| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 09:04:28 AM
One of my MAJOR goals of 2009 is to drastically reduce our budget. I think I have found some little ways to make big impacts.
1. No poo- this is a huge savings for me. I spend an average of $5 per bottle of shampoo and conditioner, probably every 5 weeks. So estimate about $100 a year just to clean and condition. Throw in a dentagler, some sort of product- you are looking at an additional $8 every month ($96 for the year). Add in haircolor at $6 every 4 weeks-
$72.
Baking soda and vinegar- large sizes last me about 2 months and costs less than $5 for both. I am experimenting with a henna bar $5, and coconut oil to condition when needed- $4 for a little bottle but a little goes far. So you can see the extra $$$ add up.
2. Skincare- I now only use Dr. Bronners lavendar in the shower for my face and body ( I just took an old body wash bottle, clean it out and added the Dr. and some water and shake)$7 a bottle and last FOREVER and my indulgences are The Body Shops Coconut Body Scrub and a Body Butter. But again, the do such a good job and go along way, well worth it to me. I use the body butter just on the needed areas of my face, thus eliminating the need for a seperate lotion- usually runs me like $6 every 5 weeks. Add in a razor and that is all I use.
Makeup- I use mascara, a cover up/hi light pencil, some pressed powder when needed and a lip gloss. I do add an eyeliner for night and special occasions. $45-$50 a year. This is WAY down from where I used to be.
Nailpolish- ok---I admit I can't live without painte toes- either red or pink- nothing funky for me. I like classic. Still using up my Cherries in the Snow. I probably go through a bottle and half a year, so around $7 total.
3. Household- been only cleaning with vinegar and water- Best savings ever- and am going to attempt my own laundry detergent once college is over.
I am on the use it up binge right now and want to start the year off fresh and clean and healthy.
4. Clothing- really stuck to wearing out my summer clothes, adding a fleece or boots when it gets cold here. We can do that in Texas!!! 
Uniform is nice fitting jeans, t-shirt, flip flops or boots and fleece when necessary. I am building my work wardrobe using coupons from Kohls and sticking with black, grey, white, pink and some turquoise jewelry. It is keeping my budget low and I look more pulled together. Need to invest in some good, dressy work shoes ( I really like the SOFTT brand).
5. Food- this is actually part of the budget I am INCREASING- trying to eat more fruits and vegetables while eliminating boxed food. Again, in the use it up mode right now and will refresh the frig and pantry in the new year. Right now, I spend about $75 every 8-9 days, but it has to be adjusted for the addition of some new things and the deletion of others. Still working this one.
I will post more as I crunch more numbers.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| simplyflowers |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 04:46:52 AM
This is good Heather! Makes me think of the money I'm spending/wasting on things. Glad you posted this, I'm getting out the pen and paper now to do a little crunching of my own.
GOOD MORNING!!!!
Jamie
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
Check out my blog!! http://bestcoupleintown.blogspot.com/ |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 8:37:59 PM
I like your "use-it-up" plan Heather. I did some of that last month. Got some nice sized old pump bottles washed them out and started consolidating. When I finished I had a full bottle of lotion, shampoo, 3/4 conditioner, body wash and liquid soap. It's amazing how those little bits laying around add up. Once that is gone I will stock up again.
I like the pump bottles 'cause DD tends to use less from a pump bottle than the pour type - especially shampoo and conditioner.
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| Alee |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 10:40:09 AM
The biggest thing for us is now we are cashing our checks and paying bills together. This is going to keep us on the same page and by not having over draft fees we will be able to pay off a lot of debt this coming year. We are really excited about that!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 09:30:22 AM
hmmmmmmmmm guess I should calculate... good project to do while I am snowed in.. When that happens...
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
Enjoy the little things in life....someday you'll look back and realize they were the big things. |
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