Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Pinching Pennies
| By Lynn Forgy Saving money, even in small amounts, can add up after a while. There are many, many ways that you can save money - pinch your pennies until they scream.  FOOD: 1) Cook from scratch - stop spending so much money on the convenience foods at the grocery (ready made meals in a bag). 2) Check out HotCouponWorld for coupons and other money savers. 3) Recipegoldmine has some really neat recipes for making your own beauty and hygienic products (even deodorant!). 4) Eat from the pantry/freezer - that's right, even those beans that have been in there since last Christmas, along with the cranberry sauce that's been there even longer (although it might be a good idea to check the expiration dates, first - some people use these more as a "guide" than a hardfast rule :P ). AROUND THE HOUSE: 1) Recycle - cans and newspapers for cash (some may find this really disgusting, but what about "dumpster diving"? 2) Make your own cleaning products. 3) Clear out the clutter - have a yard sale, put your items on craigslist. 4) Wash your laundry in cold water rather than hot. 5) Make your own laundry detergent. 6) Do you really need the most expensive cable or satellite package - we just reduced ours to the family package and will be saving over $400 per year! 7) If there's something you're considering buying - don't! Try to get it free or discounted first. Check out craigslist, freecycle, and your local newspapers before buying the item new. BUDGET: 1) Online bill pay - why not save the cost of a stamp or 2. My bank is offering a $10 bonus into my checking account if I sign up for this free service. Woo hoo! 2) Never go to the grocery store without a meal plan / list. FOR THE STRONGWILLED / DETERMINED / STUBBORN: 1) How low can you really set your thermostat in the winter? 2) Put a bucket in the shower and use the water to fill your washing machine. You could do the same thing with water in the bathtub - use a bucket to scoop it out and fill your washer, water your plants, etc. 3) Become a "mellow" house Submit your ideas! Click Here |
posted by Krista at 7:57 PM
