Tips to save a little money

[CoogarXR]

Every now and then, I'll figure out a way to save some money. I figure I'll start a thread as a place to dump these ideas. Feel free to contribute.

For instance, I am tearing down an old rotted shed on my property. I don't live in an area where I can burn the debris, so I was brainstorming on options to get rid of it. My first thought was to order a dumpster. Well, a dumpster rental is $280. Seems a little steep to me. So I called the landfill. They only charge $22 per ton to dump debris. I don't have a trailer anymore, but I can rent a 6x12 box trailer from Uhaul for $30 ($38 if I add insurance). The landfill and the Uhaul place aren't that far away, and it's really not that much more work to load a trailer vs load a dumpster. Of course, I have to unload it at the dump, but still:

Dumpster $280
-Trailer $38
-Dump $22
---------------
Savings $220!

 

[ddawg16]

You could try advertising on CL....antique wood for free....

 

[theoldwizard1]

Our city used to have a dump. It closed MANY years ago. Now they have a site with large dumpsters and a ramp. I do not think they allow construction debris.

 

[mkbug]

$22 a Ton??? You lucky guy... Last Saturday I had to pay $160 a ton. And I had to separate out the pressure treated stuff.

 

[Mustang1167]

You may not be able to burn debris but can you have a "recreational fire"?
-pack of sugerdale hotdogs .99 cent
-bag of marshmallows $1.50
- case of your favorite beer $20

 

[gtae07]

$22 a Ton??? You lucky guy... Last Saturday I had to pay $160 a ton. And I had to separate out the pressure treated stuff.

Yeah, our local dump charges something like $60 /ton, with a 1.5 ton minimum charge...

 

[vavet]

Wow...guess I'm lucky. My taxes are high enough to cover this already. Just have to be able to show you're a county resident if asked and you can dump all you want...but no commercial dumping.
You might also check your local Home Depot for trailer rentals. I think a 4 hour rental was a bit cheaper last time I looked.

 

[ChaseDE]

If you are too drunk to drive home and have AAA call them and tell them and they will take you, and tow your car home for free*

save $x.** over using a taxi or uber then the hassle of going to get your car back the next day.


*apparently there is a limit how many times they will do this for you in a year or something.

 

[gtae07]

If you are too drunk to drive home and have AAA call them and tell them and they will take you, and tow your car home for free*

save $x.** over using a taxi or uber then the hassle of going to get your car back the next day.


*apparently there is a limit how many times they will do this for you in a year or something.

Better yet, drink at home instead of going out. The alcohol's cheaper then, too

 

[Falcon67]

>Well, a dumpster rental is $280. Seems a little steep to me.
It's well over double that here, and only the company with the city contract can supply one. So no shopping around.

>Tips to save a little money
Don't own a race car or a boat.

 

[nes999]

I would ask if they allow you to dump a load free. In two different areas I lived they had a deal that a resident can take one load a month in free. You has to specfically ask if they did it, and when you got there remind them that they do one a load per month free. It is a hassle however to save money its worth it. for what its worth our prices are on a sliding scale. House hold trash (think kitchen trash can) is 55 bucks per ton 1 ton minimum. plain dirt is 85 bucks a ton.

Another option is to bring your burnables over to a friend or relatives house that can burn. 22 bucks a ton is cheap but weight adds up fast and at least at my dump they love to push you into another pay category. "Oh I saw a broken wooden chair in the load so the entire load is now charged at X price"

I don't know if you have dumped at the dump before but if I could give you a little advise make sure your load is properly secured. The cops like to park near the dump to see if anyone has trash flying off there loads. They are more concerned about the commercial Dumpster companies but i have seem them ticket normal people too. Around here it is 75 dollars per piece of trash blown out.

 

[CoogarXR]

>Well, a dumpster rental is $280. Seems a little steep to me.
It's well over double that here, and only the company with the city contract can supply one. So no shopping around.

Yeah, I know you Texans and Californians pay way more for stuff . But that's the same deal here. One garbage company has the monopoly. I don't use their trash service either. They want $30 a month. I have a recycling center right on my way to work, so I just drop off the recycling when it gets full (free), and I only have about 1 or 2 bags of regular trash a month. I take those to the dump (also on my way to work) for $2 a bag. So there's another way to save:

$30 a month trash pickup
compared to:
-$4 dump fee
-$0 plastic/glass/cardboard recycling
+$5 Tin/Aluminum cans
------------------------
I make a buck a month off my trash

 

[ChaseDE]

Delaware taxes are super duper cheap and we have free yard waste dump sites scattered around.

 

[6768rogues]

Around here the tipping fee is about $60 per ton. After you destroy a tire or two driving at the landfill, a dumpster starts to look attractive. Years ago I had to take daily truck loads of contractor debris to the landfill and I got 7 flat tires in 2 weeks, including a steel rod through a sidewall, and then had to buy new tires. It is especially pleasant when you are unloading and a couple of 25 ton packers full of ripe garbage back in beside you and let it fly. No more landfill for me.

 

[1949 caddyman]

Install your own water heater. Ours leaked a few years ago, priced out new one & fittings at around $400. Called around & installed price was $800. Decided to still be my own plumber & saved $400.

 

[Corndoggeh]

If its untreated/unpainted wood, into the wood pile for burning! Anything else gets broken up and I toss in enough into the trash until its full just before trash day each week until its gone.

 

[Johnny Generic]

Steal it!

 

[matt_i]

If its untreated/unpainted wood, into the wood pile for burning! Anything else gets broken up and I toss in enough into the trash until its full just before trash day each week until its gone.

This is how I roll. I meter it out into the trash and they don't complain. I fed them a steady diet of shingle offcuts for about a month. I'm already paying for a full can each week and never come close except about twice a year with my "normal" residential trash stream.

 

[greg86z28]

This is how I roll. I meter it out into the trash and they don't complain. I fed them a steady diet of shingle offcuts for about a month. I'm already paying for a full can each week and never come close except about twice a year with my "normal" residential trash stream.

Exactly my feelings. Our waste services are included in our taxes here (Wisconsin). My fiancee and I are (2 people) are paying the same amount as a family with 2 adults and 6 kids (or I assume so at least). Over the course of the year I would imagine they have at least double the waste.

I keep it respectful (i.e. no mounds of **** piled up or cans so heavy they'll blow out your back) when I throw stuff out and the garbage guys happily take it.

 

[ItsNemo]

Put stuff for free on craigslist/kijiji...it's shocking what people will take when it's free. Best of all, they load it up themselves and you don't pay a cent.

 

[larry_g]

Garbage:
$107.45 per ton
Minimum charge: $25.00 ($0.053725/lb after 460 lbs)


Clean Wood Waste Only:
$59.49 per ton
Minimum charge: $15.00 ($.0297/lb after 500 lbs)​​
Nails are okay.
Pressure treated wood goes as garbage.
Creosote wood not accepted at this facility.

Clean Yard Waste Only:
$59.49 per ton
Minimum charge: $15.00 ($.0297/lb after 500 lbs)

​​​

Above is our fee's. To save money ALWAYS make sure you have more than the minimum. I watched a gal come in, take two garbage bags out of her trunk, and pitch them in the pit. $12.50 per bag...

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bwringer]

Since we seem to have landed in the dumps... do some Googling to find info on your local gubbamint's recycling and HHW (hazardous household waste) disposal.

Quite often, you'll find it's a lot easier to properly dispose of unwanted nasties than you thought. It might be as simple as placing it next to your trash (for example, that's how you get rid of dead appliances in my neighborhood -- the trash trucks pick it up or call to have it hauled) or you may have to take it somewhere on a certain day.


Back to money saving, if you ride motorcycles you can save yourself piles of cash by learning to change your own tires. Obviously, you save on the labor, and you can order your tires from several different highly reputable web sites at rock-bottom prices. Not to mention you get your choice of fresher tires from a busy online retailer than whatever's left over on the dealer's shelf.

Plus, you'll make sure it's done right and you'll have an opportunity to get to know your bike better (checking wheel bearings, brake pads, etc.)

 

[sctattooer]

Pile it in the front yard and put a "For Sale" sign on it. Somebody will steal it if they think it's worth a dollar

 

[ssdave]

Here's a garage journal favorite: Leave the rebar out of your concrete.

That wouldn't be MY recommendation!

 

[bczygan]

Saving money?

Don't buy what you don't need.

When you no longer need something, sell it.

Get rid of cable.

Use your phone for internet access.

Shade your house with trees for energy savings.

Drive a vehicle that fits your use, not for prestige.

Recycle and re-purpose.

Buy clothing at resale stores.

Find the highest and best use for your time and money.

Downsize your housing when possible (When kids leave).

Focus on experiences rather than possessions.

Have serial hobbies, not all at once.

Buy low and sell high.

Don't have kids.

Do get married, and marry up. Marry for money if possible.

Live where costs are low and wages high.

Manage your money from an early age.

Someone should develop an algorithm that helps you live the fullest life.

Bill

 

[sc00bz]

I have a little drip each week of a few bucks into an acorns account. It's not enough to really notice missing the money but it adds up when you don't check it for awhile. There's about 1500 bones in it right now.

Other than that, my mortgage is cheap, no cable, only 1 credit card and a used truck payment that will be PIF in a couple of years. I didn't want the car note but got tired of having to borrow dad's truck when I needed to haul anything bigger than a bag of garbage in my jeep so I caved, sold my car, kept the jeep and bought a truck. 2008 extended cab z-71 half ton. It's nothing special but is pretty nice, does what I need it to do for now and I like it. I was hoping for a crew cab 3/4 ton but couldn't justify the extra $.

I take my lunch to work. If I don't have time to make it, I'll eat out occasionally but try to keep the price at $5-7 and stay reasonably healthy. My go to sammich at subway is $6.04 with tax for a foot long. My go to chinese takeout place has an "any 2 with rice" for $5.76 with tax. Their black pepper chicken, pepper steak and onions w/ fried rice is great. I have free bottled water at work so I don't buy the drink.

I drink cheap beer/whiskey/wine except on special occasions.

I started vaping a few years ago to get off cigs and make my own juice, coils, etc.

White vinegar and water cleans a lot of stuff and is cheaper than most household chemical cleaners.

When the old lady and I decide to go out to eat (which is generally once a week or so- it's a treat for us as she is frugal also), we try to go somewhere reasonably nice if we have a coupon. Some restaurants send out 20% off entire ticket coupons regularly. We don't spend less, it just frees up more for a bigger tip if the service is good. No coupon, we'll dine out at a cheaper place for some fish tacos or something and usually spend <$30 total combined.

I'm sure there's more.

 

[gtae07]

Drink water instead of buying coke or other drinks. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.

Pack your meals for work whenever you can.

See your dentist regularly--that whole "ounce of prevention..." thing.

Bulk purchase from places like Sam's and Amazon Prime can save you money if used appropriately. We paid for both last year just with the savings from subscribe-and-save on our son's diapers.

 

[mjeff87]

I quit drinking beer a couple years ago...holy moley what a savings that was for me

I won't advocate quitting to anyone, but at LEAST try not to order beer/alcohol when you eat out, the markup on booze is incredible. I am still surprised most times when we get our meal check and it's usually at least half of what it used to be. And that's with only maybe 2-4 beers not ordered with dinner:

1. get to restaurant, start with a beer while looking over menu
2. get a second beer if food takes awhile to come out, or order to eat with meal
3. get a third to finish the meal off with (depending on what the meal is)
4. wife orders dessert, have another beer as my dessert

 

[cactiki]

I like to buy "oops" paint. That is when the color is not quite right, or maybe they never came back to pick it up. I got 5 gallons of really nice blue for my garage for $35, walked around the corner to check, same 5 gallon bucket was $129 retail!

Also, if you have time, yard sales are great for buying tools and hardware items. Got a Boraxo dispenser, full, and a box of Boraxo for $ .25 , a $20.00 caulking gun for $.05 (yes a nickle!)
a welding mask that looks like a pig for $10.00. I also got enough metal panels to do my garage roof for $600.00, would have been over $1,000 retail.

 

[matt_i]

I like to keep old vehicles running. I think after the age of 20 I've pushed almost every vehicle save 1 to 200k miles, albeit some are not there yet but well on the way, doing my own wrenching. A side benefit is that they are almost all minimally insured. I pick one to drive thru the winters and try to keep everything else parked to avoid the devastating salt monster.

I had a new car, once, which was cool, but I'm happier without the payment. My trucks are 29 and 45 years old and still getting it done.



CostCo is also nearby and I try to fill everything up with gas to save on fuel. I think I save the annual fee plus more in a year's time.

 

[PeterT]

Yeah, I know you Texans and Californians pay way more for stuff . But that's the same deal here. One garbage company has the monopoly. I don't use their trash service either. They want $30 a month. I have a recycling center right on my way to work, so I just drop off the recycling when it gets full (free), and I only have about 1 or 2 bags of regular trash a month. I take those to the dump (also on my way to work) for $2 a bag. So there's another way to save:

$30 a month trash pickup
compared to:
-$4 dump fee
-$0 plastic/glass/cardboard recycling
+$5 Tin/Aluminum cans
------------------------
I make a buck a month off my trash

We have 5 or 6 different trash companies,, always a truck roaring up and down the road... I take my trash to the local gas/convenience mart. I occasionally ask them if its ok if I toss 'a small bag' in their dumpster in the rear, they always say sure... That is after I drop $40 on jerkey and chewin tobacco. I sure as heck am not going to pay $50/mth (or whatever it is) for garbage pickup, that money is reserved for more USA made tools.

 

[Cougar67]

Wow...guess I'm lucky. My taxes are high enough to cover this already. Just have to be able to show you're a county resident if asked and you can dump all you want...but no commercial dumping.
You might also check your local Home Depot for trailer rentals. I think a 4 hour rental was a bit cheaper last time I looked.

Hanover County VA. We have the best county dump system and I've used six dumps in various localities. You can dump four tires a day. They have them separated and they recycle them. They even let you dump old tube TV's. I believe they've won awards for the system. The employees are polite. Free mulch and topsoil too.

 

[xyster101]

I drink lots of water, no soda or coffee.

Make coffee if you drink it, don't buy it. Helps environment too.

I buy bread, tuna, mayo, carrots, and other stuff. I keep it in a box in the work fridge and make lunch every day. No time to make it at home.

Talk to neighbors and borrow or co own tools you don't use much. I own a back hoe, neighbor owns a tractor it goes on.

Biggest thing is to buy only what you need. You want something, wait 5 days, if you still want it then get it.

 

[lukey]

We make our own laundry detergent (3 months worth for $25 with a family of 5) and dish soap. Rarely eat out. I drive a 38 year old truck getting 15mpg but no payments. The little things add up quick!

 

[maxpower_hd]

You may not be able to burn debris but can you have a "recreational fire"?
-pack of sugerdale hotdogs .99 cent
-bag of marshmallows $1.50
- case of your favorite beer $20

x2. And $15 for a steel drum at your drum supplier if you can't manage to find a free one. And a grill from your charcoal grill sitting on top.

I use a 30 gallon steel since my yard is small and I use it upright. You can put the lid on top to extinguish. No burning "allowed" here either but cooking fires are ok as long as they are contained. I had the FD show up once and they had no issues with my set up.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I quit drinking beer a couple years ago...holy moley what a savings that was for me

I won't advocate quitting to anyone, but at LEAST try not to order beer/alcohol when you eat out, the markup on booze is incredible. I am still surprised most times when we get our meal check and it's usually at least half of what it used to be. And that's with only maybe 2-4 beers not ordered with dinner:

1. get to restaurant, start with a beer while looking over menu
2. get a second beer if food takes awhile to come out, or order to eat with meal
3. get a third to finish the meal off with (depending on what the meal is)
4. wife orders dessert, have another beer as my dessert

Plus the wife usually gets a gold margarita or something equally expensive that costs as much or more than all the beers combined. One place we went the special drink cost $12.00. Or a single glass of wine for $8-10 WTF! I agree with not drinking at the restaurant.

 

[mv213]

Got rid of cable. I'm saving about $85 a month now. We are 49 miles from the TV transmitters in Portland. I installed an "8 bay" antenna in the attic and a Tablo network DVR. Works great for 30 or so broadcast stations, many in perfect HD.

For stuff not available OTA we already had Netflix and Amazon prime, so no addition cost there. After about 6 months the savings paid for the antenna and the network DVR. The DVR can be watched on any device, tablet, PC, phone, as well as both TV's in the house which are equipped with a Roku for network connectivity.

 

[speed bump]

Do it right the first time, it is cheaper to get it right and forget about the cost than it is to do it cheap and complain about not spending just a little more money.

 

[pepi]

$22 a Ton??? You lucky guy... Last Saturday I had to pay $160 a ton. And I had to separate out the pressure treated stuff.

That CA under your handel totally explains the reason...

 

[Jlbc212]

Have something that needs to be repaired or maintained? Buy the tools to do it yourself. Usually the money saved by not paying someone else to do the job covers the cost of the tool(s) you bought to do it. Now you have tools to do it again and to do other jobs.