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the back fence
Neighbors sharing their great time and money saving ideas
OVER 326 MONEY SAVING IDEAS! This page is a compilation of reader tips that have been published in our newsletter since April 2003. It is updated each month that we publish.
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BABIES
I’M GOING CLOTH (6.08)
Cloth diapering has come a long way, and will save parents a whole lot of money. Here is a web site that I’ve found to be very helpful: http://clothdiapers.thefunnyemu.com/why. But basically you need to know this: If you buy the cheapest cloth diapers and covers, you’ll spend about $270 and have supplies for ALL of your children. Of course cloth diapers do wear out after a few thousand washes, so if you have 10 kids, you might need to buy more. Laundry on cloth diapers is very inexpensive as well. In three and one-half years of using disposable diapers on my son, I estimate that we spent at least $2500 for diapers and wipes. For my next child, we’re going with cloth.
Sarah Egan— USA
WASH CLOTHS — BOTTOMS UP! (11.06)
Instead of making my own disposable baby-wipes, I just wash my babies bottoms with a wash cloth. A wet wash cloth seems to do even better than a diaper wipe, and can be tossed in the next load of laundry or into the cloth-diaper pail. The cost of wash cloths can be minimized by purchasing an old beach-towel at a thrift store, cutting it up and zig-zagging the edges.
Amy Davis-Lincoln, NE
FRIENDS FOR A SONG (7.05)
Before signing up for an expensive Mommy/Child play group, or Gymboree class, call around to different public libraries & investigate their story-times for kids. I was amazed that my toddler & I could attend a weekly class that included songs, actions and playtime FOR FREE . . . and I wasn't even a resident in this particular community, but I chose it based on the day & time of the class. It added to our song repertoire and we met new friends for no cost.
Ann Thomas - Bridgeville, PA
MOM'S MEMBERSHIP MAKES MEMORIES (2.05)
One of the best deals I've found is membership in my local mothers' club. Dues are $30 per year. For this fee a world of opportunities are available for me and my family: Monthly meetings with informative speakers; inexpensive group outings, free baby sitting through the club's babysitting co-op, membership in a movie-moms group - we get reduced price tickets and go together- opportunities for community service and leadership.
Last summer we took advantage of a two-night camp-out at a regional park with 15 other families from the club. We paid 15 dollars per family which included two meals, arts and crafts and other activities.
Through the mothers' club, I joined a play group when my oldest son was 7 months old. Some of my closet friends are the moms in this play group - we've watched each other's kids for six years!
This club is priceless!
Jennifer Gurney - Pleasanton, CA
 BABY IT'S FREE
You can find 30 free titles of children’s software like Reader Rabbit, Blues Clues and Leap Ahead Phonics on the website www.smart-estore.com/inside. All you pay is $3.95 S/H for each one. I ordered my daughter 3 different titles and they are great!! They got to our home very quickly. The only downside is that they don't come with cases, so they wouldn't be great for gift giving.
Payless Shoe Stores gives newborns their first pair of shoes. Just go into the store and fill out a form. You get them right then and there.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus gives each newborn child a free ticket redeemable anytime in their life. Check out their website.
Kealey Bullinger—Coppell, TX
WIPE UP AND SAVE
I make homemade baby wipes. I started doing this with our oldest son because of allergies, but continued with our younger one because of the cost savings and convenience.
Recipe:
- One half paper towel roll,
cut cross wise
- 1 1/2-2 cups water
- 2 Tablespoons soap
(I use Grannies soft soap)
- One large plastic container with lid
Pour water into container and stir in soap, then put paper towel roll into container and put on lid. I let it soak overnight, then by morning, I have wipes ready to go. --Just take out the inner tube from the paper towel roll and pull the wipes from the center.
Note: the amount of water depends on how thick the paper towel roll is, I find the Bounty Big roll works the best.
Julia Levene – Scottsdale, AZ
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START SAVING ON INSURANCE NOW!
InsWeb.com is a great resource for quoting Auto Insurance and Homeowners insurance. We discovered them after reading a Consumer Reports article about Auto Insurance quotes. We were hesitant at first to submit personal data through this website, but our experience has proved to us that it is very secure and we have received no spam. Our information was submitted to numerous companies (More than 28 are listed on the web site) and we started receiving quotes within 24 hours.
We spent about 15 minutes punching in our information and ended up saving $400 every six months on our auto insurance.
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CARS
MAKE SLUDGE BUDGE (9.07)
I have a 99 Toyota Sienna whose engine is prone to oil sludge. There is a class action lawsuit on these engines that span from 1997-2002 and includes the Lexus brand as well - more info can be found here: http://www.oilgelsettlement.com/. I took the car to the dealer and they refused to repair/replace the engine. I am currently fighting the dealer's decision but, in the meantime, I need to maintain my engine as I plan on driving it until it dies. So, I have used a product called Auto-Rx which essentially loosens the sludge which then moves through the engine and into the oil filter. I have no affiliation with this product but just want others to know they can save their engine, avoid costly repairs and keep their car running well, longer. I have been using this product since 2003 when I first learned of the sludge issue. I have my engine oil analyzed through a lab periodically and as soon as sludge starts to develop, I do an Auto-Rx treatment. My understanding is Auto-Rx dissolves the sludge so it can be trapped by the oil filter. More info here: http://www.auto-rx.com/.
Neever - Monrovia, MD
 SAVINGS BY DEGREE (3.07)
I was reading the tips on your web site and saw the one about car insurance and social clubs. When we switched to Mercury Insurance we discovered that if you hold a degree in any science or engineering, you received a special discount. I have heard about discounts for teachers or rotary club, etc., but not based on a certain college degree. Had I not been bored and read every single page that came with our welcome packet, I would never have known to ask for that discount. Who knew my husband's Chemistry degree would save us an additional $500 a year!
Rachel L. Courter-Orange, CA
GAS FOR LESS (1.06)
I just read your gas savings page on-line and wanted to tell you how we save on gas. I drive a diesel, but my wife's car is gas. We both purchase our fuel at a gas bar that is owned by a grocery chain. We get 3.5 cents off a liter of our fuel which is given to us in the form of a coupon that we use to purchase groceries. Presently our gas is selling at the equivalent of $4.16 a gallon ($1.04.9 a liter), so any amount of discount we can get is welcome.
Bob Tarrant in Nova Scotia, Canada
- Economiser Note: For those in the U.S., Safeway stores offer a six-cent per gallon discount after you purchase $50 of groceries.
 LIGHTS ON / LIGHTS OFF (9.05)
When Winter sets in, leaving the headlights on becomes such a problem in an old car that won't turn them off automatically. I routinely drive off with my car lights on, in the dim morning light, arrive later when the sky is brighter, get out unthinkingly and.....later on, get in to discover that my car has a dead battery....again....and all I can hear is that dreadful 'weeeee' sound. Of course I carry jumper cables but it's still embarrassing, time consuming, and a serious nuisance. After envying those who have newer-model cars with an audible "lights on" signal, I finally thought to create one of my own. And it works very well, and it's easy and free! It's just a bright yellow, one-inch-square sign, on the lights handle of the car, that says, "lights are ON". The key is to position it so that it's eye catching when your lights wand is rotated to ON, but only visible across the top (in parallel with your line of sight) when the wand is rotated to OFF.
Elizabeth Hardisty -Mercer Island, WA
 THREE GAS SAVERS (6.05)
1) Try checking mileage with and without cruise control. I have found that driving on a long trip in moderately hilly country without cruise control is better for fuel mileage. Allow the car to slow a little going up hills rather than insisting on maintaining a set speed as a cruise control will do.
2) Buy a new car with a standard transmission to save about $900. As a bonus, the acceleration and fuel mileage will be better. Shifting gears in the city is not difficult.
3) Slow earlier for anticipated stops. Red lights can often be anticipated on a known route. This not only saves fuel but brake linings too.
Walt D. - Fullerton, CA
PICKUPS AREN'T FOR KIDS! (4.05)
Between work, errands and family activities I drive about 20,000 per year.
Normally, I keep my vehicles a long time. My first truck was brand new when I purchased at the age of 16 (yes, I paid for it all myself). I kept it 10 years and in 1999 purchased a new extended cab pickup. However, I didn't factor in the children aspect - I'm married now and we just had a baby. When we travel or run errands, we have to pack up our young son with a car seat and stroller and my 6' 5'' husband into the truck. The truck is now so inconvenient that we simply don't drive over 20 miles anywhere as a family. If we go out, we have to move the stroller from the back of the truck to the cab - we don't want it to get stolen while we're in a restaurant or store, etc. It's really difficult to get our son out of his car seat even with the extended cab. It is a pain! My suggestion to others is this - think ahead more than 2 years, especially if you are the type to buy and keep a vehicle for a while. You may end up buying something a bit larger than what you need now, but you have to ask yourself - "What will my situation be in a few years and will this work for me then?"
Kristy Mucha - Brownstone, TX
SOCIALITES AUTO INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
Car Insurance Discounts are not only given to good drivers but people who are social. Some insurance companies give discounts if you are a member of certain organization, social club or have a certain credit card. Don’t be afraid to ask, if they don’t ask you.
Alana Smith – Bellvue, WA
LESS CAR - MORE FUNDS (AND FUN)
I appreciated your Nov./Dec. issue and consider the car purchase article especially useful. Once when I commented to a fellow beauty shop customer that we never had bought a car “on time.” She sniffed, “Well, that’s fine, if you have that much money.” I answered, “We just never bought that much car.”
Jean Fountain - Iowa City, IA
CAR PAYMENTS NO MORE!
After reading your "Cars are Expensive" article – Nov./Dec. 03 – we decided to get rid of our mini-van and the payments that came with it each month. We sold the van and used the cash we received to purchase a gently used Honda Accord. For the first time in our married life we have no car payment! It feels great!
Laura Rognstad – Phoenix, AZ
NEW LIFE FOR WIPER BLADES
Here's a tip for drivers in the rain. When I worked at Blue Star Auto Stores in high school, I could buy replacement wiper blades for a dime all the way up to 25 cents. No problem then, although my rate of pay was 25 cents an hour, but today you can mortgage the ranch for a set of wiper blades. I once had a little gadget in which you'd insert a small piece of sandpaper and swipe it across the rubber surface of the blade and VOILA!!!, it was good as new again. BUT, I lost the darn thing ... now I improvise with a piece of sandpaper between thumb and finger ... works just about as well. Swipe one side then the other. It really does renew the surface and extends the life of the blade two or three times. Heck, in the old days, we could have saved up to 75 cents. (That meant taking in at least three first run movies!)
Dad - AJ Economides – Hinsdale, IL
USE USED CARS AGAIN & AGAIN
There are two principles that we've always lived by regarding cars. First, never by a new car - there are always great deals on used cars around, you just have to look. Second, make them last forever by taking care of them and drive them until they fall apart.
Teri Chadwick – Phoenix, AZ
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CLOTHES
TEEN’S JEANS LESS GREEN (1.08)
My teenage daughter loves shopping at Plato’s Closet. It is a teen resale shop that only carries name brand clothes like Hollister, Abercrombie and Aéropostle. They are located in many states. They are a bit more expensive than a regular resale shop or garage sales, but are full of clothes all teens would love to wear. My daughter has bought $80 jeans for $12. Let someone else pay full price! Another great thing is that they buy name brand clothes on the spot, which means cash in your pocket.
Denise Caldwell — USA
Fewer Crinkles and Sags (11.06)
 If you have clothes with crinkly fabric, don't just hang them up like other clothes. Fold them over a wooden hanger - this prevents the fabric from "un-crinkling" and keeps them looking good longer. This same rule applies to sweaters, woolens and knits - folding them in half over a wooden hanger keeps them from getting stretched out of shape or sagging.
Dottie-Scottsdale, AZ
Deals "Near The Mall" (9.06)
Growing up, my mother would buy my brother and me clothes and accessories. When we asked her what store they came from or where she bought them, she would say, "Near the mall." As we got older, we realized this was her code for a garage sale or a thrift store. But by then, we didn't care what store things came from, we played along with her secret. She was smart to hide it from us when we were younger. I think we would have been too embarrassed to wear the things if we had known.
Fast-forward 15 years. Last year at Christmas, my mom gave my brother two Brooks Brothers shirts from the outlet store. He asked if these were from "Near the mall". My mom didn't get the joke, but I laughed for more than one reason. It turns out several presents I was giving that year were from "Near the mall". I guess it goes to show that we are our parents' children.
Jennifer Stancil-Kennesaw, GA
Clothing Fever (9.06)
Last year I changed careers and needed to change my fairly casual wardrobe to business attire. I now wear suits or blazers with dress slacks or skirts and dress heels everyday. I scoured Goodwill and Value Village (Savers) for clothes and now have a complete wardrobe. When I show up at work with a new, high-quality designer outfit, my co-workers gush with compliments. Often I say, "Thanks!" I bought it a Goodwill!" After hearing my response a few times they have finally stopped being shocked and are now curious. One of my co-workers has started talking about getting her clothes at Value Village. She recently shopped there on one of their 50 percent-off days and found several lovely blazers and suits. Every time she wears one of these new outfits, she proudly tells me how much she paid for it. The idea is catching on! I know some people think I'm weird because I'm proud of how much money I don't spend. But it is really worth it when someone else catches the fever!
Good quality dress shoes are expensive. I have problem feet and need extremely comfortable shoes for work but I must also follow a strict dress code. Finding good shoes at a thrift store is almost impossible for me, but I've discovered Nordstrom's Rack (clearance center). I've found great comfortable designer shoes at extraordinary prices. Now my clothes and shoes last much longer than lower quality items purchased at local discount stores.
Aimee Lenger-Renton, WA
CUTE PJ's / CHEAP PJ's (7.05)
I get lots of children's clothes right after major holidays. Last year after Halloween I found 100% cotton pants and tops for 50 cents each! These work great for pajamas for the kids. I ended up spending 3 dollars instead of 30 dollars and got three sets of PJ's - and I must say, they look really cute.
Claudia Bouchard - Jewett City, CT
CLOTHING DEALS FOR ALL AGES (7.05)
When my kids were little (before they entered grade school) I sewed their clothes because patterns for little kids are really easy to make. When they got older and even now (one is 12 and one is 14) I started shopping at second hand stores. It still amazes me because I find a lot of trendy clothes that my daughter really likes. She is always surprised at what I can find at the Salvation Army Thrift store. As far as shoes go, I get them mostly at the Goodwill store. I find shoes not only for my kids buy for my husband and myself. We've found $80 tennis shoes for only $7 - hardly worn and in excellent condition. Payless shoes has good deals on new shoes too.
Cathy Ferguson- Concord, CA
 CLOTHING CHOICES ARE BLACK AND WHITE (6.05)
I turn dark or brightly colored clothing inside out before laundering in cold water to preserve a "like new" appearance longer. I have also found that black or white clothing can look the best the longest. The whites can be bleached and every so often I re-dye all my faded black clothing to freshen it up. The bonus is that I have been able to limit my shoe wardrobe to just one color - black!
Monica Cook - Mesa, AZ
CASH IN ON GARAGE SALE FINDS (6.05)
I like to garage sale -- I often buy clothes for my children, Christmas gifts, etc. this way. Last year, I found a way to make garage-saling even more profitable. I can buy children's and infant clothes and toys (only in excellent condition) often for about a quarter. Then I resell them at a local semi-annual children's' consignment sale. At this sale, clothes sell for 1/3 to 1/2 of retail price -- so I can easily get $5 or more for a pair of children's jeans purchased for a quarter. I get to keep 65% of the sale price, and the remainder is donated to charity. I'm making money and contributing to charity!
Amy Davis - Omaha, NE
SLIPPERY CLOTHES (6.05)
If I have clothes that like to slip off of my plastic or wooden  hangers, I just take one of those thick rubber bands from a bunch of brocolli or asparagus and wrap one of them around each end of the hanger. It's an easy fix to a frustrating problem.
Mom, Carol Meola - Scottsdale, AZ
CLOTHES COST LESS (6.05)
I save money on clothes by sewing my own. I can buy material at Wal-Mart for one-dollar per yard or pick it up at yard sales for even less. Then I find a pattern I like that is "universal" and easy to sew. I am not a normal size, so I would have to pay much more in the stores for clothing and don't usually find things in my size at thrift stores either. So this idea really does save me a lot of money. I use the left-over fabric scraps to make Barbie clothes, which I give to my nieces for their birthdays and tote bags that I use or give as gifts to others.
Patti - Newport, WA
O BSCENE CLOTHING? (4.05)
At age 44, I finally got serious about shedding my excess weight. I went from a women's size 28 to a size 14. At first this was exhilarating. I would rush to the mall to shop for my new size and consequently run up a charge bill. As the weight continued to come off, the thrill of growing a larger charge bill went away. Since I had to get clothes that fit, I finally learned to shed my excess pride too. I learned about thrift stores and I haven't looked back. I am still amazed at the brand new designer clothing I find at thrift stores.
My latest find was a blazer that I picked up for $6. I took that blazer to the "one price" drycleaner and had it cleaned for $3.39. When I picked it up from the cleaners, I realized I had purchased a $150 blazer for less than $10. I find that the thought of going out and buying new clothes from the mall is now obscene to me.
Cathy Broadus - Seattle, WA
 BRUSH UP ON LINT (3.05)
I had a pair of black pants that were full of lint. My sticky lint brush was worn out and just wouldn't pick up a thing. So I pulled out a round hairbrush, and wrapped it with clear packing tape. It worked better than the regular lint brush ever did.
I'll never buy one of those lint things again.
Lyn Haberstock - Phoenix, AZ
 SHOES SHOES SHOES
I am a recent newbie to your newsletter. I have been blessed with triplets. They are 3 1/2 years old and always in need of some type of clothing. Recently I just went through the “Mommy, my shoes are too small” syndrome. Since I like to have extra shoes for the kids so the same ones are not worn every day (yes, they tend to have very sweaty and somewhat stinky feet!) I buy one new pair — almost always on sale — and the rest I find in 2nd hand stores or see if the cousins are ready to hand some down. The other day I found four pairs of shoes for less than $19. Most of the 2nd hand shoes are in pretty good shape since kids at this age tend to outgrow the shoes before wearing them out. If I find a pair that are a bit dirty but in good repair, I hit them with a dose of Lysol and then throw them in the wash machine.
Jeanne Ziebell – Mesa, AZ
STRETCHING THE LIFE OF YOUR STRETCHY CLOTHES
I stretch my clothes budget by buying the highest quality clothes possible at the cheapest prices--end-of-season sales, designer resale shops, and department store clearance centers.
To make clothes last longer, I separate whites from colored and dark laundry, and heavier items (such as towels and blue jeans) from lighter weight items, such as permanent press and delicates. Wash on the lowest temperature with the least amount of detergent, and dry on the lowest setting. Bras and things with spandex, like jogging bras and leggings, hang to dry to preserve their elasticity. Remove permanent press clothing and delicates before the dryer stops and hang them on hangers or fold them immediately so you don't have to iron them.
Pauly Heller - Phoenix, AZ
SAVINGS ARE BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
We hang our laundry out. We live in a rainy climate, so we do have a gas dryer for when we can't get our clothes dry at all. Gas is less expensive to run here than electricity. Also we hang out the kids’ jeans and t-shirts under the porch so that they won't shrink and they can wear them longer.
Debbie Ludwig - Papua New Guinea
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CRAFTS / DECOR
COVERLET COVER-UP (5.08)
I inherited a coverlet from my mom a few years ago — it was for a double bed and fit on the top of a Queen sized bed with just a few inches extra. Since it was lightweight and a double wedding ring pattern, I really wanted to use it, but it just didn’t look right. I came up with the idea of adding to the coverlet. I went to the mill outlet store near me and bought enough 12-inch wide eyelet material to go around the edges. I gathered it and added to the sides and bottom and it turned out beautifully. I always think of my Mom when I use it.
Marie Davis — Pendleton, SC
Calendar Cover-Up (11.06)
A couple of years ago I bought myself a calendar on the markdown table in January. It was a very nice large, colorful calendar with pockets for each month. I used the pockets to store reminders of upcoming events, schedules and cards I had chosen for someone's special day. It was so useful! When the year was over, my calendar was still in good shape. I wanted to get a new one, but couldn't bring myself to pay $14.95! I thought about taking a "free" calendar from a local business and covering up the old monthly pages, but it didn't fit. I did find that a sheet of regular copy paper, turned "landscape," covered the old month's grid. So, going to my computer's home publishing program, I printed out pages for this year. I just glued the new pages over the old ones and had a new calendar-and kept the pockets that I found so useful! It was cheap and didn't take very long at all. My old pocket calendar is still in good shape after 2 years it may be getting another round of pages!
Michelle Gourley-Jefferson City, TN
Flowery Memorials (8.06)
I save cans, bottles and jars to use as containers for silk flowers. I cover them with foil or colored paper and add flowers. If I need to weigh them down I use rocks or gravel in the bottom. This is especially helpful when I place my flower arrangements on grave sites. The added weight keeps them from being blown away by wind gusts.
Marie Davis-Pendleton, SC
Photos with Magnetism (3.06)
 Instead of throwing away the small rectangular magnets that come attached to pizza boxes or in the mail advertising a new business, I cut them into small pieces and use scotch tape to attach them to the back corners of my favorite photos. This avoids taping the photo to a surface and potentially tearing the photo when you need to remove it or ruining both your photo and your wall with thumb tacks. It also saves some money not having to buy frames, allows the photos to be moved around more freely, and allows you to display your best pictures whenever, instead of tucking them away in an album. My desk at work came with an ugly metal hutch and adding my family photos to it this way, has made my office space much more appealing. This idea can also be applied to the family fridge or any other metal surface.
FT - Tucson, AZ
SCRAPS FOR WRAPS (5.05 )
I love to crochet as a hobby. It can be done anywhere, I even take it with me when we go camping. When I have saved enough scrap yarn, I make up "Granny Squares" and connect them together to make Afghans, baby blankets, pot holders and a variety of other things, even sweaters. I use most of these for Christmas or birthday gifts. Using scraps makes them almost free.
Marie Davis - Pendleton, SC
 GET THE POINT . . . AGAIN (1.05)
I thought I was the only one who pinched pennies the way you all do. I'm always looking for new ways to save.
I love to sew and also do alterations for myself and for a living. One way I save money and time sewing is, when a needle gets a blunt end rather than throwing it away, I repair it. I just rub the tip lightly on an emery board or file until it is pointy again. You can do it three or four times before replacing the needle.
Marie Davis - Pendleton, SC
ROOM DÉCOR IN A BAG
You know how you can get really good deals on those "bed in a bag sets sometimes? They usually contain the comforter, 2 shams, flat and fitted sheet, dust ruffle and 2 pillow cases. I bought one recently and the sheets in these sets are not usually a real high thread count plus I don't care if my sheets match the comforter and shams anyway because you are not going to see them when the bed is made up. My nightstand is one of those round tables, you know the inexpensive kind that you cover with a round table cloth? Well I took the sheets that came with my comforter set and cut out a round table cloth and made valances for my 2 bedroom windows and they matched my new comforter set completely!
Becky Roberts - Chattanooga, TN
GLUE STICKS
Don't throw away the old foam paint brushes. Remove the foam. Underneath is a flexible plastic strip firmly attached to the handle. I find its great for spreading glue on craft projects.
Tony Meola – Mauldin, SC
LOGICAL MEMORIES
When you bring home film from the developer, label it immediately with the date, place and subject matter. Later, when you assemble photo albums or scrapbooks, it will be easier to locate the prints you want.
Fran Ferguson – Scottsdale, AZ
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ENTERTAINMENT
Get 1/2 off dining out and other fun activities with Entertainment Books.
 TUNE IN AND WIN (1.08)
I listen to the radio and have won numerous prizes by just calling in. Most radio stations give prizes such as; tickets to concerts, amusement parks, movies, vacation packages or airline tickets. Many stations limit your ability to win to once every 30 days.
Three years ago I started trying to win prizes from my favorite station. Since then, I have been able to win tickets to Great Wolf Lodge Amusement Park, tickets to seven different concerts and tickets to the local dinner theater — a $125 value. I’ve also won numerous DVD’s, zoo tickets, and other things that make great birthday or anniversary gifts. Just for fun, I entered my daughter’s teacher in a contest for the best teacher in our area . . . she won second place and received a $100 gas card. If you’ve got the time to listen and dial the phone, you could win too!
Katina Lebo — Urbana, OH
 THANKSGIVING DE-STRESSER (11.07)
Here's something we did which de-stressed our Thanksgiving tremendously! I cooked the turkey the day before - exactly the same way I've roasted it in the past. After it was cooked, my husband took his time and carved the entire bird. I put the pieces in the fridge and the next day I put some water in the bottom of a roasting pan and covered it with foil and basically "steamed" the meat until it was warm enough to serve. It turned out GREAT! Everyone commented on how good the turkey was and it made my day so much easier knowing the turkey was already done and carved! All I had to do was get the side dishes ready!
Joy Daly - Manchester, MO
RECYCLED CARDS AND MEMORIES (9.07)
What do you do with all the greeting cards you receive for birthdays, anniversaries, valentines, etc.? Most people display them for a while and then throw them in the trash. What a shame and what a waste of money. Well, we came up with a novel idea for recycling them. I created a system consisting of an inexpensive binder with a package of about 6 plastic pockets. I mark each pocket with a category: birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day, anniversary. After a card sits out for a few weeks, we place the card in the appropriate pocket. We have one album for me and one for my husband. When those holidays or occasions come around again, we 'shop' in the album for our card. The most beautiful thing about it is that aside from adding our new sentiments in the card for the current occasion, we get to read the previous sentiments. It's so beautiful and meaningful. So instead of just discarding all those cherished words, we get to relive them over and over again.
Roseanne Impellizzeri - New York
NINE CENT TEA PARTY (7.07)
I used to go to the expensive coffee shop and order a mocha for about $3. Since economizing, I still go for "coffee" with my friend. But now I carry my own favorite tea bags (purchased in bulk for 9 cents each) in my purse. I ask for a cup of hot water and pop in my own tea bag - most restaurants are really nice about giving it to me for 10 cents or less. I also use this tactic when I am running errands or taking the kids here and there. It helps me avoid heading to the nearest place to buy coffee especially when I'm tired.
Julia Longo - Camas, WA
PACK IT UP AND SAVE (5.07)
I'm terrible about eating at fast food restaurants. Now, when my husband and I travel, even for a day, I pack a small cooler with popcorn, crackers and fruit to snack on. I take a thermos of coffee and water. We have plenty of snack options and aren't tempted to stop at a convenience store or fast food place. We've saved a lot of money.
Cheryl Robertson - USA
Thank You's -Very Easy (7.06)
Here's a time-saver for bridal or baby showers that I learned from a friend recently. When hosting a bridal or baby shower, purchase or make thank-you notes ahead of time. At the shower, have each guest address an envelope to themselves. This saves time for the bride-to-be or mother-to-be and helps her get her thank you cards mailed more promptly after the shower.
Nancy Manos-Gilbert, AZ
 Light it Up in Crystal! (3.06)
I use a lot of my mis-matched glassware and dishes for holding candles. The presentation is prettier than the votive holders and candle stands you buy and it's a whole lot cheaper. For a lonely wine glass, I'll fill it half full with yard pebbles and then use a tea light or a votive. Also, I've gotten several engraved glasses over the years at weddings and parties. I never know what to do with a glass that is engraved with something like, "Jane and John 2005." I always felt bad throwing them away. Now I just set them next to my tub with my favorite scented candle inside.
Jennifer Stancil - Kennesaw, GA
BOOK RETURN CREDIT (7.05)
I take books that I've read and don't want to keep to a used bookstore near my home. They give me a generous credit that can be applied to other books that I "buy" from them.
Ethel Kilbridge - Carefree, AZ
TV FREE (6.05)
I have been TV free for eight months now. You can't believe all the things I can accomplish since I turned off the tube. And then there is the quiet and stillness that I'm learning to love - I can actually hear myself think again. With each new season, it seemed to me that TV had just become too violent. I also notice that I'm more content with the things I have, now that I've filtered out all of those advertisers who constantly were barraging me to buy their stuff. It wasn't an easy choice, but I'm glad I did it and it's getting easier every day.
Julie - Chicago, IL
SWIMMIN' IN A SCHOOL (4.05)
Contact your public schools to see if there are any family night/open swim nights at the school indoor pool. These nights are often sponsored by the local YMCA, and the cost is usually $1-2 for residents. We go with our toddler for $4 and have a nice family activity. This is a great change-of-pace in the wintertime!
Ann Thomas - Bridgeville, PA
RENEWAL CONTROL (1.05)
I keep a running list of all subscriptions to magazines and newsletters with the expiration date. This way, when I receive a renewal notice I know just how many months I should have left. Some publications start sending renewal notices up to a year in advance.
Karyl Engbarth - Prescott, AZ
DINNER FOR LUNCH?
When we get a craving for Chinese take-out food, we plan it for a day I can pick it up while already out on errands. I go during the restaurant’s lunch hours. It costs about 2/3 the price of a dinner meal, AND the lunch specials usually include extras such as soup or egg rolls that the dinner meal does not. Thanks, I’ve been enjoying the newsletter each month.
Ann Thomas – Bridgeville, PA
 CHECK IT OUT
Public libraries in my area now have extensive DVD and VHS collections that I raid on a regular basis. Titles range from brand new video releases to classics. The library’s collection is particularly handy if you’re looking for an older film; they’re almost always available. They tend to carry a lot of films that major rental chains don’t because they’re not considered “commercial” enough. This library “rental” strategy has saved me a TON of money. I think I’ve spent $5.00 at Blockbuster over the past 12 months.
Brian Hayes, Columbus, OH
BOWLING FOR LESS DOLLARS
 I am a professor at the local University. My children and I have bowled every Friday night for the past 6 years (here and previously at Kansas State University). We don’t travel to the local bowling alley, paying its high rates and bowling in a smoke filled environment. Instead we bowl here on campus where shoe rental is $1.00 and bowling is $1.00 a game (versus $2.50+ at the local alley), and smoking is not allowed. This last holiday season, the campus recreation organization allowed anyone to rent the entire facility for two hours for $50.00 (16 bowling lanes and 8 pool tables) with bowling and pool at no
additional cost (even bowling shoes were free). The kids invited all of their school friends. Over 40 children had a wonderful time (we had the children bring canned goods to be donated to the local food pantry as admission to the fun holiday event.)
I’m always amazed at how many people think that University bowling alleys are only for students — wrong! The reduced costs are made available by student recreation fees, but the facilities are there as a benefit to the local community.
Greg Luttrell - Edwardsville, IL
 LAUGHTER IN THE DINING ROOM
We collect a whole lot of jokes or other funny stories from The New Yorker or Reader's Digest. We each take turns being the person to read them. They make us laugh, aid digestion and table conversation. It makes dinner a fun family time. A couple of favorite books I draw from are: Politically Correct Bedtime Stories  and Poetry from Where The Sidewalk Ends.
A.M. Kolstad - Houston, TX
GREAT FOOD OPERATIONS
 Here's a great way to get a tasty meal for just a few bucks. Try out your local hospital cafeteria. For breakfast: Two eggs, toast, hashbrowns and bacon for $2.50. The even give a 10% senior discount. Lunch is almost a better deal, hamburger, frys and a 20oz drink for $2.50. Dinners prices range anywhere from $4 to $6 – the prime rib was delicious. We've heard the same thing from friends who have done this in other parts of the country while traveling in their RV’s.
Dad, Syl Meola – Scottsdale, AZ
REUSABLE PLASTIC IS . . . ENTERTAINING
I like to "re-use" plastic ware for parties - primarily "kids birthdays" & other casual  events. Although some may think it a bit odd - we wash and reuse plastic knives, forks and spoons. I like having these on hand - even for picnics etc. I don't want to store a large quantity, so re-using cuts down on what I need to keep on hand. Plus I'm not "respending" each time I need these items.
Bonnie Heng – Phoenix, AZ
CUT THE CAKE AND THE COST
We attended a wedding of our pastor's daughter. As you can imagine the church was packed, between blood relatives, church family and friends. Well, they got ready to cut the cake and it was the smallest two layer cake I had ever seen. They decided to save the top layer for their one-year anniversary, so Ron and I were thinking, ?However can this small second layer ever feed all of those people?? What we came to find out, was that in the church kitchen, they were cutting pieces of sheet cakes for the guests that were the same as the wedding cake. This must have saved the bride's parents, who paid for the wedding, a lot of money on the cake.
Ron & Angel Ayala — Palm Desert, CA
HOT DOGS, BASEBALL, APPLE PIE AND FRUGALITY
 We love to go the see the Oakland A’s play, but don't like to pay the high ballpark prices. So, we freeze plastic bottles full of water and take them with us. We buy discounted tickets for $7.50 each, ride public transportation (BART) with a senior discount for $4 (instead of $16) and pack our own lunch. We are amazed at the junk food consumed there as we watch kids with their trays of nachos or the adults who are willing to shell out $7.50 for a beer. We have a great time and for less.
John & Patricia McBain - Soquel, CA
 BUSINESS CARDS FOR DINNER
I use old business cards for name cards when I am hosting large groups of people for dinner. Just flip them over and fold them in half, then write the name on the blank side. This makes things much more orderly when seating large groups of people.
Sharon Moe – Phoenix, AZ
THE MOVIE BANK
We live in a missionary compound in Papua New Guinea with several other families. Getting new movies to watch is a treat, but having them shipped here is very expensive, so we share videos / DVD’s amongst ourselves. Everyone has a movie library and before we ask for a movie as a gift from home, we check around to see if anyone else has that title. If they do, then we ask for a different movie that no one else has.
Debbie Ludwig - Papua New Guinea
SCRAP THE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Local libraries are good for more than free videos. When I had to curtail spending five to six years ago, I eliminated magazine subscriptions. I can read and even check out the magazines I subscribed to at our local library. From Cooking Light to Good Housekeeping to Money to . . . they have a great selection. I subscribe to one newspaper but read another at the library.
Ann Nieser – Pittsburgh, PA
 LEMONS AID PARTIES
We live in the citrus belt of the Southwest. Lemons are easy to come by. Many friends have citrus trees and can't use all their fruit, I accept whatever is offered. I make lemonade and serve it at parties. The fresh stuff tastes better and is much less expensive than soda.
Kathy W. - Scottsdale, AZ
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GARDEN
 GROUNDS FOR FRUGALITY (3.07)
I thought of you guys when I found out about this program. I've tried it and it's great! Nationwide, the folks at Starbucks are glad to give their used coffee grounds away. I call ahead - about four hours - and when I arrive they usually have a huge trash bag full of Espresso grounds ready for me. I take the grounds and work them into our vegetable beds, and around our roses and citrus trees-the worms love them too! For more details visit www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/2004news/04-star.htm
Susy Racioppi-Scottsdale, AZ
I SHRED TO MULCH! (4.05)
I always mulch around my garden plants to reduce the need for weeding. Unfortunately, I don't have a ready source of free mulch, such as grass clippings. But I do shred my receipts and bank statements. My Dad gave me the idea to use the shredded paper! Now I shred everything that comes in the mail that's on regular plain paper as well as all financial paperwork. I'm delighted to recycle right into my own garden. Also, if you put newspaper down before you mulch, you'll not have to mulch as often.
AnnMarie Johnson, Oshkosh WI
SHAKE, JIGGLE AND PLANT
At garden time I always let the last of my spinach and lettuce go to seed. I also give the dead plants a good shake before the snow falls. In the spring, I have volunteer plants coming up even before the garden is tilled. Then I transplant the spinach and leave the lettuce and parsley in their beds to mature. I’ve heard that some people even do this with potatoes and carrots.
Patti – Newport, WA
SOAK YOUR WATER BILL
The cost of water can be quite expensive these days. Be sure to not waste water when watering a vegetable garden, trees, flowers, etc. by using a soaker hose or drip system that will water slowly and deeply and not waste the water. You will need to water less frequent as well, and begin to see savings on your water bill.
Debbie Lewis – Apple Valley, CA (I live in the desert).
NO TURN COMPOST
You can make your own compost without turning the pile. Collect garden debris and leaves in the fall and moisten the pile. The pile can be huge, as it will settle over the winter and loose up to two-thirds of its size. In the spring, rake the pile into a heap and then plant directly into it. You may need to place the plants or seeds into small pockets of the garden dirt.
K. Copeland – Seattle, WA
RE - SEED MONEY
 Beth (my wife) and I saved money in planting flowers. While neighbors were visiting the garden centers to buy 4 to 8 inch high perennials, we just replanted what we grew from our seeds. Of course we had to start about three weeks before our neighbors were planting their new plants. However, the gardens around our house looked every bit as nice.
At first it was our own science experiment. We bought three packets of seeds, three different types of flowers. Used plant starter trays were available at the local garden center. All we had to do was add dirt, water, and create a warm enough environment for the seeds to germinate. Our closed in back porch served well as a warm room. The porch faces south and the sun shines in through the glass panes keeping the room warm during the day. For about three or four evenings we used a little space heater over night to keep the room at about 85 degrees.
The seeds grew. It was exciting seeing 300 small plants growing from just $2.25 worth of seeds. When the plants were about three to four inches tall we planted them in two hot beds in our back yard. While freezing was possible, sheet plastic worked well to protect the plants. When our neighbor was planting her store purchased plants, we transplanted again, all around the yard. We had so many plants that we gave some to neighbors and friends. We had blue flowers along the west side of the house, yellow flowers in one hot bed, purple flowers in another hot bed, and blue and red flowers in pots on our porch. Then in fall, we harvested seeds and did it again the next year. This is our third year of doing this. We enjoy beautifying our yard while we save in the process. Annual savings about $75.
Beth & Curtis Gillespie - Spokane, WA
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GIFTS
 PARTY WRAP-UP (8.08)
When I’m invited to a birthday party, I usually volunteer to help clean up the “after unwrapping the gifts” mess. The hostess usually wants to keep the gift bags, but I gather the tissue paper and ribbons. The colorful paper and ribbons can be ironed and reused. The bows can be re-used also. Doing this will give you a great selection of wrapping tissue and bows with no cost for gift wrap supplies. Most people welcome the clean up help and don’t care about the tissue and ribbons and bows!
This also works at Christmas.
Pam Estes — Alexandria, VA
 CHRISTMAS ON CRAIGSLIST (6.08)
I am a stay-at-home mother of four (my oldest is 8). I stay pretty busy and don’t often have time to go store to store to shop for anything! I am very frugal — always trying to find the best deals. I recently discovered CraigsList.org and have been thrilled with what I have found! Most of my Christmas purchases were made from items I found listed there. Here are two examples. I wanted to get my daughter some Duplo Legos. We have some, but the kids were always running out, so I wanted to add to the collection. In the stores, they run about $15 for 33 pieces! That is outrageous! I searched on CraigsList and ended up getting two HUGE garbage bags FULL of Duplos for just $25! The nice lady also threw in a pillowcase full of Lincoln Logs as well. What a steal!
My son wanted Heelys for Christmas— which cost anywhere from $40 to $80. I wasn’t willing to spend this much. I found them on CraigsList brand new for $15!
We have also purchased a barely used, large table and chairs for a fraction of the store price, an electric pasta machine, a robot, etc. So many people make frivolous purchases and end up not using (or barely using) the items they’ve bought. They end up selling them for much less!
Now, when I need something, I search CraigsList to see if anything similar is available. Because I wait and search, it eliminates impulsive purchases. We have also introduced our 8 year-old son to Craigslist! He loves looking on it to see how much money he can save by buying things used! It has been a great teaching tool as well!
Terri Pratt — Peoria, AZ
WRAPPING WITH BAGS (1.08)
I save paper grocery bags and use them for wrapping packages to mail. I also use them for anything that needs to be wrapped in heavy paper and if you’re creative you can even add a colorful bow or raffia to make a present look great!
Marie Davis — Pendleton, SC
SCRAP CHRISTMAS, BE CREATIVE! (11.07)
Marie Davis - Pendleton, SC
We have a large family and cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts. A few years ago I discovered a wholesaler who sells fleece and cotton fabric to retail stores. I noticed that they had a lot of scraps lying around. I mentioned that I would be happy to pickup their scraps instead of them throwing them out. Now, about twice a year they call and ask me to come and get the scraps. The scraps are large enough for neck scarves and fleece hoodies. I use the cotton scraps to make crazy quilt tops.
For two years I haven't spent a dime on Christmas gifts for family, friends and even their pets. Everyone knows to expect something handmade and a jar of jelly.
This year we found a company in our area that sells 50 lb. bags of Epsom Salts. Now I pass out quart canning jars of Epsom Salt bath crystals with a few drops of scented oil added to them. After a recent fall, my step-daughter was excited to find her new aches and pains were gone by morning from using my scented Epsom Salts.
Suzanne Hendrix-Waynesville, NC
 SMART DONATION (11.07)
I had a 1974 set of World Book Encyclopedias which I never used, preferring Google and Wikipedia.com for reference. Re-sale shops said if I donated them, they would shred them. One of my daughter-in-laws suggested that I donate them to an adult day care center. They not only welcomed the set and the year books but also gave me a tax credit for it.
Jean A. Fountain - Iowa City, IA
 INFREQUENT FLYER REWARDS (5.06)
I have found a way to buy magazine subscriptions, for myself or for a gift, using frequent flyer miles. The Web site is www.milepoint.com. The mileage programs that they accept are Delta, Northwest, Continental, US Airways, America West, Midwest, and Hawaiian. There are offers for as low as 400 miles. Magazines offered vary from time to time, but the last time I checked they had 40 different publications listed. I had a few thousand miles with US Airways that I wasn't going to use for travel. I redeemed them for subscriptions to Scientific American, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Parenting, and Budget Living. So, when flying, sign up for the frequent flyer program, even if you don't think you will ever accumulate a significant number of miles.
Suzanne Tourville - Columbia, MO
 GIVING STUFF INSTEAD OF MONEY (5.06)
Your suggestions to consider non-financial gifts is one that more charitable minded givers ought to consider. For example, I welcome gifts of used laptop computers and Christian books. I pass these along to ministries in the developing world as I travel. Friends can donate their frequent flyer miles to help toward my ministry travel needs. Professionals of all kinds donate their services as a means of "supporting" me. Here are some examples I've experienced or heard of: medical services; dental services; counseling services; tutoring for the children; grooming (hair cutting and styling for men and women; nails for women; etc.); tax preparation; financial counseling / planning; attorney services. Other businessmen have provided: materials at their cost or accommodations (i.e. hotel rooms or apartments). I'm so thankful for these creative ways that people can give and receive non-financial gifts.
Walt Edman - Somewhere in Indonesia, Asia or Singapore
PUT ON YOUR GIVING BONNET (5.05)
My favorite place for charitable giving is Newborns in Need in Houston, Missouri. But I don't just give money. Every few months, I put my fabric scraps and sewing skills to use to make baby bonnets and quilted diaper bags. They are given to families in need. It helps them and gives me a warm feeling.
Jennifer Dahl - Bayard, MO
GIVING THOUGHTFULLY (5.05)
My husband and I decided on three charities to support as a family-he chose one, I chose one, and we chose one together. It wasn't difficult; we both like all three charities! He supports an animal charity. I support an organization that I volunteer with. The third was a child/baby charity.
Any other charitable giving, has to come from our own personal funds - we each get a monthly "allowance." Recently, I gave additional money to "my" charity and on occasion others - for example, I love Girl Scout cookies and often send a small amount to my alma mater.
If any other group calls or comes to the door, I just say, "We've already chosen where to donate our money this year." I don't feel guilty because we made thoughtful choices about issues that are of importance to us.
AnnMarie Johnson - Oshkosh, WI
GIVING TO HELP (5.05)
I make most of my charitable contributions to my church. But on occasion when I hear of a need to fund moral issues that I believe in - sanctity of life, marriage amendment etc., I give what I can. I stay away from medical causes (unless I know someone with that particular disease) and political campaigns .
Donna Brooks - Chambersburg, PA
 MYSTERIOUS GREETINGS (4.05)
My husband and I enjoy exchanging cards for different holidays during the year, but we never address the envelope. Instead, we save and recycle them. That way we always have plenty of envelopes, especially the large size, for the occasional card- purchased or home made - that we need an envelope for.
Louise Hahn - Frederic, MD
S HARE MY BEAR (3.05)
Over the last several months I have been encouraging my children to think about sharing a few of their stuffed animals. We watched for baskets at the thrift shop and bought Easter grass at Wal-mart. We found several Christian books about Easter and made Easter baskets. We then took these to a local church which has a "store" (all items are given away, no charge) for families torn apart by domestic violence. Many of these women and children (primarily) flee their homes with nothing. The volunteer staff is very good about reminding my children that sharing in such a way is like sharing with Jesus! It's wonderful. At Christmas we also shared things that were still nice and clean.
Becky & Mark Erickson - North Dakota
 WATCH SPIDERMAN EAT (3.05)
A great way to get new and inexpensive gifts is to watch for companies that are running various promotions. They usually require you to send in a few UPC's from a product, your receipt and a couple of dollars to cover the shipping and handling. I recently sent in three UPC's from Kraft Cheese singles and got a Spiderman lunchbox and watch set. It only cost me $1.95 shipping and handling! Most of the time the promotions are on products I'm buying anyway, so it really is a great deal.
Carrie Odgaard - Lincoln, NE
 THE JELLY TRADE (2.05)
Jelly is an easy-to-make, rather expensive gift. I always put the word out that I will trade a jar of homemade jelly for extra jelly jars. This year people have given me over 30 jars. Then I pick wild fruit, and make jellies to give away as Christmas gifts. Last fall, my sister-in-law and I spent the day together. We first picked wild grapes along a roadside, then made jelly while our children played in her back yard. The kids had a great time, and we canned 39 jars of jelly in under seven hours (including the time to pick the grapes and feed the children lunch). With the jars given to us and free fruit, each jar costs under 50 cents, and makes a wonderful Christmas gift for church friends, relatives or acquaintances. This year alone, I have canned strawberry jam, wild grape jam, wild cherry jam, raspberry jam, salsa, and several "combination" jams. I'm looking forward to picking free apples this fall to make applesauce and apple butter. I not only have gifts for just about anyone, but I have an easy dish to take to a pot luck. Homemade jam and rolls is always popular!
Amy Davis - Omaha, NE
YOUR FIRST (MARRIED) CHRISTMAS (1.05)
If you know you will be attending a wedding in the next year, why not prepare a "First Married Christmas" box. Most newlyweds (especially younger couples) do not have many holiday decorations of their own. Shop right after Christmas for ornaments, table linens, candles, stockings, etc. You can really fill up a box of nice things for a low total cost.
Ann Thomas - Bridgeville, PA
KID FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS TAGS
Instead of buying tags for our gifts this year, I scanned a photo of each family member and printed out several 2x3 copies on regular paper for each person. I cut these out and used them as tags, writing on the plain side. Our younger children could easily help pass out gifts without having to read, and it was fun seeing all those smiling faces under the tree! But best of all, for the low price of 5 pieces of paper and some ink, we had custom tags for all of our gifts.
Allison Worker — Castle Rock, CO
 DECLUTTER AND DE TAX
When you donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill they will give you a blank receipt. Before you leave the donation site, fill in the items, their condition and have the Collection Agent sign the receipt. Then file the receipt away with your tax info. The IRS has a standard deduction amount for many things and the better the condition the greater the deduction. This is great right before holidays, birthdays and between Christmas and New Year because it helps you de-clutter and make room for new things.
Alana Smith - Bellvue, WA
A BAZAAR IDEA FOR CHRISTMAS
In our area churches have bazaars featuring handmade items. These are usually reasonably priced --afghans, pillows and baby clothes. You can do a lot of Christmas shopping there. And as long as weather permits, sometimes well into November, bargains can be found at neighborhood garage sales. I suspect that some items being sold are presents - never used!
Ann Nieser — Pittsburgh, PA
A JUNGLE OF BOOKS — USED AND NEW
Almost any books or CD’s that we choose to buy— as opposed to borrowing— we get used on Amazon.com. The item descriptions often state that the book is brand new or CD is still in the wrapper, so we use this for gift-giving too. I have purchased more than 25 items “used” this way over the past several years, and have saved on average per purchase $8- $10 per item AND done it from the convenience of home to avoid any other impulse buys.
Ann Thomas – Bridgeville, PA
STOCKING UP ON SCHOLASTICS
When my son comes home from school with a Scholastic Book order, there are always one or two $.95 books listed on the front. I stock up on these for birthday gifts, or even baby shower gifts. Sometimes they will even come with a matching pencil or other item that make a great gift. And for only 95 cents. No more running out at the last minute and paying more for a gift when my children are invited to a birthday party. And I love giving books as a gift anyway, instead of toys.
Dana Prescott – Rochester, MN
CARDS ONLINE, SAVE CASH IN TIME!
I have discovered sending E cards through email. With the cost of greeting cards reaching $3- $5, it is great to do it online. Many companies offer a selected number of free cards. Just do a search for “e cards” and a lot of results will appear.
Cassie Homer - Canoga Park, CA
 WRAP IT UP FOR LESS
I buy Christmas wrapping paper when it’s 50% to 75% off, but I look for the solid color prints or the wrapping paper that doesn’t look like Christmas. I use the wrapping paper between birthdays, weddings or whatever comes up. This is a big savings. I stocked up two years ago and still have plenty for another year or two. Another way of using this paper, is when mailing through the post office and your package needs to be wrapped, just turn the paper inside out to wrap your package and then write directly on the paper for your mailing address.
Allison Savoy – Lake Charles, LA
DISCONTINUED GIFTS
Many times throughout the year I get invited to home parties of all kinds. I take advantage of the “Discontinued” merchandise that they have on sale. Sometimes the demonstrator has over-purchased or is over-stocked on products from the distribution department. I can get up to 50-80% off gift items that I store away for Christmas or that occasional gift that I was unprepared for. These gifts usually come in handy for a “hard-to-buy-for” person on my list.
Elaine Cota – Mesa, AZ
WRAP IT UP FOR PENNIES
I purchase wrapping paper and ribbons at gara ge sales for pennies. A large plastic container (wastebasket size) filled with ribbon w go for $1. I'm still using the ribbon. And the container holds magazines and newspapers in the bathroom.
Ann Nieser - Pittsburgh, PA
AND THE ENVELOPE . . . PLEASE
Kind of like socks without mates, I found several of my greeting cards did not have envelopes. So I went into an office supply store that sold greeting cards and asked if I could buy their extra envelopes. Well for about a nickle per envelope and about 45 minutes of time, I came out with envelopes that were prettier than the original ones.
Angel A., Southern California
TI N STOCKPILE
Decorative tins can be purchased at the flea market, garage sales, etc. I fill them with homemade cookies or other treats to be given as gifts. Most of the tins are so pretty they require no wrapping at all.
Ann Nieser - Pittsburgh, PA
PICTURE THIS and COVER THAT
 Inexpensive photo frames purchased at garage sales can be jazzed up by:
1) Gluing buttons of all shapes, colors and s izes on the frame
2) Cover the frame in lively paper - comics or whatever.
3) Paint dark dull frames in bright colors.
If you have a photo of the recipient, insert it in the frame before presenting it as a gift.
Also, cigar boxes can be painted, covered in cloth remnant, lined in felt to make nice jewelry boxes for grown ups or "treasure boxes" for children.
Ann Nieser - Pittsburgh, PA
GREAT GIFTS BY THE BAG FULL
Great gifts for the older generation, college students and people just starting out on their own—Postage stamps, phone cards, Wal-Mart or grocery store gift certificates, boxes of birthday and greeting cards with stamps included. Other gifts that are always welcome include a grocery sack filled with soups, small cans of fruits and veggies, canned tuna, salmon, chicken, ham etc., packets of hot cocoa, coffee or tea, small packets of crackers and cookies, paper goods – the list is endless. Set a price limit and see how full you can make the bag!
DLS - Missouri
GET THE PICTURE
Whether for Christmas or any other occasion, out-of-town family members appreciate this:
Take your photographs and arrange them on a plain sheet of white paper-- usually four 3 x 5's, or two 4 x 6's--they can be held in place with a loop of scotch tape on the back. Add neatly-written captions, and then the one "master" sheet will make copies at the going price (usually less than $1 now). This saves both time and money over making multiple copies of pictures; and despite the ease of sending photos online, now, these paper photo-sheets are appreciated a lot. (Send them in a large envelope, 9 x 12, so they're not creased. Of course used envelopes are fine.)
I have seen these taped up on 'fridges and on bulletin boards months after they were received, & used as a way of keeping family news & faces alive for all concerned, between visits. Since it involves a really valuable content, and takes time to prepare, it does make a valid gift. Artistic improvements can be made on the edges or with the lettering, too–or use stiffer paper, make photos into a collage, add a colored border, etc. – it's fun to be creative with the display.
Elizabeth Hardisty – Mercer Is., WA
WRAP IT UP IN BROWN PAPER
I had just completed a quilt for our friend's wedding shower. Looking around the house, we didn't have a box big enough to nicely wrap the quilt. I thought, "Why not wrap the quilt in one of those plastic storage bins? They're relatively inexpensive, AND who couldn't use a storage bin?" So she ended up getting a nice, sturdy storage bin with lid for $3.89. And rather than use rolls of expensive store bought wrapping paper, Linda used a yard or so of brown Kraft paper, and wrapped the box to resemble an old fashioned suit case. I added some "travel labels" (Paris, Rome, Venice...), fashioned a handle from pipe cleaners and attached a "luggage tag" (made from a file folder and brown duct tape) wishing the soon to be wed couple, "May the rest of your life be as wonderful as a sunny day in Paris". The package AND the quilt were a big hit, and there was hardly anything to throw away.
Linda & Mike Lenich, South Holland, IL
 TAKE A SWING AT THESE IDEAS
 Some Christmas gift ideas we have made in the past. A fun family gift is to make a pinata, and fill it with coins wrapped in foil, candies, and little trinkets.
Another gift is to find 2 or 3 cute cookie cutters and wrap them with a bottle of sprinkles and your favorite sugar cookie recipe.
Chrissy D. – Phoenix, AZ
COUNTING THE DAYS
Send advent calendars with the paper doors to open one a day (available from Current catalog) to relatives and close friends with small children in lieu of other gifts. This is a very thoughtful gift as kids get to help count down to the big day and the parents know you thought of them.
One year when I didn't think far enough ahead I found Christmas place mats at the
dollar store and sent them in early December. Their mom reported they were a big hit.
Catherine Swope – Mesa, AZ
OH, THE PLACES WE DON'T GO!
 While not too frugal, my standard graduation gift to give for the High Schooler (and only to those who send me an announcement) is a copy of Dr. Seuss's, "Oh the Places You'll Go" along with a small check because every graduate needs cash. For the College Graduate I give a copy of one of the "Worst Case Scenario" books and a modest check. This is my standard gift for those two events. I do keep a "gift" box so that when my daughter needs a last minute gift item for an event she has been invited to, I don't have to rush out shopping. Wal-mart and Target after Christmas have neat "gifty" things that have worked over time.
Angela Wilkins – Mesa, AZ
LOW STRESS HOLIDAY PLANNING
I keep a gift list all year long and buy gifts throughout the year, so when Christmas comes around I don't have much holiday shopping to do. Also, I can buy things when they are on sale. I don't buy clothes though since those might need to be returned and by the time the holiday comes they may not be in stock anymore.
Another thing that our family does is we draw names by family (there are five of us siblings and now our kids). We buy a gift for the family instead of a gift for each person, which can be a major expense with such a large extended family.
 Lisa Landcaster – Mesa, AZ
COMICAL PRESENTS
I save the Sunday comics to wrap kids birthday presents in them. They're bright and colorful, always available and the kids love them.
Kathy W. - Scottsdale, AZ
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GROCERIES
 I'M A COUPON MOM (3.08)
I started using coupons about a month ago and already have seen a change in how much I pay for certain items. One day while I was on my lunch break, I went online to look for more coupons and came across TheCouponMom.com. This web site is awesome! You not only get tons of coupons but the best part of this site is that they do the research for you. They tell you how to match up coupons with deals in the stores so you get the item for less. It's great for someone like me, who just started using coupons. I'm still learning how to match coupons with deals to pay less and this web site takes all of the mystery out of it. I recommend this site for anyone, just sign up for their newsletter and sit back and relax.
Marilyn Hernandez - Mansfield, MA
COFFEE USING THE BEAN! (5.07)
When I look at coffee prices in the grocery store, there is a $1 difference between the whole bean and the ground coffee packages - the ground coffee being more expensive. Here's what I do: I buy the less expensive one (whole bean) and then use the coffee grinder there in the store to grind it up. Not only is it less expensive, but I also grind it at the finest setting, which means that I end up using less coffee than the pre-ground -which is more coarsely ground- to get the same strength coffee in my coffee maker.
Theo Economides - Chicago, IL (Steve's Brother)
SMART BEANS (3.07)
As a single mom with three children, I have found that cooking with beans is a cost-effective and healthy way to stretch my monthly food budget. Here's one way I include beans into our meal rotation:
- Cook a pot of beans in the crock pot and serve with rice, biscuits or corn bread. I usually serve a salad too.
- Place the leftover beans in a food processor to make your own "refried beans" for bean burritos the following night.
- The remaining beans can be placed in smaller plastic containers and frozen for future usage.
Whitney Gilchriest-AZ
H ere's the Beef! (1.07)
Early in our marriage we had six children, and I worked outside of our home. To feed our large family, we would buy a load of meat (usually a side of beef) from the butcher. Of course, we received some less than desirable cuts of meat, so we'd get creative. For example, we'd take several pounds of ground beef and make two or three large meat loaves to freeze raw. We'd also make large batches of meatballs (about 80 at one time) and freeze those too. Then we mounted a hamburger press on a board and let the kids take the rest of the ground beef to make loads of hamburgers - we separated them with waxed paper to keep them from sticking together. Buying in bulk and working together fed us well and saved us lots of money.
Marci Smythe—Phoenix, AZ
Impulse Buys In the Basket (7.06)
Whenever I go to the grocery store, I put one of those hand baskets in the child seat area of my cart. As I shop I put anything I pick up that is not on my list in the basket. This way I can easily see my impulse items and evaluate them before I get to the check out lane. There are always some things that I don't really need so . . . they get put back.
Margaret - Mt Vernon, WA
 SHOPPING LESS, SAVING MORE (7.05)
I took your advice and have reduced my trips to the store. I was one of those people who would shop at the store two or three times each week - spending 75 to 100 dollars each time. I now shop one time each week spending a total of 100 dollars. This change has cut my weekly food bill at least 100 dollars- that's about 400 dollars each month!!!!
Jennifer & Jeffrey McWilliams - Troy, MI
C O-OP MAKES GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Here is an outstanding idea for saving money on groceries (besides having a garden): a food co-op or wholesale purchasing group. Friends can form a food co-op, give themselves a name, and obtain groceries at wholesale prices, if there is a natural foods warehouse in their community. It worked beautifully for about a dozen of us in the Seattle area: we called ourselves the "Better Bread" group - and yes, we did experiment with making bread, too.
We gathered a few friends and met monthly to get the grocery list going. It's a wonderful way to learn about new foods, "We need three more people to take a few pounds of couscous," or, "Red lentils are on sale if we get a full bushel," and, of course, to make lasting friends. The food truck delivered to one person's home, and we'd converge to have our meeting, discuss a topic or two of common interest, and divvy up the large parcels of interesting groceries. Warning: after a few months, a high proportion of our members were 'expecting' again. We decided it was due to the vitamin E!
Elizabeth Hardisty — Mercer Island, WA
THE FAST FOOD PANTRY
We live 20 miles from the nearest fast food restaurant, so I have devised my own fast food menu. I keep my pantry stocked for a few easy meal nights. When 4 PM hits, and I don’t feel like cooking, or have not pulled anything out to defrost, I look at my pantry.
Debbie Bottom — Courtland, NE
 LONG TERM VEGGIE STORAGE
I’ve found that cutting up veggies, like carrots, celery or cauliflower and then putting them in storage bags along with a moist (not dripping) paper towel helps the veggies not to get dried out. Another benefit is that they last longer too.
L.M. – Liverpool, NY
FAST FOOD PANTRY
I always keep taco fixings on hand (and usually have cooked ground meat in the freezer to zap in the microwave), spaghetti pasta, and tortillas. Tortillas can be used as a quick individual pizza crust, roll ups (with whatever leftovers we happen to have), scrambled egg burritos (which also freeze well) or just melt cheese in a folded tortilla and dip in salsa.
Debbie Bottom – Cortland, NE
TO FLEA MARKET WE GO
Our area has a great flea market across the bay in Oakland. I’ve found a “damaged food” vendor and have bought some great items for a fraction of the regular grocery store price. Most items have received damage to their box or container, but the food inside was free from damage and still sealed. These vendors are also negotiable on their prices! A real bonus is that on Wednesday and Thursday, entrance to the flea market is only 25¢ and 50¢ respectively.
Tina Chester – San Bruno, CA
 FRESH CELERY GETS FOILED
Here is a tip that really works! After bringing home celery from the store, take it out of the plastic and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Store it in your refrigerator veggie bin and it will last for weeks.
Julie Hayman – Chandler, AZ
MONTHLY MEAT BOUGHT IN BULK
During the last few months I’ve been trying to get a hold of our expenses and came across a really cool tip. Buying meat in bulk on a monthly basis. I’ve found a butcher near our home who sells a month’s worth of meat for $80. You can mix up the type and amount of meat. This has been wonderful because I feel “well stocked” and can plan or make a meal without running out for main ingredients. The money I save goes to stocking up on dry goods and frozen veggies. Of course, I purchase store brands and not the expensive stuff. I’ve found that even with coupons, most times the store brand is less expensive.
Liz Witkowski – Portland, ME
CLIP COUPONS FOR FREE FLIGHTS?
I wanted to share a money-making idea for children – as well as a money saving idea for the family budget! I have been price matching at Wal-Mart for several months and have realized a savings of about $35.00 per week. This helps tremendously, trying to feed ten of us – including five teen-age boy athletes!
I am not fond of the coupon hunt but my 14 year old is. So, he does all the clipping and sorting, and I split the savings with him each week - he has earned quite a bit of the green, that’s for sur e! It took a little “training” on my part to make sure the coupons he cut for me weren’t all junk food! He still slips in the occasional junk food ones once in a while. I even reward his hard work and buy that treat for everyone! In a very short time, he has saved enough money to fly to California and spend a weekend with his Grandma. He is thrilled and so are we!
Elizabeth Ryan – Mesa, AZ
CAUTION AT COSTCO!
Be careful at Costco. You are better off purchasing sale items with coupons for paper goods, bread and other stuff at the local grocery chain. There are only selected items that I purchase at Costco.
Lesley Hues - Phoenix, AZ
FAST FOOD FOR FATIGUED FAMILIES
 With three kids and homeschooling, my life has been busy. I generally cook from scratch, but some days I’m just too tired. So as not to buy fast food or the likes, I have resorted to buying some ready-made foods on sale, to keep on hand. Items such as frozen pizza, canned tamales mixed with canned chili, macaroni and cheese or other canned soup make an easy meal. This saves money and the kids think it is a treat.
Chrissy and Steve - Phoenix, AZ
STOCK-UP ON SALES AND SAVE
I’m always watching the papers for sales. When I see a storable food item at a steeply discounted price I don’t just buy one or two, I stock up on as many as I have coupons for. Often times I pay pennies for dollar items. I always keep in mind how much storage space I have and the shelf life of the item.
Dianne Guastella - Midlothian, VA
A BOUNTY OF . . . BOUNTY
We reuse paper towels that have been used to absorb water off of freshly washed vegetables. We simply leave them out for a day and they're dry and ready to use.
Rick and Jane Schell – Eagle, Idaho
TAKE ONE FOR THE ROAD
Years ago when we just starting on our frugal trek, we discovered many ways that we were wasting money. One of them was soft-drinks. When we'd go out for a weekend drive and get thirsty, we stop at a fast food place to get a soft drink. On a daily basis, it didn't seem like a lot of money, but on a monthly basis, it really started to add up. We decided to start taking our favorite drinks with us. A little planning in advance can really add up!
Mike and Linda Lenich – South Holland, IL
COOPERATIVE VEGGIES
My sister-in-law belongs to a produce co-op. With a group of friends, they take turns going to a produce warehouse (that sells to restaurants and grocery stores) ... one person goes once every 2 weeks and spends approximately $20 per person, collected beforehand. They purchase produce by the case (so it is a good idea for the group to be 6 or 12 people because cases of produce are usually divisible by 6 or 12). They get the wholesale price and then divide it up and deliver it to the other members of the co-op. They get tons of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables for a fraction of what they cost at the grocery store. Eating healthy is a great long-term money saver, too.
Rebecca Klingbeil – Chesterton, IN
GENERIC SAVINGS
My husband and I buy mostly generic / store brands when we grocery shop. When we first started we only bought one or two to see if it was as good or close to the same quality as name brands. Most generic brands are just as good as the name brand and about half the price. We also buy what we can in bulk. But you have to be careful and take the time to see if it's actually less expensive.
Charleen MacDougall - Loris, SC
PRUDENT PUMPKIN EATER
I got a free pumpkin this year and it is in the freezer - except for what I have eaten. It is delicious with nothing added as I try to avoid too many sugared products. After washing thoroughly and removing the seeds and strings, I cut the pumpkin into three-inch pieces. I fit the whole pumpkin into my tall stock pot, added a little water and cooked until it was tender. Then I processed in my food processor, skins and all. It took a little longer than usual because of the skins but I ended with great pumpkin ready for the freezer. It had a much better flavor than pumpkin I had cooked previously. I wondered if it could have been that this time, I left the skin on. It made it much simpler as well. I think I had retained more nutritional value as with many vegetables more vitamins are just under the skin. (Strictly my idea, valid or not?) There was certainly no waste except the stem portions. Next year, I plan to get 3 or 4.
Marcia Rehm - Peoria, AZ
ABC - ALPHA BETICAL COUPONS
I have a different way to keep my coupons. Of course, everyone thinks it is way different, but it works for me. I file the coupons alphabetically--then when I shop I just look for the product by name (i.e. Palmolive Dish Liquid) I look under P and find it.
Barbara Ribar – Wilmerding, PA
ENLIST YOUR EXPIRED COUPONS
Military Commissaries have an extra 6 months to turn in their coupons for redemption. So, if you have expired coupons, give them to someone who shops at a commissary - they'll be saving money longer.
Doreen Hallman – Phoenix, AZ
- Economiser's Note: Military Coupon Update
We've done further research regarding using expired coupons on military bases. The six-month extension of expired coupons applies only on overseas military bases. But your expired coupons can still help by either mailing them to someone stationed overseas - via an APO address - using US domestic postage or by calling your local military base family service department and asking if they have a coupon exchange program in place.
SAVINGS ARE IN THE BAG!
Bring your own bags to the grocery store and most stores will give you a 3-cent to 5-cent credit for each one.
Doreen Hallman - Phoenix, AZ
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HAIR & PERSONAL CARE
 THE DAWN OF SOFT SOAP (8.08)
One expense around the house that seemed unnecessary was the cost of hand soap. In D.C., it's gone up to $3.50 for a bottle of Method foam pump hand soap, and while we both appreciated the benefit of clean hands, we were wary to make this purchase a second time. Our solution? Diluting Dawn's new Direct Foam for dishes into the used bottle. We found that three or four pumps of Dawn, combined with water, provided enough soap to keep our hands clean and it costs us pennies to refill rather than dollars. The good news is that Dawn is regularly on sale, and coupons, of course, are always a hit.
Susan & Stephan Baumert — Falls Church, VA
GET GNATS GNOW (8.08)
This is something I’ve been doing for years to keep from getting bitten by gnats. Rub a thin film of baby oil on all exposed skin before heading outside if gnats are active. The oil forms a barrier against gnat bites.Susan & Stephan Baumert — Falls Church, VA
Billie Williams — Lewisville, TX
GOOD HAIR DAYS! (1.08)
The Super Mall in Auburn, Washington has a hair salon that gives haircuts for $9.95 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Their normal price is much higher. It’s a good idea to ask your salon if they have discount days also.
Dianne Meier —Tacoma, WA
Pearly White Polish (1.07)
I've found that toothpaste makes an excellent polish for silver jewelry. Pepsodent works well, and I can usually find it at the 99-cent stores, Big Lots and the like. Simply "shmear" it on, rub it in with your fingers, rinse, dry with a soft hand towel and voila! Shiny, like new jewelry!
Pauly Heller-Phoenix, AZ
Lotion Lift (7.06)
I've come up with an easy way to save money on lotions. When an expensive lotion bottle is about three-quarters empty I add baby lotion to the bottle, shake it up and I have extended the expensive "smell" for just a few pennies
Joyce Petrichek-Finleyville, PA
MEN'S TOUCH-UP FOR WOMEN (5.06)
A friend at work revealed a secret to me the other day. She told me that she colored her eyebrows by using a men's mustache and beard hair touch-up coloring kit. It's cheaper than going to a professional and it looked really natural to me.
Dianne Meier - Tacoma, WA
SEW WHAT? (3.05)
I am rough on my necklace chains and had an Altoids tin full of chains that had come detached at or near the clasp in the back. Either a link had broken or the finding connecting the chain to the clasp had bent open. I have found that many of the larger linked chains can be repaired by taking a needle and thread and "sewing" the still undamaged links together on either end of the break. This also works on undamaged necklaces that you simply want to lengthen a bit. Just sew on a length of thread. Unless you have short hair, no one will be the wiser.
Audra Roes -Chattanooga, TN
 CUSTOM LIPSTICK COLORS (2.05)
Take colors of lipstick that you don't care for and mix them in a lip gloss container. Melt in the microwave for 10 - 15 seconds. You then have a color no one can imitate and everyone adores. Mix blues with browns, flat colors with gloss - just about anything works. This is a great way to use up the remnant parts of lipstick stuck in the bottom of the tube. It also helps to clean out your cosmetics drawer of unwanted colors.
Dorothy- Scottsdale, AZ
 HOT CURLING IRON MIT
I use my curling iron 2-3 times a week and hate to leave it in the sink, unplugged but still hot. So I took my old ironing board cover and made mits for the differing sizes. The smaller one is: 11 1/2" x 4 and the larger is 12" x 6 1/2". Add a short pocket in the front for the plug and they store great.
I cut the pieces for the smaller one by laying the material flat and measuring 8 1/4" across, this is 1/4" seam allowance and 4" wide finished size. I then make another cut that is 12" long, again leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. I fold it in half and make the cut edge rounded for aesthetic reasons. I then cut another piece half again the length, but same width for the plug pocket. I sew a piece of binding tape along the top edge of both pieces. Then I lay the pocket piece on top of the larger piece of material and fold in half. I sew the cut edge with seam binding and it is ready to go! I also store these in my cupboard in their cases and have used quilted placemats (lining it with ironing board material) from yard sales and thrift stores to make them as gifts. I have also taken a small piece of the matching material and added a hanging loop for those that hang their irons.
Michelle Carr - US Military Overseas
SOAP SLIVERS LIVE ON!
After you use a bar of soap for a while, it gets too small & slippery to work very well. Right? Here’s how you can get more suds out of your bar of soap. After you’ve saved up a handful of leftover “slivers”, take a pair of old panty hose and get out your sewing machine. Using the panty hose, cut out & make a small bag to enclose a handful of soap slivers. Make it snug around the soap slivers. Sew it up, keeping the slivers inside. I use the resulting ‘soap pouch’ at the bathroom sink. I’ve been doing this now for about 6 months and it works great. Sometimes I think it lathers & cleans hands better than a plain bar of soap — I suggest light-colored panty hose and thread for a nicer appearance.
Keith Schrader – Wichita, KS
BABY FACE FOR $2
Beauty! For ten years I used an expensive skin cleanser because my skin was so sensitive to soap. Because of an eye infection, I had to use baby shampoo on my hair. I later discovered that the shampoo also takes off eye make-up very well and left my skin really soft. So I started using it as my facial cleanser and my skin hasn’t been better. It costs only $2 a bottle instead of $18!
Pamela Temple – Yuma, AZ
HAIR RAISING SAVINGS
Most salons charge outrageous prices for a haircut. Learn to cut your family's hair yourself! There are videos and books in the library showing you how. Or maybe you have a friend who is a professional stylist and would teach you the tricks of the trade. Invest in a good pair of scissors and a cape (find them at a beauty supply store). I cut my husband's hair and he cuts mine. We do it out on the patio so the house doesn't get dirty. You can learn to do this! And you'll save a ton of money each year.
Heather Peacock - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
MOUSSE LESS - HOLD MORE
I'm a professional hair dresser. If you use hair gel, you can double your savings by running water over your hand to thin out or liquefy the gel before applying it to your hair. You'll use half the amount of gel and get the same look
Debbie Ireland – Phoenix, AZ
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We believe in preventative health care. Simple things like regularly washing hands, eating lots of fruits and veggies, and taking vitamins. We've purchased our vitamins and herbal suppliments from Puritan's Pride for years and years. Great customer service, excellent return policy and fast shipping make them a pleasure to do business with. But the best thing is the buy one, get multiples free deals they offer. Watch their catalogs and web site for new deals.
Discount Dental Plans
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HEALTH CARE
 SMILING AT THE DENTIST (3.08)
I was blessed with my fathers easy going personality, wittiness and his less than perfect teeth. On a recent trip to the dentist I was advised that I would need two crowns, not to mention a small cavity that needed to be filled. I asked for the price of one crown and they said it would cost me $1364 ($2728 for two of them). Yikes, so much for our Disneyland trip. My husband has a great job but no dental insurance. A few weeks earlier, I had seen a dental plan online with my dentist's name on it. The receptionist confirmed that they did accept this plan, which is a discount plan not insurance. She informed me that if I signed up for the plan (Aetna Dental Access) that same $1364 crown would cost me only $691. The same service for almost half the price! I went home and signed up for the discount plan at www.DentalPlans.com Affordable Dental Care
 (they had several plans to choose from). It cost less than $90 for one year. I can now get two crowns for the price of one, and the filling which would have cost me $159 is now only $76. It certainly pays to investigate and be an advocate for yourself. These plans are available in most states. Even if you have dental insurance, you can benefit from these discount programs. Keep Smiling, I know I am.
Cheryl O. - Andover, MA
PRESCRIPTION PERKS (3.08)
Right now there is a big competition among local pharmacies to get your business. They drop coupons where you can receive $25 to $30 gift certificates for each new or transferred prescription. These coupons are distributed periodically and don't expire for several months. So I stock up on them when the flyers do come out. So far I've received; $100 in CVS pharmacy gift cards that I am using to purchase my Christmas gifts, $30 at Basha's Grocery Store (where I purchased the supplies for my Thanksgiving dinner) and $60 in Shell Gasoline gift cards from Safeway, that I am saving for my Christmas travel. If you don't see the coupons, ask the manager if they have any copies.
Mary Nippert - Chandler, AZ
LOOKING GOOD & SEEING BETTER (3.08)
When it is time to get new prescription glasses, I buy the frames on eBay for a few dollars and have my optometrist put in the new lenses. It usually saves the two of us $200 to 300 each year. The size of the frame is inside one of the arms and I just order about the same size and shape each year. I got fake Cartier frames last time and no one noticed. This time I bought glasses with magnetic sunglasses included. These usually cost $300 for one frame. I got five frames for $15. Two turned out to be kids sizes, which I gave to the family who lives upstairs, one was a really weird style, but the last two worked fine. At these prices you can always try them on at home and re-list them on eBay if you don't use them.
Jan Parker - USA
SEIZURE DRUG SAVINGS (11.07)
I'm on a maintenance drug for a seizure disorder. The drug that works best has no generic available and was costing me $117 a month at Walmart - an annual cost of $1404. I was tired of paying that much, so I spent three hours doing some homework which eventually led me to my insurance company's pharmacy - Blue Cross / Blue Shield for Federal Employees (BCBSFEP).
Now, my medication costs me $35 for a three-month supply - a total savings of $1204 each year! I "earned" $400 an hour for the three hours spent researching my options. I'd say that's a good investment!
Michele in Florida
TAKE A BITE OUT OF THIS (9.07)
 The dentist recently recommended that I replace the bite guard that I wear at night. I have had it for ten years, and it is not working any more. The insurance company said that it is a once in a lifetime expense. The dentist even tried to appeal that the mouth guard was truly not functioning because I bit through it. However, the insurance would not offer any assistance. The cost of replacing the bite guard was $800.
I decided to try something before spending that money. I got a sports mouth guard for $0.96 (new). I followed the instructions for fitting it to my mouth. I made some adjustments to make it smaller for night use and it works perfectly. I saved up to $799 and it can be easily replaced when it wears out.
Cara Ehinger - Ann Arbor, MI
TEST DRUGS FIRST (3.07)
Cara Ehinger - Ann Arbor, MI Pharmacies always fill a prescription the way the physician ordered it . . . such as a 3 week, one month or 3 month supply. But, if you are trying a new prescription, ask the pharmacy to give you just a one or two days supply. That way if you have a bad reaction with the medication (as my brother did after 3 days on a Statin drug for high cholesterol) you have not spent the money on an entire prescription only to have to dispose of it. Here's another money saver: my brother brought his cholesterol down by drastically changing his diet. He improved his health and completely avoided the high cost of drugs.
Pam M.- Florissant, MO
U PSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS? (7.05)
We live in a two story townhouse. As we've aged, knee pain has become an issue to deal with. I've found that walking, carefully, down the stairs, backwards, reduces stress on my knees. Just be careful - I always hold the handrail. Also, another "stair strategy" I use is to leave an empty basket at both the top and bottom of the stairs. As I work upstairs I toss in things that need to go downstairs into the basket and carry them down all at one time. I do the same when I'm working downstairs. This alleviates endless trips upstairs and downstairs.
Don & Jill Richards - Roswell, GA
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE FLU (4.05)
I have a great book entitled Eat Right to Live Long by Dr. Cass Igram. One of the recipes I've made from this book is called "Cure-a-Cold Chicken Soup" which I just made for a friend who had the flu. She raved over it. It is a very helpful book. We enjoy getting your newsletter and reading all your "stuff".
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