I hearby promise to:
1. Take less items to the dry-cleaners, and instead, handwash lovingly in cold water and lay flat to dry.
2. Keep $2,500 in my chequing account to waive the monthly fee.
3. Turn off all the lights!
4. Buy more groceries and eat less food by limiting my dining out to 2x per week.
5. Not reload my Starbucks card until March 1 AT LEAST.
6. Use cash.
7. Return all my library books on time!
8. Not go over on my cellphone plan.
9. Stop losing things, especially expensive things like wallets and iPhones.
10. Not use “I get paid in two days” as justification when shopping.
11. Use up all make-up, hair and beauty products before buying new.
12. Exercise restraint with iTunes.
13. Not let free things I’ve already paid for, like Groupons on yoga passes, go to waste.
What are your frugality promises for 2013?
@ #2 — Why don’t you switch to a no-fee chequing account like PC or ING? They don’t charge you anything for a minimum. I’m also with TD with an everyday savings account but I rarely use it, I only deposit money in there from PC if I want to buy funds.
@ #8 — I think cellphone carriers will even cap things for you. I told them to remove texting from my phone, and data plans (I only use it for calling), maybe they have something like that where it cuts you off after a certain amount.
My frugality promise is to see if I can cut down on that ridiculous Wardrobe budget I had for 2012.
I have a chequing account with ING but because they don’t have a branch in YEG, there’s still some services I need from a local bank (ie. cashing US cheques, getting coins for laundry, etc)
Not sure what Rogers offers as far as cellphone plan limits but it’s definitely something I should look into!
Have you looked into credit unions? They have local branches and often lower fees than banks.
Like Mochiandmacarons I’m with Presidents Choice Financial and couldn’t think of using another bank. If we need to we could go to CIBC and we have for some things but not in the 5 years I’ve been with them. I never paid fees in the UK and I don’t plan on it here if I can help it. Great list mate! Have a great week.
I definitely need to do #4,7,11, and 14! Oh, and I’ve had good luck using Dryell-type products in between trips to the drycleaner.
I found setting up electric reminders for when library books are due was a big help! Now I get some books digital — I just have to remember to read them on time ;)
For #12, have you thought of limiting yourself to gift cards only? Remove your credit card info from your account and budget for a gift card every once in a while. When it’s gone, it’s gone. (That’s what I do with iTunes and Kobo — it keeps me on track!)
My frugality pledge is to make better use of what’s in my cupboard and freezer. I hate throwing out food!
Gift cards only is a fabulous idea and a strategy I’ve tried in the past! Probably should re-implement it…
I’m confused by your cash commitment. Aren’t you going to try to maximize the benefits of your credit card? I’ve been trying to remember to use mine for smaller purchases for the cash back.
Not everywhere takes American Express, so I need cash for those places. I also really need to take cash to the bar, because there is a place I DO use my American Express and it’s to start a tab, which is just a hazard because I can get really generous….
A lot of these things are things that I need to do also! Good luck to us :)
stop losing things is definitely on my list, although 2012 was pretty good already. my main pledge is on food and drinks, go easy on the alcohol even at home, and try cheaper foods like new vegetables and fruits to gradually reduce meat and dairy consumption. good luck with your goals!
those are all great ideas! Number 11 is one that I need to keep in mind!
Good luck Bridget!
My current commitments to frugality is not to buy any clothes in Norway for the next 3 months. (Only allowed to buy a little if on holiday), save a certain amount every month for summer vacation, eat one meatless dinner every week, and make more food in big batches.
Love this! And here’s a makeup tip I just realized has kept me in check: I use a super-tiny makeup bag. So tiny that after foundation, mascara, eye and face brush, powder, and two eye colors, nothing would actually fit in there, so I don’t buy more until I use one up.
I’m super frugal already but I’m going to unplug items that I’m not using and turn the furnace down more. I don’t like being cold or wearing layers so I tend to keep the furnace around 70-72F but my bill went up a lot last month and Jan/Feb are always colder here so I need to learn to live in layers. Last night I wore a hoodie to bed. I did not like it.
I am also using up all my makeup before I buy more. It’s surprising how long everything lasts, this may take me a few years!!!!
I kept going over with Rogers, urgh, and retentions wasn’t willing to match regular competitors offers so I just moved to Koodo, saving $25 a month for more stuff. Worth looking into, and Koodo has good coverage in your area :)