Hints and tips to save money!

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
T

tasha66

Guest
#1
#1
**Copied from the Suggestions forum**
I thought a forum for ways to save money is a good idea.
For example, switching off all your power points after you use them, when you are asleep or go out, can save hundreds of dollars on your utility bills. Shopping at op shop stores such as Goodwill / Salvation Army firstly for goods can save vast amounts of money too, especially on clothes.
We could all post random ideas on every day things, like cheap meals, gardening tips (growing your own food if possible), etc.
 
T

tasha66

Guest
#2
#2
**Copied from the Suggestions forum**
Tip of the day:
Try shopping at your local market/supermarket late at night or just before it closes. Usually, you will get good bargains on discounted meat and bread, and anything that doesn't have a long shelf life. Also at some supermarkets or smaller grocery franchises, I have been able to bargain down a price for something, as the owners would rather make some money off of selling the good/s, rather than just throwing the good/s out, as they lose money doing this.
 
T

tasha66

Guest
#3
#3
Did you know that some supermarkets and other markets, will still let you haggle for a price for goods? i've tried this and it works in some places. The owners would rather make some sort of profit, than just throw something out. Fresh goods in Australia have strict shelf life laws, so alot of stuff gets discounted then if not sold, has to be thrown out. I have even caught the butchers in supermarkets when they are out discounting the meat goods, and asked if they can discount the product I want anymore and occasionally, they have. Try it - you might get lucky one day! Also if you buy in bulk - and can afford to do that - you can save alot of money, though you will need a freezer for bulk meat and other goods. Don't cut the meat up into too many small portions though before freezing, as this dries the meat out (my friend's Uncle was a butcher and told her that). Also when cooking with meat, keep some of the fat on the meat - don't cut all of it off - the fat helps make the meat and the meal more tender when preparing and cooking it.
 
shittim

shittim

Senior Member
#4
Dec 16, 2016
13,914
7,835
113
#4
I have spent so much time in 2nd hand stores, regular retail prices seem outrageous!
Some good tips here. We need to save so we can have more to contribute to Kingdom work.
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

Senior Member
#5
Jul 2, 2011
21,456
6,716
113
#5
tasha66 said:
Did you know that some supermarkets and other markets, will still let you haggle for a price for goods? i've tried this and it works in some places. The owners would rather make some sort of profit, than just throw something out. Fresh goods in Australia have strict shelf life laws, so alot of stuff gets discounted then if not sold, has to be thrown out. I have even caught the butchers in supermarkets when they are out discounting the meat goods, and asked if they can discount the product I want anymore and occasionally, they have. Try it - you might get lucky one day! Also if you buy in bulk - and can afford to do that - you can save alot of money, though you will need a freezer for bulk meat and other goods. Don't cut the meat up into too many small portions though before freezing, as this dries the meat out (my friend's Uncle was a butcher and told her that). Also when cooking with meat, keep some of the fat on the meat - don't cut all of it off - the fat helps make the meat and the meal more tender when preparing and cooking it.
Click to expand...

Wonderful thread, and very helpful for all willing to learn these very handy and useful habits. One other very important thing I believe all households shoul have a good sewing machine. They save lots of money before you know it….
 
blue_ladybug

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
#6
Feb 21, 2014
70,924
9,672
113
#6
I get alot of frozen and household goods at the Dollar Tree.

Re-use juice bottles and water bottles. Get a faucet filter and fill up the bottles with water to make juice or whatever. Re-use grocery bags as garbage bags, or dog poop bags or cat litter bags.

Don't buy expensive cleaners! Apple cider vinegar works wonders on grease and other messes. It's an excellent window cleaner AND it kills mold. It also helps cleanse your kidneys. Mix it with water, of course.

Get on Front Porch Forum. I don't know if other states have it, but mine does and I've bought and sold things on there. I've also got alot of free things on there.
 
G

Ghoti2

Well-known member
#8
Nov 8, 2019
469
283
63
#8
Enroll in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University...……. start learning how to save some real money.
 
G

Godsgirl83

Guest
#10
#10
Ghoti2 said:
Enroll in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University...……. start learning how to save some real money.
Click to expand...
Dave Ramsey is good, I was going t mention his name too ;)
even if folks don't enroll in his programs, just getting his book Total Money Makeover can be VERY helpful (check your local library ;);) if you don't want to spend $$ for a book )
also his radio show is helpful to listen to.
 
laughingheart

laughingheart

Senior Member
#11
Sep 21, 2016
1,709
1,669
113
#11
To prevent wasting what you have, use a Sharpie marker, or any permanent marker, and write the expiration date on the top of your tinned goods. It will help you use up the oldest items first.
 
shittim

shittim

Senior Member
#14
Dec 16, 2016
13,914
7,835
113
#14
We have Aldi and Trader Joes which i believe are the 2 companies that started out together.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#15
#15
I know how to save money . in my case it is to stop eating yoghurt and ice cream . Theres 5 bucks a day straight away. 5 times 365 = 1500 bucks minimum. Oh my. that is depressing. But yoghurt soothes that aching back pain and bruised ego so well. Its quality of life I tell you!
 
laughingheart

laughingheart

Senior Member
#16
Sep 21, 2016
1,709
1,669
113
#16
morefaithrequired said:
I know how to save money . in my case it is to stop eating yoghurt and ice cream . Theres 5 bucks a day straight away. 5 times 365 = 1500 bucks minimum. Oh my. that is depressing. But yoghurt soothes that aching back pain and bruised ego so well. Its quality of life I tell you!
Click to expand...
Have you thought about making your own? I see a lot of recipes using a digital pressure cooker. In the thrift I often see yogurt makers on sale for about $8.
 
laughingheart

laughingheart

Senior Member
#17
Sep 21, 2016
1,709
1,669
113
#17
The thrift is my favourite place for appliances. I have a good one near my house that tests any appliances before they sell them. I have picked up waffle makers, a crepe maker and bag sealer, all for $3.50 a piece. I have seen Keurigs for $10, bread makers, rice cookers and veggie steamers, all for under $10.
added note: Normally I'd just make crepes in a small pan but this was cheaper and works beautifully. Crepes are a great way to treat guests to a special breakfast with homemade jams, or luncheon (chicken crepes) or dessert drizzled with chocolate. The cost savings are wonderful.
Crepe recipe: 2 eggs, 1 1/4 milk, 1 c.flour, 1/2 tsp.salt. Mix well. Drop onto a hot griddle. Rotate your wrist to spread the batter. Flip over.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#18
#18
laughingheart said:
Have you thought about making your own? I see a lot of recipes using a digital pressure cooker. In the thrift I often see yogurt makers on sale for about $8.
Click to expand...
laziness or lack of confidence or both...
I might look into it though. hard to get the quality of flavour i imagine. I luv toffee honeycomb flavor. that would be hard to replicate.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#19
#19
you sound like a great cook laughingheart
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#20
#20
blue_ladybug said:
I get alot of frozen and household goods at the Dollar Tree.

Re-use juice bottles and water bottles. Get a faucet filter and fill up the bottles with water to make juice or whatever. Re-use grocery bags as garbage bags, or dog poop bags or cat litter bags.

Don't buy expensive cleaners! Apple cider vinegar works wonders on grease and other messes. It's an excellent window cleaner AND it kills mold. It also helps cleanse your kidneys. Mix it with water, of course.

Get on Front Porch Forum. I don't know if other states have it, but mine does and I've bought and sold things on there. I've also got alot of free things on there.
Click to expand...
by the way,i drink apple cider vinegar. just a dash in a cup of tea every day...good for inflammation?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.