Master list for frum budgeting tips

amother

Yesterday at 11:10 pm

I don't know if this has already been done here but I am trying to cut down spending and would love tips.

I'll start with some of my own:

-Don't buy wigs at reg salon, go to wig outlet or similar sales that are about 1200 or less.

- stock up for meat and chicken etc at big kosher stores with low prices and portion and freezer

-avoid car leasing if possible and buy used cars that can quickly be paid off

- if you need work done in your house always get three quotes to get a frame of reference for what cost should be

- learn how to understand insurance policies so you can pick the best option

- always shop around for home and auto insurance and change companies if they go up for no reason.

- whenever you are getting a new service with a big company ask if there are any discounts they can apply ( Verizon , Sprint etc ) often times there are.

- linen does not need to be bought at Jewish stores IKEA and amazon do the job and are a fraction of the cost.

- Zenni optical is great if you or your kids have glasses and you don't have vision insurance.

Feel free to share your tips and tricks !

amother

Jean

Yesterday at 11:22 pm

- Don't get phone service directly from the big companies, there are excellent MVNOs at a fraction of the price. Consider Visible, USMobile, Tello, etc.

- Learn how to make your own challah. There are some super simple recipes and it's not as hard or time-consuming as many people think. (It literally takes me under 10 minutes to put the dough together, and another 5 minutes to shape it into rolls, though it would be probably 10 minutes if I braided.)

- If you aren't limited to heimishe hechsherim, you can buy a good 50%-60% of your grocery list at Walmart or similar.

- Try non-name brands every so often. You will be surprised but many are just fine. Learn where you need to splurge and where you can save.

- Be makpid about giving maaser (ask your Rav for specifics for your family). This is a guaranteed investment by Hashem. (Plus, if everyone gave maaser, we as a community would have much more funding for the organizations we all rely on.) If you can, give the recommended chomesh (20%) to tzedakah.

- If you have renter's insurance, consider Lemonade. (Israeli company and excellent rates)

amother

Wisteria

Today at 12:08 am

The biggest cost savers are things you spend on every day, rather than big ticket items that you buy rarely. Shop sales, make homemade, don't buy a daily coffee in Starbucks. Check your subscriptions - do you really need all of them?

And of course the obvious - shop sales for clothing or buy cheaper clothes, shop shaitel sales, shop furniture sales.

amother

Mimosa

Today at 2:01 am

Shop around for best prices.
Don't buy non-specialty kosher items at kosher markets. I see people buying cereal and regular ketchup (non heimish) at the kosher markets.
Use coupons- many major markets have coupons on their app. Super easy and if you are buying it anyways it saves tons of money.

Try Amazon for alternatives. I found generics cheaper and have been very happy.

Just don't buy. Fancy headbands, gadgets, whatever is the latest fad. The fad will change by next week, maybe 2 weeks.