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