Saving money - sound off

What are you doing to save money right now?

Use comments below to post your responses.

Comments

[Rich Rodriguez]

I'm eating out less, bringing lunch AND dinner to work... I have to eat every five hours to keep my blood sugar from dropping (I'm diabetic). Months ago, I switched my grocery shopping to the 99 Cents Only Stores and Fresh & Easy, two regional discount stores out here in the southwest. I followed the advice given on the show recently and started buying food two weeks at a time and planning ahead what to buy. I buy a lot of fresh produce, chicken and sugar-free drinks.

For years I have been buying my clothes and furniture from thrift shops (Goodwill, Salvation Army).

Virtually all of the new software on my computer, which was given to me by my youngest brother last year, have been freeware or open-source downloads: OpenOffice.org, Inkscape, GIMPshop, iTunes and Audacity. As a webmaster and graphic artist, I found these otherwise little-known alternatives as good as or even better than traditional programs like Microsoft Office or Photoshop. They're free, legal, easy to use, and FREE!!!

Finally, I use a monthly bus pass to get around town. I've been without a car for two years and I'm in no hurry to get another one.

[Kevin Priger]

My family chose to cancel cable service and instead utilize Netflix (less than $10/mo) and movies from the library. With a 16 year-old and 10 year-old, we thought it might be a problem. However, involving our girls in the decision made it their decision. And we're loving it! (maybe miss the weather news when we want to prepare for possible storms, but that's about it)
Savings: $50 to $60 per month
Priceless: More time together to talk, play games. We read a lot and we watch only the movies we want to see rather than flicking through channels.

[Suzi Gravenstuk]

Dramatic, yet satisfying switch to generic store brands.