Do your research and save5 of 8"We budget and save for things. When my husband was laid off for 15 months, we had our emergency fund in place, and we still added to our home improvement fund and our car fund. We have different savings accounts for our funds. In my husband's unemployed period, we never touched our emergency fund. We held onto our car fund savings, but we used our home improvement fund for a new roof and a new backyard fence."How could we afford to pay cash? In addition to saving, my husband gets several estimates to get the best deal on home improvements. And, my husband works along with the contractors to save money on labor."As for our cars, we never buy new. We buy used cars. As with any big-ticket items, I always start with Consumer Reports to research quality or 'best buys.' Then, I research private sales. I check values on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. When I see a good private sale prospect in the online classifieds, I check with Carfax so I know I am getting a well-maintained vehicle."This is how we live. We save for our goals, and we research good values." -- Phebe, Lynnwood, Wash. Related Articles:Why debt management?5 ways to cut debt now2010 Frugal Living GuideSave money on groceriesRelated Links:Ways to dump debt in 2010Debt pay-down calculatorBuilding your emergency fund4 dumb financial moves advertisement
"We budget and save for things. When my husband was laid off for 15 months, we had our emergency fund in place, and we still added to our home improvement fund and our car fund. We have different savings accounts for our funds. In my husband's unemployed period, we never touched our emergency fund. We held onto our car fund savings, but we used our home improvement fund for a new roof and a new backyard fence.
"How could we afford to pay cash? In addition to saving, my husband gets several estimates to get the best deal on home improvements. And, my husband works along with the contractors to save money on labor.
"As for our cars, we never buy new. We buy used cars. As with any big-ticket items, I always start with Consumer Reports to research quality or 'best buys.' Then, I research private sales. I check values on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. When I see a good private sale prospect in the online classifieds, I check with Carfax so I know I am getting a well-maintained vehicle.
"This is how we live. We save for our goals, and we research good values." -- Phebe, Lynnwood, Wash.
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.