Every now and then I wonder if I’m too much of a tightwad. I’ll confess that there are a few things I do to try to keep our costs down. In no particular order:
- Religiously turn off the lights (and usually turn on the CFL bulbs instead of regular light bulbs (We have some of each in the house due to preferences)
- Try to go to Blockbuster on Friday and Saturday nights (not all the time, just when we want a movie) and walk the perimeter to see if they are completely out of any movies that are “guaranteed in stock”. At least half the movies we watch are free which brings the average cost of movie rentals down to $2.00
- Normally buy only items in the grocery store that are on sale and stock up when they are on sale.
- I’m a gas slut. I always buy the cheapest gas. (Repair shops will tell you to buy the expensive gas so that you don’t clog up your fuel injectors. Haven’t had that problem yet and I’ve bought a LOT of cheap gas)
- Never pay regular price on any electronics or other “one time” purchases
- Love getting businesses to price match
- Research all major purchases online first and check all the store’s ads
- Love to call service companies (cable, phone etc) and ask them to lower my price. I’ve saved hundreds just making the call
- Strike up conversations around things we will be needing (like a kid’s bed, bbq, lawnmower etc). I’m amazed at how many things I’ve gotten from others either for free, or very cheap. (Neighbors, friends etc)
I do these things because I enjoy it. Lots of people would find this to be a hassle, but I find it to be a bit of a game. If I can buy something cheaper than everyone else, I’m happy to do it. It makes me feel better about the purchase and gives me the sense that I received a solid value. Certainly there are many things that I won’t sacrifice on, but if I can buy a good quality item at a good price, you can bet I will.