| We all have fixed expenses - mortgage / rent, | | | | the generic bleach I purchased at the grocery store |
| insurance, taxes, utilities, - expenses that rarely | | | | on sale for about $1 (savings of $17). Using bleach full |
| change and are hard to miss because we write large | | | | strength or diluted does the trick for a variety of |
| monthly or quarterly checks. But, what about your | | | | surfaces. Makes you think about how many different |
| other expenses? All your little trips to the store can | | | | types of cleaners you really need to have. |
| sneak up on you, causing you to spend more than | | | | 6. Can you stretch an item? For example, will half of |
| you planned. Variable expenses can take a surprisingly | | | | a dryer sheet do the same job as a full sheet? I've |
| large chunk of your budget. Take a closer look at | | | | tried it and it works for me. This also works for |
| your spending habits. You'd be surprised how making | | | | scrub pads - cutting a regular size pad in half gives |
| even a few small changes will leave more in your | | | | you at least several uses. You won't have to throw |
| pocket! | | | | away a half used pad because it's rusty or gunky, |
| Some of these tips are common sense; some might | | | | and it's cheaper than buying those "junior size" pads. |
| seem to be a bit "frugal". Just remember, if you're | | | | There must be many more ways to stretch |
| working toward a goal, you've got nothing to lose by | | | | everyday items - what else can you think of? |
| trying something new, frugal as it may be! | | | | 7. How about reusing or recycling items vs. buying |
| Sometimes "baby steps" are the best way to start | | | | something new? A great example is sharing a |
| on the path to bigger and better ways to manage | | | | magazine subscription with a friend - one issue you |
| your expenses. | | | | both read (works for books, too!). Or clean your |
| 1. When you have multiple errands to run, do you | | | | used jelly jars and use them for leftovers instead of |
| have a game plan for accomplishing them efficiently? | | | | disposable baggies. Glass jars last, and if you take the |
| Take a few moments to check your driving route | | | | lid off, they're microwaveable. If doing either of |
| and plan the stops along the way. Save time and gas | | | | these would make you feel unthinkably cheap, think |
| by not running all the errands separately. | | | | about how much worse it is to be in debt or to not |
| 2. What kind of grocery shopper are you? Whether | | | | have savings. |
| you shop at discount stores, or by sales flier, | | | | 8. Can you buy an item used at a fraction of the |
| remember to buy only what you need. Compare | | | | cost? Our patio furniture - table for six, chaise lounge, |
| advertised sales prices with other brands (including | | | | two chairs and coffee table - was purchased through |
| generic). Remember to check sales sizes as well. | | | | the classified ads for $100. Purchased new, the same |
| What's being offered on sale might be a smaller size | | | | set would have cost at least 10 times as much. |
| than what you usually buy. Be informed and take a | | | | Check classified frequently, and if you're |
| few seconds to consider your purchases - it will save | | | | internet-savvy, online auction sites such as eBay |
| you money in the long run. | | | | have a treasure trove of bargains both used and |
| 3. Do you look at the directions for laundry and | | | | new. |
| dishwashing detergent, or do you automatically fill the | | | | 9. What about buying off-season merchandise? Now |
| scoop and throw it in a load? Make sure to follow | | | | is the perfect time to buy winter items. When the |
| manufacturers' recommendation for the correct load | | | | other seasons role around, wait a few months in |
| size usage. If you use too much per load, you can | | | | before buying those "must haves". This is not only a |
| use up the product twice as fast. | | | | great way to stock up for next year, but for your |
| 4. How much does convenience cost you? Here's a | | | | vacation, decorating, and gift-giving needs as well. |
| great example: a friend of mine buys pre-bagged | | | | 10. Can you do it yourself? In the town where I live, |
| salads. Not only is it more expensive than buying a | | | | the trash pickup is handled by private companies. |
| head of lettuce, but she'll admit that they hardly ever | | | | When the bill hit almost $100 a month, we decided to |
| finish it off. Cutting a head of lettuce is an amazingly | | | | handle it ourselves. My husband takes the trash to |
| simple and quick task. When buying for convenience, | | | | the dump (it's on his way to work) about once a |
| ask yourself if the actual cost is really worth the time | | | | week. What things are you willing to do to save you |
| you think you save. | | | | some money? |
| 5. How many cleaning products do you have right | | | | The list could go on and on. It's a matter of |
| now? When purchasing a power washer, I was told I | | | | rethinking your priorities and taking a new view of |
| should buy three bottles of cleaners - one for decks | | | | your spending routine. Start small today, and you |
| fences, one for driveways and the other for home | | | | could really see a difference in your savings over the |
| exteriors. Each bottle was $6.00 (a total of $18) vs. | | | | course of a year. |