Hello Dollar Stretchers,
Over the years, many of you have shared the clever ways you stretch your dollars at home. I’ve gathered hundreds of those ideas into a new ebook, 785 Readers’ Tips for Making a Tight Budget Go Further. Some of you may even spot one or two of your own tips in the collection.
I’ve created a 50%-off discount link available only to newsletter subscribers (the book is $10 on the website).
I just wanted to let you know it’s available if you’d like to have it on hand as a money-saving reference.
Even if you only find one or two new ideas that work for your household, it can easily pay for the book.
Andrea
P.S. If you ever have a tip to share, simply hit your reply button and drop me a quick email. Your tips are always appreciated, not just by me but by other readers, too.
This is for everyone with stainless steel appliances. The cleaners for stainless steel and cooktops on the counter are very pricey. I started using the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean, and it does the job without streaks and leaves no lint behind. Now, I only use pricey cleaners made for stainless steel and for countertop cooktops once every few weeks.
Lori
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Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean buying a cart full of supplies and organizers. These simple tips can help you clean, declutter and freshen your home while keeping spring cleaning costs firmly in check.
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Due to the sticker shock at the gas pumps over the last week, I am curious how many people have started to go back to the old standby of “coasting” while driving. There are a few through fares I drive on that I can clearly see are on a downgrade. I was surprised by how far I could go when I eased up on the accelerator. I would not attempt this on an interstate highway where cars may not notice your speed dropping slightly, but in around-town traffic, it could stretch the time between fill-ups. Even coasting up to a red light can help make it a habit.
Katie
In the next issue, find a new article with a list of additional driving habits that can help reduce the amount of gas your car uses (and your fill-up frequency).
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Found a bottle of soda that’s gone flat in the fridge? Before you pour it out, try these clever ways to use it up in desserts, drinks, cooking and even a few household uses. A few small ideas can help you waste less and stretch what you already have.
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I stockpile meat when it is on sale. I could never find anything in my upright freezer, so I bought four plastic bins (we used to call them dishpans) at Walmart and labeled each with a different name: beef, pork, poultry, and vegetables. We put each on a different shelf in the freezer and divided the items into the appropriate bins. Half the shelf is still available for larger items, such as turkeys or a large roast. Wire bins would be better, but I could not find them at the time. I have one that I got at a garage sale. I use it for miscellaneous items so I can see what is in it at a glance.
I also date everything that I put in my freezer. When I buy new items, I move the older dates to the top. Because I buy meat only on sale, I am often able to share what I have in my freezer with my grown children.
Sharon
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Busy schedules can make traditional money-saving strategies feel unrealistic. Fortunately, some of the best ways to cut expenses take only a few minutes. These quick money-saving tactics can trim your budget without adding much to your to-do list.
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I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin. Exfoliating is essential to keep skin healthy, but my dermatologist said that washcloths and exfoliating cleansers, like apricot scrubs, can be too harsh (not to mention expensive) for my skin.
Her recommendations were as follows. A few times a week, when washing your face, just sprinkle a little baking soda into your hand and mix it with your regular facial cleanser or soap. The baking soda will gently scrub off the dead skin. I keep baking soda in a little glass sugar dispenser beside my sink. It can't get much easier or cheaper than that!
Chris
Once again, here is the half-price link for the 785 Readers’ Tips eBook.
Some of the tips are so simple yet smart, you may wonder why you didn’t think of them first.