We are going to change things up at our house. For the next 6 months and hopefully keep our blog posted to see how we are doing we are going to try to save $10,000 by July 1st, so we can can finish our basement. Our intent is that we seem to be wasting money so we are going to take a hard look at how we live. We would really appreciate any tips from anyone on how to save money. First, on the chopping block is Dish, XM radio and eventually the YMCA membership but that will have to wait until April (we need some entertainment) and also our phone service. We are paying $200 a month for 4 cell phones, home service and the internet. Can't get rid of the cell phones so we will take a look at the house and we aren't getting rid of the internet.
Our first step is to find all coins and cash around our home and take it to the bank to be counted. I am hoping to do that today. We have started taking shorter showers, shutting off lights and dropping the heat 2 degrees. It has been at 73 so it isn't like we are going to freeze. Also, we are going to sell the shaved ice business. So, if you are interested let us know. My next big project will be how to cut the food bill. This is where your ideas will be helpful. We need recipes that are healthy because we are packing a couple of extra pounds that need to come off and inexpensive for a family of 6.
I do have a plea. If we cut the Dish Network we will need someone to invite us over for a SuperBowl Party. Any takers? We will bring food...
So, the next month or so will be busy. We will sell the things we don't need which will actually clean the basement and get it ready to have it finished. My real secret goal would be to raise $15,000 and as a reward buy a big flat screen television for the basement. Another reward will be to head to the mountains for the 4th of July. This has been a family tradition for the past couple of years and all of us love it. We need to treat ourselves, right?
We will keep you posted so check back to see how we are doing.
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What a great idea! My advice: Keep track of your past bills (utilities, food, etc.) and then track the difference and put the difference in the savings account...that way you don't spend it on other things. As far as cutting your food bill, try planning a one month (or even two week) menu. Then you don't take a lot of trips to the grocery store (eliminating impulse buys) and you can try and plan meals where you use similar ingredients...thus wasting less. (I also try and plan a few meals where I repurpose the leftovers into something else). As far as dish network goes, we hooked up a computer to our t.v. and watch a lot of hulu. You can also watch the Disney channel online, and there might be others...Isaac just watches disney though. You could also use Netflix and rent the dvd's of lots of television shows. (that may be cheaper). Good luck with all the money saving!! ~katina
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