Pinching Pennies
April 28, 2009
As someone who tries to pinch pennies , I probably should’ve noticed the “new look pennies” much earlier than a few weeks ago. Apparently, the US Mint has changed the back of the penny but I’m not quite sure why?
I mean who, besides some tightwads like me, actually picks up pennies they find or actually saves pennies in “piggybanks” at the end of the day? Apparently there are SEVERAL like-minded folks in Irmo who are starting to be regulars on the “free circuit” when it comes to the perk of “kids eat free”.
Tonight, Karen and I took the kids to Moe’s (no surprise there) and have started seeing some of the same families the past few Tuesday nights. After commenting about this on Facebook and Twitter, I’ve since learned of some other “Kids Eat Free” spots in town (who said social-media doesn’t payoff?):
Carolina Ale House
O’Charley’s
Sticky Fingers
I imagine there are several more places out there with benefits so if you know of any, please pass along and post here.
I’m guessing there are more folks out there like me than we know!
Surely, I’m not the only one to drive a few miles to save $2.50 for a gas fill-up or to order water (instead of tea/diet coke) with lunch to save $2.15?
What are you and your family doing to stretch your dollar or pinch those pennies? I’ve already hit up the tooth fairy a few months ago, what else am I missing?
For the past few years, we’ve saved a ton by using generic razor blades (and you can’t tell the difference). Karen buys alot of our kids’ clothes at WalMart or some used “fancy ones” on Ebay for pennies on the dollar. We go generic on most things (not on PopTarts though, there IS a difference there).
After having to replace our Heating and Air Unit yesterday , we definitely need to find some more ways to save!
I’m sure we all do.
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9 Responses to “Pinching Pennies”
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I had no idea on the kids eat free places!! Is it only on certain nights? Clearly I am a novice. Is there a kid limit, because I am certain we would well surpass that.
Another good place for kids clothes is Once Upon a Child on Harbison. We have saved a lot of money by getting a lot of things from there instead of Gap Kids or Childrens Place… Lots of name brand stuff for a 4th of the price.
Kids eat free at McAlister’s on Tuesday too. I like to take my grandkids and the place is kid friendly too.
Rep. Ballentine,
Kudos! This is EXACTLY the mindset that our politicians need to have. It’s the thing I have always respected the most about Sanford. It’s the way the rank-and-file conservative South Carolinian lives. “Spend less, save more, live modestly” is the credo to go by. Now if we can only convince you to run for Lt. Governor…
There are lots of ways to save! And lately I have been the “I have a coupon for that” lady! These were words my Grandmother use to say when I would drive her to the Kroger on Senior Citizen Discount Day. This is the same lady that probably only bought one roll of tin foil her whole life, and never used up all the tickets in her ration book.
I think my family laughs at me, because every Sunday I sit down with my scissors and cut out coupons, Just today I saved 25% ($10.)off my bill at AC Moore. Then at Publix I saved over $25.00 with coupons and Publix Store Savings. Here is just an example of a coupon deal I got: Crest toothpaste was $2.50, special had it 97 cents off then I had a coupon for a $1.50 off. I only spent 3 cents for a tube of toothpaste!
Here are some other ways that Nathan’s wife saves…
I buy and sell clothes on eBay, which is great fun! Just yesterday I got Emma a pair of $90.00 Lilly Pulitzer pants for $10.00!
Kids clothes also come from Target and Tot Trade. And when I do buy the nice clothes…they go on eBay when they are outgrown.
We also donot and probably never will have a maid…that probably saves us a great deal of money!
We don’t use a lawn guy….although I bet our neighbors wish we did!
These are just a few of the things I do…but every pennty helps!
Karen,
Don’t forget you make us open windows a lot with air off.
You cook a mean Ramen Noodles!
You stripped wallpaper yourself and we painted the bathroom ourselves (well, it’s not complete yet, but….)
The washer has a “folder clip” connected to help it still work (that was pretty McGyver of me, I thought!)
We skip “cards” with gifts, etc.
Oh – and that’s why I don’t cut the grass that much either….saves gas! : )
Ashley and Judy – thanks for the suggestions! Matt, appreciate the kind words.
Nathan
LOL!! McGyver!! More like Schneider from “One Day at a Time”
I actually forget cards…
Beef-O Brady’s : Kids eat free on Tuesdays
Fuddrucker’s has a day, too (maybe Thursday, not sure)
And, certain local restaurants (like Jersey Mike’s) give discounts to specific state employees–just show your badge. DJJ gets 10% off there.
Also, for groceries, don’t forget Wal-mart matches all advertised prices from other stores (the cashiers keep the ads at their aisles)–so, if Publix, Walgreens, etc, has it on sale, you can still make one trip–just tell them theprice. They also match non-food purchases (toys, bikes, books, etc) as long as it is the exact product. Easier to shop at one store sometimes.
Have your wife check out southern savers website. It is a coupon website.GREAT system saves lots of food bill and can even get things for free. Make sure to attend one of the workshop so you can grasp it all. Love having you represent me in these trying times. Keep the faith and don’t let the elephants get you down!!
Michael – wow! Did not know that about those places, state employees and also Walmart!
Nathan