This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
So the other day I bought a 4-pack of toilet paper from Safeway. I was, sort of, desperate, and bought the value package. I got it home and tried to blow my nose. DEAR LORD that toilet paper stank! It smelled like laundry detergent had spilled on it. I get that everyone likes their spring fresh, but too much gives me a migraine.
I thought about returning it, but might not. If I happen to go to Safeway, I'll try to remember my return, but I won't make a special trip. To get to Safeway takes about 1 gallon of gas. Gas is $2.65/gallon here. Since I only spent $1.29 on the toilet paper, spending almost three dollars to get my money back wouldn't be very bright. So I'll put it in the special return place (our front entry closet) and try to remember to bring it when I go to Safeway.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1550 Annually (Running Total)
FYI: There is a carnival tomorrow. I realize in the preparation of it, I missed two days of tips, but fear not! Double days will follow.
365 Days of Saving Money: One Use For Vinegar
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Every week we do laundry in our apartment complex. Every week we end up going after that pain in the butt neighbor who uses a quart of nasty-smelling powdered laundry detergent in each load. The powder is everywhere and then my laundry ends up smelling so "spring fresh" I get a migraine.
Not anymore. A quarter cup of vinegar in place of fabric softener reduces or eliminates smells. It's quick, easy, and cheap. Now I don't have to rewash. It also helps for clothes that have a mildew smell, smoke smell, and more.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1545 Annually (Running Total)
Every week we do laundry in our apartment complex. Every week we end up going after that pain in the butt neighbor who uses a quart of nasty-smelling powdered laundry detergent in each load. The powder is everywhere and then my laundry ends up smelling so "spring fresh" I get a migraine.
Not anymore. A quarter cup of vinegar in place of fabric softener reduces or eliminates smells. It's quick, easy, and cheap. Now I don't have to rewash. It also helps for clothes that have a mildew smell, smoke smell, and more.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1545 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Reader Share - Exercise Your Body With Your Heart
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
I love reader comments, stories, and tips. A great one was sent to me by reader Patti in response to my post on "Utilizing All Residential Features."
Patti gets her exercise walking dogs at her local shelter, the humane society in Missouri. She does get some added financial benefits, like mileage deduction and veterinary discounts for her own rescued animals. But that's not why she does it.
More than exercise, Patti thrives on the gift of helping those less fortunate. She says, "When you step into this environment
with so many little pairs of eyes depending on you to see sunlight, get exercise and potty breaks, socialization necessary to find that forever home, you forget any of your own problems and are transported into a world of best friends who ask for nothing more than a little attention. It's my passion in life and Oprah says having a purpose is what makes for fulfillment and longevity!"
FrugalPup, also known as Bronx, was a sick little puppy when we rescued him, and I have nothing but love and respect for those who can give so much kindness to so many in need.
So Patti, here's a picture of our happy rescue puppy enjoying his first snow thanks to big hearts like yours!
I love reader comments, stories, and tips. A great one was sent to me by reader Patti in response to my post on "Utilizing All Residential Features."
Patti gets her exercise walking dogs at her local shelter, the humane society in Missouri. She does get some added financial benefits, like mileage deduction and veterinary discounts for her own rescued animals. But that's not why she does it.
More than exercise, Patti thrives on the gift of helping those less fortunate. She says, "When you step into this environment
with so many little pairs of eyes depending on you to see sunlight, get exercise and potty breaks, socialization necessary to find that forever home, you forget any of your own problems and are transported into a world of best friends who ask for nothing more than a little attention. It's my passion in life and Oprah says having a purpose is what makes for fulfillment and longevity!"FrugalPup, also known as Bronx, was a sick little puppy when we rescued him, and I have nothing but love and respect for those who can give so much kindness to so many in need.
So Patti, here's a picture of our happy rescue puppy enjoying his first snow thanks to big hearts like yours!
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Use A Breast, If a Thigh Will Do
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.My dad was a breast man. Don't look at me that way! I'm talking about chicken! (You should be ashamed for thinking anything else.) Since my Dad preferred white meat, and the rest of us didn't care, breasts it was. Looking back, I don't think I ever established a preference of my own. I loved drumsticks, but that's because I viewed them as "my size."
I've spent the last (almost) five years of married life cooking the meals I know, with boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. Cryovac'd Foster Farms chicken from Costco at $2.99/lb. is a real bargain. I was watching an episode of the Bank of Mom and Dad on Hulu, and the debt debilitated couple was learning how to cook for themselves so they wouldn't eat out so much. I wish I could have a four star chef teach me how to cook, but I guess since my credit card debt is just barely into five digits I didn't screw up badly enough. What caught my attention was that every meal used chicken thighs. A little note even popped up on the screen informing me that boneless, skinless, chicken thighs are an inexpensive alternative to boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.
I turned to my husband and said, "Did you see that? Did you even know about that?"
He responded, "I've always liked dark meat anyway." Insert "D'oh!" with Homer-size head smack.
I honestly didn't know they mass-produced boneless, skinless, chicken thighs. Costco even carries the individually cryovac'd Foster Farms B,S, chicken thighs for $2.69 a pound. Saving at least 30 cents a pound on chicken adds up fast. According to PBS Frontline's "Modern Meat" the average American ate nearly 50 pounds of chicken in 2000, and the number was still climbing. Even with that figure, 30 cents a pound will save a household of two $30 each year. That's not anything to cluck about. (Sorry, at least one bad chicken pun was called for.)
It is easiest to subsititute when you're using a heavier sauce or in soups and stews. Then even white meat enthusiasts can't usually tell the difference.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1545 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Utilize All Residential Features
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.I'd like to start this by saying, "I can't feel my legs." I haven't been able to feel them since 5:00 this evening. That was when my dear friend suggested after 20 minutes of cycling and 20 minutes of weights that "wall sits" would be a good idea.
Two nights ago, my friend was talking about joining a gym, but lamenting how expensive they can be. I was simultaneously whining about how I don't work out because I don't have anyone to work out with. A solution was born. My complex has a pretty nice little gym, with ellipticals, bicycle machines, treadmills, and some nice circuit weight machines. Usage is included in my rent.
As of today, my friend now works out with me at my apartment (for free). She gets the equipment, and we both get the needed motivation of having someone pushing you a little harder. Choosing a complex with a gym saves our family $40 a month. It is also now saving our friends $40 a month. (I'm only including the data for our family.)
The gym is a residential amenity, one of many available at most medium to large-sized apartment complexes. Last year, I took advantage of the business center to fax resumes. This year, in addition to the gym, we hope to take advantage of the outdoor barbecue area and the pool.
That is if I can walk by then.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1515 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Make Your Own Soup Stock
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
These days chicken broth is required for so many recipes. It can also be expensive (particularly because I refuse to eat from a can. While I do occasionally purchase Pacific Foods Chicken Broth in bulk from Costco as a backup, I usually make own stock at home.
Chicken stock is still the easiest for me to make. Toss a whole chicken, or chicken carcass, into a large pot of water. I add garlic, salt, and pepper, but it's not necessary. Boil until a broth. You may continue at a boil, reducing it to a true stock if you choose. Bonus tip: Need something to do with that awful turkey carcass from thanksgiving? Toss it in and let 'er simmer.
Beef stock is the same as above, with one extra step. It is best to roast the bones, browning them slightly before boiling them. Since you're not as likely to have a whole cow you plan on cooking at home, most butchers have bones you can use for stock if you ask.
I haven't tried fish stock or vegetable stock. If I do, I'll add those recipes. Not only does this make better soups, but keeping stock on hand can save quite a bit of money... and it freezes well.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1035 Annually (Running Total)
These days chicken broth is required for so many recipes. It can also be expensive (particularly because I refuse to eat from a can. While I do occasionally purchase Pacific Foods Chicken Broth in bulk from Costco as a backup, I usually make own stock at home.
Chicken stock is still the easiest for me to make. Toss a whole chicken, or chicken carcass, into a large pot of water. I add garlic, salt, and pepper, but it's not necessary. Boil until a broth. You may continue at a boil, reducing it to a true stock if you choose. Bonus tip: Need something to do with that awful turkey carcass from thanksgiving? Toss it in and let 'er simmer.
Beef stock is the same as above, with one extra step. It is best to roast the bones, browning them slightly before boiling them. Since you're not as likely to have a whole cow you plan on cooking at home, most butchers have bones you can use for stock if you ask.
I haven't tried fish stock or vegetable stock. If I do, I'll add those recipes. Not only does this make better soups, but keeping stock on hand can save quite a bit of money... and it freezes well.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1035 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Enjoy a Meal With Friends
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.I don't know why, but it always seems that sharing a meal with friends is more cost-efficient (and certanly more fun) than eating at home. Why?
You can buy your meat in bulk without worrying about it going bad.
You don't have to worry about purchasing or preparing a whole meal, only a portion.
You get to try things you will never have cooked in your own home.
A potluck is an excellent social gathering. It also is much less expensive than going out with your friends. The best, comprehensive article I've read is The Art of the Potluck at Get Rich Slowly. If you factor in the savings of substituting BBQs and potlucks instead of going out with friends, you can easily save $20 per gathering, at least $100 a year for us. I would love to type more, but I've got a potluck to get to.
365 Days of Saving Money: $1025 Annually (Running Total
365 Days of Saving Money: Reduce Pet Care Costs
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
A little while back I did a post for Moolanomy about reducing your pet care costs. By using my eight tips, you can save hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars over the life of your pet. I'm not including them in the running total, but please check them out.
A little while back I did a post for Moolanomy about reducing your pet care costs. By using my eight tips, you can save hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars over the life of your pet. I'm not including them in the running total, but please check them out.
365 Days of Saving Money: A Little Dilution Goes A Long Way
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.What's my clean little secret? I dilute my soap and my cleaning alcohol. Once the soap pump gets about half empty, I fill it at least half again with water. It doesn't diminish my cleaning power, and it makes the soap last longer.
I do the same thing with alcohol. I use a 60/40 alcohol water cleaning solution to sanitize my bathroom. Experts say that you need a minimum of 60% alcohol in hand sanitizer for it to kill germs and bacteria, so that's the baseline I use.
Same cleaning power, cutting costs by 40%.
365 Days of Saving Money: $925 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Forget to Return...Whatever
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
So I guess this is one of those true confession times. I managed to lose two return items. It seems particularly unusual because I live in 480 sf. I made the mistake of putting them someplace safe so I would remember. For the life of me, I can't remember where that safe place was. I have about $20 waiting for me in a Target bag somewhere in my apartment or car.
This is a really brief tip. Know where your stuff is, especially stuff you want to return. If you have a designated spot, like an entry closet, you'll always know where it goes.
365 Days of Saving Money: $915 Annually (Running Total)
So I guess this is one of those true confession times. I managed to lose two return items. It seems particularly unusual because I live in 480 sf. I made the mistake of putting them someplace safe so I would remember. For the life of me, I can't remember where that safe place was. I have about $20 waiting for me in a Target bag somewhere in my apartment or car.
This is a really brief tip. Know where your stuff is, especially stuff you want to return. If you have a designated spot, like an entry closet, you'll always know where it goes.
365 Days of Saving Money: $915 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Pay for Movies If You Don't Have To
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.I haven't had a movie rental membership in a very long time. I am incapable of returning a rental on time. In the long run, I found it cheaper to buy previously viewed movies than to pay late fees for movies I didn't get to watch anymore. Some of that changed with Redbox.
Honestly, when Redbox arrived it held zero interest for me. $1 late fees add up just like $3 late fees did. I completely ignored it....until I found out about Redbox codes. I get my codes at Insideredbox.com. You can sometimes get codes with your drink at McDonald's as well. Some codes may only be good at Walmart, Walgreens or McDonald's, but it's still good for a free one night movie rental on that credit card.
But wait? If it's free why do I have to give my credit card? If you don't return the movie on time, you will be charged for a night's rental. But wait? I have three credit/debit cards. From what I've experienced, that means you can use the code when it's valid once for each card. So far I've paid one late fee, and I've paid for a Redbox rental twice. When you consider that I wasn't even going to be a customer until I found out about this, that means Redbox has only paid $10 to get me as a customer. I'm apparently bought cheap. However, this means I've saved $10 as well. I can live with that.
365 Days of Saving Money: $895 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Make Your Own Body Scrub
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.So confession time...I'm addicted to self-indulgent bath pampering. I love body scrubs, and bath soaks. It's like a disease. I am, too cheap to buy most products (and really picky about what I use), so I make my own.
All you need for a scrub is olive oil and salt. (Mix to consistency you like.) You can add aromatherapy oils if you like. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are rather inexpensive and can be found on Amazon. I usually use Now Foods brand or Young Living when my mother sends me a gift basket. For a lighter weight oil, try grapeseed oil.
Also, if you have consistent problems with dry skin, you might be in need of an exfoliant. Sometimes, the dead/dry skin keeps the lotion from penetrating. A nice scrub reveals the new, healthy skin, and allows the moisturizer to do its job.
FYI, this is a body scrub, not a facial scrub, which is a whole different animal.
Body scrubs can easily run $10 for four oz. Making your own is a lot cheaper, and you can customize it to your needs/allergies. You can use a lighter or heavier oil. You can use salt or sugar. In fact, my favorite scrub was baking soda and Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. Be creative. Your skin will love you for it.
365 Days of Saving Money: $885 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Pass Up (Nearly) Free Entertainment
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
I apologize for missing yesterday. Instead, you get two tips today. Why did I miss a day? Was I being lazy? Was I sick? Nope, I had the best reason, period. I was out living my advice.
Last night, my husband's restaurant sponsored a concert highlighting the bands of three of his coworkers. It was incredible. There was a pre-party with free food and beer, and the music was incredible. Tickets were only $5 a piece, but my husband's restaurant covered all of the employee tickets, and their "plus one."
There are opportunities that we encounter every day for free entertainment. There are yearly free admission days to museums or national parks. Our local science museum, OMSI, has a monthly discount day.
Google your city with "free entertainment" or "discount entertainment." You'll probably be surprised at what you might find.
365 Days of Saving Money: $875 Annually (Running Total)
I apologize for missing yesterday. Instead, you get two tips today. Why did I miss a day? Was I being lazy? Was I sick? Nope, I had the best reason, period. I was out living my advice.
Last night, my husband's restaurant sponsored a concert highlighting the bands of three of his coworkers. It was incredible. There was a pre-party with free food and beer, and the music was incredible. Tickets were only $5 a piece, but my husband's restaurant covered all of the employee tickets, and their "plus one."
There are opportunities that we encounter every day for free entertainment. There are yearly free admission days to museums or national parks. Our local science museum, OMSI, has a monthly discount day.
Google your city with "free entertainment" or "discount entertainment." You'll probably be surprised at what you might find.
365 Days of Saving Money: $875 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Pool Resources - Dogsitting Edition
One of the best things that happened to us since we moved to Portland, was our friend's "H" & "D." Not only do we love hanging out with H&D, they have a dog that our dog gets along great with. Have the time the dogs just lay down and stare at each other (like an old married couple). When we hang out the dogs hang out.Why is this of any consequence. Well, this summer we had a near record heatwave and H&D's dog "M" couldn't be left alone in the garage. He's definitely more of a winter dog. Since I was unemployed at the time, I spent the week with M and the FrugalPup. Occasionally, when I need someone to watch FrugalPup H&D take care of it. Going out of town is no longer a boarding expense for either of us, as we expect to get the opportunity to take care of the boys.
This is massive. Boarding our pup costs $20-30 a night. He has particularly needs and that drives up the cost. When my husband and I were working long shifts, we had to put him in daycare on occasion, and that would cost $15-20. Some people might think we're crazy, but it's only fair to make sure he is taken care of. We live in a studio apartment and he's crate-trained, not toilet-trained. There's a difference.
In the past six months we've saved at least $200 by finding a friend we can trust and exchanging dog care.
365 Days of Saving Money: $855 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Overlap Heat Sources Unnecessarily
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.Living in a small space makes things much easier to heat and cool. In the wintertime, all I have to do is bake or start the dishwasher, and our 500 sf heats up fast. It's important to remember not to overlap heat sources unnecessarily. For example, I try and wait to turn on the dishwasher until after we've cooked dinner. This makes it so we don't have to turn on the heaters as often. I learned this the hard way after a ridiculously cold snap that resulted in a $100 electricity bill.
This tip is regardless of whether or not you have a thermostat. A thermostat will turn on the heat if it gets too cold in the winter. It may also kick on the fan if it gets too hot. Keeping your home at as even a temperature as possible will keep your heating system from kicking on and off all of the time.
Effectively utilizing the heat from your appliances in a synchronized fashion can save money in the short term with utility bills, and in the long term with less wear and tear on appliances.
365 Days of Saving Money: $655 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Be Ashamed of What You Can't Afford
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Sometimes, you do the math every which way from Sunday, and you still can't afford it. This year there is an important family trip for a 50th Wedding Anniversary, and I've looked through our budget, checked it twice, and there's just no way. All they want is for the whole family to go on a cruise to Alaska. The problem is it's $820 per person, and that's if we don't ever leave the ship. It's also a seven day cruise, so we lose a week of work. In short, it's going to cost us about $3000 for this one week. A decision has to be made because the $500 deposit is due in two weeks.
A family member called and said they knew it was short notice and we're not financially solvent, so they'd help with the deposit. But what happens when we still can't afford it when the final payment time comes around? This is one of those times where I wish we didn't have debt. I wish we could afford it, but we can't. Staying married for 50 years in this world is certainly worth celebrating, but there's no way we can afford $3000 to do so. The money to pay for this cruise is the equivalent of one-two months income for us. It's a down payment for an FHA loan on a lot of houses here. The math doesn't work.
I am not ashamed, though. Our heart is in the right place. We want to go, but we cannot afford to. It's rather simple. Hopefully, a miracle will happen in the next two weeks; if it doesn't, I'm just hopeful that taking them out to dinner will be acceptable.
How much money do you think has been spent because people were too embarassed to say, "I can't afford that? How much money do you think could have been saved if people weren't trying to "keep up with the Joneses?"
I know this post doesn't have a clear dollar amount of what you can save, but I'm hoping it will offer you solidarity. There are people out there (me) just like you who are saying, "I'm sorry, I would love to do everything in the world, with you and for you, but I just can't afford that." I'm sure I'll be able to afford these things later in life, but we're a young couple. We've been married for five years and have already dealt with long-term unemployment, health limitations, and debt. I will do everything I can, but I won't do what I can't, and I am not ashamed.
365 Days of Saving Money: $635 Annually (Running Total), Peace of Mind & Solidarity
Sometimes, you do the math every which way from Sunday, and you still can't afford it. This year there is an important family trip for a 50th Wedding Anniversary, and I've looked through our budget, checked it twice, and there's just no way. All they want is for the whole family to go on a cruise to Alaska. The problem is it's $820 per person, and that's if we don't ever leave the ship. It's also a seven day cruise, so we lose a week of work. In short, it's going to cost us about $3000 for this one week. A decision has to be made because the $500 deposit is due in two weeks.
A family member called and said they knew it was short notice and we're not financially solvent, so they'd help with the deposit. But what happens when we still can't afford it when the final payment time comes around? This is one of those times where I wish we didn't have debt. I wish we could afford it, but we can't. Staying married for 50 years in this world is certainly worth celebrating, but there's no way we can afford $3000 to do so. The money to pay for this cruise is the equivalent of one-two months income for us. It's a down payment for an FHA loan on a lot of houses here. The math doesn't work.
I am not ashamed, though. Our heart is in the right place. We want to go, but we cannot afford to. It's rather simple. Hopefully, a miracle will happen in the next two weeks; if it doesn't, I'm just hopeful that taking them out to dinner will be acceptable.
How much money do you think has been spent because people were too embarassed to say, "I can't afford that? How much money do you think could have been saved if people weren't trying to "keep up with the Joneses?"
I know this post doesn't have a clear dollar amount of what you can save, but I'm hoping it will offer you solidarity. There are people out there (me) just like you who are saying, "I'm sorry, I would love to do everything in the world, with you and for you, but I just can't afford that." I'm sure I'll be able to afford these things later in life, but we're a young couple. We've been married for five years and have already dealt with long-term unemployment, health limitations, and debt. I will do everything I can, but I won't do what I can't, and I am not ashamed.
365 Days of Saving Money: $635 Annually (Running Total), Peace of Mind & Solidarity
365 Days of Saving Money: You Say Store Brand, I Say Private Label
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
On the back of my equaline (Albertson's brand) feminine hygiene products are little pink birds. They look like the same birds that were on the back of my Always name brand feminine hygiene products. That would be because they are. Companies like Always repackage their product for stores like Target, Albertson's and many more. In some cases, the package will even say "Compare to (Insert Major Label Name Here)."
This process is called Private Label. It even extends to LCD TV's. Many high end manufacturers have a low-end brand name. The differences are primarily cosmetic.
So why should you ever buy name brand? Sometimes, the manufacturer product will have a coupon. If you can double it, or add it to a store coupon, the name brand product might be cheaper than the store brand. Store brands rarely have coupons; if they do, they're in the weekly circular.
In short, if you pay attention to the product instead of the label, you can save hundreds of dollars (like we will be next month when we buy a TV). Regardless, $20 is an easy mark here. If you walk into an Albertson's or Safeway these days, they'll be happy to show you a side by side grocery cart comparison of how much private labeling will save you on their most popular products. Don't be a label whore. Check it out.
365 Days of Saving Money: $635 Annually (Running Total)
On the back of my equaline (Albertson's brand) feminine hygiene products are little pink birds. They look like the same birds that were on the back of my Always name brand feminine hygiene products. That would be because they are. Companies like Always repackage their product for stores like Target, Albertson's and many more. In some cases, the package will even say "Compare to (Insert Major Label Name Here)."
This process is called Private Label. It even extends to LCD TV's. Many high end manufacturers have a low-end brand name. The differences are primarily cosmetic.
So why should you ever buy name brand? Sometimes, the manufacturer product will have a coupon. If you can double it, or add it to a store coupon, the name brand product might be cheaper than the store brand. Store brands rarely have coupons; if they do, they're in the weekly circular.
In short, if you pay attention to the product instead of the label, you can save hundreds of dollars (like we will be next month when we buy a TV). Regardless, $20 is an easy mark here. If you walk into an Albertson's or Safeway these days, they'll be happy to show you a side by side grocery cart comparison of how much private labeling will save you on their most popular products. Don't be a label whore. Check it out.
365 Days of Saving Money: $635 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Going Bad Doesn't Mean Bad
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.That is tonight's dinner, beef & broccoli. I made it with broccoli that was going bad, but wasn't bad yet. There is a huge difference between going bad, and gone bad.
This broccoli had a couple of slimy tops, but was easy to cut away. Fruits and veggies that are wilting but not done are great. Soft apples make wonderful applesauce. Brownish-black bananas are banana bread-rific. Last night the celery was wilting and certainly not going to be in a stir fry or salad. The celery soup was excellent! In fact, I'm going to leave you with the recipe.
Celery Soup
1 celery bunch, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 potato, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
Half & Half or Heavy Whipping Cream
Salt and Pepper
Chicken Broth
1. Melt the butter in the soup pan.
2. Sautee the celery and onion until soft.
3. Add potato, garlic, and chicken broth. The chicken broth should just cover the vegetables.
4. Put in blender until well-mixed and a pleasing consistency.
5. Add salt, pepper, and cream to taste.
6. Mix and serve.
Using vegetables that are about to go bad in soups saves me at least $20 a year.
Photo Credit: Andi Blackwell
365 Days of Saving Money: $615 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Panic When You Splurge
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
We all fall off the frugal wagon. Sometimes we even plan to. This year is Mr. MT's and my 5th Wedding Anniversary. We are planning to fall off the frugal wagon a bit this year, hopefully with a trip to Hawaii. We'll be saving up for it, taking advantage of discounts, but we won't be planning on scrimping through the trip. We are going to enjoy ourselves. I refuse to be apologetic, and I refuse to beat myself up for it.
The worst thing I see is people who beat themselves up for falling off the "frugal wagon." Next thing you know, they keep spending because, they already "blew the budget that month." You can't possibly make every decision right. Even the right decision can become the wrong one with a simple change in circumstances. Don't worry, don't freak out. Just do better tomorrow.
365 Days of Saving Money: $595 (Running Total) Plus a Little Peace of Mind
We all fall off the frugal wagon. Sometimes we even plan to. This year is Mr. MT's and my 5th Wedding Anniversary. We are planning to fall off the frugal wagon a bit this year, hopefully with a trip to Hawaii. We'll be saving up for it, taking advantage of discounts, but we won't be planning on scrimping through the trip. We are going to enjoy ourselves. I refuse to be apologetic, and I refuse to beat myself up for it.
The worst thing I see is people who beat themselves up for falling off the "frugal wagon." Next thing you know, they keep spending because, they already "blew the budget that month." You can't possibly make every decision right. Even the right decision can become the wrong one with a simple change in circumstances. Don't worry, don't freak out. Just do better tomorrow.
365 Days of Saving Money: $595 (Running Total) Plus a Little Peace of Mind
365 Days of Saving Money: Matt Jabs Makes His Own Toothpaste!
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.I am a big DIYer, so when I saw Matt Jabs' recipe for Homemade Toothpaste, I was really excited. Something like this is not a big conversion for me, because I usually use Eco-Dent Toothpowder.
Check it out and see what you think. You can get creative as well. First, I don't think you have to add water for the paste-like consistency unless you want. Second, as Matt mentions, you can use any flavoring extract you choose. You're not harnessed to any flavor.
Even if you use the cheaper toothpaste, this can easily save $5 each year.
365 Days of Saving Money: $595 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Share/Trade Coupons
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.Every year I buy some sort of Entertainment book. This year I bought the Portland Chinook book specifically for an organic produce coupon. The $33 I saved more than covered the $20 cost of the book. What do you do with all of the coupons you don't use, though?
Frankly, I'm a creature of habit. I like the eateries that I like to go to, and I'm pretty particular about my dry cleaning service. I kept looking at those coupons as savings that someone was missing. My solution? I set up coupon swaps with my friends. If you and a couple friends buy a coupon book or get the paper, it's a great way for most everyone to double the coupons they really need. Cinnamon would take the golf coupons, Becky would take the lift ticket coupons, etc.
Some people even make money from unused coupons. While you cannot sell coupons, you can put a price on the time it takes to cut and ship the coupons to another party. Many people sell this service on ebay or craigslist. If you find yourself with a glut of Sunday papers, you might want to take a stab at it.
Sharing coupons is a great way to expand your resources. In BOGOs alone this has saved me at least $15 per year.
365 Days of Savings: $590 (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Review Your Statements Monthly
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Especially around the holidays!!! Every year, inevitably, I send in all of our payments by the 17th of December. Every year, inevitably, I receive a late fee. This year, Sallie "Gimme Your Money" Mae tried to charge us a $20 late fee. I make all of our payments through Bank of America's Online BillPay and knew it was paid by the 17th. Sallie Mae's website agreed with us, telling us our payment was made on the 17th. The customer service representative decided to lecture my husband for paying on the 30th. (Not smart)
Apparently, they received our payment on schedule, but didn't post it to the account until the 30th. The billing department charged us a late fee when they issued our monthly statement, but the department that takes payments posted our payment and backdated it to the correct date. No one removed the inaccurate late fee, though. Long story short, the payment has been reversed. We saved $20 today.*
Whenever you receive a statement, review it for charges that you may not have made and fees that shouldn't be there. Banks aren't perfect, and there is room for both computer and human error.
365 Days of Saving Money: $575 Annually (Running Total)
*Note: I am aware that I am loosely defining "savings" for this series. People that are living bare bones may not be able to make some of the choices we are mentioning. But if these tips aren't followed, you will have to pay extra. In my book, not paying extra is "savings."
Especially around the holidays!!! Every year, inevitably, I send in all of our payments by the 17th of December. Every year, inevitably, I receive a late fee. This year, Sallie "Gimme Your Money" Mae tried to charge us a $20 late fee. I make all of our payments through Bank of America's Online BillPay and knew it was paid by the 17th. Sallie Mae's website agreed with us, telling us our payment was made on the 17th. The customer service representative decided to lecture my husband for paying on the 30th. (Not smart)
Apparently, they received our payment on schedule, but didn't post it to the account until the 30th. The billing department charged us a late fee when they issued our monthly statement, but the department that takes payments posted our payment and backdated it to the correct date. No one removed the inaccurate late fee, though. Long story short, the payment has been reversed. We saved $20 today.*
Whenever you receive a statement, review it for charges that you may not have made and fees that shouldn't be there. Banks aren't perfect, and there is room for both computer and human error.
365 Days of Saving Money: $575 Annually (Running Total)
*Note: I am aware that I am loosely defining "savings" for this series. People that are living bare bones may not be able to make some of the choices we are mentioning. But if these tips aren't followed, you will have to pay extra. In my book, not paying extra is "savings."
365 Days of Saving Money: Stock Up On "Microwave" Meals
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.Today is one of those days that I'm so exhausted I can't think past my nose. The last thing I want to do is cook dinner. Luckily, I don't have to. When certain frozen or microwaveable meals are on sale, I stock up, with a night like this in mind. If I didn't have these in our freezer, we'd be forced to go out to eat. The Red Baron French Bread Pizzas that I got for 4 for $10 will be substantially cheaper than the minimum $20 we spend at a restaurant, and is still better than a fast food run. Think how much you can save if your freezer keeps you out of a restaurant four times a year!
It can be even cheaper. When I make crockpot meals, I vacuum seal and freeze the leftovers. A quick defrost and we have a healthy homemade meal, courtesy of last month's budget.
Items I recommend stocking (and sale prices I pay) are:
- Pot Pies (Marie Callendar's, Large, Target: $2.64)
- Frozen Pizzas (Red Baron French Bread, Package of 2, Target: $2.5-3; Market Pantry Medium Pepperoni, Target: $2.99)
- Pot Stickers (Panda Brand at Costco: $11.99 for Bulk Bag)
- Eating Right Fajitas (Safeway: $5.99)
- Bertolli Dinners For Two (Target: $5.99)
- Green Giant Frozen Vegetables (Albertson's or Target: $1-1.15)
Between sales and coupons, one could potentially live off of these frozen meals, but I wouldn't recommend it. Eating fresher is always healthier.
After you stock the freezer, the inclination may still be to go out because "it takes time to cook." Don't make me smack you. It takes time to drive somewhere and have them cook it, too. Eat from what you have.
Now I'm off to defrost the Red Baron and some potato leek soup. I know it's an odd combination, but I'm too tired to care. Thank goodness my husband is gracious!
365 Days of Saving Money: $555 Annually (Running Total)
365 Days of Saving Money: Streamline Your Bathing
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.Thank you to Cheapskate Sandy from 'Yes, I Am Cheap' for making this an Editor's Pick in the 212th Festival of Frugality.
So in my family we called it a "Navy Shower." You turn on the water to rinse, and turn it off to soap. Turn it on to rinse again, and out you go. This is really helpful for people who are on metered water. In our apartment complex, our water is flat-rate, so there isn't a lot of immediate cost savings. I still often take a modified "Navy Shower" to shave my legs. I get sick of watching the perfectly applied shave gel get drizzled off my legs so that I cut myself.
You can take it a step further to a "Bucket Shower." You get two washcloths and a bucket full of warm to hot water. Washcloth #1 gets dipped in the bucket and is used to wet your body and hair. Washcloth #2 gets dipped and soaped, and is used on your hair and body. You then use the rinse washcloth to rinse off. A good castile soap like Dr. Bronner's is good for camping and bucket showers as it rinses well and is environmentally-friendly.
The furthest you can go in the shower streamlining process is the "whore's bath." (Sorry, I didn't mean to lose my family-friendly rating, but I'm not sure what else to call it.) You take a wet (hopefully soapy) cloth or baby wipe and clean under your arms and between your legs. Not recommended for more than an emergency outing you weren't planning on.
Need another way to drop your shower time? Run a small amount of corn starch or baby powder through your hair. It helps dry out hair oils and gives you the time you need to run your kids to school, or get to the early morning class you almost slept through, and you still look decent.
I'm going to say this can save you $10 a year in product and/or water. (If your product stays on your body instead of going down the drain, you use less and there's no reapplication.)
365 Days of Saving Money: $495 Annually
365 Days of Saving Money: Calculate By The Unit
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Mr. Modern Tightwad has a severe Dr. Pepper addiction. There have been several attempts to limit or even eliminate the "Doc" from our house, which usually culminate with me setting a 2-liter in front of my husband and saying, "Please, for all our sakes, go off the wagon." Caffeine withdrawal is nothing pretty.
In the end, we have decided that the Dr. is acceptable in moderation. But Dr. Pepper isn't cheap. Since it isn't a Pepsi or Coke product, it doesn't seem to have the same specials as everywhere else. We stock up when there's a good sale. Sometimes we luck out with multiple sales.
Tonight, we were standing in Safeway, trying to calculate the best price. 12 packs were at $2.49, while the 2-liter was $1.25. Don't be fooled by the lower price. The 2-liter breaks down to $0.018 per ounce, while the 12 pack, coming in at 4.3 liters, is $0.017 per ounce. With the amount of Dr. Pepper that disappears in this household, that adds up.
Anytime you are shopping for groceries and have to make a comparison between similar items, break down the base unit for price. Doing this helps you to recognize if stores are comparing items correctly, and also may alert you to a size change in your product. Recently some manufacturers cut a couple ounces off the top, hoping you wouldn't notice. Keeping a watchful eye saves us about $40 a year.
365 Days of Saving: $485 Annually
Mr. Modern Tightwad has a severe Dr. Pepper addiction. There have been several attempts to limit or even eliminate the "Doc" from our house, which usually culminate with me setting a 2-liter in front of my husband and saying, "Please, for all our sakes, go off the wagon." Caffeine withdrawal is nothing pretty.
In the end, we have decided that the Dr. is acceptable in moderation. But Dr. Pepper isn't cheap. Since it isn't a Pepsi or Coke product, it doesn't seem to have the same specials as everywhere else. We stock up when there's a good sale. Sometimes we luck out with multiple sales.
Tonight, we were standing in Safeway, trying to calculate the best price. 12 packs were at $2.49, while the 2-liter was $1.25. Don't be fooled by the lower price. The 2-liter breaks down to $0.018 per ounce, while the 12 pack, coming in at 4.3 liters, is $0.017 per ounce. With the amount of Dr. Pepper that disappears in this household, that adds up.
Anytime you are shopping for groceries and have to make a comparison between similar items, break down the base unit for price. Doing this helps you to recognize if stores are comparing items correctly, and also may alert you to a size change in your product. Recently some manufacturers cut a couple ounces off the top, hoping you wouldn't notice. Keeping a watchful eye saves us about $40 a year.
365 Days of Saving: $485 Annually
365 Days of Saving Money: Take Your Coupon Book to Work
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
A lot of people advertise taking your lunch to work. It saves quite a bit, but it's not always realistic. My workplace doesn't have a breakroom or a refrigerator, making the lunch I bring pretty nasty by eating time. A good middle ground is to bring your coupon book to work with you. A lot of mailers and Entertainment Books have BOGO coupons, that even cover midday specials. It forces you to go with a co-worker or friend, extending your social group, creating network opportunities, and cuts your meal in half. Depending on how much you go out, this could save a couple hundred dollars a year, at the very least $10-15.
365 Days of Saving: $445 Annually
A lot of people advertise taking your lunch to work. It saves quite a bit, but it's not always realistic. My workplace doesn't have a breakroom or a refrigerator, making the lunch I bring pretty nasty by eating time. A good middle ground is to bring your coupon book to work with you. A lot of mailers and Entertainment Books have BOGO coupons, that even cover midday specials. It forces you to go with a co-worker or friend, extending your social group, creating network opportunities, and cuts your meal in half. Depending on how much you go out, this could save a couple hundred dollars a year, at the very least $10-15.
365 Days of Saving: $445 Annually
365 Days of Saving Money: Use the Tea Bag Twice
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.Honestly, this might be one of those savings tips that probably only applies to me. I'm a HUGE tea drinker. I come by it honestly, though. My great-grandmother used to tell my mother that at the rate she drank tea, she was going to be reincarnated as a tea bag.
My dad wasn't much better. I remember every morning my father would have a cup of Lipton Tea with a bit of Sweet-N-Low and he'd sit down at the head of the kitchen table and read the paper. I'd walk in, sit in the chair next to him. Without a word he would hand me the funnies, and I'd "sneak" sips from his tea. My mom would then walk in, see me drinking the dreaded Sweet-N-Low and proceed to ruin the quiet portion of our morning.
I still can taste my Dad's tea. I still drink out of his old cup. My tea taste, however, has diversified. In fact, tea can be an expensive habit to have. They span a wide variety of types and quality, hot and cold brew. I love Lipton, and green tea, and Good Earth tea, Constant Comment, Chamomile, Sleepytime Wellness, and Peppermint just to name a few.
One of the ways I save money on drinking tea is simple: I use the tea bag twice. We always had a small tea plate next to the stove where the kettle sat. After steeping your tea, you put the bag on the plate for the next cup. Honestly, I have a thermos for tea and I only put one tea bag in there, for about six cups of tea! Even if you like your tea really strong, you can put two or three tea bags aside to make that third or fourth cup. Sometimes you can use it to make your own blend: I recommend Sleepytime Wellness with green tea.
I spend about $30 a year on tea, adding to my current stash. Even if you just make iced tea, by cutting your tea bag usage in half, you should be able to save $5 a year. In the specialty tea world, that's barely a box.
365 Days of Saving: $430 Annually
365 Days of Saving Money: Don't Throw Out Junk Mail
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Every week, more and more junk mail fills my mail box. Pizza, fast food, and neighborhood coupons as is save us money on food and dry cleaning. What do you do with the rest of the junk? the recycling bin? I think you put it into the shredder. The free junk mail in your mail box makes excellent packing material for boxes and presents. If you give five presents a year, which most people go through at Christmas time, you can easily save $5 in tissue paper alone. Best of all, junk mail is designed to be colorful and eye-catching, which means your packing will be too.
Storage isn't a big deal either. Put the shredded papers into a gallon ziploc-type bag, roll out the air, and seal flat. When you're ready to use it, open the bag and shake out your packing material.
And did I mention this could be considered recycling? Greener is better. If anyone gives you a hard time about your repurposed packing material, just look at them dryly and say, "I care about the environment." Guilt always trumps snobbery.
365 Days of Saving: $425 annually
Every week, more and more junk mail fills my mail box. Pizza, fast food, and neighborhood coupons as is save us money on food and dry cleaning. What do you do with the rest of the junk? the recycling bin? I think you put it into the shredder. The free junk mail in your mail box makes excellent packing material for boxes and presents. If you give five presents a year, which most people go through at Christmas time, you can easily save $5 in tissue paper alone. Best of all, junk mail is designed to be colorful and eye-catching, which means your packing will be too.
Storage isn't a big deal either. Put the shredded papers into a gallon ziploc-type bag, roll out the air, and seal flat. When you're ready to use it, open the bag and shake out your packing material.
And did I mention this could be considered recycling? Greener is better. If anyone gives you a hard time about your repurposed packing material, just look at them dryly and say, "I care about the environment." Guilt always trumps snobbery.
365 Days of Saving: $425 annually
365 Days of Saving Money: Watch Internet TV
This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.As you read I have "Life" running in the background. Hulu is one of our greatest money savers. Instead of spending and additional $35-$40 a month on premium channels, we catch up on our favorite TV shows on hulu. Where else can you watch current Syfy and USA programming along with old school Bionic Woman anyway?
I'm not going to tell you to cut off your internet because, not only would that keep you from reading my blog, but if I advocated not using the internet, my husband would start withdrawal from the concept.
However, I wanted to start 365 Days of Saving off with a bang. A monthly savings of $35 adds up to $420 for a year. This doesn't work for everyone. Some people who are home-bound may derive extensive benefit from upgraded channels. The rest of us probably should watch less TV anyway.
We do still have basic cable. The discount it gets us on our internet cancels out the cost of the basic channels so.... why not?
365 Days of Saving Money: $420 Annually
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