Smart Splurges and Saves

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Pmezhir is exactly right. I've rented from successful landlords who have consistently given me the same advice, and they own 5-20 properties--they buy the properties for the long-term and rent out, with annual rental increases. These landlords are quietly wealthy and lack for nothing.
Buy off-season (merchandisers need to clear inventory for the next season) and buy quality, not quantity. You have to pick your way through, but Loehmann's, Ross, TJMaxx and other off-season shops are possibilities. Online, try Overstock.com and the online outlets of your favorite brands/stores.
BYO (bring your own) snacks, meals, beverages (tea, coffee, juice, water) is a very good practice. Buy in bulk, cook enough for leftovers. Also, when eating out, split a main dish and an appetizer. Some restaurants let you bring your own alcohol--check in advance for corkage fees.
Buy lightly used and well-cared for items: cars, clothes... For used cars, take to a mechanic/AAA for a full-diagnostic check (usually 100-125 inspection points, including engine compression tests) for $70 - 125...this is money well spent to avoid lemons.
When practical, make your own...from food to cleaning products--search Google for recipes.
Good luck!

Jason of NY 2:01PM January 19, 2009

When I bought my own home four years ago, I decided to forego the "in" neighborhood for a two-unit home in a depressed neighborhood (what neighborhood isn't depressed nowadays?) I don't have children, so schools were not an issue. In trade for a prestigious neighborhood, I got a spacious solid brick home in perfect condition and an income-producing apartment. My neighbors are friendly, my commute to work is less than fifteen minutes, and now I have a ton of money to spend on the luxuries that mean the most to me.
Estate sales for furnishings and housewares and outlet malls for clothing are another way to save a bundle. I am a clothes freak and I always find amazing bargains at the Off Fifth, Saks Fifth Avenue outlet. Granted, I still spend a lot on shoes and clothes I don't really need, but I don't feel guilty about it, either.....I can also be assured that I am always getting luxury-level quality.
By the way, when I factor in the income from my rental unit into my monthly mortgage payment, I am only paying out $180.00 per month (including taxes) to live in a 1000 square foot, two bedroom apartment with full finished basement and two-car garage. I own a new car (I always have...another splurge) and I live like a rich man on less than $50,000 per year. All my friends are green with envy.....
....and speaking of green, buying vintage furnishings and housewares is a wonderful way to recycle and help the environment.
I live in Western New York, which is renowned for it's low cost of living and high level of big-city amenities. What more could I ask for?

Pmezhir of NY 12:11PM December 25, 2008

You have to choose what is important to you and like Tony and Ben. I love to travel as well. so Kudo's guys.

Shaquilia of TX 1:49PM September 27, 2008

I have read that one should never spend one's change .Instead save it and use only paper to buy stuff. I have tried it and it is true that it begins to add up. As yet I haven't counted it and will let you know if it is truly enough to get excited about.

annonymous of MA 5:35PM July 06, 2008

I recently started saving money on coffee too. Instead on buying coffee at a cafe, an expense of $2.50 (inc.tip), I'm drinking coffee made here at the office for free. Sometimes I would purchase 2 coffees. In a week I would average about $17.50 per week on coffee. This translates to a savings of $70 per month!
Some times I splurge by going to a cafe on the weekends ordering a fancy $5 coffee drink while reading the sunday San Francisco Chronicle. I enjoy my fancy drink relaxing and knowing that I'm saving a lot of money

jonathan of CA 3:52PM July 03, 2008

Hey Kim, it's Susan V. When I go out for a walk during the day here in the office, I do not take my wallet with me unless I am running a specific errand. It keeps me from spending money I shouldn't.
(It also allows me to truthfully tell all the homeless guys I can't help them. Remind me sometime to tell you a funny story about that.)

Susan Vavrick of 2:34PM April 09, 2008

My money saver at the grocery store has been making a list and sticking to it. It's surprising how much those buy x for y dollars add to the grocery bill when they're impulse buys.
My money saver when my boyfriend and I are between paydays and financially challenged but still want to go out to eat has been to order appetizers and split them. Just tonight, he ordered nachos and I ordered quesadillas, and the margaritas were 5 dollars because it was happy hour, total bill came to about 40 bucks.

Veronica of NY 9:16PM April 03, 2008

Thanks for sharing Tony - I love hearing about techniques that make it possible to live large, in whatever way you define it. It's proof that we can have what we want, we just have to decide what that is and be prepared to give up other, less important things.

Kimberly Palmer of 4:50PM April 03, 2008

This guys sounds just like me! I do the same exact things lol. I am an English teacher in Tennessee and Iand an air national guardsman and am divorced. I drive a 2000 saab i bought for $4k cash. I eat a free lunch they offer at school. I make $46 K at schoo and about 12k with the air guard doing extra assignments. I invest the same way this guy does and I eat before going out to avoid getting raked unless it's a buffet lol. Most things match for me and the lawyer fella, except I used my GI bill to get my bachelor's and then my master's but I have to pay child support even though I have even shared custody of two boys. I have a nice home on five acres in the country, though, with a creek and a pond. I don't even drink coffee! I drink water if I go out unless I want a beer. I am cut throat with customer service for businesses and don't carry any debt whenever possible. (except the home)

tony huffaker of TN 3:37PM April 03, 2008