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Author Topic: Do you live well while saving money?  (Read 4722 times)
Sister
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« on: August 28, 2006, 06:35:12 PM »
We are constantly cutting corners and trying to save money, but we still have fun! We are always looking for coupons or special discounts to local attractions and whatnot. My husband took two of our kids to a local water park for a grand total of $14 when it normally would have cost $40!
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TinyStar
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« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2006, 06:46:58 PM »
Living well while saving is all about learning to comprimise and find enjoyement in other ways, if you ask me.  My fiance and I have the advantage of living with my parents for the time being but we also know that at some point, we'll have to drastically tighten our belts when it comes to some of the things we love doing (eating out, for one).
But you have to learn to find happiness in other things.  Maybe instead of eating out, he and I could learn to pack lunches and have them in a nice spot outside.  Or stay home and watch a movie rather than hit the theaters.
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kelkat
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« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2006, 06:06:31 AM »
Keep your heads up for local festivals and events - many of which are free.  We go to a renaissance festival, and several pow wows and are only out gas money.  We pack a picnic and plan to spend the day.   It's always a blast.

We also volunteer to do "errands".  Our local christian radio station needed a part taken to the manufacturer for repairs.  They paid our gas, food, and hotel.  We used some of the money we saved to go to local tourist attractions (like the home of Tom Sawyer).

Also, instead of ordering out for pizza, we make mini pizzas in our home and watch a family friendly show or have game night. 
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Melos
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« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2006, 08:00:18 AM »
Wow!  Free Ren Faires?  I would be in heaven.  That is one event I will splurge for Smiley

You can find a discount for almost anything though.  I personally think my family is living much better not being bogged down the comercialism and stuff we really don't need.
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kelkat
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« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2006, 12:12:42 PM »
I think we do more stuff together as well.  The theme parks might be great, but how much time do you really spend together.  On a picnic or a hike or a canoe trip, you either talk or listen to the crickets!
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« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2006, 04:59:44 PM »
Quote from: kelkat on August 30, 2006, 12:12:42 PM
I think we do more stuff together as well.  The theme parks might be great, but how much time do you really spend together.  On a picnic or a hike or a canoe trip, you either talk or listen to the crickets!

I hear you there! We do tons of stuff as a family like that. Another big thing we do is when we go on "vacation" we go visit relatives, rather than taking an expensive trip somewhere.
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Melos
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« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2006, 12:57:03 PM »
That is true kelkat.
I think living frugally IMPROVES your way of life.  Comercialism gets in the way of family bonding and just enjoying eachother.  My kids would rather play a board game from the thrift store than a brand new video game. 
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kelkat
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« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2006, 05:01:12 PM »
Video game - what's that Wink.  We play board games, card games, chess ( I guess that's a board game) and do crafts.  The day is always better if we turn on radio and just hang out.  We also go to the library and rent movies together for movie night.
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Melos
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« Reply #8 on: September 01, 2006, 06:32:16 AM »
I agree - my kids don't really know what a video game is either - although they both love computer games.  You can borrow those from the library as well Smiley
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kelkat
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« Reply #9 on: September 01, 2006, 06:15:13 PM »
The library can be a great place to save.  Why spend $5 to rent a movie you can get for free. 

If you do want to go to the movies, keep an ear to the ground for discounted or free days.  During the summer, our Nova cinemas run free movies during the morning hours.  They aren't new release, but it's still fun for the whole family.  We saw Nanny McFee, Ice Age 2, Doogle, and several others.  We splurged on kids packs (drink, popcorn, and candy - the drinks came with free refills) for only $2.50 each.

Also, lots of places (museums and what not) have free days as well.  You can check their web site to see what specials they have.
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capitalist_junkie
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« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2006, 07:27:56 AM »
I'm lucky that I'm still a grad student, so while I have almost no money, I can get discounts on a lot of stuff.  I'm in an area with a lot of museums, and they're all free to me with my school ID.  And I live close enough to school and work that I can bike, which saves tons of money in gas.
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« Reply #11 on: September 03, 2006, 03:31:13 PM »
Oh, the library, I can't believe I didn't mention that. I take my youngsters to the weekday story times (singing, dancing, stories, and learning!), check out movies and books, and whatnot. It's an invaluable resource. And FREE!!!
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kelkat
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« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2006, 12:54:08 PM »
I was suprised to find out the number of attractions that have free days or discounted days.  Since we homeschool, we can take advantage of these anytime.  The local zoo has a half day every month.  The art museum has a monthly free day.  Call or check on line for attractions near you!
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« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2006, 06:25:40 AM »
Quote from: kelkat on September 06, 2006, 12:54:08 PM
I was suprised to find out the number of attractions that have free days or discounted days.  Since we homeschool, we can take advantage of these anytime.  The local zoo has a half day every month.  The art museum has a monthly free day.  Call or check on line for attractions near you!

I should check and see if our art museum has a free day. I was very disappointed by how much it cost to go the art museum around here a few months ago. I'll have to check their website.
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kelkat
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« Reply #14 on: September 09, 2006, 06:24:18 PM »
Also check on reciprical programs in your area.  If we join the science museum in one town, we get in the other science museums in the area for free.  Same with the botanical gardens and zoos.  It makes the family membership more than worth the money. 

Oh, and when someone (like parents or grandparents) ask you what you want for Christmas, suggest they get you a family membership to an area attraction.
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