Making lunch- Sam likes his Bagel Bin in Huntersville every now and then as a treat, but I usually have a lunch made for him to cut back on lunch expenses. Obviously, as a teacher, I make my lunch in my black and pink polka dot lunch box every day! & it's a healthier choice!
Coupons!- Thanks to my resourceful Mom, she got me into coupon clipping. We get the Fri, Sat, Sun paper (the only option for the Charlotte Observer) just for the coupons! It's $10 a month and we get it back in savings! I love Harris Teeter, especially the BOGO specials. & they always double coupons under $1.00. I love triple coupon day, (waiting for one any day now!) My general rule is if I don't have a coupon or if it's not on special, I won't buy it. Of course, there are exceptions, but it's good to keep in mind. I've been saving $20-40 each trip!! Wow!
Farmer's Market- I love the Hillbilly Produce Market off Independence. It's literally a mile from our house and I can't get enough of it! We get whatever fruit/ veggies are in season from the market. It's cheaper, locally grown, and better for you! Why not? I usually get a week's worth of produce for $20. Easy.
Closet shopping- This is a new strategy I'm trying for my shopoholic tendencies! I've realized I have a lot of respect for some of my friends who can use what they have and make it cute! I realized I have years of clothes already in my closet that I can layer, mix up in a different way and it's like you have new clothes all over again! My goal is get a few wardrobe essentials for the season and then use what I have to combine with it. It forces me to use what I have instead of wanting more!
Cash!- We take out an alloted amount of cash each for spending money 2 times a month. I've found that I am more conservative with cash than with my debit card. I want to save that cash. It is a visual reminder of how much spending money I have. It works, try it!