phone from Verizon. You say “every two years”; do you mean Verizon offers this at two-year intervals or you can get a new phone every two years? Can you direct me to where I can go to get more information? I really only need a cell phone for emergencies and can’t afford another monthly expense. Thank you so much!
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Thanks Agatha,
I’ve been a Verizon customer since I was in college and they offer a program that every 2 years (when you renew your contract) you can get a free phone.
We still have to pay a monthly cell phone bill but we get our phones for free. It’s a great deal and anyone who is a Verizon customer can do it.
[Reply]
Bree @ BreeUnscripted.com
24/11/2010It’s my first time, visiting your blog (I came over, from Money Saving Mom). I’m so glad I did! I absolutely love this post. The suggestions you posted, are awesome. I’m off to check out some more posts.
Happy Thanksgiving, from a fellow Michigander.
)
[Reply]
cheryl
24/11/2010For those of you cutting cable…I use HuluTV.com for free TV shows on line. You can subscribe to your favorites and they email you when they hit your que.
And also http://www.channelsurfing.net/ – for those of you who need your sports!
Cheryl
Awesome(aw-yome’/Yare’) : to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe—The only one who should inspire us to use this word is God Almighty if you research the meaning–Yet it is one of the most widely and disrespectfully misused words in our language. Only God is Awesome!!!
[Reply]
mindy
24/11/2010Where do you get your personal items? I am huge coupon/sale person and haven’t touched your $3 for the year! Do share
Thanks!!
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mindy Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
meaning, I’ve spent way more than $3 and I think I get good deals.
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Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Mindy, I get all my toiletries from drugstores (Walgreens and Rite Aid). I use coupons with sales and rebates to capitalize on free stuff every week.
I did a post a while back on my favorite coupon resources…it might be helpful for you too: http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2010/10/04/my-favorite-coupon-resources/
Also, if you are more particular about brands or specific products, you might not be able to get them completely free, but still find great deals for what you want. We just don’t care about the brand
[Reply]
mindy Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I do the same….I think you are just better at than me
I did go to both stores Sunday and spent $66 – for $250 of things, including ten packs of diapers. I have $6 RR, $10 Ups and $6 SCR so it was a good trip. I am still trying to figure out my scenarios for both stores for tomorrow. Thanks for you article 
[Reply]
Kirsten H
24/11/2010Very interesting, and very challenging! One thing that really surprised me is that is costs you MORE on your garbage bill if you recycle. Where I live, it costs more money if you DON”T recycle! We get a $7 credit on our bill every month for using our city-provided recycling bin that gets picked up every-other week.
[Reply]
Tina Portis
24/11/2010It’s my first time visiting your blog as well (I came over, from Money Saving Mom). Great post! I’m not nearly as frugal (I’m typing from my iPad right now) yet if being frugal makes you happy, then I say do it! I was a single mom of 3 for 6 years and lived off less than half my salary to save for a home we built. We are not big spenders yet, we are beginning to enjoy spending a little.
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Wow Tina, I give you TONS of credit for pulling that off as a single mom.
The average American only saves 15% of their income…so for you to save 50% as a single parent is pretty impressive!
[Reply]
WenDee Riffe
24/11/2010wow–mindy~~~thats an AWESOME savings!!! i am also soooo glad that i found this blog!!! andrea is great!!!! she has been very helpful to me!!!!
andrea–check out my comment above and let me know if you think that was a good deal!!!????LOL!!!!
[Reply]
Nina
24/11/2010oh I wanted to mention roku…lots of people like it even better than July as it has access to more channels and shows. You do have the initial outlay of the box but then no charge – as far as I am aware.
I got a cellphone from walmart – straighttalk – 30 bucks a mo for 1000 min and 1000 texts (I found texting easier w kids) w no contract and a 40 phone that has lasted over a year. No contract and easy to refill…they also have a 45 unltd plan is that works both work out cheaper for those who use cell phones often for less use (emergency) verizon has a pay as you use which can be quite cheap if you really don’t use it.
[Reply]
Kathy
24/11/2010I am doing better with coupons and save us money. I would like to know how to get cleaning products & toiletries for free. I am not brand loyal when it comes to these products and save but haven’t gotten it for free. Please help!
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Scrubbing Bubbles has TONS of BOGO coupons. I wait for the products I want to go on sale (sometimes BOGO) and then use the BOGO coupons so they are all free.
Walgreen’s and Rite Aid have great rebates on these types of products as well.
And here is a link to some of my favorite coupon resources: http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2010/10/04/my-favorite-coupon-resources/
Let me know if you have other questions…hopefully this helps!!
[Reply]
Kathy Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Thanks so much! I just printed a bunch of Scrubbing Bubbles coupons before you told me this, but none are BOGO
I will keep on the look out!
[Reply]
Nina
24/11/2010im wondering if you can give more info about your computer deals. I’m in the market for a laptop but balking at the price. I have slot of computer savvy friends and as long as people keep up to date on their updates w free programs you should be as fine as norton it’s just that most people don’t and/ or expose themselves to viruses.
Coupons overwhelm me the whole 2/3 50cents or whatever… And then do you literally get in line 3 times? Same place, same cheaper and they don’t care? Just seems so strange to me.
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Nina,
first of all, when it comes to computer deals, I’m VERY patient. It took me over a year to find a great deal on our first laptop!
I’ve had the best luck with Staples…and I wait until they offer the deal to trade in an old computer. I can usually find a free or nearly free computer somewhere among family or friends, and then I trade that in to get another $50 -$100 off the already low price. And there is usually a rebate to go with it too
I also exchange all my ink cartridges at Staples ($3-$5 each) and then use that money towards my purchases.
[Reply]
WenDee Riffe
25/11/2010Actually–I did need the optifree. I use it as well as my son and husband and that was an awesome price. I also needed the deodorant and 99c is great for secret. Now~~the candles I didn’t need. I am using them at Christmas for a Christmas party. Now the tissues~~~what’s your thoughts on those!!?? They were marked way down but I do see that as I am throwingmy money away!!?? Should we go back to the hankies!!?? Lol!!!
How do you start out with 0 out of pocket!!??
Thanks—
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 25th, 2010 at 12:45 am
WenDee, it is difficult to start out with $0 out of pocket…but I often do this by transferring a prescription and then getting a $25 gift card for doing so. Then I use this gift card to supplement my coupons and rebates to achieve my $0 out of pocket goals!
We do buy tissues when they go on sale and have coupons…otherwise we just use toilet paper!
Just keep plugging away and really think about each purchase and if you actually need it. However, if it’s totally free, then you can give it away even if you don’t need it!
[Reply]
Krista
25/11/2010I totally agree with all these points (even making your own cleaning products is safer and mostly cheaper!) except for the one about toiletries…
I’m really concerned about what chemicals we put into and on our bodies including our food and cosmetics. For this reason I will NOT buy name brand or even cheap off brand stuff. It has to be organic and the smaller ingredient list the better. Now, I don’t wear make-up but once a week and I am the only girl in the house so our bill is pretty low anyway, but that is one thing I’m not willing to compromise on. I’m hoping it will save on health care in the long run and just keep us healthier as a family.
Oh, and my hubby subscribes to NetFlix, but it’s the cheapest version and he pays for it out of his own allowance so I can’t complain!
[Reply]
10 Things Not to Spend Money On (^_^) « L.A. COUPON MOM
25/11/2010[...] 10 Things we DON’T Spend Money ON: Simple Organized Living. [...]
10 Things we DON'T Spend Money On « Simple Organized Living | Daily Money Saving Ideas
25/11/2010[...] And just remember to start small. Try saving $3-6 each week … … Link: 10 Things we DON'T Spend Money On « Simple Organized Living ← Great Freebies for Busy Frugal [...]
Joanna @ Starving Student Survivor
25/11/2010You’re so cool. I saw the post title on Money Saving Mom and thought my usual, “Yeah, okay, let’s see what she’s got.” I kind of have this little competition when anyone says they’re frugal and then they say stupid things like “Brown bag your lunch” or “Watch out for those ATM fees.” But you passed the test. I nodded all the way down your list. Only differences: I live in an apartment so I don’t pay for any yard care; and I have yet to master the Drugstore game, so I pay a little more for toilet paper. But I have resorted to using baking soda instead of buying deodorant and shampoo!
Thanks for being an awesome saver.
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 25th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Aww, thanks Joanna!
Yes, we’re pretty intense when it comes to living a simple, frugal life! I’m so glad I meet your high standards
[Reply]
Sarah
26/11/2010I am just wondering if you have kids. With three children ages 3, 2, and 9 months I wonder if I can avoid buying clothes for a whole year. Mostly shoes as they seem to out grow them every 3 weeks!
[Reply]
mindy Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 1:53 am
most likely not
One thing I do is go to one of our local thrift stores when they have bag sales 2x a month. $4 and fill a grocery bag with any clothes and shoes. I get clothes sizes bigger – some are play clothes and I have found some very, very nice “good” clothes. I bet I have only spent $200 on new clothes and shoes for our son, who is now six. Everything else is thrift or brought from friends sales.
I usually go every other month and there are times I need other things and will find amazing prices on good clothes. And he does wear real nice clothes as I am kinda picky for him. HTH
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Mindy, this is exactly what I was going to suggest!
Sarah, we do not have any children yet but I do work with lots of women with small children and I always suggest going through the kid’s closets on a regular basis to take out anything that does fit. Then take those clothes to the donation center and purchase the next size up. This way, you never have piles of un-used clothes cluttering up your home, and you don’t feel bad getting rid of the clothes because you hardly paid anything for them.
Another frugal idea might be to find a family with children who are just a few years older than yours and ask if you can buy {or have} their children’s clothes as they grow out of them. I see this work all the time!
However, when it comes to adult clothing, I honestly think you can go for at least a year without buying something new. You might have to get creative, but it’s a GREAT way to save!
[Reply]
Kim Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 9:56 am
And don’t forget consignment shops!!! I just took in a a couple bags of clothes (not a consignment shop, but a thrift store that buys clothes in our town) and made $40 credit for trade in. That equaled 3 pairs of jeans. They would have only given me $25 cash, but that would have only bought one pair of jeans for my teen son on a clearance rack at Kohl’s. I’ll take the three used ones instead. And if you have the time and brand names you can always sell on ebay as well.
My kids are teens now (three 17 and one 14), I rarely bought them clothes when they were little. We almost always received hand me downs. You need to let people know you are willing to take them though. Often people don’t want to offend you by offering. I miss all those hand me downs.
I think we are going to try the year with no cloths, I just have to get my teen daughter on board : )
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Yes, consignment shops are a great way to recoup some of your hard earned money AND get a great deal on other gently used clothes. Definitely a win-win for teen clothing!
[Reply]
KP
26/11/2010I need your advice. Everything you wrote I could have wrote, since we do every one one of those things to save money, yet, we are barely squeaking by. We have 4 small kids (oldest is 6 and the youngest is 2 months), so I suppose a lot of our income goes to caring for them. But, I am wondering how you do it? We can’t save 10% (much less 50%!) after the bills are paid even when we do all those suggestions above and then some. We live in a part of the country where the cost of living is much higher than where you live, so maybe that is part of it, too. We also live in an old house (a part of it is 225+ years old), so of course there are renovations and such to take care of. We have cut out everything that is not necessary.
We have mental checklist for every purchase and go in this order.
Do I need it?
No – stop right there and don’t buy it.
Yes – 1) Can I do without it for little longer?
(If the answer is “no” for any answer we go to the next line)
2) Is there anything I already have that I can substitute for this need?
3) Can I make what I need?
4) Can I borrow it from someone?
5) Can I get it at a thrift shop?
6) Can I get it on sale with a coupon?
I just don’t know where else to cut and still have more of a disposable income or extra money to save. I know the Lord will provide and have seen Him provide when things looked hard.
Thank you for your blog! I found you from moneysavingmom.com. I so need some organization around here. I joke and say that before I had kids I was a very Type A personality. Now I am way down the alphabet at a Z!
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Honestly, it sounds like you are doing a great job of budgeting and eliminating any unnecessary expenses. Even though you might only be saving 10% — that is still a lot better than going further into debt!
I think the main differences between your situation and our situation are just what you mentioned: you live in a more expensive location than we do, you have 4 kids (we don’t have any), and I’m guessing you only have 1 income (while we have 2). These are huge differences!
One thing I might suggest, is to see if there is any way you can start bringing in a little more income. Is there a job you can do from home? Can you work a few hours over the weekend? Then, any additional income you make can help you build up your savings account.
You also mentioned that you live in a very old home — would you ever consider moving to a smaller, less expensive home? I LOVE old houses too, but if it has become a financial burden, you might want to weight the pros and cons of your home.
Unfortunately, these are the only suggestions I have for you right now. Keep plugging away and saving as much as you can…then look for ways to bring in a little more money. Every little bit helps — and you are right, God always provides!
[Reply]
KP Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to write back.
We do have only one income. My husband can’t get another job part-time as his current job sometimes requires him to be called back to work afterhours or weekends. I also homeschool, so as for me getting a part time job, right now it is not something I can do – I have so much on my plate. And with having a newborn, I am still not getting a decent night’s sleep and am nursing frequently. Perhaps if the kids were older I could do that. We have considered it a possibility in a few years.
We lived in a very small 2 bedroom ranch before this house and lived there for 6 years, knowing it was just our starter home, and planning on buying a bigger house in the country someday. We had to move when I was pregnant with our third. The house was just not big enough. We bought this house 2 years ago, and it is our dream home. It had everything we were looking for and the buying price was right. We have put so much money, time and love into this house to fix it up, and this is where we are planning to stay until we die.
We have suspended all projects for the time being unless they are really necessary.
I’ll be recommending your blog to several people. You have some fantastic ideas and it is a very refreshing, encouraging blog to read.
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Wow…you DO have a lot on your plate!
Honestly, it sounds like you are doing everything you can do right now. Once your children are a bit older, there might be more possibilities, but for now, you need to focus on taking care of your family, teaching your children, and everything else that goes along with being “mom”.
And I would never tell you you to give up your dream house — we just purchased ours and are moving in 3 weeks so I totally know how you feel about it! I just thought I would throw it out there as a possible way to decrease your expenses!
Thanks again for all your kind words. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
[Reply]
Kris
26/11/2010Great post! I’m always trying to find the best deal for cell phones and wondered if you would you mind sharing how much you spend a year on cell phones with your Verizon plan. We’ve been using Tracfones and mostly use it just to communicate with in our family for 1-4 minute calls. We spend about $120 a year for my phone and $175 for my husband. Is your plan cheaper?
[Reply]
Andrea Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Thanks Kris,
I mentioned in a previous post that we’ve been with Verizon for several years now and we love their service. We get free phones every 2 years and Verizon has excellent coverage. However, we do spend quite a bit more on our cell phone bill than you do — about $60/month (for both of our phones combined)
Keep in mind we do not have a land line AND I use my phone for business purposes as well. We use several thousand minutes EACH MONTH!
I’ve done my research and Verizon is simply the best deal, with the best plan, and the best coverage for our needs. If you are happy with your current plan, then I would stick with it!
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Stephanie Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 11:19 am
We saved quite a bit on our cell phone bill this summer. We added both my cell phone and my husband’s cell phone onto my parents bill. We write them a check every month for our portion (since ATT has add a phone line for $10 each….we write them a check for $30, which also covers any additional minutes we might use), and since I am self-employed, I can write this expense off. So my suggestion might be that you look into combining a “family plan” with extended family or really close friends. We’ve discussed the data plans, knowing it was a complete splurge, totally unnecessary. We are truthfully still discussing it, but reading your blog post encourages me to maybe wait just a little bit longer, build our savings a bit more, finish that darn bathroom renovation first…lol.
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