Everywhere we go, people are discussing it, debating it and wondering about it. We are talking about the "E" word, more commonly known as the "Economy." It is now common knowledge that we are officially in a recession.
However, the "worst of times" can also be the "best of times." We can turn this whole thing around and look at this harsh economic time period as a chance to sharpen our shopping skills and come up with creative ways to save money. The following quote says it better:
Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle. -- Ken Hakuta
Not only will being frugal help us through the leaner times, but also when the economy gets better, we can still practice our "frugal" skills and have more money to pocket for something we really want or need.
Here are a few tips for stretching our dollar:
If you are fortunate enough to have extra lemons, why not preserve them? Just place cut-up lemons in sections of an ice cube tray and fill with water. When you are ready for a glass of iced tea, water or lemonade, just drop your ice cube with lemon in your drink.
Sometimes you can find a "bed in a bag", at a very good price. Here is a great idea for a thrifty fun decor. If you don't care if the sheets match the comforter or not, use them to make valences, curtains or even to cover those inexpensive round tables. Then you will have a matching comforter and window treatments! (You can always buy sheets later that blend with your comforter).
Use mis-matched glassware and dishes as a candleholder for your favorite scent. You will feel really pampered. If you have a wine glass that is the only one left, you could fill half full and place a tea light in it. Also, this idea would make a great gift with your own personal touch.
Some of the stores such as Home Depot or Michaels have craft lessons that are free. You may have to buy some supplies but it would be a great father-son or mother-daughter outing with something new for the home or a gift for someone.
Libraries or thrift shops always have a section of used books and magazines. The magazines usually run from 10 cents to 50 cents. It is a great way to catch up on new articles and look for recipes and coupons.
Want to stretch your food dollar? One night make either roast beef or beef stew. The next night, make a delicious beef potpie. If you have too many potpies, freeze some for the future.
Place a firm plastic container in the freezer. When you have leftover vegetables, just put them in this container. After a while, you will have a mixture of all kinds of vegetables that will be delicious in soups or beef/chicken potpies.
Bartering or exchanging services for someone's time or product sometimes can work out great Barter can also be done through a barter exchange. http://www.startupspark.com/can-bartering-help-you/
Starbucks gives their used coffee grounds away. Just call ahead. You can then use the grounds for your citrus trees, vegetable beds, etc.
Save your change (coins). You will be surprised how it adds up.
Check to see if your car insurance is up-to-date on all your data. There may be some kind of change that could save you money. Also, negotiate with them in regard to rates.
There is something we can do about rising costs at the grocery store. We can make a bigger effort to catch the sales and then plan our meals around the sale items.
Become the coupon queen of the neighborhood
Create a "goody drawer." When you see gift items on sale, stock up. Then when an unexpected gift is needed, you are ready. This leisurely way of shopping will allow you to buy quality merchandise that you can afford.
Mix up your children's whole milk with dry milk. By doing this, you will still get the taste of the whole milk.
No need to have the "long distance" feature on both your cell and your land telephone.
Ask your doctor for prescription samples. If he/she has the medication that you need, usually they are happy to give it to you.
The cost of heating and cooling has gone up and probably still will keep rising, but there are a few things we can do. The following tips were found in the St Petersburg Times , September 20, 2008, which I will paraphrase: (You probably know all of this already, but just a friendly reminder)
Replace air conditioner filters regularly.
Clear the outside air conditioning unit. Grass clippings, overgrown plants, lint or dirty coils can cost you hundreds of dollars each year, due to restricted air flow
Television sets, audio equipment, countertop microwaves, coffee pots and other appliances that are not in use should be unplugged.
Replace old- fashioned light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs. A fluorescent light bulb uses 75% less energy and is estimated to last 10 times longer.
Close curtains on the sunny side of your home during the cooling season.
Insulate, tape, caulk and seal every opening you can find.
Turn your hot water heater off when you are not using it. It will reheat quickly. (This little tidbit saved quite a bit on our last electric bill)
Francine Larson
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