50 Proven Ways To Economize At Home Every Day
1. Wash and reuse foil wrap.
2. Save "junk mail" reply envelopes for filing recipes,
receipts, etc.
3. Trade things you don't want with friends, neighbors,
relatives.
4. Restrict family between-meal snacks to inexpensive and
healthful in-season fruit and vegetables, home-popped corn,
raisins, etc.
5. Become a "brown bagger". Take your lunch to work.
6. Save and reuse plastic sandwich bags and paper lunch bags.
7. Tie soap remnants in a piece of nylon net and use as a body
sponge.
8. Crumpled up used aluminum foil is ideal for scouring pots and
pans.
9. Paper towels are expensive. Use washable cloth dish towels
instead.
10. Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap.
11. Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers &
freezer use.
12. Don't throw away anything. Save everything for a future
garage sale.
13. Attend movies early when prices are generally lower.
14. Don't buy expensive gifts. Give exotic home grown plants or
bake a cake.
15. Give yourself a home permanent instead of paying top prices
at a salon.
16. Consider cutting your family's hair yourself.
17. Use plastic bread wrappers and produce bags for freezer use.
18. Use washable cloth handkerchiefs instead of expensive facial
tissues.
19. Organize a baby-sitting club with friends & neighbors. Take
turns.
20. Think in terms of doing it yourself rather than hiring
someone to do it, such as home repairs, painting, garden work,
cutting the lawn, etc.
21. Swap services with friends and neighbors who can do things
you can't.
22. Take advantage of free recreation, such as picnic areas,
libraries, public tennis courts, swimming areas, parks, zoos,
etc.
23. If you're not going out to shop, leave your credit cards at
home.
24. Learn about the many bargains at "no frills" discount stores.
25. Avoid spending on "throwaway" items such disposable razors,
flashlights, pens, toothbrushes, paper cups & plates, diapers,
cigarette lighters, etc.
26. For parties, use reusable plates, cups, glasses, utensils,
napkins-instead of expensive paper and plastic disposables.
27. Pay credit card charges when they become due so interest
isn't added.
28. When buying big-ticket items, learn all about them from
consumer magazines and guides before you buy. You will be less
apt to make a bad choice.
29. Garage sales and flea markets are excellent for both selling
and buying.
30. Start your children earning money at an early age.
31. When buying insurance, pay the premium annually. It's less
expensive in the long run than paying monthly, quarterly or
even semi-annually.
32. Check all monthly bills closely, including your bank
balance. Big companies can and do make mistakes.
33. Examine your check at restaurants to make sure no error has
been made.
34. Buy things out of season for big savings, such as after
Christmas.
35. Grow your own herbs and spices in window-sill flower pots.
36. Coffee is expensive. Brew only as much as your family will
drink. 37. Save and sell recyclable materials such as aluminum,
paper, etc.
38. Don't spend for extra ice cubes. Store them in plastic bags
in the freezer.
39. Bread becomes stale more quickly in the refrigerator. Store
it at room temperature or in the freezer.
40. Learn about auto upkeep and how to do minor repairs yourself.
41. Don't look for a new apartment until after the peak renting
season is over.
42. Instead of buying gorgeous house plants, get cutting from
friends.
43. If you need a lawyer, carefully investigate his fees in
advance.
44. Be wary of banking gimmicks. Be sure you get the best deal
in town.
45. Shop at discount and variety stores for biggest savings on
cosmetics.
46. Dilute your shampoo with small amount of water - for easier
rinsing.
47. Before buying anything new, ask yourself if you really need
it.
48. Do comparative shopping on the internet, order form the
internet and save money on gasoline.
49. Join online coupon sites.
50. Use newspaper coupons at grocery stores that offer to double
coupons.
For more family information visit http://www.911parenting.com