Frugal Tips

1. Dryer sheets: you know you can use them more than once, right? My idea: as soon as you get a new box, cut them all in half. That way you won’t feel bad buying the “name brand”. (I still buy the “off brand” and save so much money.) 

2. S.O.S./Brillo Pads: Once again, cut them in half. They ruin anyway most of the time before you finish one. 

3. Washing/Drying clothes: Only do a full load! I know it is tempting to throw that outfit in there because you want to wear it tomorrow or your teen just has to have it ready, resist the urge, save money!!! 

4. Sign up for Bank of America’s “Keep the Change” program. I don’t usually throw out brands but this is a great idea! Who carries cash anymore? This will be your “money jar”. The way this works is when you pay for something using their debit card and say the total price is $2.09, 91 cents will be deposited into your savings account. You can do one better. When you pump your gas, go over by one cent. This way you can deposit 99 cents each time. You get the idea! Bank of America also has a debit/credit card register to keep up with your balances. There is a place to put your card and it is like a small check register to write down ALL purchases! 

5. Errands: Make a plan. Don’t rush out. Take just a few minutes and make a list of where you are going this week, try to combine trips so as not to waste gas. Write numbers beside each task to show which errand will be first, second, etc. This will save a lot on gas! Carpooling is even better!!! 

6. Dry Erase Board: This saves paper and your sanity. I keep one on the back of my front door and one beside my computer.  

7. Unplug those phone chargers! You know you are using electricity even though you don’t have your phone charging don’t you? 

8. Freecycle. If you are not a member you need to be. This is a yahoo group. Sign up to get emails from those wanting to get rid of something and to send emails for things you want to give away. People are willing to pick up what you consider “trash“. How simple is that? 

9. That water you waste waiting for it to get hot in the sink? SAVE IT! You will be amazed at how much water you are paying for to go down the drain! Keep a large bowl handy and put it in the sink to “catch” the water. Use it to water plants, put it in your washer before washing clothes, water your pets, etc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I’m Brenda Ludecke. I have been married for 22 years. I have three young men, Josh, 21, Caleb, 19 and Ben, 17. NO MORE Mortgage