I used to order from Melaleuca every month. I was a member and I love their products! But it cost us $60-80 a month ordering from them. I bought all our cleaners, soaps, shampoos, candles, etc. I earned free things all the time too. I still miss it, but I know its for the best of our budget. ;o( I also stopped going to Target, Walmart, etc. looking for their clearances. I buy way more than what I need and end up cluttering my house too! So I just go when I need something specific, nothing more. Our biggest one is what my dh just did. He searched through insurance companies to find a better deal and found one. We have daycare insurance, rental insurance for our duplex, and our house insurance, etc. With the new company taking it all on together, we are saving hundreds or maybe a thousand a year alone by switching companies! Boy did that help us out!

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Daycare mom

Hi! I'm new to this board and this is my first post. So far, I really love the topics discussed here.

I have started making some small changes that are adding up nicely. Just this past week, my insurance company lowered my six month premium $140! That was a wonderful surprise! I also have began shopping with a list and sticking to it, rather than buying unnecessary items that we just don't need. I have been buying the generic version of anything that will be used and thrown away (toilet paper, paper towels, tampons, napkins, etc.) I have cut down on using paper plates and we are eating at home more often rather than going out. I color my hair at home now (much cheaper than the $100+ I was spending every six to eight weeks). To top it off, I called my credit card company last month and talked them into lowering my APR from 11% to 4.5%. Awesome!

Well, I guess maybe I'm a little selfish in some aspects. I have acrylic nails and get a fill and pedicure every two weeks. I'm a complete makeup junkie so I also buy certain kinds of pricey makeup (MAC, Too Faced, etc.) because I have noticed that higher end makeup is more pigmented and lasts me longer than the drugstore variety (this is only when it comes to eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick...for everything else- eyeliner, mascara, etc. I still buy from the drugstore). This probably seems unnecessary to most...but I work hard and don't feel bad about treating myself to these luxuries. I say that I will only live once so might as well do what makes me happy. That being said, I put money in savings monthly, I drive a used car that I got a great deal on, and I have paid off all but one credit card, in which I am hoping to pay off by next year. (Boy did I learn my lessons with credit cards!) I am also a magazine junkie but I find that I spend way less by buying a subscription than buying them weekly or monthly at the checkout. ($10 per year versus $40 or more per year for each magazine).

Sorry my post was so long. You've all inspired me to find new ways to save!

Kandice

Professional haircut and coloring. Well I still have a liscensed stylist do it for me but she's a friend and comes to the house and doesnt charge me an arm and a leg. Even with that though, I do my own coloring most of the time.

I had just discovered how great it was to get pedicures. Then my life changed and I had to give those up. Now I do my nails myself. They don't look too bad either. But I do miss the pampering of a spa pedi.

Buying books and dvds when they first come out. Now I request them from the library.

Just going to the mall because there isnt anything better to do. I avoid the mall if I can.

I know there is more but I can't think of any right now.

Starbucks is 3/4 a mlie from my house, walking distance!!! I LOVE their coffe. I have limited myself to only buying a venti iced tea twice a month. I have found that if you wait until the end of fall Starbucks puts the Iced tea on clearance. I bought 10 boxes last winter for 2.50 a box. Each box has 6 tea bags that make 2 quarts of tea each. I still have 1.5 boxes left! I make my own and it tastes EXACTLY the same!

I gave up coloring my hair, manis/pedis (I do have a gc for a pedi though that i need to use), name brand labels (clothes or food) if at all possible, scrapbooking kit clubs and more.

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~ Heather
Mommy to 4 Angels and 1 Earth Angel