Little Things I Do To Save Money
85I am single and thirty and really should not have a hard time saving money compared to those with more expenses, but in this economy this has not always been easy. However, even in the best of economic times people can spend too much money, so the key has been to find ways to keep myself from going to the store too often because I do like to buy things I do not necessarily need. Also, having cable TV, checking out library books, and walking home are a few of the other ways I like to save money. These are just a few things I have done to save money, so if these suggestions do not work for you please keep this in mind. What works for me will not necessarily work for you, but these are just a few suggestions for people that are single around the age of thirty.
Get A TV, Telephone, And Internet Bundle
Many phone companies and cable companies offer TV, telephone, and Interent bundles that run around a hundred dollars a month or so. This may sound like a lot of money to some people, but keep in mind I do not go out to movies or other social events, so paying for all three of these services in one bundle is a great deal for me. This price includes being able to come online and write on sites such as Hubpages, Squidoo, and ehow to my heart's content, and being able to make as many long distance calls as I would like. There are unlimited minutes on my cell phone after nine and on the weekends, but sometimes you just want to make a call earlier in the day, especially when the person you are dialing lives in a different time zone.
Some people go to the movies whenever a new film comes out, but I have been resisting the urge to do this because I rationalize I can always see it on cable TV later. I miss going to the movies, but a ten dollars a ticket plus the price of soda and/or a snack just make this a little too pricey for me. I absolutely love movies, so watching classic movies on TMC, and newer movies on HBO is just what the doctor ordered. I love to do my art work or other crafts while I am watching movies, which makes it more engaging for my mind. I also love to watch all programs with the captions on so I do not miss any of the dialog. HBO series such as Big Love are one of my favorites, so having cable is pretty much a necessity in my house.
Stay Home More Often
Yes I stay home on my time off of work, and I like to write on Hubpages, squidoo, ehow, on my blogs, and website. Not only is this entertaining for me, but it helps me from going out to the store to spend money. I have never been into the club or bar scene, so it is just natural to stay home and watch tv or read a book. My college roommate told me I had no life because I stayed home, but what is that supposed to mean? Truthfully everyone has a life, and some just need to stop judging others for how they spend it. So I am boring because I like to stay home on my days off, but if I had more money I might do other things such as go to Hawaii three or four times a year. However, even if I were affluent I would not want to throw cash around needlessly, so staying home on my days off is a great way to save money.
Walk More Often
A few days a week I actually walk home from work. Since I have never driven it is much better than taking the bus in my opinion. Also, I am able to spend some great time just looking at the mountains and hearing the birds churp in the trees. Walking home is great exercise and my primary form of fitness since I do not have a gym membership. Some people have asked me why I do not have a gym membership, and I have tactfully pointed out gyms are expensive and not very practical for people that do not drive.
Also, I have wondered what is the point of paying several hundred dollars to use the gym if you only get on the treadmill a few times a year? I understand the appeal of using the gym if you like to lift weights, use the machines, or take classes, but I have known people that only use the gym for the treadmill, and they reveal many times they will not even go for that because of the crowds. Maybe an alternative could be to buy a treadmill and use it at home more often, or make an effort to do a few walking errands. For instance, walk to the post office instead of driving, which is a good way to get a small workout in. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, which to me is just way less claustrophobic. As a college student working in a library before the renovation I saw people get stuck between floors on our elevator several times, which made me not want to take it anymore. I will take an elevator if I have to go to the nineteenth floor, but I would much rather take the stairs if I only have to go up a few flights.
Just a thought, but I feel I can get plenty of exercise by walking and I love it. I am actually one of those few people who love to walk whenever I can, especially when the weather is warm and the sun is out. I have never had a car payment or car insurance, which means I can spend more of my money on things I like. Most people love their cars and driving, but now and then it is nice to maybe walk to the market or post office for a change of pace. Keep in mind no one is saying you have to do this, I just sharing how this is one way I have saved a bit of money over time.
I claim to be no expert or guru on how to save money, but I just know these are a few small things that I do to keep from spending money in my daily life.
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Good tips. Can I add one? One that very few people think of is unplugging kitchen appliances when they're not in use. While they're plugged in, they're continually drawing power. The computer is the same way. The easiest way to do this with power bars.
I once got told off for staying in the house too long whilst drawing the many comic books that I used to draw at one time, they used to say I had no life too, but that was my thing, the reason why I liked life back then and still today. If it wasn't for my drawing I don't think I would have survived this long.
We are all here going through a process of trying to save money and it's slowly working, but we are trying to eat more healthier this year too, so saving money and living a better lifestyle goes hand in hand I think.
Good for you on the things you do!!
Sweetie, another one is to give the bulk items (snacks, dried fruits, candies, etc) and store brands a try. But to do this you've got to be a little adventurous, because sometimes they're just as good -or better - than the name brands, but sometimes they're awful.
Sweetie Pie, good take on this hubmob. I can't quite get my head around this one. Maybe I 'll just give it a miss and see what comes up next week. I am a bit "loved out" after last week.
Useful advice SweetiePie. I am hoping to learn a few things this week. I agree with the gym’s memberships, me too I prefer to walk outdoors instead of paying money to work out in a “smelly” place LOL
Constant Walker : that is a good tip, I think I can manage to unplug kitchen appliances when they're not in use. Thanks!
Very sound advices SweetiePie. I am a compulsive shopper - I have a weakness for all and every eye candies there are in the mall - and I am not very much conscious on the little things one can do to be frugal. Now I know better! Thanks for sharing ;D
I think you have some great points and bring new ones to the table that have not really been explored before. Thanks for thinking outside the box!
Other great money savers:
Yep. It's time for me to try making a budget and sticking to it. I gave up my landline, and am sharing my neighbor's wireless internet connection. Over the years, though, I've realized that it's more expensive for a single woman to get by than a single guy.
Princessa, thanks. I keep my computer, monitor, speakers, etc plugged into a power bar, and after I turn everything off, I also turn the power bar off. I had one going in my kitchen, too.
Teresa, I gave up my landline as soon as I got my first cell. Why have two phones, eh? Shared wireless is a cool idea! Why is it cheaper for a single woman, makeup and such?
Sweetie Pie. Nice work. We gave up our phone in our "bundle", but now we're spending more on our cell plan, because of things like being on hold with the doctor's office, oil company, etc. Plus my in laws have a different plan than we do and my wife talking to her mother costs us minutes money. We're thinking of Vonage. Anyways, what I wouldn't give to be thirty and single...memories:)
Very practical and I love the title "Little things I do to save money" because I think it really is all the little things and the good habits we choose over time that will indeed help us get a handle on our money.
I think walking, or cycling, is a doubly good thing, as you say. Saves the cost of transport, and gets you fitter as well.
Rockinjoe, the cell and plan I had before I got my last cell was Cricket, I had unlimited calling (any number to any company) and unlimited texting (which I rarely used. And the phone was pretty nice, too. It could take and send photos and various other junk. It's the $45-monthly plan, but what I actually paid with fees and sh#t was $48 and some change. It's a killer deal if you're using it a lot.
I wasn't making enough calls to justify an unlimited plan, so I sold it to a co-worker and got a pre-paid phone.
When you do go out, if you only carry cash instead of a credit card, you will over time spend much less. Cuts down on impulse purchases.
Good ideas and is wise to make these good habits when younger...and also once you do make "the" connection you should both do the money matter's. I have run into both Male and Female older people who just one or the other took the job on and when something happens ( and it does) the one who didn't do any money worries was lost and found it very difficult to catch on and up...Also balance that checkbook every month !!! G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Good info from you and your fellow hubbers. I wold also add- use the library. You can get the newset books for free- and rent DVDS for $1 versus the $4-6 for on demand.
Hi SweetiePie, the things you wrote here may sound so simple but if one actually engages on it, one can actually save! I know. LOL I'm single and I love being at home too. Hahaha Malls and a lot of people tire me easily so I go to the mall only when I need to go and shop for something important. :-) I do have to drive though for work but I live simply so I see that way I am saving too. :-)
Thanks SweetiePie for the wonderful savings tips. Over time these things really do make a difference. And putting them into practice can change one's whole outlook on money...as well as bring peace of mind.
SweetiePie, I'm impressed with how sage you are for your age! I was anything but at your age! But I'm really glad to have you and all the other wise hubbers here sharing advice on all kinds of things, especially money (very timely for us all right now). How DARE someone tell you you have no life? I'm insulted on your behalf!
I agree with what's been said in your hub and in comments. I really IS the little things that add up to saving money. Figure out what works for your lifestyle. For example, people with a serious Starbucks habit can cut down to maybe treating themselves 2x a week. Cooking at home is definitely cheaper than eating out, so if you're a restaurant junkie, invite friends over to eat instead of meeting at a restaurant.
I'm with you on watching classic movies at home. Not a Netflix person myself but know plenty of friends who swear by it. Meanwhile, there truly are some pics that deserve to be viewed on the big screen. If you go to the matinee first show of the day it's usally like 1/2 price. So worth treating yourself once a month, maybe?
You've got me thinking now so I'm off to take a walk and think about ways to save $ in my life, too. THANK YOU!!!
All these tips are practical and useful. Plus, walking helps lower your carbon footprint, I'm sure, plus provides exercise.
Cheers!
SP- Thumbs up for some great tips. I actually walk more often in winters because of all the hassle of wiping snow and driving on snow. I also like to stay at home as much as possible and there is nothing wrong in it. I guess as long as we don't shop online that is ;)
Walk More Often is good idea
There's nothing wrong with *liking* to stay home. I suspect people who do the bar scene 3 or 4 nights a week don't like themselves or their own company. That's not a Life, that's *avoiding life*.
That said, several years ago a "reversal of circumstances" (the company I worked for closed) made me eliminate a lot of wasteful spending, and after becoming gainfully employed again, I didn't revert back to wasteful ways.
As Constant Walker pointed out, store brands are often (tho not always) better than name brands. Whenever a new store brand item appears, I usually try it once. If it's as good or better than the name brand I've been using, I keep buyig it. If not, oh well.
Movies in a theatre - has to be something I want to see badly enough that I can't wait for the DVD, but I only go to the 1/2 price matinee and sail past the concession stand to avoid being tempted by $4 popcorn and such. I used to rent dollar movies at the video store - never new releases - but recently began checking them out at the library for free. Books are still my weakness, but I *don't* check them out because I prefer to buy them, from Amazon (used) or the library's used book shop (see http://saturdayschild-jama.blogspot.com/2009/01/pe for this month's haul), or from Goodwill.
Walking to work is not an option, but I grocery shop at a store that's on the way home, and only once a week and from a list to cut out impulse purchases. I'd use public transit if it went where I need to go. I brown bag lunch. Don't have a cell, altho I've been considering a pre-paid for road emergencies. Gave up cable years ago because I don't watch TV enough to justify the cost, but a friend who has satellite will record specials and such. I work at a place with a super-casual dress code - jeans, tennies, t-shirts, sweats. When I did work where dressier clothes were required, I'd comb the racks at Goodwill for designer labels. I'm not above curb shopping if there's a piece of furniture I *need* (like a bookshelf!) in good condition. No credit cards, which also eliminates impulse buying, but I should get *one* for emergencies like car repairs.
Good hub, Great tips... I agree on the bundle topic i save a ton.
Consignment stores and thrift stores are gold mines -- you can find incredible gems if you look! Another thing I do that I forgot to mention is buy certain items at the Dollar Tree store. Greeting cards for $1 or even 2/$1 are a huge savings over $3.99+ Hallmark asks...
Sweetiepie: I love to walk, but since I am in a rural town everything is spread out and requires driving which I do not do. So, my mate and I take daily walks in the park, and I have a treadmill at home. Your tips are common sense ones; and there is nothing wrong with enjoying staying home.
Yes I agree walking instead of driving can save a bit esp. if you live near your work :=) A few of our teachers who live nearby the school just takes a walk too.
SweetiePie,
We all need to curb spending and it does not matter what the age. Our economy is weak and our spending habits are very unrealistic. Your hub can be useful to any age group.
Great tips SweetiePie - Bundling services often saves quite a bit of money.
I like the idea of bundeling your telephone/internet/cable tv. It seems like a good way to get the same service for less money.
Great post SweetiePie the best way i find to save money is to be aware of everything your spending it on. I rarely keep cash in my wallet its much better paying on card as it helps me avoid just spending the money i see in my wallet. Food is a big killer for me, i save a lot by watching what i spend on food.
Being near to the place where you work could save a lot on transpo expenses. So we make sure our teachers don't live far LOL Unfortunately I live very far so my gasoline expenses is...(gulp) so I cut on other things instead. :-)
that sounds a pretty grim commute!
Mine is approx. 3 minutes, unless I'm in a hurry. Then it's 2.
that sounds a pretty grim commute!
Mine is approx. 3 minutes, unless I'm in a hurry. Then it's 2.
Do people not want to work nearer where they live, or live nearer where they work?
So there isn't really a centre of town, or good public transport?
Great hub!!! We seem to be a lot alike! I thought I was the only one who watched tv with the captions on!!! People are always talking, or there are those times when the dialogue is so quiet you can't hear it no matter what you do! I agree, if you chose to stay home, it doesn't mean you don't have a life, you just have different priorities on how you want to spend your time and money.
thanks for the advice i will have to apply it to my practices!
Thanks for the hub and especially for your comments about staying home. My husband and I and our 14 year old spend most weekends together when he doesn't have a school event. We spend a little each month and subscribe to Netflix because we love Dr. Who and good documentaries. It's educational (even the Dr. Who!), cheap, and we don't have to worry about inappropriate commercials. I agree with you about the gym membership also...I had one years ago and after the first few weeks rarely went -- luckily I was able to get out of my contract. We bought an elliptical and now I use it for 15 minutes a day and I never have to leave the house! Thanks again for the hub - I wish I had thought about these things more when I was in my 30's!
I love to read and the price of new books can getout of reach. The libary here has a rack of take one leave one. Many are new and the turnover is great. Also they have free c.d.'s that are new. I have four single friends and we get together on a regular basis. We watch a movie and that person cooks for that night. I've never eaten as well.(lol) Saves grocery and cooking time for everyone.
Good tips you passed along on money saving.
Good luck and keep writing
flanewfie
very practical ideas and good saving tips.
Nice tips that are actually practical and not over the top. Nice post!
good nice tips
Good advice and practical suggestions. I am all for trying to save, especially since I retired.
Here's a tidbit regarding phone service that you may already know: MAGICJACK is a once a year $19.95 after your initaial purpose of $39.95.(unlimited local and long distance)
Jack plugs right into the USB, good service.
Sweetie Pie, Very simple yet practical advice.
I own a magic jack, it is a very cheap, but not very reliable device. But the cost makes up for it. There is practically no customer service what so ever. At the moment it is not something that would replace your office phone or home phone.
Not single. Not 30. Yet the ride was still worth it. Truth is, its even harder to save money when you're married. When the kids come (my wife I have none) I can only imagine the hurt on the pocketbook that ensues. My sister has her 4th one in the oven as we speak and my brother-in-law has developed a nervous twitch any time I say the word money.
These are very good tips. I too have found walking to be more economical that driving. Although I was forced to walk, instead of driving recently, I wish I had been doing it more often before I was forced to. You are very wise for such a young woman. Looking forward to reading more.
That's great advice! I'm single with a Mortgage and I save money by growing my own fruit and vegetables, and while I don't enjoy staying home more often, I'll sometimes meet my friends for drinks after dinner rather than joining them at the restaurant and this saves me money too!
Great advice, it is really helpful.
Very very helpful. thank you very much
These are very true ways to save money!!! Great ideas!
These are all really good tips! I need to start saving more money too for after I graduate from college.
Though we're not of the same age bracket and I haven't any job yet (still in college) your tips are wonderful! Thanks for posting them. They're really easy yet helpful :)
So glad to see we are all starting to think more like minded in watching were all our money is going, and how to cut back more. Great tips and advise here, thanks.



















































Elena. Level 1 Commenter 3 years ago
Hey, SweetiePie! I think these three tips are absolutely realistic and down to earth, and quite easy to follow if one needs to save money! On staying at home more, I think it'll probably be a favorite here for hubbers :-)