“Look how much money I saved!” my mom said to my dad.  Dad replies, “you could have saved a lot more by not buying it.”

I don’t think its a coincidence that the words recession and depression are so close.  Many are frustrated and discouraged, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  My family has been trying to take up the challenge of prioritizing what we spend.  If you’re in the same boat, here’s some ideas that may help you pull in the big catch of savings:

Grocery Shopping

Obviously we know we should be clipping coupons like our parents did. But that’s time consuming and few people even get the Sunday paper anymore, right?  WRONG.  It doesn’t take near as much time as it use to and people are getting the Sunday paper again.  Just try getting a paper at your local grocery store after lunch on Sunday.  There probably won’t be any left (especially double papers).  There are free online resources that cut your preparation time by doing the research for you (couponmom.com).  My wife literally saves us more cash then we actually spend every trip to the grocery store.  Check out couponing; it’s definitely worth it.

If you don’t want to coupon, try bulk shopping, dollar stores, and sale shopping.

Clothes Shopping

Obviously, if any of you spend much time with me, you’ll know I don’t clothes shop much.  One, I’m not that fashionable, and I’m 6’8″.

Others have suggested thrift stores.  Not just any, but thrift stores in high end parts of town.  My wife is a frequenter of consignment shops.  Sell your old stuff and buy new stuff.  Again, higher end stuff in nicer parts of cities.

EASY CLOTHING TIP: If you didn’t wear it in a 12-month period, it’s gone. For some, that may mean keeping only one suit for weddings and funerals and limiting oneself to one coat, if you live in a state with a warmer climate.

Entertainment

The 12-month rule can apply to entertainment as well.  Get rid of it or sell it.

Think of all the creative  ways you can enjoy a movie with your friends, other than a $10 movie.  Host summer screenings in a backyard and project the film on the side of a house. Check with your church to see if they have a projector you could rent or borrow.

Build evenings out of major cultural events—the last night of “American Idol,” the Super Bowl, or a major awards show. You could annually host an Oscar party where everyone must bring a treat inspired by one of the nominees.

The classic date structure is dinner and a movie. Try flipping the two—movie, then dinner. Go to a matinee and get dinner/lunch afterward. It’ll save you a few bucks (I learned recently there’s two matinee prices-btw.  $6 before lunch, $8 before 4:00) Or figure out a childhood activity neither of you have ever done, like playing jacks or flying a kite. Then head to the dollar store to pick up the item and try the challenge together. It may go well, it may not, but you’ll probably end up laughing—and perhaps your romance will take flight as well.

EASY ENTERTAINMENT TIP: When hanging out with friends or someone you’ve been dating a while, video the fun you’re having. You can extend that great day by watching the video later in the evening without dropping another dime.

Dining Out

I love going out to eat!  It’s hard cutting this down in my life.  One thing that helps me is at least getting another meal out it by taking home left overs.  I’m big guy, so this isn’t easy.  Try drinking a lot of water.  Your body doesn’t know the difference between thirst and hunger; fill up on water (it’s free and good for you).  Also, you might want to eat a snack at home before going (a handful of almonds curves hunger very well).

I also frequent places that serve bread or chips for free and sometimes places with no tip required.  And of course, coupons, coupons, coupons.

Gift Giving

Buying gifts for birthdays and at the holidays can create major holes in your pockets. My sister is about to have a baby and my sister in law just had one—my first appropriate thought is, What a blessing. A gift from heaven. My second, less-appropriate thought is, Wow. Another niece or nephew to buy gifts for. I firmly believe that children under the age of 4 can handle very cheap gifts (a month’s supply of wet wipes, for example). They’re never going to remember what their Uncle Brad got ‘em anyway. As they get older, I start to spend more and more.

We also have a deal with our siblings that we only purchace Christmas gifts for our kids.  We used to buy for each other too, but we were just exchanging gift cards…

The key to shopping for adults is to buy throughout the year. As you see good deals or stores closing, but it and save them until their birthday or Christmas.  If you really have no extra cash, figure out free ways to show someone your love. i.e.  Think of the tedious tasks you do well in your own life and offer to do them for the people you care about.

EASY GIFTING TIP: Buy right after the season, like getting Thanksgiving decorations in December when they’re 75 percent off. Next year you’ll love the surprises you didn’t remember buying.

Penny pinch’n doesn’t mean not living well.  Just being smart with your money may mean a lot less trouble in troubled times.  And let’s face it, we could all be a better steward with the money God blesses us with.

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