In general people are doing what they need to do to save money. They quit spending. Our stock market is going down which means many of our retirement accounts are affected. Those who are due to retire soon may have problems and may have to work a whle longer. Gas prices are high, although they did go down a little this week. It still costs quite a bit more than it did to drive somewhere. Our electric, gas and water costs are going up.
All this means it costs more for goods to be delivered and for businesses to run. So the cost of almost everything is going up. The housing market is down and home values are getting lower.
As a result of this, some people are losing their jobs. Not an enormous amount but more than normal. Business has been going overseas for a while so the trend is not new but the closing of businesses due to lack of sales is. Because some lenders were unscrupulous and some borrowers were overly optmistic or naive, an unusually large number of people are losing their homes.
These kinds of things have happened before and the country recovers. There will be many among us who will need temporary help. If we are careful with what we have, we will have enough for ourselves and some to share with others. That's what Christians are supposed to do.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
#50 Eye Problems, illnesses and injuries
Rather than go to a family medical doctor or emergency room for any condition involving the eyes, go to an eye doctor. They charge much less for a visit and are likely to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time, since eyes are their specialty. They can prescribe just like your family doctor can. They can tell you if it is allergies, pink eye, a scratched lens or anything else.
Some box stores have eye doctors on staff and they can see you that day. Eye doctors can do a lot more than sell eye glasses and contacs.
Some box stores have eye doctors on staff and they can see you that day. Eye doctors can do a lot more than sell eye glasses and contacs.
#49 Insurance
When it comes to the various types of insurance, shop around. Prices will vary greatly from place to place.
Car insurance companies give discounts for things like not smoking, driver's ed, no accidents and other things. If your car is older, you might want to consider carrying just liability insurance. That means, if an accident is your fault, they pay for the other guy, but they do not pay for any damage to your car. Another way to save money is by carrying a higher deductible.
Health insurance is usually through an employer and there is little choice. If not check all the options. If you leave one job and either do not have another job or are just starting another job, check into extending your previous insurance through COBRA, especially if you have a medical condition. By law, you have the right to keep your insurance for a period of time, but you are responsible for all the premiums. If your former company was paying part of them for you, it will now be your responsibility. If you have a preexisiting condition, it is worth it.
Check with your employer to see if a cafeteria plan for health expenses is available. Cafeteria plans allow you to purchase health care needs and not pay taxes on them.
Some of the newer health insurance plans have wellness plans. If you follow their guidelines, you are eligible for health insurance discounts. These are through an employer and are worthwhile savings.
Homeowners insurance varies in price. There are also discounts available for many things such as smoke detectors and a home security system, a new roof, a relatively new furnace, etc. Ask.
Some insurance companies will give you a much better deal if you carry most, or all, of your insurance with them.
Since buying insurance means dealing with salespeople whose livelihood depends on making sales, this can be time intensive, but it can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Car insurance companies give discounts for things like not smoking, driver's ed, no accidents and other things. If your car is older, you might want to consider carrying just liability insurance. That means, if an accident is your fault, they pay for the other guy, but they do not pay for any damage to your car. Another way to save money is by carrying a higher deductible.
Health insurance is usually through an employer and there is little choice. If not check all the options. If you leave one job and either do not have another job or are just starting another job, check into extending your previous insurance through COBRA, especially if you have a medical condition. By law, you have the right to keep your insurance for a period of time, but you are responsible for all the premiums. If your former company was paying part of them for you, it will now be your responsibility. If you have a preexisiting condition, it is worth it.
Check with your employer to see if a cafeteria plan for health expenses is available. Cafeteria plans allow you to purchase health care needs and not pay taxes on them.
Some of the newer health insurance plans have wellness plans. If you follow their guidelines, you are eligible for health insurance discounts. These are through an employer and are worthwhile savings.
Homeowners insurance varies in price. There are also discounts available for many things such as smoke detectors and a home security system, a new roof, a relatively new furnace, etc. Ask.
Some insurance companies will give you a much better deal if you carry most, or all, of your insurance with them.
Since buying insurance means dealing with salespeople whose livelihood depends on making sales, this can be time intensive, but it can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
#48 Ride the Bus or Train or Subway
Public transportation is less expensive than private transportation. It takes some prior planning in communities where buses and trains may not come frequently but it is much less expensive than owning a car or driving it. In cities, it saves on the daily parking fee as well as the gas and the wear and tear on the car.
In areas where trains and subways are available, they cost much less than driving a car also.
In areas where trains and subways are available, they cost much less than driving a car also.
#47 Ride a Bike
Bicycles are inexpensive to own and riding one to get to where you need to go saves money on gas and car expenses. It is also good for your heart and for your overall health when you ride, thus with the potential to save on medical expenses over time.
#46 Walk
Walking where you need to go, when possible saves money on gas and car expenses. It is also good for your health and will save, over time, on medical bills. Walking is also good for your mental health. For the super frugal, if you walk enough, you will come across pennies and other coins on the ground.
#45 Ceiling Fans
Use ceiling fans in both summer and winter to move the air. In winter, warm air rises and a fan will circulate the heat. In summer, reverse the blade direction and the air will be pulled away from the floor rather than pushed down to it.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
#44 Space Heaters
With the price of gas going up, sometimes electricity is cheaper. To take advantage of this, use space heaters in the rooms where you are staying to help warm that room. You will be comfortable without using a lot of costly gas and those small space heaters heat up more than a person might realize.
#43 Crock pots
It is possible to cook a meal in a crock pot, which saves time and money. If you come home in the afternoon and are too tired or busy to cook, the crock pot is there and keep you from going out and buying more expensive meals.
In the winter, a crock pot can help warm your home for pennies. A hot crock pot full of anything, even just water, raises the temperature of the room. It could be a savings on the utility bill. The crock pot raises the temperature of whatever room it is in.
In the winter, a crock pot can help warm your home for pennies. A hot crock pot full of anything, even just water, raises the temperature of the room. It could be a savings on the utility bill. The crock pot raises the temperature of whatever room it is in.
#42 Toaster Oven
On hot days, using a toaster oven to cook, rather than a large oven, will save on the cooling bill. A small toaster oven still cooks but it does not heat up the house as much as an oven.
#41 Get the Last Little Bit
When we get to the bottom of a mayonaise jar, ketchup bottle, dish soap bottle, shampoo bottle or anything else with a thick liquid, we do not have to throw out those last tablespoons. For food items, such as mayonaise, use a spatula to get the last of it.
For other food items in smaller bottles or soap based items, put a little bit of warm water in the bottle then swirl it around until the remaining liquid becomes thinner and can be poured out. Some things, like the ketchup, may be thin and best used in sauces. Thinner non foods, such as soaps, work well when thinned but you might have to use more. The savings aren't much, maybe ten cents or more per bottle but little bits add up over time. If we finish off 20 bottles a month, that's $2 and about $24 a year. Why not keep the $24 for something you like instead of throwing it in the trash?
For other food items in smaller bottles or soap based items, put a little bit of warm water in the bottle then swirl it around until the remaining liquid becomes thinner and can be poured out. Some things, like the ketchup, may be thin and best used in sauces. Thinner non foods, such as soaps, work well when thinned but you might have to use more. The savings aren't much, maybe ten cents or more per bottle but little bits add up over time. If we finish off 20 bottles a month, that's $2 and about $24 a year. Why not keep the $24 for something you like instead of throwing it in the trash?
Monday, August 4, 2008
#40 Drink lots of tap water
Why? It will keep you in much better health. All that soda pop is going to pickle your innards and put calcium and other deposits in your veins and arteries. It hasn't been proven yet, but that stuff is made up of chemicals that we have no idea what they can cause over the long run.
Water is healthy. Most of us are suffering from chronic dehydration according to some experts. That means more aches and pains, particularly in the joints of the body, more headaches, more acid reflux, worse digestion and much more. Enough water helps your body flush out all the unhealthy stuff that needs to go. You might even feel perky if you aren't getting enough water and you start getting what your body needs.
Tap water is very inexpensive. Bottled water costs quite a bit more and, over time, many of the chemicals in the plastic bottle leach into the water. Some of those chemicals aren't too healthy.
Bad health costs money. Medicines cost money. Water can help many people, at least some. And out of the tap it is cheap.
Water is healthy. Most of us are suffering from chronic dehydration according to some experts. That means more aches and pains, particularly in the joints of the body, more headaches, more acid reflux, worse digestion and much more. Enough water helps your body flush out all the unhealthy stuff that needs to go. You might even feel perky if you aren't getting enough water and you start getting what your body needs.
Tap water is very inexpensive. Bottled water costs quite a bit more and, over time, many of the chemicals in the plastic bottle leach into the water. Some of those chemicals aren't too healthy.
Bad health costs money. Medicines cost money. Water can help many people, at least some. And out of the tap it is cheap.
#39 Spend Cash
Notice that debit cards are raising their fees and several other banking fees are going up. There is no service charge of any kind for cash.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
# 38 Clothing
Check out the second hand stores in your area. They have lots of good, used clothing. Many second hand sotres are run by groups like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Disabled Veterans and many other non profits. They are laid out attractively, in most cases now, like a department store. When you buy anything from them, you are supporting the organization which helps those in need.
People donate a variety to these places, including some very nice and expensive clothing which is sold very cheaply. People gain or lose weight, die, split with their partner, get tired of stuff and all sorts of things so the items are not all worn out. Some are brand new and never worn.
Another type of shop to buy clothing is a consignment shop. People bring in the clothing they no longer need and, if it sells, they get a percentage of the sale price. This is a for profit business that has good bargains.
Garage sales are good places to find clothing. It takes a lot more shopping to find what you can use but the prices are great. Similar to this is church and other organizational (like scouts)rummage sales. These are one or two day events and everyone in the group donates items to be sold for the profit of the group. These can be a treasure trove, especially if you are willing to look at out of season items.
Hold a clothing swap with friends who wear the same size as you wear. Or that have children about the same age. Share and pass around children's clothing.
Shop the clearance sales at stores or at stores that specialize in very low prices. Watch out for the flaws in "seconds".
If clothing rips or a zipper comes out, repair it rather than replace it if the rest of the item is in good condition.
People donate a variety to these places, including some very nice and expensive clothing which is sold very cheaply. People gain or lose weight, die, split with their partner, get tired of stuff and all sorts of things so the items are not all worn out. Some are brand new and never worn.
Another type of shop to buy clothing is a consignment shop. People bring in the clothing they no longer need and, if it sells, they get a percentage of the sale price. This is a for profit business that has good bargains.
Garage sales are good places to find clothing. It takes a lot more shopping to find what you can use but the prices are great. Similar to this is church and other organizational (like scouts)rummage sales. These are one or two day events and everyone in the group donates items to be sold for the profit of the group. These can be a treasure trove, especially if you are willing to look at out of season items.
Hold a clothing swap with friends who wear the same size as you wear. Or that have children about the same age. Share and pass around children's clothing.
Shop the clearance sales at stores or at stores that specialize in very low prices. Watch out for the flaws in "seconds".
If clothing rips or a zipper comes out, repair it rather than replace it if the rest of the item is in good condition.
#37 Eat Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast foods, such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, scrambled eggs, toast and all those other things make not only a quick meal at dinner time, but also an economical one.
#36 Fix Sandwiches at Home
A sandwich at a sandwich shop now costs $6 to $9. A sandwich at home is almost always less than a $1 unless you are extreme. This is assuming you will make sandwiches more than one day and will not throw away things like the rest of the loaf of bread after you have eaten one sandwich.
A loaf of bread is $1 at the day old bread shop. The fancier breads at specialty shops, like tomato basil, are around $4 a loaf. A loaf has about 20 slices in it. That means 2 slices of bread cost 10 cents to 40 cents.
Meat fillings on the sandwiches run about 2 to 4 ounces. If you buy prepackaged lunchmeat, such as smoked ham, turkey, chicken, bologna, salami, etc. it costs less. Meats can run anywhere from 35 cents to $1.50 for high priced deli service counter meat. (Or more if you choose overpriced stores).
Condiments generally run anywhere from 2 cents (regular mustard) to 6 cents (mayonnaise types) for a tablespoon. Mix in herbs you have on hand for a fancier effect.
Lettuce leaf is about a nickle each or less. Tomato slices can run as high as 15 cents each in winter. If you like avacado slices, 1/4 of an avacado is about 25 cents. Sprouts for a sandwich cost less than 25 cents. Bacon bits can run anywhere from 3 cents to 25 cents depending on where you buy them (warehouse stores are best).
If you like peanut butter and jelly, that is much cheaper. A serving of peanut butter (1 1/2 tbs) is around 10 cents. A serving of grape jelly is about 5 cents. Fancier jellies cost 10 to 20 cents oer serving. So a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at my house costs 25 cents but at a restaurant it is $6.
A sandwich at my house costs from 50 cents to $2. The way to save money is to eat sandwiches at home.
What about the side dish? The quarter cup of potato salad or slaw costs about $2 or less to make at home for a couple of cups of it.
Very simple Potato salad.
Peel, cube and steam 1 to 2 pounds of potatoes until tender. Cool. Mix in 1 to 3 tbs of mayo type salad dressing and 1 t of prepared mustard. Mix in 1 t of pickle relish or 2 T of diced onion or 1 diced hard boiled egg or 1 rib of diced celery or 1 T of chopped chives or 1 t of parsely or any combination that you would like. The whole multiple serving dish usually costs less than a dollar or about 15 cents for a mini cup.
Simple slaw.
Shred 1/2 to 1 head of cabbage. shred or grate a carrot or 2 into the cabbage. Mix in mayo type salad dressing to coat 1-3 Tbs. Some people add a tsp of vinegar, some dill seed, a bit of sugar and even a bit of onion to taste. The whole multiple serving dish usually costs less than $1 or about 15 cents for one of those mini cups.
A loaf of bread is $1 at the day old bread shop. The fancier breads at specialty shops, like tomato basil, are around $4 a loaf. A loaf has about 20 slices in it. That means 2 slices of bread cost 10 cents to 40 cents.
Meat fillings on the sandwiches run about 2 to 4 ounces. If you buy prepackaged lunchmeat, such as smoked ham, turkey, chicken, bologna, salami, etc. it costs less. Meats can run anywhere from 35 cents to $1.50 for high priced deli service counter meat. (Or more if you choose overpriced stores).
Condiments generally run anywhere from 2 cents (regular mustard) to 6 cents (mayonnaise types) for a tablespoon. Mix in herbs you have on hand for a fancier effect.
Lettuce leaf is about a nickle each or less. Tomato slices can run as high as 15 cents each in winter. If you like avacado slices, 1/4 of an avacado is about 25 cents. Sprouts for a sandwich cost less than 25 cents. Bacon bits can run anywhere from 3 cents to 25 cents depending on where you buy them (warehouse stores are best).
If you like peanut butter and jelly, that is much cheaper. A serving of peanut butter (1 1/2 tbs) is around 10 cents. A serving of grape jelly is about 5 cents. Fancier jellies cost 10 to 20 cents oer serving. So a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at my house costs 25 cents but at a restaurant it is $6.
A sandwich at my house costs from 50 cents to $2. The way to save money is to eat sandwiches at home.
What about the side dish? The quarter cup of potato salad or slaw costs about $2 or less to make at home for a couple of cups of it.
Very simple Potato salad.
Peel, cube and steam 1 to 2 pounds of potatoes until tender. Cool. Mix in 1 to 3 tbs of mayo type salad dressing and 1 t of prepared mustard. Mix in 1 t of pickle relish or 2 T of diced onion or 1 diced hard boiled egg or 1 rib of diced celery or 1 T of chopped chives or 1 t of parsely or any combination that you would like. The whole multiple serving dish usually costs less than a dollar or about 15 cents for a mini cup.
Simple slaw.
Shred 1/2 to 1 head of cabbage. shred or grate a carrot or 2 into the cabbage. Mix in mayo type salad dressing to coat 1-3 Tbs. Some people add a tsp of vinegar, some dill seed, a bit of sugar and even a bit of onion to taste. The whole multiple serving dish usually costs less than $1 or about 15 cents for one of those mini cups.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
#35 Color Coding Little Kids' Belongings
When the children were small, I color coded them. Each child had a cup with a lid that was his color. If one of the little guys was too full to finish his milk, it stayed in his cup in the refrigerator until he was thirsty again. No waste. Sometimes the cup contained water. They were at the stage where they were too small to reach the faucet to get their own drink but big enough to get into the refrigerator and old enough to know their color. Leftovers were in colorcoded containers sometimes. When a little guy was too full to eat at meal time but got hungry later, the food (sandwich, fruit, that sort of thing) was there for him. We kept from wasting a lot of food that way.
Other personal items were color coded too. Each little guy was proud of his color and wasn't interested in anybody else's color.
Other personal items were color coded too. Each little guy was proud of his color and wasn't interested in anybody else's color.
#34 Water Glass
Water is the best beverage. It takes a while to develop a taste for it if you don't drink much of it but, once that happens, water tastes better than almost anything else, especially when you are thirsty. Our bodies crave water and it is necessary for good health. Sometimes I like mine with a slice of lemon, lime or even orange sometimes, with ice. There is mint growing in the yard and a sprig adds a touch of class.
#33 Tea
Brew some sun tea instead of buying premade tea or instant tea for iced tea. It's healthy and the flavor is excellent. Sun tea does not use any extra energy. The sun does the brewing. It even works on cloudy days. Inexpensive store brand tea bags work as well as name brands.
#32 Communication -Mail Savings
Use email instead of snail mail to send out mass mailings of necessary group information such as agenda's, minutes, instructions, formas and other things.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
#31 Clothing
I love to wear blazers and warm cardigans but I hate paying $50 to $100 or more each for them. I prefer to wear layers for comfort and I prefer classic styles. I am getting a good supply of them now in very nice fabrics. The blazers are costing me $2 to $8 and the cardigans have been anything from 50 cents to $3. I buy them at the DAV Thrift stores and at church and Christian organization sales, primarily in the summer.
I love wearing the better clothing but I spend a lot of time working with people, children, babies, food and animals. They are messy so I get messy sometimes. If I am wearing something that costs a lot, I worry more about the clothing than the people and I wind up being miserable. Some people live in such a way that they never get messy. Not me. Life happens. People are worth more than stuff. So I am thrilled with my thrift store finds.
I love wearing the better clothing but I spend a lot of time working with people, children, babies, food and animals. They are messy so I get messy sometimes. If I am wearing something that costs a lot, I worry more about the clothing than the people and I wind up being miserable. Some people live in such a way that they never get messy. Not me. Life happens. People are worth more than stuff. So I am thrilled with my thrift store finds.
#30 Air Miles
If you sign up for air miles or frequent flier miles on long trips, you earn enough for other trips quickly. This is new to me but worth checking into.
#29 Money exchange and Mission trips
We are taking a trip and will need to get local currency. (Dog sitting is free because my adult children will still be in the house.)
I checked with two banks today. One said one to two days and did not mention a fee. No problem as long as I am one of their customers. The other said 7 to 10 business days and there is a fairly high percentage fee even though I have an account at that bank. Guess which bank I am going to use! (since the first did not mention a fee, I will need to double check it.)
I checked with two banks today. One said one to two days and did not mention a fee. No problem as long as I am one of their customers. The other said 7 to 10 business days and there is a fairly high percentage fee even though I have an account at that bank. Guess which bank I am going to use! (since the first did not mention a fee, I will need to double check it.)
#28 Chairs, coffee and such
Today I rewebbed a lawn chair. The webbing was ripped but the frame was fine. I have heard lots of jokes about how people say they will fix the chairs but never do. I really do and it is not hard.
One of our favorite coffee shops is going out of business. They are selling out everything at 50% off, so I bought some more coffee. Half price is good. If you bring your own mug for coffee, they give a discount. Normally coffee costs $1.60 but with your own mug, it costs $1.06 for a "bottomless" cup. Wish I had known that one sooner.
Tonight we ate a meal that cost less than $3 total. I bought a package of 6 bratwursts on sale for $1 a while back. We ate half of them and half will go into future meals. I cooked a pound of potatoes which cost me 25 cents. We ate leftover beans, half the can. The entire can cost 39 cents so that portion was about 20 cents. I had a dollar jar of applesauce and we ate less than half of it so there will be some for a future meal. Bread was $1 a loaf and has about 20 slices, so that is about a nickle a slice. Condiments were pennies. The cost of the meal for both of us was $1.60 total.
Last night we had nachos. I used 1/4 lb of hamburger, precooked. The hamburger cost about $2 a pound so that was 50 cents worth. We had corn chips, on sale $1 a bag and used half the bag. We used half a can of pinto beans (this was new for us but really good!) which was 20 cents worth. Cheese was a bit more expensive. I got it on sale for about $3 a pound and we used about 4 ounces, that's about 75 cents. Condiments like Miracle Whip (2 oz out of a 32 oz, 99 cent jar is about 6 cents) and hot sauce (Crystals $1.29 a bottle and we used about 1/12 of it or 10 cents worth maybe). The whole meal came to slightly more than $2.
I have been buying the ripe bananas for 19 cents a pound instead of 69 cents a pound and they make a good dessert or snack.
One of our favorite coffee shops is going out of business. They are selling out everything at 50% off, so I bought some more coffee. Half price is good. If you bring your own mug for coffee, they give a discount. Normally coffee costs $1.60 but with your own mug, it costs $1.06 for a "bottomless" cup. Wish I had known that one sooner.
Tonight we ate a meal that cost less than $3 total. I bought a package of 6 bratwursts on sale for $1 a while back. We ate half of them and half will go into future meals. I cooked a pound of potatoes which cost me 25 cents. We ate leftover beans, half the can. The entire can cost 39 cents so that portion was about 20 cents. I had a dollar jar of applesauce and we ate less than half of it so there will be some for a future meal. Bread was $1 a loaf and has about 20 slices, so that is about a nickle a slice. Condiments were pennies. The cost of the meal for both of us was $1.60 total.
Last night we had nachos. I used 1/4 lb of hamburger, precooked. The hamburger cost about $2 a pound so that was 50 cents worth. We had corn chips, on sale $1 a bag and used half the bag. We used half a can of pinto beans (this was new for us but really good!) which was 20 cents worth. Cheese was a bit more expensive. I got it on sale for about $3 a pound and we used about 4 ounces, that's about 75 cents. Condiments like Miracle Whip (2 oz out of a 32 oz, 99 cent jar is about 6 cents) and hot sauce (Crystals $1.29 a bottle and we used about 1/12 of it or 10 cents worth maybe). The whole meal came to slightly more than $2.
I have been buying the ripe bananas for 19 cents a pound instead of 69 cents a pound and they make a good dessert or snack.
#27 Moving tips- basic
When moving long distances, the less weight you have, the less it costs to move it.
#1 Get rid of all of the trash and items that have no value to anyone. It is amazing how many people move trash.
#2 Sell and/or give away everything you do not love or use regularly.
#3 Consider selling your heavy furniture if it is not something you do not feel you could live without. For the frugal among us, we can buy furniture at garage sales, thrift stores and second hand stores in our new home. (If you are particular, must have brand new things to survive and have a tight budget, this will not work for you. )
#4 Get a home with a refrigerator, stove and other heavy appliances already in it.
#1 Get rid of all of the trash and items that have no value to anyone. It is amazing how many people move trash.
#2 Sell and/or give away everything you do not love or use regularly.
#3 Consider selling your heavy furniture if it is not something you do not feel you could live without. For the frugal among us, we can buy furniture at garage sales, thrift stores and second hand stores in our new home. (If you are particular, must have brand new things to survive and have a tight budget, this will not work for you. )
#4 Get a home with a refrigerator, stove and other heavy appliances already in it.
#26 Borrow
Instead of buying something you rarely use, see if there is a way to borrow it from someone who owns it when you need it. If you have several friends, you might be able to share things so that each of you saves money by not buying it.
If borrowing is not possible, check into renting the item. Items you do not own do not have to be stored so there is less clutter too.
If rentals are not available, see if it is possible to buy the item second hand.
If borrowing is not possible, check into renting the item. Items you do not own do not have to be stored so there is less clutter too.
If rentals are not available, see if it is possible to buy the item second hand.
#25 Shots- vaccinations
The county health department gives shots very inexpensively. Some counties are free for some ages. You do not have to pay all the fees that come with going to the doctor's office such as the office visit, the fee for the nurse to give the shot and stuff like that, plus the cost of the actual medicine is cheaper.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
#24 Free Local Events
Check the local paper for free events every week. There are many here. We have gone to concerts, plays, movies, seminars, classes, lectures, discussion groups, book reviews, special tours, rallies, barbeques, festivals, shows, and much more.
Every few months our local hands on science center has a free day for families. This is a great place to go, especially to take the kids.
In the spring and fall one of our movie theaters has free children's movies for about 10 Saturday mornings in a row. They are good, clean movies and we enjoyed going with the kids.
Once a month our town has an art walk. Art museums are open that eveing and you walk from one to another and look around. A few have free snacks out to try while you browse.
Every few months our local hands on science center has a free day for families. This is a great place to go, especially to take the kids.
In the spring and fall one of our movie theaters has free children's movies for about 10 Saturday mornings in a row. They are good, clean movies and we enjoyed going with the kids.
Once a month our town has an art walk. Art museums are open that eveing and you walk from one to another and look around. A few have free snacks out to try while you browse.
#23 Seasonal Items
After a holiday, things go on clearance. They start out at 50% off and will eventually be 75% to 90% off or more. It is a good way to get things for next year very inexpensively.
They sell other things inexpensively too like holiday foods, paper towels, candy, baggies, colored plastic wrap and much more. My spills don't care what design is on the paper towels and my food doesn't care what color plastic wrap it has over it. Chocolate is the same whether it has santas, hearts, shamrocks, bunnies, pumpkins or some other design on the wrapper.
They sell other things inexpensively too like holiday foods, paper towels, candy, baggies, colored plastic wrap and much more. My spills don't care what design is on the paper towels and my food doesn't care what color plastic wrap it has over it. Chocolate is the same whether it has santas, hearts, shamrocks, bunnies, pumpkins or some other design on the wrapper.
#22 Liquid Hand Soap
Instead of buying refills of liquid hand soap when the dispenser is out, I put some dish soap in the hand soap bottle and some water and shake it up. It works fine. So does body wash, which I have bought very inexpensively on sale and tried.
#21 Eyeglasses and Contacts
There is a tremedous difference in the cost of eyeglasses and contacts from one place to another. There was a $200 difference between mine and a friend's (mine much less expensive although bifocals so not the least expensive they had).
Everybody assumes that the big general merchandise discount stores have the best deals. For me that was not so by a long shot. There was over $100 difference. I do much better at places that deal in eyes only and not tires, food, etc.
In our town, on the other hand, if you have pink eye, eye infections, eye irritations, etc. the best place to get quick, inexpensive care is Wal Mart eye doctors. They specialize in eyes and charge less than a medical doctor, at least in our town. You can also get in as soon as you have a problem rather than waiting several days for an appointment (because the medical doctors here are so successful they have more patients than they can handle). Other eye doctors can be similar but call first and ask for prices. They can range from $20 to $160 here for a visit.
Everybody assumes that the big general merchandise discount stores have the best deals. For me that was not so by a long shot. There was over $100 difference. I do much better at places that deal in eyes only and not tires, food, etc.
In our town, on the other hand, if you have pink eye, eye infections, eye irritations, etc. the best place to get quick, inexpensive care is Wal Mart eye doctors. They specialize in eyes and charge less than a medical doctor, at least in our town. You can also get in as soon as you have a problem rather than waiting several days for an appointment (because the medical doctors here are so successful they have more patients than they can handle). Other eye doctors can be similar but call first and ask for prices. They can range from $20 to $160 here for a visit.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
#20 Water Saver Shower Heads
These do not cost much, last a long time and save water, especially with teens who like to stay in the shower a while.
#19 Haircuts
Several years ago I learned to cut the guys' hair. My youngest son wore his hair very short at that time and it just didn't seem like much of a bargain to take him so the barber could run a shaver over his head. We bought our own clippers and I started doing it and saved the $8. The other guys wanted me to do their hair too. I had watched when they got their hair cut so I tried what I saw the barber doing. (Anybody can go stand outside the window of a downtown barber shop and watch them cut hair to see how to do it)
After a while, I was not only cutting the hair of the guys in my house, but they were bringing their broke friends too. I guess I must do an okay job.
At $8 (it may be more now) a month, we saved $96 a year per guy.
After a while, I was not only cutting the hair of the guys in my house, but they were bringing their broke friends too. I guess I must do an okay job.
At $8 (it may be more now) a month, we saved $96 a year per guy.
#18 Bread
The most economical place to buy bread, buns and such is a bread outlet store. I buy several loaves at a time and put all but one in the freezer. I save anywhere from 60 cents to $1.75 a loaf (60 cents is generic versus the name brand bread store product-$1.75 is the identical product but from a grocery store instead).
Buns, pasties and other items are cheaper too. Sometimes they run specials. Having a freezer to put the things in makes buying extra worthwhile.
Buns, pasties and other items are cheaper too. Sometimes they run specials. Having a freezer to put the things in makes buying extra worthwhile.
#17 Traveling and Food
When we travel, I take along my own bottled water and beverages. It is much more economical than buying things at a quick shop. We also take along snacks for in the car.
If we are going on a long trip, sometimes we take a picnic lunch to eat on the way. It is much healthier than anything we can get in a fast food restaurant and is much more economical.
Packing a lunch is a hassle and takes extra time, and there is extra clean up, so we do not do it if it is just my husband and I or we are with a group any more. That, and it is difficult to find picnic tables. We often have to eat sitting in the car in a hot parking lot. But it is economical. If we are spending the night in a motel and are not with a group, we will buy something to eat in the room at a grocery store often.
We get discounts at motels from our auto club. We also tend to stay in moderately priced motels rather than the high end type.
When we really needed to cut costs traveling with several children, we camped along the way at campgrounds in a pop up tent camper or a tent. It is a lot of work but economical. The kids have fun playing outside and eating out in the open air. Most campgrounds have bathrooms with showers and swimming pools.
If we are going on a long trip, sometimes we take a picnic lunch to eat on the way. It is much healthier than anything we can get in a fast food restaurant and is much more economical.
Packing a lunch is a hassle and takes extra time, and there is extra clean up, so we do not do it if it is just my husband and I or we are with a group any more. That, and it is difficult to find picnic tables. We often have to eat sitting in the car in a hot parking lot. But it is economical. If we are spending the night in a motel and are not with a group, we will buy something to eat in the room at a grocery store often.
We get discounts at motels from our auto club. We also tend to stay in moderately priced motels rather than the high end type.
When we really needed to cut costs traveling with several children, we camped along the way at campgrounds in a pop up tent camper or a tent. It is a lot of work but economical. The kids have fun playing outside and eating out in the open air. Most campgrounds have bathrooms with showers and swimming pools.
#16 Car Tires
When money is tight, there is an alternative to expensive car tires. Many tire places will sell used tires in good shape for a lot less. They charge a flat rate, which includes everything. We have had these most of the time and have had very good luck with them.
Watch out for places, like box stores, that claim to have low prices but add extra charges for stems, balancing and who knows what else. Their prices look low until you add in all the "extras" that are very necessary and find out that bargain wasn't much of a bargain.
Go for a place that included everything in the price up front if getting new tires for the best deal.
Watch out for places, like box stores, that claim to have low prices but add extra charges for stems, balancing and who knows what else. Their prices look low until you add in all the "extras" that are very necessary and find out that bargain wasn't much of a bargain.
Go for a place that included everything in the price up front if getting new tires for the best deal.
#15 Sack Lunches
The price of food for lunch while working is going up. A modestly priced meal can cost $5 or $6 or more. To brown bag a lunch to work costs less than $2, depending on what is included. Things like sandwiches, leftovers, wraps, salads, fresh fruit and all kinds of things are possible.
Normally what we bring from home is healthier than the junk we might buy.
Normally what we bring from home is healthier than the junk we might buy.
#14 Office and School Supplies
The best time of year to stock up on office and school supplies is about a month before the kids go back to school around here. Stores practically give away ink pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, copy paper, crayons, markers and all sorts of things. These items might sell anywhere from 10 cents, to 25 cents to a dollar, depending on what they are. It saves a lot of money to buy these things then for year round use.
#13 Restaurant Meals
Many of the entrees in a restaurant are big. Rather than eat until I am overstuffed, I prefer to take home what I do not eat and have a second meal from it. It is healthy to eat about half and take home about half.
#12 Restaurant Beverages
In a restaurant I order water with my meals. It tastes good and it saves anywhere from $1 to $3 per meal.
#11 Restaurant Coupons
Newspapers, home mailers, coupon books and internet coupons will offer restaurant discounts. They offer cents off, buy 1 get one free, free appetizers, free beverages and more with purchase.
My favorites are buy one get one free to eat for half price.
My favorites are buy one get one free to eat for half price.
#10 Comparison Shop
On everything, compare prices and quality at different places. Whether it is a job that needs to be done, such as landscaping, roofing or home repair or a new furnace, hot water heater, appliances and such, get estimates. Also look at quality. Prices and quality will vary greatly. So will guarantees. By comparison shopping, a person can save hundreds of dollars.
I comparison shop on everything, including food, clothing, school supplies and more.
I comparison shop on everything, including food, clothing, school supplies and more.
#9 Appliances
There are many stores that sell good used appliances. On a tight budget, this would be a good option when an appliance, such as a washer, dryer or refrigerator breaks down and money is short. I have never done this but a friend of mine has and it has worked out well. I just use things until they fall apart and then repair them. By the time we are done using something, it has no life left.
#8 Electricity
Turn off all the lights, appliances, LED lights and anything else when not in use.
Use the new energy efficient bulbs in lights that are left on a lot. They aren't bright enough to read by for older eyes and they contain dangerous mercury but they will save a bit of money. Mine are in the porch lights.
Use lower wattage bulbs in areas that do not need bright light.
Wait to run the dishwasher until it is full and use the energy efficient settings. (It is not necessary to fill the dish soap dispenser full. Follow the directions on the box of dishwashing soap)
Run full loads of laundry in the washer rather than a bunch of small loads.
Use cold water for most things.
Hang items out to dry on a clothesline, especially items like jeans that take a lot of energy to dry.
(For lightly soiled clothing, it is not necessary to use as much soap)
A foreign exchange student living with us asked why we washed our clothes every time we wore them. He had a good point. It is not necessary to wash things that are not dirty. Some things can be worn more than once before they need washing.
Towels usually can be used more than once before washing. Depending on the individual, they may be used for several days.
Use the new energy efficient bulbs in lights that are left on a lot. They aren't bright enough to read by for older eyes and they contain dangerous mercury but they will save a bit of money. Mine are in the porch lights.
Use lower wattage bulbs in areas that do not need bright light.
Wait to run the dishwasher until it is full and use the energy efficient settings. (It is not necessary to fill the dish soap dispenser full. Follow the directions on the box of dishwashing soap)
Run full loads of laundry in the washer rather than a bunch of small loads.
Use cold water for most things.
Hang items out to dry on a clothesline, especially items like jeans that take a lot of energy to dry.
(For lightly soiled clothing, it is not necessary to use as much soap)
A foreign exchange student living with us asked why we washed our clothes every time we wore them. He had a good point. It is not necessary to wash things that are not dirty. Some things can be worn more than once before they need washing.
Towels usually can be used more than once before washing. Depending on the individual, they may be used for several days.
#7 Soda Pop and Snacks
The pop machine at work costs 75 cents to $1 for soda. Rather than buy one daily, we take one from home at a fraction of the cost. A can from home averages 25 cents.
That saves 50 cents a day, 5 days a week or $2.50 times 50 weeks a year is $125. If we drink 2 a day, that is $250 a year.
Generics bring even more savings.
The same holds true for snacks from vending machines. It is much less expensive to bring your own each day.
That saves 50 cents a day, 5 days a week or $2.50 times 50 weeks a year is $125. If we drink 2 a day, that is $250 a year.
Generics bring even more savings.
The same holds true for snacks from vending machines. It is much less expensive to bring your own each day.
#6 Freebies
If a business is giving away ink pens, tablets, toys, candy or anthing else to promote their business, I take it. Much of it we use ourselves but some of it is given away to others. Why buy little things when someone will give it to you (and a thousand other people)?
I have a candy dish near the door and guests and neighborhood kids help themselves. Much of the candy is what I have been given at various places.
The local bus was giving away free ride tokens as part of a promotion. I was given a few and later gave them to a young man who lost his job and needed to take the bus to find a new one.
I have a candy dish near the door and guests and neighborhood kids help themselves. Much of the candy is what I have been given at various places.
The local bus was giving away free ride tokens as part of a promotion. I was given a few and later gave them to a young man who lost his job and needed to take the bus to find a new one.
#5 Cars
We save our pennies and buy old cars that we can afford to pay cash to buy. Old cars cost less on insurance and taxes, both up front and every year. Paying cash means there is no interest.
When there is a teen in the house, insurance is high. Really old cars allow us to cover liability only. Fender benders happen among teens too.
Cars are not status symbols, they are transportation. As long as they run well, are somewhat comfortable, the heat and the a/c work and the radio works, I'm fine.
When there is a teen in the house, insurance is high. Really old cars allow us to cover liability only. Fender benders happen among teens too.
Cars are not status symbols, they are transportation. As long as they run well, are somewhat comfortable, the heat and the a/c work and the radio works, I'm fine.
#4 Change
Every so often I come across pennies or other change on the ground. I pick it up and throw it in a jar. One year I picked up $109 in small change. That requires a lot of walking but good health is a frugal habit also.
#3 Paper Napkins
This one gets me made fun of by my more wasteful friends but that's okay.
When we are in a restaurant and have unused paper napkins, I take them home with me. The restaurant is just going to throw them away. I use them for spills in the car and at home as well as for dinner napkins.
It probably only saves pennies but every penny adds up.
When we are in a restaurant and have unused paper napkins, I take them home with me. The restaurant is just going to throw them away. I use them for spills in the car and at home as well as for dinner napkins.
It probably only saves pennies but every penny adds up.
#2 Credit Cards
Credit cards are for emergencies, not for everyday use. They charge high rates of interest which is money out of my pocket for which I get no value. If our credit cards have a balance, we pay it off in full every month.
#1 Interest
Interest is money in somebody else's pocket for which I get nothing extra of value. It is like pouring money down a hole. With the exception of our home, we do not pay interest. We save our money and buy what we want or go without until we can.
Frugal Living
So many times in life money has been tight. There are plenty of shortcuts for getting more with less. Having both Scottish and New England roots, I enjoy the challenge of getting the most for my money.
Right now gas and utility prices are up a lot. Food prices are going up more quickly than usual as a result, as are the prices of everything else. Things like corn and wheat prices keep rising. The housing market is having problems and the dollar is shrinking proportionately to other world currencies.
While all this may or may not last, it is good to have a bit of extra cash in my pocket.
I have been accused of being overly conservative and doing things that could not possibly matter. A lot of tiny things add up to bigger amounts.
Right now gas and utility prices are up a lot. Food prices are going up more quickly than usual as a result, as are the prices of everything else. Things like corn and wheat prices keep rising. The housing market is having problems and the dollar is shrinking proportionately to other world currencies.
While all this may or may not last, it is good to have a bit of extra cash in my pocket.
I have been accused of being overly conservative and doing things that could not possibly matter. A lot of tiny things add up to bigger amounts.
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