Think Before You Buy

Before you purchase an item, think about how many hours you had to work at your job to earn the money to buy the item. Sometimes, when you think about it that way, you´re more likely to only purchase it if it´s a necessity, or at least try harder to find a bargain.

Sealing Bags

You can seal any plastic bag by placing a piece of aluminum foil over the end to be sealed and running a hot iron over the foil. Make sure you have foil on both sides of the plastic to be sealed so it doesn´t stick to the ironing surface. No expensive sealing gadget required.

Free Bark Mulch

You can get free bark mulch from your sanitation or public works departments, which recycles yard cuttings and organic debris. Also, companies that clear limbs around power lines often make wood chips and give them away rather than paying for disposal. Get the number from your utility bill or call a local tree trimmer.

Don´t Feel Deprived

A lot of times, we feel deprived when we are trying to cut back on expenses. In order to avoid feeling this way, be sure to treat yourself on a regular basis. Make a list of five things that you like to do that don´t cost any money. Tape this on your bathroom mirror and do one of these things every week (or every day if you can).

Twice a Year

It is suggested that you go to the dentist at least twice a year for a regular cleaning, and more if needed. It would be unwise to not go twice a year, no matter how healthy your teeth and gums are, because you never know when a problem will arise. The sooner that a problem is found, the sooner it will get fixed, and the less money you´ll need to spend on expensive dental procedures.

Cover Your Pool and Save on Your Water Bill

Studies have shown that an average-sized pool can lose 1000 gallons of water a month to evaporation. So, cover your pool when it´s not in use to help cut the loss by about 90%.

Give Your Car a Check-Up

Have an auto check-up from a reliable home-town mechanic before you leave on a trip. Make sure your oil has recently been changed and your fluids checked if you will be driving a long distance.

2-door or 4-door?

Four-door cars generally have lower insurance rates than two-door cars. Check the insurance rate on your prospective car before buying.

Working with Glitter

Any time you´re making something with glitter, put a newspaper on your workspace and when you´re through, use the crease as a funnel to return the unused glitter to its container.

Equifax

Equifax is one of the three biggest credit agencies. You can call them once a year at 1-800-525-6285, or visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/129l to request a free copy of your credit report. You are also allowed a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for credit, and have it in writing.

American Consumer Opinion

Join American Consumer Opinion™ and get paid cash to complete online surveys. Typically $4 to $25 for each survey you complete! Evaluate new products, test new advertising, and tell companies what you like, don´t like, and want in the future. Make your opinions count! (Available worldwide). Go to http://tinyurl.com/26h6l to find out more information and to sign up!

Steady Speed

Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed. Following these instructions will help you increase your gas mileage.

Go RVing

RVing is becoming one of the most affordable, convenient and flexible ways for people to travel. To learn more about RVing go to www.GoRVing.com or call 1-888-Go RVing. With Go RVing, you can obtain information on RV shopping, shows, rental, destinations, publications and organizations tailored to the needs of first-time buyers of motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers.

Cheap Centerpiece

Buy several cobs of Indian corn, roughly the same size. Place a very large candle (preferably in colors to complement the Indian corn) in the center of a plate, and arrange the Indian corn around the candle, alternating the ears tip up, tip down. This makes a perfect thrifty centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!

VCR Movie Maintenence

Always rewind your VCR tapes. If you forget to rewind a video tape before storing, it may develop a permanent static line where the tape was stopped.

Christmas Present Centerpiece

If you are handy with wrapping paper, wrap up some empty boxes with holiday wrapping and pile them in the center of your table.

Business Trips

On business trips, keep records and receipts for all deductible expenses.

Set Up a Toy Workshop

Ask your kids to gather up all of the toys they no longer want (if they insist on keeping everything, you may remind them that they will be getting new toys for Christmas and therefore need to make space for them). Spend an afternoon with them playing elf and fixing up the toys. Clean off the grimy plastic pieces, brush the doll´s hair, re-attach or glue broken pieces if possible, etc. When you are finished, donate the toys to a local charity for needy children.

Never Hear "Are We There Yet?" Again

When you are going on a long trip and want to amuse your children, don´t tell them where you´re going. Tell them what to bring and how to dress, but not where you are going. On the way there, your children will ask questions to try to guess the destination. Maybe even offer a prize for the person who guesses correctly.