Bare Bones Budget

Home Money Budgets & Budgeting Limited Income Bare Bones Budget

Help, Please

My life has recently changed and I am now on my own. I would like to ask your readers what "bare bones" frugality tips would they have? I am now living on a very limited income and most of my money goes to rent and private health insurance unfortunately. I have a used car that is paid for, and the only luxuries I keep are cable (no reception otherwise) and internet service. I would love to hear how others are making it on very little income.
LG

Eating At Home Helps Your Budget

Absolutely the best way to save money is to do as much eating at home as possible, avoiding restaurants, diners, and even fast-food places. Even though you may only spend $5 at McDonalds, you could reproduce the same meal at home for $1.50. Those dollars add up quickly.

With practice you can eat a nourishing, quick breakfast at home, have a lunch packed for work, and easily prepare a hearty supper in 20 minutes to half-hour. I'll say it again: Eat at Home!
Melinda

Money Saving Ideas

Money savers:

• Use the library a lot (free use of Internet, magazines, books, and newspapers)
  
  
• At the end of each grocery trip, take one item out of the shopping cart before going to the cash register (there's usually one impulse unnecessary item)
  
  
• Consider ushering at your local theatre (free admission to plays this way)
  
  
• Sign up for a free Internet service. I found one by checking the nzlist.org web site.
  
  
• Swap magazines or share magazine/newspaper subscriptions with friends.

Wants or Needs

First of all, sign up for a free Internet service such as Juno, Net Zero, and many others. The only "catch" is that you have to look at advertising while on-line or accessing your e-mail.

Next, I would advise you to take a very close look at all of your expenses and designate them as "needs" or "wants". If you're having a hard time discerning between the two, just remember, a "need" is something that absolutely cannot be eliminated. For instance, your cable expense would be a "want".

Once you've made your list, look at your "wants" and either eliminate them, settle for less, or find a way to get them for free or at a reduced rate. I, personally, do not like settling for less so when it comes to a "want", I'll find a way!

Once you've done that, take a look at your "needs" list and do the same thing. For instance, groceries would be a "needs". Is there a way to cut that expense? Do you buy only certain brands? Do you shop with coupons or look for items on sale? Are you opposed to shopping at the "Scratch and Dent" store or the Bread Outlet? Is there a "Share" program in your area?

I've found that you really can save money on almost everything you spend it on, it just takes time and a lot of willpower. The name of the game is getting what you want and need for less...and it really can be a game. The question is, are you up to the challenge?
Patti

More Money with Frugal Tips

Frugal tips:

Since the lady has the Internet, she can probably read her local newspaper on line instead of subscribing to it--she just needs to find out the newspaper's web address.

Same for magazines--she can see which ones she likes online and go to the library to read them (those over a month old can be checked out). Check out www.ipl.org (the Internet Public Library) for vast amounts of reading material.

I have made very inexpensive pasta with flavored canned chopped tomatoes, pasta on sale, and one hamburger broken into small pieces. That makes at least 2 meals and doesn't skimp on protein, since the hamburger and pasta both contain protein.

Buy fruits and vegetables in season. Or if you can shop more often, check out the "clearance" display of produce. Often looks less than desirable but is still nutritious and flavorful. The store just wants to get it off their main display because of looks.

Remember to add small amounts of chopped celery, carrots, onions, frozen and bits of leftover meat and scrambled egg to cooked rice. Makes a nice flavorful meal. While we're on the subject, buy frozen vegetables in the bag and use just the small amount you need instead of buying canned or boxed frozen vegetables.

Wash clothing with cold water. Whenever possible, dry clothing until just damp then hang items on hangers to finish drying.

Purchase toiletry items in the "Dollar Store" or whatever store with a similar name is in your neighborhood. Also, electric bulbs, twine, etc. Check that store before looking in other discount stores, and buy items for just $1 each!

Remember that one person's trash is another person's treasure. Diligently and carefully shop at your local thrift store and yard sales, only buying items that you truly need.
Phylis

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