I am a 47 years old, and now on Long Term Disability for the first time in my life.
Things are very difficult when it comes to paying my bills.
My first tip for saving money would be to watch every penny. I go to the library for books. When I find an advertisement for a new book that just came out on the market that I want to read, I order it from my library. In fact, I can get online to my local library and order it from the internet. No gas needed. Instead of buying magazines, you can check out up-to-date magazines at the library also.
I pay my bills on the internet, no gas or stamps needed. I clip coupons only on items that I normally use, not just because I have a coupon. You need to be wise when using the coupons. I set a firm budget for myself every month and stick to it. When I need to go out, I make sure that all the things I need to get done using my car get done in one trip. It saves a lot of gas. As far as my grocery shopping goes, I make my meals for the week by what is on sale at the store.
I take what money I save for the month, whether it's a big or small amount, and put it toward my credit card bills hoping I can pay them off early. I don't go to movies I wait until they come on TV or maybe once in a while rent a DVD. Since I pay for the internet, I use it a lot for information on everything and also just for entertainment. While I do this, my TV is off.
By Linda from Muskegon, MI
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Our local libraries also have DVDs for rent which saves us a lot as we love movies. Hugs.
You could cut out the extra coupons and ask permission at the library to put a box in there with the extra coupons for others to use. And yes the library is a great place to get DVD's. They may be a little older,but hey they're free.
Look at www.freestufftimes.com regularly & you can get lots of free magazines (& then donate them back to the library or elsewhere). There are also lots of other samples, especially for deodorant, shampoo, skin care, even some food, which should be fun to receive in the mail & will help your "bottom line." Go & enjoy!
Most of the major magazines have online versions, and I read a great deal of them....Here are my favorites:
Parents Magazine
www.parents.com/
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Robyn
I am also disabled and do almost everything you do except my one splurge is leaving my one little 12 inch color TV (my one and only TV) on 24/7 as company and to mute outside apartment noises from bothering Rachel the Cat and I. I don't feel guilty about that one splurge for that tiny TV at all and am Blessed because my electric company gives me a 30% discount from a disability or retired program they have. (All you need to do is ask them for an application and give them proof of disability or retirement age)
I love Walgreen's weekly coupons and am able to save 50% to 75% on anything from TP, vitamins, dish soap, laundry soap, stationary items and even olives that I normally use! The best deal for me for an occasional DVD rental splurge for the latest releases is Red Box where you can rent for just $1.15. My nearest Red Box is one block away. I also check Wal-Mart free samples online once a week and have saved oodles of money on dozens of items I use regularly.
Good for you for your frugality and thanks so much for sharing. :-)
I have another tip on watching movies - get them from your library. You have your library card & can get movies, books on tape, etc. And credit cards, we carry just one credit card, although I do have a department store credit card too but we always pay them off every month.
I also am on disability; have cable basic TV only with internet for $37 a month; read a lot from library as well!
Love to garden; buy spices a teaspoon or so at a time from bulk; make your own cleaners in house; use Biokleen laundry soap; no fillers; will last you a year!
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