55 Money Saving Tips
Can you use 55 money-saving tips today? I’m so excited to share how to save money, now! It’s crazy, Mark and I bought this house back in 2005. We have a cell phone service that doesn’t work in our home. We have been patiently waiting for the cell towers to work around our home. Well, it’s been 14 years, it’s not going to happen.
I have to sit at the coffee table to talk to my family on my cell phone. The calls drop, you know the story. We can’t use our cell phones in the backyard, it has spotty service. This is the reason we haven’t dropped our landlines. It really bugs me to waste that money every month, but I need them to talk to my kids, I’m sure you understand.
I was approached by a company called SureCall to see if their cell phone signal booster would work in my home. It was installed yesterday. They sent it to me to try and let me tell you this, I now have 4 bars on my phone all day long. I am finally going to be able to drop the landlines. I am not getting paid to tell you about this, but I was given the booster.
Here’s the deal, if you have the same issues I had, this unit may just work for you. They have a few different sizes depending on the size of your home. If I had purchased the unit it would take me 5 months to recoup the cost after dropping my home landlines. I can hardly wait to drop off those landlines. SCORE! I just had to tell you about this booster, it’s been a blessing to me. Here’s their website: SureCall This is an awesome YouTube by SureCall.
Money Saving Tips
1. Drop Your Landlines
I’m thinking more and more people are going to ditch their
2. Get Rid Of Cable
This one may be easier than any other item. The cost is so expensive and we can watch Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, who needs cable? Mark will say “Don’t cut my sports channels!”
3. Turn Off The Lights
We can save a lot of money each year just by being conscious of turning off the lights when we leave a room.
4. Learn To Make Bread
By now you know I love to make bread. If you want to learn how to make homemade bread, dinner rolls, breadsticks, and cinnamon rolls please try my no-fail recipes. You will save so much money. Linda’s Bread Tips/Recipes
5. Buy Used Items
Have you tried going to second-hand stores to purchase gently used items? My kids and grandkids shop there all the time and spend pennies on the dollar. It’s a great way to buy those things we need at rock bottom savings.
6. Drink Water
Skip the soda and drink water, lots of water. And while you’re at it, purchase a reusable water bottle. I saw some really nice ones at Costco at a very reasonable price. Stainless Steel Water Jugs
7. Wash Your Hands
If you wash your hands often,
8. Keep Bathrooms Clean
I feel strongly that if we keep our bathrooms clean, hopefully, we’ll all stay well. Our immune systems should stay strong because we have kept the viruses or bacteria to a bare minimum. Of course, it helps to eat healthily, but a clean bathroom can’t hurt.
9. Replace Toothbrushes
Please replace your toothbrushes, especially after you have had a cold, flu, or sinus infection. I have used Hydrogen Peroxide on mine as well if the toothbrush is fairly new. There is so much bacteria on those gems. Please be safe, and stay well.
10. Wash or Replace Pillows
I love washable pillows because it’s one more way to keep bacteria or viruses at bay. If you can’t wash yours, you may want to replace them at least once a year.
11. Wash Bedsheets Weekly
I love, love, love, clean sheets. I have a schedule in my home for weekly cleaning. The sheets are washed and changed the same day I clean my bathrooms every week. This is the same day I wash the bath towels and hand towels. This mama is so happy with clean sheets!
12. Drop Club Memberships
Drop the monthly gym cost and start walking. Walking is very beneficial and some of my neighbors are so slender from starting this exercise plan. This paragraph is for me, I need to start walking. Who’s with me?
13. Stock You Pantry
If you stock your pantry you will save so much money by fixing meals at home. If you have the items you need to prepare meals at home, you won’t be tempted to eat out. Stock Your Pantry
14. Cook From Scratch
The more meals you cook at home the more money you will save. Teaching our children and grandkids how to cook from scratch is a skill everyone needs to learn. Let’s stop the drive-through habit and eat at home as a family. Just think of the manners we can teach our offspring. I love it! Cooking From Scratch by Linda
15. Start A Garden
Oh my gosh, I love to garden! Do you? I just planted my seeds indoors and I’m watching for the sprouts! Of course, you can just plant the seeds outside once the last frost has passed. It’s all about saving money in different ways. How To Grow Potatoes or How To Plant Tomatoes
16. Learn To Mend Clothing
I grew up sewing all of my clothes. I’m not sure it always makes sense now with the cost of fabric. Plus, you can buy clothes on clearance for next to nothing if you watch the sales when you need an item or two. It sure is nice having a sewing machine so I can mend clothes instead of tossing them.
17. Have Potluck Dinners With Friends
Mark and I have had some awesome potluck dinners with friends and family. It sure beats going out to dinner and you can chat or visit so much more at home than at a restaurant. Do you have potluck dinners where you live?
18. Write Grateful Notes
Do you miss those thank you cards or grateful/love notes from friends and family? I have one friend that still sends me cute notes because we have been friends for 40+ years and no longer live by each other. I need to be better about sending out grateful notecards to friends and family. Somehow a text or email is just not the same. The only cost to send a note to someone is the cost of the card and a stamp. What are your thoughts?
19. Use The 30 Day Plan
Have you tried the 30-day plan? You basically wait for 30 days before you decide to make a big purchase like a car. Of course, if your freezer dies you can’t wait 30 days. Here’s the deal, Mark and I have had only one car since about 2009. We thought about maybe looking at a car. We waited actually 60 days and we both got cold feet. Our goal is to pay cash for our next car. The timing just isn’t right. When the right car shows up, we will buy it. But not today. Take the time to really decide if you need something or not. You’ll be glad you did.
20. Check Out Dollar Stores
I will admit dollar stores are not my favorite store to go visit. For some reason, the ones near us do not have very good cash registers. I am not a patient person when it comes to standing in line to spend money. The checkout time is way too long for me. But, I have purchased some great deals there for deep discounts. I have to get there when it opens and shop quickly because I am not a shopper. Nope, nada. In and out is my middle name, so to speak. It’s all about saving money on the things we need.
21. Remove Credit/Debit Card Numbers From Online Merchants
You are less tempted to use your debit card or credit card if you have to fill in the numbers on your purchase online. If you want to save money and the temptation to shop, delete your cards from online companies.
22. When Cooking Dinner-4 Times The Recipe
If you make one dinner, why not make four dinners? Take the recipe you are fixing for dinner and quadruple the recipe. When I make lasagna, for instance, I make a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole pan. After I bake it, I transfer three meals out of the pan into 6-inch square-type freezer containers. I place three dinners in the freezer. It’s the perfect size for two people and all I have to do is reheat it for dinner another day. I do this for pizza, soup, and any casserole I make. Cook once, and reheat several meals later. Rubbermaid 6-Cup Containers
23. Try Generic Brands
We can save money by purchasing generic brands. I still have to buy Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup. I feel spoiled or bratty admitting this but it’s the truth. I have tried generic soups and they just don’t work for me. I do buy store brands of so many other items because they are a lot cheaper, typically. Here again, watch for those case lot sales near you. This also works with your meds, in many cases. We paid $9.00 for a generic today at Costco that used to cost over $100.00 a few years ago. Got to love it!!
24. Stay Out Of The Stores
This one is pretty straightforward. Do not go to the malls, or the grocery stores if you don’t need anything. Once you step into that store, you may feel the need to buy something. Don’t, unless you need something. If you want to save money skip the wants.
25. Cancel Magazine Subscriptions
This one is a no-brainer. You can go to the library and read the magazines for free. Sometimes we get lazy and forget to cancel the subscription and now they are debiting your account for another month or year. Follow the direction in the front of the magazine to cancel that subscription. It’s all about saving money.
26. Trade Babysitting With Friends
I’m past the babysitting stage, but I used to trade babysitting during the day to run some errands occasionally. It was a blessing to me to not have to pay someone to watch my girls for 2 hours. If you have a friend or family member you trust to watch your children, it’s awesome.
27. Swap Pet Sitting With Friends
I have watched some family members’ dogs and even a few friends’ pets. It saves them money and the dogs are less stressed when they can stay at home. It’s all about saving money.
28. Take Lunch To Work
You would be surprised how fast the daily lunch costs add up when you eat out every day. Save lots of cash by taking your lunch to work.
29. Downsize-Pay Off Home
Downsize to a smaller home and pay it off as soon as you can.
30. Invest In A Slow Cooker
Do you love knowing dinner is cooking in your slow cooker? No last-minute throw-it-together dinners. It saves money and time.
31. Make Menu Plans
If you write out what you want to fix for dinner for a week and shop the sales to match the savings in the weekly ads, it’s a win-win.
32. Make A List Before Grocery Shopping
If you forget to make a list when you go grocery shopping, watch out for overspending. Always make a list and stick to it. This way you will get everything you need that week and nothing else.
33. Pay Cash For A Used Car
Pay cash for a car, who needs a car payment, right?
34. Case Lot Sales Rock
Watch for annual case lot sales, and only buy what you will eat. Buy what you like and eat what you buy.
35. Join Your Local Library
You can check out audibles from your local library and even e-books to download. Don’t forget the
36. Buy Discount Cards-2 for 1
I am a big believer in buying the Boy Scouts Starving Student cards. It’s a win-win, the Scout Troop gets a little money and I get coupons to use that are 2-for-1 purchase items. I love it! They last a year and we pay for them in just a few purchases.
37. Check Out Your City’s Calendar
Every city has a calendar and weekly activities that are usually cheap or free. Check online or at your local county building.
38. Watch The Mail For Coupons
I mentioned this a few times, watch for the weekly mailers with coupons. You will save so much money if you clip them out and plan meals.
39. Buy Surge Protectors
Every room in my house has surge protectors. If we have a room we don’t use often and that room has a lamp or clock, it has a switch on
40. Eat More Vegetables-Meatless Meals
Meat is expensive, when money is tight, eat less meat. You’ll be fine and so will your wallet. Grow a garden and harvest your meals.
41. Look For Haircut Coupons
I’m all about coupons. I’m not an extreme coupon lady, I just save coupons for items I need. Mark tends to get his hair cut a little shorter so he can wait a little longer between cuts. He still looks great, yes I’m biased, but he saves money that way.
42. Eat Your Leftovers
You can always freeze your leftovers for another meal. If not, plan a leftover meal night. No
42. Change Your Furnace Filters
You will save repairs on your HVAC equipment and cut down on allergies if you change your air filters often. Plus, you’ll save money because it runs smoother and doesn’t have to work so hard.
43. Buy LED Lightbulbs
Start purchasing LED lights ever so slowly. It took me a year, but I switched out all my lightbulbs. It seemed like it took forever, but now I save about 25% on my electric bill. That’s a lot to me.
44. Declutter Your Home
Declutter your home and sell the excess. Please simplify your life. Sell what you don’t need or want.
45. Stop Spending Money To Entertain Kids
Don’t be tempted to spend a lot of money on kids or grandkids to entertain them. Memories are usually free, spend time, not money on those you love. They’ll remember the time you spent with them over an electronic item that will be trashed in a year.
46. Consider A Reverse Osmosis Water System
You may want to look at a Reverse Osmosis Water System. It purifies your water. The initial cost is about $500.00 and they come to clean it once a year for $122.00. I have had mine for 11 years and just this year had to replace it. It’s a lot cheaper than bottled water. Yes, I know it removes the minerals, but it removes lead and many other poisons that have made people in Utah have to leave their homes to get bottled water because their water was tainted. Just something to think about.
47. Have A Staycation
Instead of leaving your home for a vacation, stay home. Unplug your phones for a week. It will be the best vacation you ever had. And cheaper.
48. Rent Out Your Basement or Room
If you need extra money, think about renting out a room, if your local laws allow it. If you have a basement, you can rent it out and pay off your house if you work it right. Just be cautious about who you rent to.
49. Use Airbnb For Your Next Vacay
If you are thinking about traveling you may want to check out some Airbnb’s. You choose the location, how many bedrooms, and bathrooms. Look for the price that fits your budget. It’s typically half-price compared to hotels or motels.
50. Compare Insurance Costs
When in doubt scan insurance coverage to another insurance company or two to see if you can save money. When in doubt, shop around for the exact coverage and deductibles.
51. Get Rid Of One Car
If you have a lot of kids one car will probably not work. I realize there are lessons and sports. Make a five or
52. Use Public Transportation
I love using Uber every once in a while, it sure beats the expense of another car. Check out the bus routes and schedules close to your home and work. Salt Lake City has a Lite Rail System that saves riders lots of money and is good for the environment. They also have a commuter train that runs about 80 miles for those who don’t want to move when changing jobs to a new location. Also, consider
53. Make A Budget
Please make a budget and stick to it. Here are some tips that may help. How To Cut When You Think You Can’t by Linda
54. Dehydrate Food
Have you thought about dehydrating your excess food in a dehydrator and eating it later as snacks or in soups? Less stuff in the freezer.
55. Buy A More Economical Car
When in doubt, downsize your car to a more economical one and save money on fuel expenses.
Final Word
I hope you get excited to try my 55 ways to save money right away! There is something so awesome when you cut your expenses a little at a time and have zero debt. Let’s be prepared for the unexpected one penny at a time. Thank you for prepping, you’ll be glad you are. May God bless this world.
I agree with you on generic brands. Many store brands are just as good as name-brands; often the same product with different label. But some things…..not so much. Soup? Gotta be Campbells, mayo must be Best Foods, pork-n-beans need to be Van Camps. Yes, I’m an old lady set in my ways. Haha!
Oh, Linda, I have the giggles, you and I have to have the three same brand names!! I love it! I realize some generic brands are not as good but some are downright awful. We just have to decide which ones we can live with that cheaper if in fact, they are cheaper. I’m an old lady set in her ways too! Love it! Linda
Linda S,
Aldi’s has some great store brands; but, for new things we usually purchase just one to try, before we commit to a batch. We’ll often purchase an entire flat of cans, once something has worked out.
Campbell’s is OK; but, usually a bit pricy, With some care, we find Progresso soups to be a better value when on sale; plus, they have the pull top so with a microwave oven you can have a hearty meal in a hurry on the cheap, generally 2 or more servings for $1.50 or less. We purchased and set up the Thrive life Cansolidators a few years ago, and these hold quite a few of those soups along with other canned goods, allowing us to thumb through our inventory in a hurry when looking for a simple, quick meal.
I used to think Mayonnaise was its own food group; but, high cholesterol and heart disease corrected that notion, so we now use only Miracle Whip. Since we never eat pork & beans straight from the can, we have switched to the Aldi’s version of those also; but, when you add Ketchup, Onions, and Brown Sugar, they are just as good and a lot less expensive, stretching those pennies and dollars even farther.
I don’t know what you call old; but, the wife and I are 67 & 68, with both of us soon to turn over a new year in the next few months.
I was so thrilled that I had already begun to do most of the money saving tips you gave. I would like to do the potluck dinners idea. I will no longer support the boy/Girl Scouts, but there are other organizations, such as Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls, that I would be glad to support as you suggest. I will look into the reverse osmosis system, but can you recommend a company? Can you clean the system yourself? My hus band may want to do that. He has saved us many thousands of dollars by fixing things around the house and garage! He’s a good man!
Thank you for the ideas.
Hi Debbie, if your husband is handy he could install it for a lot less money. The brand name is PureGen. Your husband is a good man! I’m sure he could install one and clean it once a year. It’s awesome! Linda
Debbie,
Around here we support 4H and FFA; but, also the Scouts, mostly by purchasing Popcorn and Cookies. When we don’t support an organization like these, we actually hurt the local kids who do get something out of the program. Now that Boy Scouts have accepted girls and will become “Scouts USA” next February. Having raised two boys and a girl, I can say that Girl Scouts was rather lame, with projects; but, no camping or shooting. My daughter did not participate in local Girl Scouts; but, opted for 4H instead, where shooting (furbearers and archery), small animal husbandry (“Kids & Critters”) and horses (“Bits”) were the themes over the years.
Thank you, Ohio Prepper for these instructions! Linda
Another option for cell service in your home is a phone with wi-fi calling. Most phones can link with the computer service you already have for calling. Thanks for great info, Linda!
Hi Jan, oh, thank for the tip on the wi-fi calling tip. This is how we all help each other!! Thanks so much! Linda
The reality is that some generic stuff is poorly made or the quality is inconsistent meaning one day you buy XYZ Brand and it tastes good and the next time it is stale or lacks crispiness. These are the brands to avoid.
There are good brands that sell for less, but you have to be willing to take a chance (Spend the money) and try them. And in time you may find, like me, that you like only one brand of dressing or you find several good brands of soup or corn and it’ll be a combination of name brands that deliver a superior product and those good brands with less famous names that offer good or better products at those lower and more affordable prices.
So brand aside, price aside, it’s often a matter of personal preference. And on another note, I am no sewing expert, but I try to mend rips, tears and worn spots in my shirts and socks and I salvage buttons, buckles and so on from clothing.
Hi Frank, I agree with you on some of the generic brands. I can’t buy any Walmart generic brands. I’m not sure if it was what I bought or not but Equate brand will never be in my house. Great comment! Linda
Thanks, Linda ~
I love to save money but not good at it all the time!!
1) Haven’t had a landline for a decade or so! People will tell you that 911 doesn’t work with cell phones like they do with landlines. But the object of that is to keep people paying for phones they no longer use. I have my county set up with my number so that if I call 911, they know that I am in the county.
2) Cable was dropped the same time my landline was. I was working 10-12 hours per day, 5-6 days a week and never had time to watch it. Netflix and Amazon Prime. I dropped Hulu a while back because I didn’t watch it as often as Netflix. I already had Amazon Prime for Kindle books and shipping so that was easy enough.
5) I love scoring great used items. My last purchase was a “mid-century” end table that was painted just the color I wanted for my bedroom night stand. I got something that normally (according to my daughter) would have cost $50+ and I got it for $15.
6) I drink one large cup of coffee each morning then water the rest of the day. If (and a big if) I happen to go to a coffee shop, I order an Americano (generally the least expensive coffee) and add my own flavors/creamers that I always carry with me.
7) I stay healthier than I used to by washing my hands frequently. And to save even more money on this, I make my own foaming anti-bacterial hand wash.
25) Cancel Magazine Subscriptions – my library sends me an email when a magazine I like is out. There is one issue with this in that many places don’t take “printed” coupons from magazines and that is the only way I can get the coupons that are in magazines! Ah well!
31) Make Menu Plans around what is in the freezer before purchasing more to put in the freezer. This saves a ton of money.
When I have cash, I no longer spend $5 dollar bills!! I save them in an envelope and when I have a few in the envelope, I either stash them in my go bag(s) or I deposit them in my savings account. I have been able to save over $1000 in less than a year. Great way to fund an emergency fund.
Oh and my gym membership is paid through my medical insurance!
Hi Leanne, I like your $5.00 tip, great idea! I like the idea of making menu plans around what you have in the freezer as well. Great comment! Linda
Hi Linda, I love all your suggestions about saving money !! Regarding land lines for folks that have the internet, but not good cell service, there is a company I learned about on Good Morning America about 10 years ago called OOMA, (OOMA.com). They provide land line service using your internet so you can still send and receive FAX documents if there is a need, there is no special charges for all the extra taxes the regular telcos charge. I pay about $6.00 per month for the use of my land line. It only goes down if the internet goes down. Just a thought.
On another topic – generic canned foods – many canneries in this country do ALL the canning of fruits and veggies for ALL the various brands. They just change the label when they are processing the food for a specific brand. Example – a large canning company in Fresno, Calif. receives tomatoes from the growers throughout California during the tomato season. They can various spaghetti sauces, tomato sauces, and tomato pastes etc. They change the label when they are preparing an order from Kroger, Smith’s, Fry’s etc. Ergo, same tomatoes, same cannery. The only company I know of that does its own canning is Del Monte, one cannery is in Merced, Calif where they can peaches, pears and other products. Just a thought ! ! God bless you and our country and its leadership.
Hi Kathy, oh, wow, I love your comment! I do buy Del Monte more than other brands. I will have to check out the other brands. Great comment@ Linda
Kathie & All,
You mention OOMA, a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider; but, one should also look at Vonage and Google Voice. Google Voice is free and uses any Android device with installed “Voice” and “Hangout” Apps with WiFi for the handset.
Hi Ohio Prepper, thanks for the tip! Linda
Linda,
As I’ve said before, I love lists, since they provide a metric for what we’re doing to help find any shortfalls, and are a good way to comment on each item. I have to warn that since we have lived in our paid off rural homestead for 35 years and have had to adapt to sometimes austere rural resources, some of my thoughts may be a bit contrarian to your suggestions. In short, a lot of city amenities are unavailable here without a 30 or more minute drive.
I thought that was only a rural problem. Cell service works here OK; but, there are places in the house where you cannot use it reliably, so knowing where it works is a good thing. We’ve been here since 1984; but, didn’t have cell phones at all until the mid 1990’s and the service is getting a little better over time.
As for your other suggestions:
1. Drop Your Landlines
This will never happen and is IMHO a bad idea for a few reasons. In our case, we get high speed internet over our landline (5 Mbps DSL) and out digital cordless phones allow use all over the property and beyond. I also worked about 1/3 of my 44 year engineering career working in telephony, including design of telephone central office equipment and power supplies / batteries, and I can assure you that in most cases, you will have dial tone, long after the cell towers are no longer working.
2. Get Rid Of Cable
Actually, we are looking forward to cable coming into our rural community, possibly this summer, since our TV is currently a combination of Off the Air and Satellite, and since the satellite systems pretty much have a rural monopoly, the basic cable package with 100 Mbps internet will be less than our current satellite.
We now have 5 Mbps that “sort of” allow streaming services; but, the 100 Mbps will fill all of our needs for less money. Your mileage may vary, of course, so put the pencil & calculator (or spreadsheet) to work for your own situation.
3. Turn Off The Lights
We do that; but, after switching nearly everything to LEDs, it really doesn’t save much if any. One warning about most LED devices is that they can emit a lot of radio noise that will not bother most people; but, can make a NOAA weather radio have reception problems, or in my case, cause problems with some of my Amateur (Ham) Radio communications.
4. Learn To Make Bread
We make bread; but, quite often we see name brand bread @ Dollar Tree and Aldi’s has some pretty good bread, including a 12 grain we like. Sometimes a little money can save you time, and we can always make a little more money; but, only save time.
5. Buy Used Items
Goodwill and other thrift stores can occasionally have great deals.
6. Drink Water
I keep a 30 ounce Yeti cup filled with ice water and sip at it all day. I also like Gatorade and making your own with their powdered mix is inexpensive.
7. Wash Your Hands
I agree; but, will add that proper nutrition, enough sleep, and the yearly influenza vaccination are also important. Other than the sleep part, we do all of these and I have not had the flu for decades.
8. Keep Bathrooms Clean
My wife is fastidious there, sometimes I think to the point of overkill, LOL.
9. Replace Toothbrushes
We do our yearly checkup & cleaning at the dentist and that visit includes sending home a new brush, small tube of toothpaste, and floss. I keep old brushes after cleaning thoroughly with peroxide or bleach, for use in cleaning other items like firearms.
10. Wash or Replace Pillows
We don’t generally do the pillow; but, the pillow cases are done at least every few weeks.
11. Wash Bedsheets Weekly
At least weekly. There is nothing like a clean hot sheet on a winter night.
12. Drop Club Memberships
I keep some of those, since in retirement they offer social engagement and are often some of the only fun we have, LOL. My radio club costs only $30.00 per year, and our Wellness Center (Gym) member ship is covered by the “Silver Sneakers” program that is part of our Medicare supplemental.
13. Stock You Pantry
We could easily feed 4 adult for a year or more and for those who are just getting started, try can copying. That means when you run out of beans or soup, etc. Instead of replacing it you purchase 2 or even more if on sale. Do this only for food you eat regularly, and soon you’ll be surprised at how much food you have on hand. Be sure to date those packages when you get home so you can use the oldest first. We use a large Sharpie marker.
14. Cook From Scratch
While cooking from scratch is important, just eating at home can save money. We keep a small supply of “Hot Pockets” in the freezer and with those you can have a meal in less than 5 minutes with the Microwave. You will probably want some other side, like a fruit or vegetable to go with it; but, it’s still a lot cheaper then eating out, especially in our case where the closest restaurant of any kind is about 8 miles away.
15. Start A Garden
We’ve been doing that for 40+ years and hope to start here soon, weather permitting (mostly rain & mud). Our last frost day is May 15.
16. Learn To Mend Clothing
Yep. Darn them holy socks & jeans!!!! LOL
17. Have Potluck Dinners With Friends
I volunteer with our local county EMA and our second weekly meeting each month is a potluck. Most of the other organizations to which I belong hold potluck dinners for the holidays.
18. Write Grateful Notes
Not as often as I should. Do emails count?
19. Use The 30 Day Plan
We always ponder large purchases and see how they fit the budget. Our 30 day plan is using one of our credit cards for the float. The billing cycle closes on the 6th of the month, with the bill due on the second of the following month. A purchase a week ago (3/4/19) would close on 3/6/19 and be due on 4/2/19. Waiting a few days until the 6th, shifts everything an entire month, so a purchase today 3/11/19, will close on 4/6/19 and be due on 5/6/19 allowing an entire month of income to trickle in, in the meantime. We also always pay the entire balance each month, so no interest; but, the points are then redeemed for gift cards (usually Home Depot) that spend like money.
20. Check Out Dollar Stores
Dollar Tree is our favorite; but, Dollar General has the best selection on greeting cards.
21. Remove Credit/Debit Card Numbers From Online Merchants
This is a poor way IMHO to do self restraint. I leave my card numbers with Amazon and PayPal, since they seem to have security down rather well, and cyber security is very important. Any online vendor that accepts PayPal is more likely to get my business; but, for those new or one off vendors, my credit card allows me to go online and get a “Virtual Card Number”. This number and its associated security code works like my normal credit card number and code; but, allows me to set an upper limit if desired AND may only be used one time.
22. When Cooking Dinner-4 Times The Recipe
With only the two of us we generally only double it; but, that’s a good idea that saves time for sure.
23. Try Generic Brands
We always purchase a single item to try before purchasing others. Aldi’s seems to have some good store brands.
24. Stay Out Of The Stores
I love to walk the aisles of Big Lots, Ollie’s, and Harbor Freight looking for “Deals” ; but, only for deals. One needs to learn restraint and the difference between needs & wants.
25. Cancel Magazine Subscriptions
The only subscription I get are those that come with organizations I belong to, and I get most of those as online to save the piles of paper. I’m an NRA life member and a member of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) the ham radio training and lobbying organization and get those online magazines.
Other than the local small town newspaper, we get nothing else and simply don’t have the time or need the additional clutter.
26. Trade Babysitting With Friends
Our baby is 28 and no longer at home.
27. Swap Pet Sitting With Friends
No pets; but, livestock that we trade off with neighbors when on vacation.
28. Take Lunch To Work
I’m retired but, used to brown bag my lunch.
29. Downsize-Pay Off Home
We upsized to this homestead and paid it off 20 years ago. The key is staying in one place and chipping away at it. We’ve been here for 35 years
30. Invest In A Slow Cooker
Instant Pot!!! Yes!!!
31. Make Menu Plans
We only do that on occasion for a week at a time; but, generally just look through the pantry and freezer for what’s on hand and go from there. The key is a well stocked freezer, a deep pantry, and to not be too picky on what you’ll eat.
32. Make A List Before Grocery Shopping
Always; but, that doesn’t stop adding a few sale or comfort items to the cart. Best however, to ”Eat” before grocery shopping, LOL.
33. Pay Cash For A Used Car
34. Case Lot Sales Rock
We’ve done that more than not; but, recently purchased our first new vehicle in 18 years. The junkyard paid us and hauled off our last new 2000 minivan that had two previous deer encounters, we sold the 1989 pickup truck, and now have a 2018 and a 2003 Honda CRV, and are probably done purchasing any vehicles. new or otherwise for a long time.
35. Join Your Local Library
A long time ago. That’s where I get most of my audio books. I bring them home, rip to mp3 and return them quickly. I don’t share those mp3’s; but, that makes them more portable for later listening.
36. Buy Discount Cards-2 for 1
We don’t have those around here. The boys sell popcorn and the girls sell cookies.
37. Check Out Your City’s Calendar
Our closest city with anything going on is 15+ miles away; but, we do a few things there on occasion.
38. Watch The Mail For Coupons
How about watch your email for coupons. We get a few there; but, you can sign up for many coupons online. Harbor Freight, & Kroger are good ones around here.
39. Buy Surge Protectors
Unless you have batteries in those clocks, that means resetting them every time you turn the switch back on. And the lamps generally don’t save anything, unless that’s how you turn them all on & off. Along with surge protection, we also use small computer UPS units. These privide surge protection and keep things like TVs’, satellite receivers, and even LED light bulbs running through a power glitch or outage.
40. Eat More Vegetables-Meatless Meals
We love salads; but, have 300+ pounds of beef in the freezer, LOL.
41. Look For Haircut Coupons
No place here that takes coupons; but, my barbber only charges $10.00 for cutting my hair and trimming my beard. I generally give him an extra $2.00 tip; but, this is only about every 6-8 weeks.
42. Eat Your Leftovers
When you make double or triple servings, that’s the whole point, isn’t it? LOL
42. Change Your Furnace Filters
At least once per year for us, since we have no central air and don’t run the furnace for half the year. If you have central air (cooling), you’ll need at least twice or maybe three times, since the AC can add moisture to the filter in the hot humid days of the summer.
43. Buy LED Lightbulbs
We use them almost everywhere except the barns and the basement
44. Declutter Your Home
That seems to always be a work in progress. Living here for 35 years seems to be part of the problem, since people who move a lot, discard their clutter more often.
45. Stop Spending Money To Entertain Kids
Our youngest is 28 and no grandkids yet.
46. Consider A Reverse Osmosis Water System
We had one installed along with our water softener when we purchased this place back in 1986 and other than some maintenance every 12-18 months, it has worked exceptionally well.
47. Have A Staycation
We do that; but, often stay with friends and relatives. My kid sister lives and works in Key west and we’re planning a trip there that will only involve air fare, food, and incidentals. Cheap vacation. We did the same thing when she was station in Hawaii more than 10 years ago. 10 days on two islands for only about $2500.00 for the three of us.
48. Rent Out Your Basement or Room
No basement to rent; but, we do rent some land to a local farmer for growing crops.
49. Use Airbnb For Your Next Vacay
We’ll have to think about that; but, we have friends and relatives in nice places like Fl & AZ.
50. Compare Insurance Costs
Our independent agent is a good friend and fellow ham operator and does that for us regularly. 2 years ago he had us switch and we saved nearly $600.00 per year; but, the new car ate up most of that LOL.
51. Get Rid Of One Car
If you have a lot of kids one car will probably not work. I realize there are lessons and sports. Make a five or ten year plan to see if one car would work for you.
No kids at home; but, living in a rural area, a non running car would be a bad thing, so now we maintain two cars. Both are Honda CRV’s, a 2003 & a 2018.
52. Use Public Transportation
Not out here, LOL.
53. Make A Budget
We’ve done that and live quite comfortably, even having monthly savings.
54. Dehydrate Food
We do that and freeze dry & smoke.
55. Buy A More Economical Car
See #51
Thank you, Ohio Prepper! Linda