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Seven Easy Ways to Cut $1 A Day (Or More) From Your Budget

December 1, 2008 by Tara Kuczykowski 56 Comments

Oooooooh its a good lunch!
photo credit: Matt Seppings

In honor of the kickoff of The One Dollar Give, I’d like to offer you seven quick and painless ways to trim $1 a day or more from your budget. It’s my hope that you’ll use these tips to free up some extra pocket change to help others in need this holiday season.





  • Pack your lunch every day instead of eating lunch out.  Stay tuned for a cool giveaway later this week that will make packing your lunch more fun!
  • Drink more water instead of juice, pop, and sports drinks.  Added bonus – it’s healthier!
  • Plan your grocery shopping trip beforehand making sure to utilize coupons to their fullest.  You could easily cut out $7 a week using this tip alone!
  • Turn your thermostat down 5 to 10 degrees at night for a comparable savings on your heating bill.  You’re less likely to notice the cooler temperature when you’re sleeping, and it gives you a good reason to snuggle with your significant other!
  • Utilize your local library instead of purchasing books and magazines.  This is an especially great way to provide your kids with a steady variety of new books to keep them interested in learning to read!
  • Replace standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs, and be diligent about turning off unused lights.  Enlist your kids to help and teach them a valuable lesson about saving energy!
  • Learn how to maximize shopping at drugstores and never pay for toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and many other items again.  Check out the links on my Drugstores page to start learning how!

Please join us at The One Dollar Give in our quest to help 31 different charities throughout the month of December.  First on our agenda is Brittany sharing her experiences with Compassion International.  We’re looking forward to your participation!

Filed Under: news and notes Tagged With: frugality, saving money

Previous Post: « Pampers Gifts to Grow: Free Points
Next Post: First of the Month: Have You Printed Your New Coupons? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tammy Uu

    December 3, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    Instead of buying baby food in jars, I been buying fresh fruits and veggie and cutting them up and packaging myself

    Reply
  2. Tammy Uu

    December 3, 2008 at 11:44 am

    Instead of buying baby food in jars, I been buying fresh fruits and veggie and cutting them up and packaging myself

    Reply
  3. Vivian

    December 5, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    I bought a table at a mom to mom sale and sold all my old baby stuff that I knew I wouln’t be using again as well as some maternity clothes. I rented the table for $20 and made over $300! There are usually several of these sales in the spring and in the fall. I’m planning on doing one each season as my kids grow out of their clothes. I was also able to buy the next season of clothes for both kids at the sale for a steal!

    Reply
  4. Vivian

    December 5, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    I bought a table at a mom to mom sale and sold all my old baby stuff that I knew I wouln’t be using again as well as some maternity clothes. I rented the table for $20 and made over $300! There are usually several of these sales in the spring and in the fall. I’m planning on doing one each season as my kids grow out of their clothes. I was also able to buy the next season of clothes for both kids at the sale for a steal!

    Reply
  5. Vivian

    December 5, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    I bought a table at a mom to mom sale and sold all my old baby stuff that I knew I wouln’t be using again as well as some maternity clothes. I rented the table for $20 and made over $300! There are usually several of these sales in the spring and in the fall. I’m planning on doing one each season as my kids grow out of their clothes. I was also able to buy the next season of clothes for both kids at the sale for a steal!

    Reply
  6. Vivian

    December 5, 2008 at 9:59 am

    I bought a table at a mom to mom sale and sold all my old baby stuff that I knew I wouln’t be using again as well as some maternity clothes. I rented the table for $20 and made over $300! There are usually several of these sales in the spring and in the fall. I’m planning on doing one each season as my kids grow out of their clothes. I was also able to buy the next season of clothes for both kids at the sale for a steal!

    Reply
  7. Kimi

    December 6, 2008 at 5:27 am

    One big thing we’ve done is tracking our spending. We are cutting out unnecessary spending like expensive lunches…keeping track of who has “kids eat free” deals and combining them with coupons to the same restaurants. We can still eat out during this tough economic time, but do it for less than it would cost to eat at home!

    Reply
  8. Kimi

    December 6, 2008 at 5:27 am

    One big thing we’ve done is tracking our spending. We are cutting out unnecessary spending like expensive lunches…keeping track of who has “kids eat free” deals and combining them with coupons to the same restaurants. We can still eat out during this tough economic time, but do it for less than it would cost to eat at home!

    Reply
  9. Kimi

    December 6, 2008 at 5:27 am

    One big thing we’ve done is tracking our spending. We are cutting out unnecessary spending like expensive lunches…keeping track of who has “kids eat free” deals and combining them with coupons to the same restaurants. We can still eat out during this tough economic time, but do it for less than it would cost to eat at home!

    Reply
  10. Kimi

    December 6, 2008 at 12:27 am

    One big thing we’ve done is tracking our spending. We are cutting out unnecessary spending like expensive lunches…keeping track of who has “kids eat free” deals and combining them with coupons to the same restaurants. We can still eat out during this tough economic time, but do it for less than it would cost to eat at home!

    Reply
  11. mary

    December 6, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    Try using a powerstrip to turn all those electric items off when not in use. That way one click takes care of several at one time. Don’t leave your phone charger plugged in when you’re not using it. It is still pulling electric.

    Reply
  12. mary

    December 6, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    Try using a powerstrip to turn all those electric items off when not in use. That way one click takes care of several at one time. Don’t leave your phone charger plugged in when you’re not using it. It is still pulling electric.

    Reply
  13. mary

    December 6, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    Try using a powerstrip to turn all those electric items off when not in use. That way one click takes care of several at one time. Don’t leave your phone charger plugged in when you’re not using it. It is still pulling electric.

    Reply
  14. mary

    December 6, 2008 at 10:14 am

    Try using a powerstrip to turn all those electric items off when not in use. That way one click takes care of several at one time. Don’t leave your phone charger plugged in when you’re not using it. It is still pulling electric.

    Reply
  15. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Hi, this is a great blog–Thank-you! I found it through a blog called Living Easy. I am trying for the Wal-Mart gift card. So here is my first tip:

    Buy 2 liters of soda instead of 20 ounce bottle. The 20 ouncers are very convenient–but I’ve started recently buying a 2 liter that I take with me on my shopping trips! I only drink soda when I shop, but it really adds up when I buy the 20 oz bottles!

    And I’m not above chugging right out of a 2 liter if I forget my cup or bottle! ;0

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  16. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Hi, this is a great blog–Thank-you! I found it through a blog called Living Easy. I am trying for the Wal-Mart gift card. So here is my first tip:

    Buy 2 liters of soda instead of 20 ounce bottle. The 20 ouncers are very convenient–but I’ve started recently buying a 2 liter that I take with me on my shopping trips! I only drink soda when I shop, but it really adds up when I buy the 20 oz bottles!

    And I’m not above chugging right out of a 2 liter if I forget my cup or bottle! ;0

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  17. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Hi, this is a great blog–Thank-you! I found it through a blog called Living Easy. I am trying for the Wal-Mart gift card. So here is my first tip:

    Buy 2 liters of soda instead of 20 ounce bottle. The 20 ouncers are very convenient–but I’ve started recently buying a 2 liter that I take with me on my shopping trips! I only drink soda when I shop, but it really adds up when I buy the 20 oz bottles!

    And I’m not above chugging right out of a 2 liter if I forget my cup or bottle! ;0

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  18. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    Hi, this is a great blog–Thank-you! I found it through a blog called Living Easy. I am trying for the Wal-Mart gift card. So here is my first tip:

    Buy 2 liters of soda instead of 20 ounce bottle. The 20 ouncers are very convenient–but I’ve started recently buying a 2 liter that I take with me on my shopping trips! I only drink soda when I shop, but it really adds up when I buy the 20 oz bottles!

    And I’m not above chugging right out of a 2 liter if I forget my cup or bottle! ;0

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  19. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    Hi! Try number 2 for the Wal-Mart gift card. Just a note: I agree with Ruth Ann, it is so hard for many of us to come up with new ideas for saving money when it seems we are doing it all already! But, for me, I know I’m not really doing it all–there is always room for improvement and reading over others tips and ideas sometimes sparks ideas.

    Ok, on to my 2nd tip for the gift card:
    I have to use a dryer–we just don’t have anywhere to hang up clothes (well, nowhere that won’t cause my dh tons of stress :).
    BUT, I don’t use dryer sheets-ever. I haven’t bought these for so long I just can’t ever remember using them-ever.
    And my clothes are not static-y…maybe sometimes when they come out of the dryer they will be stuck together-in the winter-but once they are folded and put away there is no static cling to be found—-so what’s the point of spending money on dryer sheets?

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  20. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    Hi! Try number 2 for the Wal-Mart gift card. Just a note: I agree with Ruth Ann, it is so hard for many of us to come up with new ideas for saving money when it seems we are doing it all already! But, for me, I know I’m not really doing it all–there is always room for improvement and reading over others tips and ideas sometimes sparks ideas.

    Ok, on to my 2nd tip for the gift card:
    I have to use a dryer–we just don’t have anywhere to hang up clothes (well, nowhere that won’t cause my dh tons of stress :).
    BUT, I don’t use dryer sheets-ever. I haven’t bought these for so long I just can’t ever remember using them-ever.
    And my clothes are not static-y…maybe sometimes when they come out of the dryer they will be stuck together-in the winter-but once they are folded and put away there is no static cling to be found—-so what’s the point of spending money on dryer sheets?

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  21. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    Hi! Try number 2 for the Wal-Mart gift card. Just a note: I agree with Ruth Ann, it is so hard for many of us to come up with new ideas for saving money when it seems we are doing it all already! But, for me, I know I’m not really doing it all–there is always room for improvement and reading over others tips and ideas sometimes sparks ideas.

    Ok, on to my 2nd tip for the gift card:
    I have to use a dryer–we just don’t have anywhere to hang up clothes (well, nowhere that won’t cause my dh tons of stress :).
    BUT, I don’t use dryer sheets-ever. I haven’t bought these for so long I just can’t ever remember using them-ever.
    And my clothes are not static-y…maybe sometimes when they come out of the dryer they will be stuck together-in the winter-but once they are folded and put away there is no static cling to be found—-so what’s the point of spending money on dryer sheets?

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  22. Cathy

    December 6, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Hi! Try number 2 for the Wal-Mart gift card. Just a note: I agree with Ruth Ann, it is so hard for many of us to come up with new ideas for saving money when it seems we are doing it all already! But, for me, I know I’m not really doing it all–there is always room for improvement and reading over others tips and ideas sometimes sparks ideas.

    Ok, on to my 2nd tip for the gift card:
    I have to use a dryer–we just don’t have anywhere to hang up clothes (well, nowhere that won’t cause my dh tons of stress :).
    BUT, I don’t use dryer sheets-ever. I haven’t bought these for so long I just can’t ever remember using them-ever.
    And my clothes are not static-y…maybe sometimes when they come out of the dryer they will be stuck together-in the winter-but once they are folded and put away there is no static cling to be found—-so what’s the point of spending money on dryer sheets?

    Cathy´s last blog post..Cranberry-apple crisp Recipe

    Reply
  23. kita

    March 31, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    i have 5 kids and we are buying our first house which turned out to need alot of work so we cut alot of corners moneywise. first tip, when its nice out, dont eat out, instead pack a simple picnic and go to the park, doesnt have to be fancy, the kids will be happy with pb an j an a jug of water.
    second, when your baby starts on babyfood, instead of buying the jars, put whatever your eating into the blender with a small amount of liqued. (i actually had my baby doc recomend that)
    im a country girl in a small town so this one might not sound good to everyone but here goes. when you an your hubby go out you dont have to go see a movie, or play or eat at a fancy restront or ‘go dancing’. we like to run to walmart an pick up some cheap snacks, (cheese an crackers, granola bars, fruit,) go grab a cheap bottle of wine that we havent tried b4 and then find a quite road (or pasture) turn on the car radio(for dancing). i really recomend this, its great!
    also, instead of paying a setter, trade with a freind, you take there kids for a night and vica-versa

    Reply
  24. kita

    March 31, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    i have 5 kids and we are buying our first house which turned out to need alot of work so we cut alot of corners moneywise. first tip, when its nice out, dont eat out, instead pack a simple picnic and go to the park, doesnt have to be fancy, the kids will be happy with pb an j an a jug of water.
    second, when your baby starts on babyfood, instead of buying the jars, put whatever your eating into the blender with a small amount of liqued. (i actually had my baby doc recomend that)
    im a country girl in a small town so this one might not sound good to everyone but here goes. when you an your hubby go out you dont have to go see a movie, or play or eat at a fancy restront or ‘go dancing’. we like to run to walmart an pick up some cheap snacks, (cheese an crackers, granola bars, fruit,) go grab a cheap bottle of wine that we havent tried b4 and then find a quite road (or pasture) turn on the car radio(for dancing). i really recomend this, its great!
    also, instead of paying a setter, trade with a freind, you take there kids for a night and vica-versa

    Reply
  25. kita

    March 31, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    i have 5 kids and we are buying our first house which turned out to need alot of work so we cut alot of corners moneywise. first tip, when its nice out, dont eat out, instead pack a simple picnic and go to the park, doesnt have to be fancy, the kids will be happy with pb an j an a jug of water.
    second, when your baby starts on babyfood, instead of buying the jars, put whatever your eating into the blender with a small amount of liqued. (i actually had my baby doc recomend that)
    im a country girl in a small town so this one might not sound good to everyone but here goes. when you an your hubby go out you dont have to go see a movie, or play or eat at a fancy restront or ‘go dancing’. we like to run to walmart an pick up some cheap snacks, (cheese an crackers, granola bars, fruit,) go grab a cheap bottle of wine that we havent tried b4 and then find a quite road (or pasture) turn on the car radio(for dancing). i really recomend this, its great!
    also, instead of paying a setter, trade with a freind, you take there kids for a night and vica-versa

    Reply
  26. kita

    March 31, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    i have 5 kids and we are buying our first house which turned out to need alot of work so we cut alot of corners moneywise. first tip, when its nice out, dont eat out, instead pack a simple picnic and go to the park, doesnt have to be fancy, the kids will be happy with pb an j an a jug of water.
    second, when your baby starts on babyfood, instead of buying the jars, put whatever your eating into the blender with a small amount of liqued. (i actually had my baby doc recomend that)
    im a country girl in a small town so this one might not sound good to everyone but here goes. when you an your hubby go out you dont have to go see a movie, or play or eat at a fancy restront or ‘go dancing’. we like to run to walmart an pick up some cheap snacks, (cheese an crackers, granola bars, fruit,) go grab a cheap bottle of wine that we havent tried b4 and then find a quite road (or pasture) turn on the car radio(for dancing). i really recomend this, its great!
    also, instead of paying a setter, trade with a freind, you take there kids for a night and vica-versa

    Reply
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Hey there — nice to meet you!

I'm Tara: mom of 5 teens/tweens and one 80-lb. Weimaraner, who fancies herself a lap dog. Born and raised in Ohio (GO BUCKS!!!), my fave things include cooking + baking, my JEEP Rubicon, the 4x4 beaches at OBX, and checking out the local craft beer scene...
 
As you can imagine, all of this puts a good dent in my monthly budget. So I've learned how to save on the things I NEED, so I can spend on the things I WANT.
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