Friday, October 3, 2008

Money Saving Tips

When money is tight and inflation is high, it time to stretch your dollars. Try these money saving tips:

Food
Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out.
Buy dry goods in bulk when they’re on sale.
Use coupons.
Drink water or tea instead of juice, soft drinks and coffee.
Don’t overeat and use leftovers.
Forego sugary items, which usually provide no nutritional value.
Grow expensive food items in a home garden.
Filter your water instead of buying bottled water.
Limit meat and seafood consumption to the necessary minimums.
Don't smoke.

Shopping

Buy basic needs items such as toothpaste, laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid in bulk when they’re on sale.
Use coupons.
Bring a list with you on shopping trips and stick to it.
Don’t buy clothes that require dry cleaning or use other means such as Dryel to clean “dry clean only” clothing.
Repair or alter items before replacing them.
Switch disposable paper products to reusable ones: kitchen towels instead of paper towels, cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, handkerchiefs instead of facial tissue, cloth wipes or water rinsing instead of toilet paper and baby wipes, cloth diapers instead of disposable ones, and reusable cloth and cups instead of disposable pads and tampons.
Don't window shop or go to malls to "hang-out."

Energy & Utilities
Unplug electronic devises and appliances when not in use. Surge protectors can facilitate this process.
Use a wood stove for heating.
Purchase Energy Star Appliances.
Install “Low-e,” double paned windows.
Use thick, insulated window coverings during cold months.
Use weatherstripping and caulk to keep home well insulated.
Use florescent and LED lighting.
Open the blinds (or curtains) during the day instead of turning on the lights.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Air dry clothes when possible.
Use rainwater for landscaping and gardening.
Don’t keep a lot of junk in your car and keep a regular car maintenance schedule.

Leisure
Exercise at home or in your neighborhood.
Go to free events.
Avoid going to the movies, instead rent or borrow [from a library] a movie or watch online.
Skip cable and watch TV online instead.

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