June 12th, 2007

Springtime gives us all a fresh outlook on life. This is the time in which we are expected to take inventory of our house and clean out unwanted clutter. Likewise, this is a good time to start thinking about your spending habits. What about your life can you change in order to save money this year? The following are 25 new ways to be frugal and save $2,007 in 2007.

1. Change Your Own Oil
   You should be changing the oil on your vehicle every 5,000 miles, if not sooner. This alone saves money in repairs, as your engine will be ruined without this routine maintenance. It should also increase your gas mileage. Performing an oil change yourself costs a fraction of what a mechanic will charge you, so vow to never pay someone else to do it again. If you don’t know how to do change your oil, ask a friend to teach you or learn from a simple Google search.
2. Use Ceiling Fans
   You will lower your energy costs in the summer by putting your ceiling fans to good use. Don’t make the mistake of opening all your house’s doors, as you will be compromising the home’s natural insulation. Instead, combine your air conditioning unit (at a moderate setting) with the use of your ceiling fans. You will save money that way without suffering from a heat stroke.
3. Request Basic Phone Service
   You really don’t need luxuries like caller ID and call waiting. Although the fees for both seem nominal to you on your phone bill, multiply that amount by 12 and you will realize how much it costs per year. Using no-frills, basic phone service is one of the simplest ways to save a little money each month.
4. Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
   Energy saving light bulbs (those funny-looking ones that are shaped like a corkscrew) will save you a tremendous amount of money over time. They are as bright as the ones you are used to, yet they use a fraction of the wattage. Although more expensive than normal light bulbs, they are definitely worth the investment and, as an added bonus, will make your home more eco-friendly.
5. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
   With the advent of cold-water laundry detergent, you really have no excuse to be using warm or hot water to clean your clothes. Cold water is just as effective and it will save you money in energy costs. Also, cold water is easier on your clothes than warm water, so you won’t have to replace your garments as often.
6. Leave Your Credit Cards at Home
   If you are trying to save money, then credit cards are your enemy. Think of them thusly and leave them at home whenever you can. This will prevent you from succumbing to temptation, as that Visa or MasterCard should be reserved for emergencies only.
7. Rent DVDs at the Library
   Forget the local video store, even Netflix, as nothing can beat a rental service that is absolutely free. Can’t find the DVD you want at the library? Put in a request for anything you like, including upcoming releases. If that sounds like too much work on your part, ask if you can request movies via your library’s Web site. Most likely, you can.
8. Buy Kids’ Clothes on eBay
   Young children have a designated size and most likely don’t have to try on clothes to see if they fit. This makes online shopping for children’s apparel very easy and nothing is cheaper than an eBay lot. Since children outgrow clothing quickly, used items are often near mint. For a fraction of store-bought fashions, you can find any brand you want on eBay. Also, it will save you the hassle of dragging the kids through a department store.
9. Pack Your Lunch for Work
   This may be something you are always meaning to do, but never start. Granted, it is a bit of a task to make yourself pack a lunch every day. However, it will soon become a habit and will save you hundreds each year.
10. Join AAA
    Becoming a member of the American Automobile Association, or AAA, will save you money in more ways than one. Not only will a small yearly fee buy you emergency roadside assistance in times of need, but your membership card also can be used for many discounts. From hotels to restaurants, AAA members will save money throughout the year by presenting their card at participating establishments. 
11. Don’t Throw Away Your Valpaks
    You probably set aside those thick Valpak envelopes as junk mail when they arrive in your box. However, there are many practical coupons in there, particularly for families. If you are trying to save money, then you need to get on board with couponing, and the Valpak is a great place to start.
12. Install Solar Screens
    Solar Screens are specially designed mesh filters for your windows that reflect sunlight. They are a great way to cut energy costs and keep your house cooler in the summer. Although they will cost you at least several hundred dollars to install, it will be an investment that will pay off within the year.
13. Drink From the Tap
    With the small price of a PUR or BRITA filter on your kitchen faucet, you will save hundreds of dollars a year by forgoing bottled water. Yes, the bottled water is handy, but it isn’t cheap and, if you do your homework, it really isn’t as "pure" as some claim. So, stop fearing your tap water, and start saving money.
14. Buy Gift Wrap at the Dollar Store
    As if buying gifts isn’t expensive enough, a simple gift bag and matching bow may set you back another ten bucks or so. Make it a habit to stop at the dollar store for your gift wrap, as well as your greeting cards. It will cost a fraction of the normal retail price, and no one will be the wiser.
15. Start Flipping Switches
    An unoccupied room doesn’t need any light, so don’t leave the switch on when you leave. Also, make it a habit of using the least amount of light as possible. You may opt to use a table lamp instead of the four bulbs on the ceiling fan, for instance. All of these little adjustments make big changes on your energy bill.
16. Plant a Vegetable Garden
    Not only is gardening therapeutic, it can greatly reduce your grocery bills. Growing the vegetables that your family eats every day will save you hundreds each year. Also, you will be sure that no harmful chemicals are being used on your vegetables, and you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.
17. Accept Hand-Me-Downs
    Whether they are for you or for your children, swallow your pride and put hand-me-downs to good use. Whether they are clothing or household items, you can always pass along the ones you don’t want to someone else in need.
18. Install a Tankless Water Heater
    Ever jump in the shower after someone else, only to be screeching minutes later when the water turns ice cold? Not only will a tankless water heater rectify that problem, it will also save 10-20% on your energy bill each month. The devices are a bit costly in comparison to conventional tanks, but they are an investment that will pay for itself in no time.
19. Sell Unwanted Items on eBay
    You can supplement your income, as well as clean out your house, by selling unwanted items on eBay. The online auction house is simple to use and reaches millions of would-be buyers each month. So, you already have a built-in customer base the minute your eBay auction is listed. The old adage about "one man’s trash" is true, so don’t think your used goods aren’t marketable. You never know until you try.
20. Use Weather Stripping
    Weather stripping is cheap and easy to install along your doors and windows. It is also one of the best ways to save energy costs, particularly in the winter. On a cool day, test this theory by putting your hand along the cracks of your outside doors. Can you feel a breeze? Well, that little breeze is costing you a fortune in heating, so do what you can to stop it.
21. Save Make-Up for Special Occasions
    The cosmetics industry makes billions of dollars a year, mostly from women. If you are a lady trying to be frugal, then conserve your make-up. If you must, apply some blush and lip gloss on your way out the door, but save a full make-up job for occasions that deserve it. Grocery shopping or a trip to the gym does not warrant the use of your mascara because, as you know, mascara isn’t cheap.
22. Hit Your Local Garage Sales
    You’d be surprised what you can find for next to nothing at a garage sale. From clothes to furniture, it is out there, and the prices are all negotiable. You should get in the habit of waking early on Saturdays and hunting for some garage sales. To curb any outrageous impulse buys, set aside a small amount of cash for your day’s shopping and don’t exceed your limit. This is a cheap way to find things you need, as well as to satisfy your inner shopaholic.
23. Only Mail Flat-Rate Boxes
    If you have to mail something, try to fit in one of those nifty flat-rate boxes from the post office. It won’t matter what the object weighs, the price will always be the same. If you are someone who mails parcels frequently, this will save you a considerable amount of money and, best of all, the boxes themselves are free of charge and can be delivered to your doorstep.
24. Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk
    You don’t have to be a member of Sam’s Club or Costco to buy in bulk. From oatmeal to paper towels, you should buy non-perishables in bulk whenever they go on sale. If you do this with a coupon, it will work out even better. Buying in bulk may cost more money that particular trip, but doing it during sales will save you a lot of money in the long run.
25. Cancel Your Cable / Satellite Television
    Although this may sound like punishment to you, it isn’t. Not only will canceling your cable or satellite service save you upwards to a thousand dollars a year, your life will become a lot more productive as a result. Television is a crutch for many, a luxury that will only make you sedentary and dull with excessive use. So, cancel your paid television service and go outside for some fresh air.

Following the above advice could potentially save you $2,007 this year, if not more. As you begin to find new and unconventional ways to be frugal, you will be surprised by how easy it is to live on your limited income. Not only will paying the bills become less stressful, you will have a surplus of cash to apply to other areas of your life. Whether it’s going to a dream vacation or your savings account, the money you conserve this year is only the beginning.

Posted in Features

June 4th, 2007

Most people don’t realize how many opportunities to save money they pass up every day. From grocery store shopping to cleaning the house, you could be doing it all more sensibly. The dollars and cents conserved by practicing frugal habits really add up in the long run. Below you will find 125 ways to save money throughout the week.

Groceries

1. Buy a Sunday paper for grocery store coupons.
2. Shop during a special event, such as when coupons are doubled and/or tripled.
3. Buy generic store brands of food and medication when possible.
4. Peruse the sales page offered at front of grocery store.
5. Buy non-perishables in bulk when they are on sale.
6. Join a price club for grocery shopping.
7. Purchase day-old breads and meats that are on sale.
8. Avoid impulse buys at the checkout.
9. Make a grocery list and don’t deviate from it.
10. Use a grocery store card for further savings.
11. If you are shopping with children, don’t walk down the toy aisle.
12. Buy only the fruits and vegetables that are in season.
13. Watch your items as they are being scanned to catch any errors.
14. Go over your receipt and look for discrepancies, as they are more common than you would think.

Work-Related

15. Eat a large breakfast at home. It reduces your chances of eating out later in the day.
16. Request more perks, such as a company cell phone.
17. Make your own coffee at home and take it with you to work in an insulated cup.
18. Pack a lunch every day.
19. Don’t leave work during your lunch hour. Hang out in the break room instead.
20. Take advantage of any employee discounts you may have.
21. Carpool with coworkers.
22. Request a performance review from your boss so you can negotiate for a raise.
23. Save receipts for any work-related purchases so you can be reimbursed.
24. Have your paychecks directly deposited into your bank account.
25. Talk to HR about a less expensive insurance plan.

Utilities

26. Turn off lights as you leave the room.
27. Turn off the air conditioner/heater if you are leaving the house for longer than two hours.
28. Utilize ceiling fans during both the summer and winter.
29. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
30. Keep showers as brief as possible.
31. Bathe your children at the same time, permitting they are young enough.
32. Shower with your spouse/partner.
33. Purchase energy-saving
    fluorescent bulbs.
34. Install a tankless water heater.
35. Never run the dishwasher for just a few dishes.
36. Hand wash large pots and pans to save room in the dishwasher.
37. Apply weather stripping to the doors and windows.
38. Reuse old socks for cleaning and dusting.
39. Wash clothes in cold water.
40. Hang clothes on a line to dry.

Cooking

41. Bake your own bread.
42. Always save extra food for leftovers.
43. Pack up leftovers for lunch or work the next day.
44. Make your own pizza for family movie night.
45. Properly store vegetables in the crisper to prevent them from expiring early.
46. Use a non-stick canola spray instead of butter or oil.
47. Reuse Ziploc bags.
48. Make inexpensive foods like rice and beans a staple in the kitchen.
49. Find free recipes on the Internet.
50. Never buy ice at the store. Always make it at home.
51. If you are out of an ingredient, check your pantry for a substitute.
52. Cook up everything in your house before returning to the grocery store.

Cleaning

53. Use baking soda as a multi-purpose cleaning agent.
54. Dilute sprays from concentrate to go further.
55. Buy generic cleaning products, as the brand names are easy to replicate.
56. Change your vacuum bag frequently to avoid repairs.
57. Use an old-fashioned mop, not specialty ones that last a short time.
58. Spot clean large surfaces like rugs rather than cleaning the entire area.
59. Don’t hire outside help for housework.
60. Use a quality doormat to keep out dust, dirt and pesticides.
61. On rainy days, ask visitors to take off their shoes at the door.
62. Use lemon juice as an inexpensive stain remover.
63. Use refillable soap dispensers.

Lawn and Garden

64. Mow your own grass.
65. Only water your lawn when it needs it.
66. Water the lawn during dusk or dawn.
67. Set your lawnmower to make the shortest clip.
68. Start a compost pile and use it as fertilizer.
69. Use vinegar to kill your weeds, not harmful and expensive chemicals.
70. Grow a vegetable garden to save on food expenses.
71. Use a soaker hose.

Clothes

72. Buy clothes in the off-season.
73. Frequent second-hand clothing stores.
74. Buy clothes in lots on eBay.
75. Purchase underwear and socks in bulk.
76. Organize your closet to find clothing you forgot you had.
77. Don’t buy clothes that are too small for you in the hopes that you will lose weight. It can be the most disappointing way to waste money.
78. For name brand clothes, look to your local outlet mall.

Children

79. Breastfeed your babies for an extended period.
80. Buy disposable diapers in bulk.
81. Try store brand disposable diapers, you may be pleasantly surprised.
82. Opt for cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
83. Use a damp washcloth instead of baby wipes.
84. Outfit your children in hand-me-downs from older siblings.
85. Do not give your children a cell phone.
86. If you do give your child a cell phone, make it a prepaid phone.
87. Pack your children’s lunch for school every day.
88. Only eat at restaurants that serve children for free.
89. Work from home to avoid daycare costs.
90. Start a Upromise account to save for your child’s college education.

Transportation

91. Use an independent mechanic to fix your car, not the dealership (unless you are still under warranty).
92. Use a bicycle for short trips.
93. Consider public transportation for longer trips.
94. Fill up your gas tank in the coolest part of the day.
95. Use a gas rewards card.
96. Keep your tires balanced.
97. Change your oil regularly, as it will save you in repairs later.
98. Replace your car’s dirty air filter.
99. Never use a commercial car wash, always do it at home.
100. Join AAA, as you will enjoy many discounts and emergency road-side assistance.
101. Do not sit in the first-class section of a plane.
102. Buy airline tickets in advance.
103. Never travel by plane during holidays.
104. Never leave your car idling for longer than three minutes.

Credit Cards

105. If possible, pay off your balance in full each month.
106. If you are paying a high interest, transfer your balance to a card with an introductory rate of 0% APR.
107. Seek out a rewards card that fits your lifestyle.
108. Give your kids a secured credit card rather than trusting them with a regular one.
109. Keep your credit cards at home to avoid impulse buys.
110. Use your cards for emergencies only.

Savings and Investment

111. Use online banking.
112. Find a discount brokerage to avoid large, hidden fees.
113. Comparison shop for a bank with the best rates.
114. Learn how to properly file your taxes without using a CPA.
115. Sit down and compose a reasonable household budget.
116. Request your free yearly credit report from the government.
117. Start a loose change jar.

Electronics

118. Buy floor model electronics at a reduced rate.
119. Skip the extended warranties.
120. Buy refurbished electronics that come with a guarantee.
121. Buy models on clearance that are being discontinued.
122. Before you buy expensive software, see if there is a comparable freeware product available.
123. Thoroughly clean your computer at least twice a year with a vacuum hose/can of compressed air.
124. Look to eBay for inexpensive electronics.
125. Don’t overspend on unnecessary accessories for your computer, video game console, etc.

Although many of the above tips will only save you cents at a time, they will eventually add up to a considerable sum of money. Should you wish to splurge on something that your frugal life otherwise wouldn’t allow for, then you can certainly try these ideas as a way to set aside cash. If you are being really diligent, however, you will probably want to save or invest the extra money. Either way, it is good to know that you have everyday opportunities to conserve, even when you are already on a tight budget.

Posted in Features