Saving $$$$$

[K9 Unit 1]

ok thats a different kind of addiction, maybe drugs would be healthier ^.- ...i barely drink coke since it can clean toilets, rust and well other stuff but i'll NEVER touch diet stuff, just dunno what the crap they put in there to substitute

[Jarick 5]

Any experience with Stevia?

[K9 Unit 1]

say what?

[Darkbyte 0]

^ It is another form of naturally occuring sweetener. i.e. its a sweet tasting herb.

Any experience with Stevia?

Not the easiest of herbs to grow. From what I remember it has a pleasant taste. Never got a chance to cook with it as the plant never grew big enough to do much with before it died.

The powder should be availiable in healthfood shops. I have never used it, and to be honest I dont mind sugar in my foods, for example, replacing sugar with a low cal alternative in a cookie seems pointless because there is still a lot of fat in it. For diabetics, however, its may have some interesting applications.

Wikki has an interesting article if you want to learn more about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevia

Like everything there are potential health risks, even eating too much parsley isnt good for you http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley#Health_risks

[lampliter87 8]

I would much rather have something sweetened with pure cane sugar than high fructose corn syrup.

I think the bottom line is everything in moderation, but when you are making budget cuts, get rid of the junk first.

[K9 Unit 1]

^ It is another form of naturally occuring sweetener. i.e. its a sweet tasting herb.

thanks and well obviously no experience with it xP

[dumbpolak9 1]

i just did this one. reserving games. buy used instead. lol i just had to reserve nhl10

[Eddie20 0]

Little things add up.

Don't use the stove if you don't have to during the summer. It heats up the house, which you in turn need to cool. Instead consider grilling out more frequently, or use a slow cooker.

Close the doors to things like closets. The less warm/cool air you are blowing into them, the more that will remain in your living area.

Comparison shop. If your local grocers send out weekly ads, compare who has what the cheapest. Most will price match their competitors, so take advantage. Stock up when deals are great. Meat, breads, and some fruits freeze well, so stock up.

Get a chest freezer, and purchase meat in bulk, from a locker/farmer. We pay around $1.40/pound for beef and pork from the locker plant, including things like steak, ribs, bacon, roasts...not just ground. That includes processing. But to get those prices we have to buy 1/4 or 1/2 animal bundles. So they go in the freezer. Freezer is a bit of an investment, but we've saved many times what we've paid, just on meat alone.

Learn to can. Canning vegetables, fruits, and meats can be a way to preserve foods and save money over a period of time. Seasonal fruits and veggies can be had for cheap, canned, and used off season for savings.

Don't buy pre-prepared produce. Fruit trays, bag salad, etc. are far more expensive pound per pound than purchasing the whole fruit/veg and doing your own prep work.

Do your own oil changes. An oil change can be done for under $20 on your own in most cases, including oil, filter, and disposal. Oil changes at the shop tend to start at $30. Its a simple 20 minute job that most anyone can do.

Drop cable. If you aren't a big tv watcher and can get by on network tv, and you live near a major city, chances are you can get FREE local networks using a simple antenna. Better yet, many of these stations have HD signals available for those out there with HDTV. Dropping cable/sat could be a considerable savings if most of your tv watching is local network tv.

Consider dropping the landline phone if you already have a cellphone. Its getting more and more common not to have a landline. If you have a cellphone, and you get good reception at home, you might not need your landline. Look at getting rid of it if you have the minutes/plan on your cell to support it.

Check the air in your tires. Properly inflated tires can improve gas milage (up to 3% I've heard).

Conserve water by taking navy showers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_shower Dual benefit, this also saves on hot water heater costs.

In colder weather climates, seal any drafty windows with that clear window film. It really can make a difference. Save more by stocking up next year's supply when they go on sale in the springtime.

Get a rewards based credit card. Amazon's rewards card pays 1% back in amazon gift cards on all purchases (3% on amazon purchases). So for every $2500 you spend, you get back $25 to spend at amazon.com It isn't much, but if you only use it for things you'd pay for with a credit card anyhow, you make a little something back (think electric/water bill, cell phone, internet/cable...) Other cards are available with other incentives, just going from personal experience here. Be sure to pay off the balance each month, otherwise you've negated your benefit.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Conserve water by taking navy showers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_shower Dual benefit, this also saves on hot water heater costs.

I had to do this for about 2 weeks while the hot water heater was being fixed by my landlord/future father-in-law....the water bill was cut pretty short . Which leads to another tip- proper hot water heater maintenance. The lack of maintenance on it resulted in having to run the shower/bath for an extra 10 minutes to get luke warm water....

I actually suspended my gym membership for the summer to save a little scratch. Went from $25/mo. each (the wife and I) to $5/mo. each while suspended. Since it's spring/summer months we try and workout in the nice weather.

And to go along with dumbpolak's post.... have you considered GameFly? I've been thinking of it. Instead of treating myself to a $60 XBox 360 game a month, I could pay $9.99 for 1 game by mail, play it for a few weeks and mail it back. I could be saving myself about $40...

[sitzlejd 0]

I find that especially prudent for games that you beat (aka non-sports, online shooting games). Those games rarely get replayed and aren't worth d*ck at trade-in time.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

I find that especially prudent for games that you beat (aka non-sports, online shooting games). Those games rarely get replayed and aren't worth d*ck at trade-in time.

I can think of at least 7 games in my "collection" (ie: collecting dust b/c the trade-in value moans) that I ran through, played multiplayer once or twice and then shelved..... Army Of Two, Stranglehold, etc, etc. Those 2 games could have translated to $100 in my pocket.

[TBLfan 25]

If you have vices, make attempts to get rid of them. A can of Copenhagen is $6 here in FL.

You think you got it bad? Your tins are twice the size pretty near and half the price, youd be lucky to find a decent tin of skoal straight for under $13 here at a convenience store. Heard your stuff was better down there too. Next time im in florida im gonna pack so many bombs my lips gonna rot off.

Is it possible to miss the point any more than that?

I wasnt trying to hit the point, at all. I just made a sidenote that i was slightly jealous of how easy Americans have it in some ways (pricing).

Good thing Canadians have FREE healthcare. LOL.

Best money saving tip, don't get a girlfriend/wife unless she's rich and willing to buy you things... soo, unless you're a backup dancer for Britney Spears avoid anything more than the shortest of relationships.

Otherwise the biggest thing most Americans can do to save money is to cut food costs. If you eat out, you're spending at least $4 a shot and likely it's not going to be a decent amount of food. Ramen noodles or rice with some spices/sauces and some form of dead animal is cheap, easy and actually pretty good. Ok Ramen sucks by itself... but if you add in the right ingredients its not a bad base to a meal. I often make myself chicken teriyaki on white rice, it takes about 4 minutes to make and is about a quarter more than the cost of a chicken breast a serving and it's rather good.

[Ahriman 1]

Otherwise the biggest thing most Americans can do to save money is to cut food costs. If you eat out, you're spending at least $4 a shot and likely it's not going to be a decent amount of food. Ramen noodles or rice with some spices/sauces and some form of dead animal is cheap, easy and actually pretty good. Ok Ramen sucks by itself... but if you add in the right ingredients its not a bad base to a meal. I often make myself chicken teriyaki on white rice, it takes about 4 minutes to make and is about a quarter more than the cost of a chicken breast a serving and it's rather good.

I would love to know exactly where you're getting a $4 meal that fills you up.

[LkptTiger 1]

If you eat out, you're spending at least $4 a shot and likely it's not going to be a decent amount of food.

[TBLfan 25]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

[Chadd 916]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

[Darshu 0]

You can also save money using Amazon's "Buy it used" button...

http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009-07-24/trea...e-used-condoms/

[Ahriman 1]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

True, if you wanted to develop a heart condition from sodium intake, that would be 192% of your salt intake for the day, in one of three daily meals.

[Chadd 916]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

True, if you wanted to develop a heart condition from sodium intake, that would be 192% of your salt intake for the day, in one of three daily meals.

You're going to die anyway. Living is hazardous to your health.

[TBLfan 25]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

True, if you wanted to develop a heart condition from sodium intake, that would be 192% of your salt intake for the day, in one of three daily meals.

We weren't talking about health. I wouldn't eat that much crap, I eat at McDs but not often and I can't eat that much anyway... but the point is, you CAN.

Also, if you die sooner you will have less time to spend money. Another great tip brought to you by TBLfan.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

...very true, can't take the cash with you.

[Ahriman 1]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

True, if you wanted to develop a heart condition from sodium intake, that would be 192% of your salt intake for the day, in one of three daily meals.

You're going to die anyway. Living is hazardous to your health.

So might as well find all the hookers and blow you can eh? No sense living a healthy life if you're just gonna die...

If you really want to save money, sell your house, live in a cardboard box. Some measures just don't measure up versus the consequences.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Even then four burgers at McDonalds is more than enough food for a meal. The only reason I gave such a low "at least" value is because I remember what we'd order back in high-school when money was tight. Under $4 at McD's and you'd get four cheeseburgers and a water.

The 99 cent doubles would let you buy a coke too.

True, if you wanted to develop a heart condition from sodium intake, that would be 192% of your salt intake for the day, in one of three daily meals.

You're going to die anyway. Living is hazardous to your health.

So might as well find all the hookers and blow you can eh? No sense living a healthy life if you're just gonna die...

If you really want to save money, sell your house, live in a cardboard box. Some measures just don't measure up versus the consequences.

Simmer down...Chadd's been known to be a little sarcastic. Take it with a grain of salt, eh? (pun intended)

[TBLfan 25]

...very true, can't take the cash with you.

I try my best to give valuable money saving tips. Die early, steal a LOT and borrow money whenever you can and never pay it back. That's what Jesus would do.

[Giroux28 0]

...very true, can't take the cash with you.

I try my best to give valuable money saving tips. Die early, steal a LOT and borrow money whenever you can and never pay it back. That's what Jesus would do.

totally agree 100% with you on that one