What are you doing to cut costs?

[Tom Woolford]

Maybe people from Iowa. Chimay is taking it to the extreme, but calling Budweiser "good beer" is just not right.

I had to give up my beloved Moosehead quite a while ago. I'm too embarrassed to tell you what I'm drinking now.........

 

[Tom Woolford]

I thought I heard that you could expect to save 40% by shutting off all appliances that are constantly plugged in (even though turned off still drain energy).

I believe it is that a "Tube" type tv will consume 40% of the "on" current even when it is off. A small amount of current is passed through the Picture Tube to keep it warm: hence the "instant On" This will not hold true for LCD or plasma TV's unless they have an external transformer. The external power supply's consume juice even if the appliance (computer displays, printers etc) are not turned on. I think I'm going to start powering down by UPS at night since all those little transformers are plugged into that.

 

[Greg Bell]

I have a Magic Jack for $20 Per year.Works pretty good accept sometimes it cuts in and out.Maybe it's my internet connection because I am in the boonies.If nothing else it makes a great phone where all your happy borrowers can call you to tell you what a wonderful job you did saving them all that cash on that low appraisal.Also good for calls from those happy MB'S and Realtors who just love your appraisal

 

[DTB]

Using more artificial lures!

 

[Offshore]

(1) A water heater timer. It pays endless dividends. Why keep a 50 gallon kettle hot 24/7?
(2) Each evening put bread slices on a plate. In the morning they'll be hard as a brick and you won't need to use a toaster.

 

[MARK JOLLIFF]

I shop once a week and if it's not on the list I don't buy it. If something runs out we do w/o till next Sunday. Have fixed eggs and taters and even pancakes for dinner instead of going to the store.

 

[robert higgins]

Keep my expenditures to a minimum, it cost me money when I leave my office to do a job.

#1 Cost cutter is, not excepting any job less then my normal fee. I like making a profit.

#2 Collect COD on every job I can, credit clients get calls the next day after terms; keep calling till I get paid.

#3 Raise fees to offset increasing expenditures.

#4 Do everything electronically as much as possible.

 

[TC]

To paraphrase Gene Krantz: ​

Buying cheap beer is not an option.
​

One of my first bosses years ago told me to figure out how many appraisals you need for your monthly nut and keep it low. Good advice. Like others I am thinking about switching to E-fax, I only have 1 client left that faxes. And I'm stuck with an antiquated phone company that was left over after the Bell break-up. Cost me 30 bucks just to have a fax line I rarely use.

Thursday night dinner is now at the local 2nd gear bar with free pizza and 2 buck drafts. Even if things pick up, I'm still going there.


TC​

​

 

[Jesus Barreto]

Canceled FAx Line in favor if internet fax (saved $49)
Moved Land Line and internet from AT&T to my cable provider(saved $104)
Switched from Legal to Letter Paper ($35)
Turned down water heater, shut off Heated drying on dishwasher, thermostat to 78, turned off Flood Light on Flag and just bring it in now, all compact fluorescent bulbs throughout house, Quit using my Bunn coffee pot that keeps the water hot. Turn off computer at night now (have not done that in 20 years).

First month electric savings was almost 20%

I was just reading your post to my wife and she says "hey, is that your post?". LOL!

I did about the same 6 to 8 months ago...
I also became the dishwasher...

 

[Steve Metz]

I have been shopping locally and buying more items mail order. I live in a rural area and the big city is 70 miles away. I go there about once a week instead of every couple of days.

I fix my own cars again. Just put a water pump in the Nissan minivan and saved $500.
The VW gets a new cooling fan tomorrow.

Upped my fees and have turned down work that does not pay quickly. I did a couple cheapies in Jan and the company took over 90 days to pay. Never again.

Still drinking Chimay but trying my hand at brewing again. I made some great Kriek beer last year.