September 25 Savings

Investment: We attended the S-O Volleyball game free of charge using DH's activity passes (teachers can get activity passes for themselves and their spouses if they sign up to work a certain number of events-DH runs the scoreboard at Basketball games) and did not buy any concessions.

Instead of: Buying popcorn and pop

Savings: $1.75

Bonus: The Generals had a spectacular win over the Mustangs. Way to go, girls!

September 19 Savings

Investment: DH's parents came for the game, but we decided to each eat at home before meeting up. My grilled ham and cheese on home-made bread, broccoli and milk probably cost around $1.50.  DH's dad also generously paid $5 for me to get into the game since neither my husband nor I could find the passes that would have gotten me in for free. 

Instead of: We talked about possibly going to Subway before the game, where I would have spent about $2.70, and I didn't have to fork over the $5 for the game.

Savings: $1.20 for supper and $5 for the ticket. Total $6.20

Bonus: A Homecoming WIN by the Generals! Yea!

September 5 Savings

As the first home football game of the year arrived, and my less-than-stellar communication skills with DH left me without a free activity pass for the game, I was fully prepared to fork over the $4 (or is it $5?) to get into the football game. However my friend A (another coach's wife) pulled through and had 2 passes with her, so I didn't end up having to pay. Tonight my contribution is passing on this good fortune to the savings jar!

Investment: Meeting up with A before the game for the Athletic Boosters tailgate, which I was planning to do anyway.

Instead of: Paying for a $5 ticket

Savings: $5

Bonus: Now I will surely remember to get the pass for the other games!

Baby-sitting Exchange

Although I haven't been blessed with kids yet, I know that baby-sitting can be a huge expense.  If you aren't lucky enough to have grandparents or family close by that will watch your kids for free, consider exchanging baby-sitting with another family. Make the expectations clear (you take the kids one Saturday for a certain time period, they get the kids the next Saturday) and of course it's nice if your kids are about the same age and will play well together. Use the time away to do something fun with your spouse, such as playing a round of golf (if you already have a membership), hiking or biking at a nearby state park, or having a private dinner and DVD at home while your kids play at someone else's house.  

If you really want to make this a way of life, consider starting a group on babysitterexchange.com, a free site where you and families you already know and trust can create a group and trade babysitting on a credit system. This would help keep everything fair and very organized!

Investment: Watching someone else's kids for an evening. Depending on their ages, having a friend over could help keep your own kid busy, or you can plan something fun that is better with more kids such as outdoor games and sports.

Instead of: Paying someone to watch your kids.

Savings:  $5+ per hour? I may be out of touch with the going rate, so whatever you pay for your number/age of child(ren) and time of day. You can either put the money you would have paid a sitter into the September Savings Challenge, or you can just donate the money you would have spent on a more expensive date.

Bonus: A planned date night with your spouse that won't ruin your budget, plus an opportunity for your kids to play with others. 

Tip: Since we don't have kids, we translate this to exchanging dog-sitting! When we go away for the weekend or on vacation, my sister and her husband keep our dog and we take care of theirs when they go away--both dogs have fun playing and no money has to exchange hands.

Sweatin' it Out(side)

If you have been paying a monthly membership at a gym (and don't use it enough to make it worth the while!), consider taking September off to workout at home or outside instead. The weather's good for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and playing games with your family or friends. You can workout at home using videos or DVDs.  If you don't have any, borrow from a friend, or check out garage sales or second hand stores--I once got 6 videos for $1.50. Tip: See if your TV has Picture-in Picture that allows you to watch regular TV with a small screen of the workout video in the corner--makes familiar routines go so much faster!

There are also plenty of workouts you can download and follow at home. Check out Spark People for free videos that are easy to follow for a quick workout. If you really like the gym equipment, make sure you figure out if you're making your monthly membership worth it. If you only make it there once a week, you may be better off paying a daily fee instead of a month. Or, if you're gym membership is prepaid, your savings contribution can be bringing your own water bottle from home instead of buying bottled.

Investment: If you like the outdoors or have videos or a computer connection already, there's no need to spend money! Home equipment or videos can cost a bit, but find the cheapest way to get those (garage sales, friends,  thrift store, or check Amazon or Ebay for info-mercial type exercise programs--never order directly off TV!)

Instead of: $30 gym membership (or whatever you're currently paying) 

Savings: Membership and bottled water minus whatever you spend to set up your home workout.

Bonus: Mixing up your workout can help you get off a "plateau" and a fun workout is one you'll stick to! You can also workout when you want (in the grubby clothes you want) instead running on the gym's schedule. Plus, if you plan fun family outdoor activities, these can take the place of expensive movie/restaurant/shopping outings.

Conceding Concessions

If you attend sporting events, do you figure in the cost of concessions in addition to the ticket price?  The big hit in the wallet is obviously at professional sporting events-a hot dog and beer at a Minnesota Twins game is $8, but you can also bring it down to the local High School level. If you forego the popcorn, candy, nachos, slice of pizza, and 20 oz. bottle of pop for some or all of the sporting events you attend in a month, the savings can all go to the September Savings Challenge. Discuss with your kids before you leave that concessions aren't an option this time (or pick one thing instead of 3) and then stick to it!

Investment: plan to eat before you leave or pack some sandwiches and drinks for the drive to "away" games. Pack some mints or small snacks for the game if you're allowed to bring in your own food

Instead of: $2 per slice of pizza, $1.50 bottle of pop, $1 popcorn at local sporting events, much more at professional games

Savings: about $3 per game per person for me, but decide what you normally spend and the amount you're willing to cut back

Bonus: Eating a meal before you leave gives you healthier options and a more well-rounded diet. Deciding to follow this option as a family gives you a reason to say "no" to your kids when they're whining for candy even before kick-off.

Movie Night

Instead of spending money on movie tickets, popcorn, and soda at the local theater, watch a DVD at home with your own snacks. Each time you make a conscious choice to go the cheaper route, contribute the savings to your September Savings Challenge Fund.

Investment: $0 for DVD from the library (or exchange with friends) or $3 for DVD rental, $0.83 for microwave popcorn bag and $.23 per can of soda.

Instead of: $5-$9 movie ticket and $3-$10 on popcorn and soda

Savings: Cost of a night out vs. a night in (for DH & me, $13.50-$1.29=$12.21)

Bonus: Besides being able to watch the movie of your choice on your own schedule (and in your pajamas) you're avoiding the unhealthy movie snacks.  A large popcorn with butter at the theater can deliver as much as 1238 calories and 74g of fat. A 32oz. soda packs 256 calories. In contrast, splitting a bag of light butter microwave popcorn and drinking a diet soda or water delivers only 150 calories and 6.25 g fat. Your body and your wallet will thank you!