My Story - Maybe Some Of You Can Relate...

Hello Jennifer

The trick to saving is not to trick yourself! get it? well you have to be realistic and face the truth, write down your payments, debts, bills etc. then you'll realize how much you have left to treat yourself with something you want. Did you get in debt to help your father? or to buy yourself unnessary stuff? Don't answer to me, answer to yourself and then you'll realize what you have to change in your thinking. There are many people that get into debt because of illness, afford bills, they lost jobs, over spending at the mall, etc. we're not here to judge anyone so you don't have to explain yourself, think foward and positive, what have you been doing that got you into over spending and living beyond your means? In my case, I was ignoring the facts and what I could really afford in my life, once I did that, I cut off one cell phone, gym, cable, car wash memership, all those things that made my life unrealistic and I realized that once I got off those bills, I was still satisfied and happy with my boy and husband! whatever you do, don't get into more debt, rememeber how you felt when you were younger and saved. you can still treat yourself but not overtreat yourself sacrifying bills and savings. I wish you the best and keep us posted!

I am hoping that I don't have to cut too many corners. We have two cell phones in this house. Our bill is $145.00/month. From what I can understand, that's a bit high. Of course, we have our "contract committment" with Verizon, so I don't want to break that, or more fees will incur. We have the "package deal" for cable, internet and landline. I have questioned whether we REALLY need a landline or not. My husband, being the chief of police in our little town, says we do. We live check to check. I am really tired of that, Paulie. I currently have $140 in our checkbook, and THAT'S IT. I am really sick of not knowing how we'll "get through". Our taxes (village?) came last month to the tune of $1500. We haven't paid those yet, so they'll get relevied when the county taxes come in January if we don't pay them now. SO FRUSTRATING.

Between the payday loans, personal loans, this, that, bills, bills, bills....I feel like pulling a Britney Spears and shaving my dang head!

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oh also, start writing down your debts in a paper, from top priority to least, I would say the taxes are the top priority, then you'll know what to start knocking down as you go by. If the payday loans are already taking your check, then I would start with those since you need your money in order to pay other stuff. If you need help with them, then start listing the companies, state, online or storefront, amount you owe, interest, how much have you given and start a new thread so that the experts can see it and help you faster! Good luck!

Coupons, coupons and more coupons. If I am going shopping I always google for stuff on my grocery list and for any other shop I might be heading too. Old Navy, JCP, Bed Bath and Beyond, Michaels and Joannes. I use The Coupon Clippers to get the coupons i need multiples off (dog food) and The Coupon Diva for other hints and links to maximize savings. Last week I got socks at michaels for 20 cents a pair...red white and blue. Got a ton after christmas at 10 cents a pair.

Clothing...thrift stores. Other than undergarments and bathing suits, all clothing comes from a thrift store/consignment store/goodwill. I could not afford the clothing I am getting there. Books second hand...tons of other stuff too.

yeah she's right! there's many little changes you can do everyday and it'll add up, then you'll see the difference! I've found new clothes with Tag on at thrift stores!

I stay out of stores unless absolutely necessary. If I don't go into the stores, I won't spend money. I buy what is absolutely necessary (what I need, not want). I use a tracfone and pay only $19.99 a month. I use it for keeping in touch with family while I'm at work/on the road. I use my landline for long conversations with friends. We need a landline because we live in semp-rural area (for emergency use).

I bought some christmas gifts on E-bay last year. and since I work at Kohls I get gifts, clothes for my grandsons on clearance and with my discount. I pay cash for everything. Rarely eat out; borrow books/movies from the library. We've kept the cable because my husband's disabled and he watches a lot of stuff on it.

One good way to see where you money goes is to keep receipts for everything you buy; groceries, gas, coffee, snacks, lunches, etc. You'll be surprised how that adds up.

yeah! I noticed when I started keeping receipts I would see where my money was going I also avoid stores and malls, there are other great places to go as family and have a good weekend! I also packed snacks and water for us to drink and not having to buy at the mall for unhealthy snacks, we ate before we left and we rarely eat out too! hey Aubrey what is that tracphone you mentioned? I'm looking for a cheap phones with cheap service, I just want to use just in case for emergency on the road or something, I used to have cricket and payed only $30 month but not good signal!!thanks! this info can also help Jennifer :)

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that's what i was looking for cus I never talk on the phone nor text nor be online, so I was just looking for one just in case for emergency. Thank alot!

We use straight talk from walmart for $30 per month and you get 1000 minutes 1000 texts and internet. phones are also cheap and no contract or credit check. it is on verizon network and works well.