The BIG Money Saving Post

More of a reminder to myself than anything, here are the money saving ideas and tips that I have to offer and remember (more and more will be added as I continue living the married life)...

1. Yankee Candles are wonderful, but oh so expensive. Purchase them at discount stores like T.J. Maxx to save 50%. Not nearly as great of a selection, but you're bound to find one or two scents you like every time you go.

2. Buy the non-perishable items you use ALL the time at Costco or Sam's Club. We've been using the same big bottle of detergent for the past year on our clothes. I finally went out and bought a new bottle at Wal-Mart just because the detergent we purchased has no scent (whoops, accidental) and I enjoy the fresh, laundry scent from time to time. Since we're a small family, we don't go through (most) bulk foods quickly enough so, the rest of the shopping is done at Wal-Mart or one of the other local grocery stores around here.

3. Buy gift giving materials at the Dollar Tree or another dollar store. A pretty card and bag can run as much as $10 at a big retailer, but at the Dollar Tree it's a mere $2. There's not as great of a selection on cards, but the bags and wrapping paper are just as pretty. And the cards are pretty enough. Shop early on holidays (i.e. don't go on Valentine's Day when you're picking out a Valentine's Day card) because selection might be non-existent day of.

4. An even better idea for cards is to buy them in bulk. Pick up a bulk pack of 10, 50 or even 100 in pretty colors (usually blank inside) to save some serious cash. These cards don't work as well for the super special holidays (think Christmas), but for baby showers and acquaintances' weddings' they work just fine. You know the card doesn't stay around too long anyway...

5. We've spent quite a bit on our little dog Jo, since let's face it...she's our current baby and we like to spoil her, but we're trying to spend less. Really, although fun, it's not necessary to spend a bundle on toys. She LOVES, LOVES a few old (but clean) socks bundled into one and then knotted at the top. She loves laying on an ordinary old pillow. Just stash this stuff in a closet before company comes over because it doesn't look as cute sitting out as the traditional stuff.

6. I buy high quality shampoo and conditioner (think $10-$15 per bottle), but only wash my hair one or two times a week. This not only saves time on styling, but it also saves money on shampoo and conditioner and it's better for your hair. Celebrities go days without washing because they (and their stylists) know hair quality is best when you don't wash as often. If you use a lot of hair product this might not be an option for you, but if you blow dry/curl like I do, your hair will stay pretty nice throughout the week (touch up sparingly and as needed).

7. Meal planning will help you save $ on groceries. Make a simple list of all your available options (i.e. 14 dinners for the week). Shop for those groceries that you need. Cross off meals off the list as you go. This will help you remember those great things you bought for meals a few weeks before and thus reduce spoilage.