"Said" is a funny word. It's one of those words that if you use it too many times, your work becomes repetitive, but if you don't use it enough, then your work is somewhat stale. I've found that many writers have difficulties finding the correct balance and I myself have a hard time with it is as well. However, if the correct balance is achieved, then using said is not that bad, just try to diversify so it's not used every sentence.