Utilize worn pillowcases
Don?t throw away those worn pillow cases in the rag bag. Snip a small hole in the center of end seam to use as dust-covers for clothing stored on hangers in the closet.
Savings in newspaper coupons
If you don?t now get the Sunday newspaper, you are missing out on great coupon offers. If you live in a small town, and just get the local newspaper without coupons, check the closest large city to you for their newspaper subscriptions; you can subscribe to weekends only. Be sure they DO have the coupon sections. The savings you get from the coupons, will more than pay for the subscription cost. Cut out only the coupons you might use, and file in an obvious place so you?ll remember to use them; an envelope close to your grocery list! Watch for expiration date, and toss those old one. Usually the Wednesday paper will have the ?sales? pamphlets from various grocers, check these for good buys; the prices are good for one week in most cases.
Hit the showers
We can actually use less hot water by taking showers rather than baths. Hidden savings on utilities.
Always ask!
I seldom buy anything that I won?t ask if the retailer gives discounts; even restaurants often allow ?senior? portions...cheaper. I learned this from my husband years ago. I was ready to pay full price for a suit at a large men?s store, when my husband asked for any discount; he saved us $30.00! I?ve gotten discounts from K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, HomeDepot, a woman?s dress shop, etc! If you don?t ask, you?ll not receive...that?s my motto! So don?t be bashful, ASK!
Beware of the scam
With the advent of the internet, there are many scam artists taking advantage of this communication. Beware of people offering ?great? deals for you to invest your money. Always keep in mind the addage "if it sounds too good to be true...", you know, IT SURE AIN?T TRUE!!! NEVER invest your hard-earned money into ANYTHING that you haven?t checked out thoroughly! Don?t be afraid to check with your banker, friends, or family before making any investment. And if you have been ?taken?, swallow your pride and report the incident to authorities.
Utilizing the humidifier
By using a humidifier in our homes we will actually make our homes feel warmer...AND use less heat and save more money!
Getting A Will Is Not Expensive
Do you need a will but want to get it at a good price? Check out the AARP Legal Services Network (LSN). These attorneys are screened and will draw up a simple will for $75 for an individual or $100 for a couple. While you are consulting with the lawyer find out what end-of-life directives you need in your state.
Find an LSN attorney near you by going to:
http://www.aarp.org/lsn or call (800) 424-3410.
More on auto/home insurance
By increasing your ?deductible? on insurance, you can lessen the premium, both on auto and home policies. Weigh the circumstances: can I readily afford the higher deductible when/if needed, or the extra I pay for smaller deductible yearly/monthly premium?
Automatic withdrawals
If you?re like me, I hate wasting time paying bills :o), but I DO like being ?on-time?. Most utility and telephone companies offer the ?automatic-withdrawal? payment plan: each month your bill is paid directly thru your checking account and notification is mailed to you by util/tele company. Easy, timely, and safe.
Buy 4 for $
Many grocers offer great savings if you buy more than 1 of a product. They price 4 (or5) for $$ to entice us. Now, will you really use that quantity soon (I don?t like to keep canned goods that long). You can still get the discounted price if buying just one or two of the product. Don?t overstock what you do not need or will not use within a month or so.
If I find I have canned goods on my shelf for over two months, I take them to the ?food bank? in my town.
Lower thermostat at night
We CAN lower our thermostat at night and still stay cozy during cold weather....two words: electric blankets!
Savings at the fireplace
Closing the damper tightly when not using the fireplace keeps heat from escaping up the chimney. A glass fireplace screen helps keep warm air from being drawn up the flue. Just remember to *open* the damper when burning the logs :o)
Daytime thermostat settings
This is for cold, winter weather: set the thermostat no higher than 70 degrees during the day. Even one degree higher can increase utility costs by 6% or more.
Getting the best interest on your money
If you are able to keep a goodly amount of money in a savings account, are you getting the best interest available? You may want to put some of this money into a Certificate of Deposit. Check with your banker for the best rates to let your money work for you. If they offer you...say...5-1/4 interest on a 6 month C.D., ask if there is any way to earn more interest. I do, and I always get a better rate. Then have the bank deposit your monthly interest earned from the C.D. into your regular savings account, building up more savings! Remember, you pay taxes on income earned, but then you?ll have these savings to pay the taxes.
Get good information
Never be too shy to talk to a Vice President or President of your bank. They are good sources to find answers to your banking needs. Yes, they may be busy, but you?ll never know until you ask; and they can refer you to the party you need to get specific banking information from. Talk about what type of banking you now have, what your needs are and what recommendations they can give you. Many checking accounts pay interest on a minimum balance, does yours?