Ways to save money in Chicago - Illinois (IL) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

jahk · 08-30-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastBoundandDownChick

Thanks for coming to my rescue Jandur! Lol- I spent $85 on my last pair of J Brand jeans (originally $150) at Nordstrom Rack. It came to $97 once I had them professionally tailored. Some people may think that's a lot but I also know of people who think nothing of spending $300+ on a single pair. Just depends on the person I suppose. The Chanel bag I can justify because I'll have it forever... to me denim is more difficult to rationalize past a certain price point.

I read something once about where to spend your money to increase the pleasure you get. You figure out what things you need and what you love.

Things you need but don't love, scrimp as much as possible. (For me this is stuff like TP, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, some clothing, some of my groceries, gasoline, vitamins and prescription meds.........)

Spend moderate money on things you need and love, and get what makes you happy. (For me this is more of my clothing, some of my food, office supplies, toiletries, my car, business travel......)

Go ahead and splurge on things you love, but don't need. (For me this is fountain pens and ink, spinning wheels, books, yarn, some travel expenses,.......)

So I get scrimping on mundane items, then splurging on 'luxuries'. More dollars, but more enjoyment per dollar.

sunnyandcloudydays · 08-30-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jahk

I read something once about where to spend your money to increase the pleasure you get. You figure out what things you need and what you love.

Things you need but don't love, scrimp as much as possible. (For me this is stuff like TP, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, some clothing, some of my groceries, gasoline, vitamins and prescription meds.........)

Spend moderate money on things you need and love, and get what makes you happy. (For me this is more of my clothing, some of my food, office supplies, toiletries, my car, business travel......)

Go ahead and splurge on things you love, but don't need. (For me this is fountain pens and ink, spinning wheels, books, yarn, some travel expenses,.......)

So I get scrimping on mundane items, then splurging on 'luxuries'. More dollars, but more enjoyment per dollar.

nice way to look into spending , thanks

ToriaT · 08-31-2011, 08:57 PM

Many people splurge on things they love like clothes or travel and save money elsewhere. I have a friend who is as thrifty as they come but always seems to have money for travel. she buys food mostly at aldi. You can get a large bag of groceries there for twenty bucks, the same bag would cost thirty or forty at the popular chains. walmart also has really good prices on things but some people dont like shopping there. I dont skimp on tp. my bottom is important to pamper.

Hello_Jill · 09-01-2011, 07:04 PM

Coupons/Groupons
Aldi (depends on what you buy - I do not buy Clancy brand, yuck)
Goodwill (clothes, furniture)
Not have a car
Not have a kid
Not have a significant other (if SO wants to eat out every week then you kinda have to bargain = use coupons/groupon)
eat at soup kitchens (I be jokin')

I would say Goodwill & coupons/groupons is your biggest bet, as well as not having a car and using protection, on both sides, every time your hormones says "Mate. Now."

radiojunkie2006 · 09-03-2011, 06:57 AM

I live on the edge of the city on the northwest side and do all my shopping in the suburbs.

stiffboard · 09-04-2011, 07:41 PM

Best bet for me is food & produce at Trader Joes. Target has mostly everything Trader's doesn't, also buy stuff online! Lux items such as clothing can be resold on-line as well as many boutique like shops through out the city. Saving money in the city isn't as hard as most think. Having lived in both the city and burbs, I can tell you that aside from tax, it's all really the same. Watch for sales and I can be fairly certain you will be just fine.

Good Luck!