- Watch broadcast TV; don't pay for cable or satellite. You can also watch many shows (and movies!) online via the channel's website or on Hulu.
- Don't have a home phone, only cell phones. Subpoint about cell phones: Use them for just that, as PHONES. You do not need texting, email, etc. unless it is necessary for your job. Do a little once-over of your bill every few months to make sure you aren't paying for something you don't use.
- Listen to local radio instead of subscribing to satellite radio or buying tons of CDs. You can also listen to streaming music websites like Pandora.
- Don't spend a lot on internet unless it is significant for your job. We have the lowest speed cable internet (it's not even advertised!) and have no trouble viewing videos and streaming music.
- I think it goes without saying that we don't have a GPS or pay to update it...Seriously, I cannot imagine why, in the age of cell phones and mapquest, that we all need a GPS.
- Buy meat in bulk when it's on killer sale.
- Use coupons, but use them wisely (more on this later).
- Find a local discount bread store. In Raleigh,there is one on Spring Forest Rd near Capital that sells name brands like Natures Own, often for $1/loaf! If you spend $5 in a single visit, you get a loaf of bread for free.
- Discount clubs are great for certain things like olive oil, spices, and milk. Some items are exactly the same per unit as (or, in a few cases, more than) Wal-Mart or Food Lion. Only pay for a membership if you're sure it is worth in over the long haul.
- Stockpile when things are on sale, reducing the need to 'run out and grab' whatever you need, paying full price.
- ALDI is your friend; I repeat, ALDI is your friend!
- Look into Angel Food ministries. There are no qualifications to participate and they have recently added a feature where you can order online.
- Shop consignment sales/stores. Also, Craigslist = awesome.
- Frequent Goodwill, but be prudent about what you buy. An inexpensive piece of junk is still a piece of junk- and it will take up space in your house. Goodwill is a great place to look for baskets (do I hear frugal gift idea?), children's clothing, and small household items. Take the time to travel to a Goodwill near a ritzy area. You'll be surprised at some of the things folks will get rid of. I have gotten name-brand NEW WITH TAGS clothes (and a toy or two) for Doodle-bug for next to nothing. If you are in the market for something specific, go often and don't settle for the first thing you find, unless you really love it. The turnover at places like this is quick.
- Visit your local library for books AND activities for you and the kids. Although the Wake County library system doesn't have CDs or DVDs (why? I have no idea...get with the program, guys!), you can request them through interlibrary loan. One of the Hubster's bus buddies told him his family has been watching seasons of TV shows that they have requested this way. All for free!
- And, speaking of bus buddies, if it's possible, ride the bus for your commute! Hubster started riding when we moved out of the city in an effort to save on gas and not have to pay for parking. He has found it to be an excellent time to take a nap, read a book, have his quiet time, and just generally detox from his day. Not to mention the lack of stress from not having to make the drive home in rush hour traffic! The Triangle's bus system is fairly extensive.
