I’m taking the rising prices and economic instability seriously, and have challenged myself to actually save more as the times toughen. My spouse and I have done everything we can to avoid debt, protect investments, blah blah, but whatever, I’m not here to talk about the market. I’m talking about small changes I’ve made in our spending that could save my household approximately $600 per month. Cutting luxuries, DIY, bargain shopping, can potentially save us $7-8,000 per year.

Gee, who knew?

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers $43
vs.
Airwalk Kicks $22.99

Fantasy Nail mani/pedi $30 (+$7 for tip), lasts 3 weeks
vs.
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails $2.99 + OPI Red $5.95, products last 4 months

Maid service twice a month $200 + Christmas bonus $100 per year
vs.
Cleaning the @#$&ing house myself $0

Mr. Wash Super Deluxe Car Wash, lasts 3 weeks $17
vs.
Liquid soap, garden hose, pulling out the shop vac to suck up the Goldfish crumbs $0

Bright blonde highlights a la Izzy $100 every 2 months
vs.
Growing back in natural Meredith color $0
(However, Jillian’s amazing color and highlights always make me look better and her work is genius. Sigh.)
Purchasing new board book storage tote after the kids broke ours playing pirate ship $14.99
vs.
Sewing back up with (shudder) needle and thread $0

Gym membership $30 per month
vs.
Running, power walking, exercise DVDs, occasional drop-in yoga class fees & downloading new music $10 per month

Purchasing lots of boneless skinless chicken breasts for quick healthy high-protein meals $50 for about 5 meals
vs.
Learning to make more vegetarian and bean-based Indian dishes $15 for same

Jarred pasta sauce for family of four $4.50
vs.
Making own with cans of crushed tomatoes, dry spices & pureed veggies for dinner party of 12 $2

Starbucks coffee beans $10.45 per lb.
vs.
Folgers coffee $3.83 per lb.

College-age babysitter for a Saturday night out $75
vs.
Swapping with another family in the neighborhood $0

Huggie’s Disney Princess Pull-Ups $18.99 for 40
vs.
Safeway’s Everyday Girl Kiddie Ups $10.99 for 56

Purchasing Hallmark cards for birthdays & celebrations $30 per month
vs.
Making our own using the computer or kids’ crafts $0

Blockbuster movie rental $5
vs.
NOVA $0

Murad Skincare products from beauty supply store approx. $50 per month
vs.
Aveeno cleanser & moisturizer from Costco approx. $5 per month

Not renewing glossy magazine subscriptions $60 per year
vs.
Reading online versions, purchasing only for airplanes $10 per year

Redken shampoo & conditioner $28 per month
vs.
L’Oreal Vive Pro $10 per month

Ordering Dominos Pizza when super tired + tip for driver $25
vs.
Telling everyone to make themselves a dang quesadilla $2.