25 Ways to Cut Costs on Just About Everything

25 Ways to Cut Costs on Just About Everything
Save a little here; save a little there. It all adds up to real money.
By Russell Wild
March-April 2003

Since we're always trying to save money, I thought I'd share these ideas
provided by:
http://www.magatopia.com/magazines/AARP_Magazine.html?page=lifestyles.html

Think you know everything there is to know about saving money? Bet you
didn't know about the Amish mail-order catalog that practically charges thrift store prices for brand new clothes. Or about how to take a luxury cruise for just $28 a day. Read on to save a bundle.
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Sweat For Less. One way to get in shape cheap: Sign up for a class at a
local community college (as little as $35 a semester). Then, use your ID to work out at the gym. Save $255 on the typical annual cost of a gym membership.
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Tee Off. Like golf? Buy clubs, shoes, and other gear for 20 percent less
than retail at www.golfdiscount.com (call 888-394-4653), says Elizabeth Cline, author of The Bargain Buyer's Guide.
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Blow Cold. A solar attic fan (about $375) pushes hot air out of your
attic, cutting the work required of your air conditioner and typically trimming your electric bills by about $100 a summer.
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Fly Right. Take a working vacation with Volunteers for Peace
(802-259-2759; www.vfp.org). The full cost (excluding transportation overseas): about $200 per two-to-three-week program. A bonus: It's tax-deductible.
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Dress Amish. For simple, sturdy clothes, check out Gohn Brothers, which
caters mainly to the Amish but sells to anyone. You'll usually save one-third off retail prices. Get a pair of denim pants for $21 (that's at least $10 right there). For catalog, send $1 to P.O. Box 1110, Middlebury, IN 46540.
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Slow Down. What's the rush? Driving 55 mph burns 15 percent less gas per
mile than driving 65. The typical driver can save $135 a year this way.
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Follow The Sun. A solar roof panel might cost $2,500 or more to buy and
install, but it can cut your annual water-heating bills by about $400. Find a contractor through the Solar Energy Industries Association (202-628-7745; www.seia.org).
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Wear It Well. Find beautiful clothes in consignment shops—but not just
any consignment shops. "Go to the shops closest to the richest neighborhoods," suggest Ken and Daria Dolan, who host the syndicated radio show The Dolans. Snag a $250 designer dress for $70.
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Sail Away. If you're a single man, 45 to 72, a hot dancer, and the owner
of a suitable wardrobe, the Gentlemen Host Program (708-301-7535) may put you on a cruise for just $28 a day.
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Cut A Deal. The Video Learning Library (800-383-8811;
www.videolearning.com) stocks 20,000 how-to videos to rent or buy. One we like: "Haircutting at Home."
Tape rentals: just $8 for two weeks, plus $10 for roundtrip shipping. Save
$72 a year on haircuts alone this way..
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Become A Writer. Always jot down a list before heading to the supermarket.
Then stick to it. You'll avoid such costly and frivolous items as premade
caramel apple "wrap" and instant bacon. You can save hundreds over the course of a year.
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Pack It In. Traveling overseas? Sell your baggage space to a courier
company to save up to 85 percent on your next flight. For information on reputable companies, contact the International Association of Air Travel Couriers (308-632-3273; www.courier.org).
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Bank Better. Want the lowest-cost mortgage, the lowest-interest credit
card, or the highest rates on CDs? Visit www.bankrate.com. Plug in your desired deal, and see what pops up. One recent example: a Mastercard with a 4.25 percent interest rate.
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Take A Seat. Season tickets at The Austin (Texas) Symphony cost up to
$275, but thrifty music lovers get in free by serving as ushers.. Many concert halls and theaters across the nation do the same. Call your local theater to find out if it needs help. Or search the Internet, using the keywords "volunteer," "usher," plus your hometown.
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Bundle Up. If possible, insure your car and your home with the same firm..
Buying insurance in bulk has two benefits. First, you'll save money. Second, if you have an accident, you're less likely to get dropped, since your insurer wants to keep all your business. Trim up to 15 percent off combined annual auto and home insurance.
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Get Well. Having trouble paying for medications? Contact the
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (800-762-4636; www.phrma.org) for its free "Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs." Income restrictions apply. Save $1,050 on a year's supply of Vioxx.
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Add Some Spice. Seasonings usually come in packages that are tiny. Buy
them in one-pound bags from the Atlantic Spice Co. (800-316-7965;
www.atlanticspice.com) to save up to 90 percent off list. Minimum order: $30.
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Ditch The Fir. Must your next Christmas tree be fresh-cut? Pick a large
houseplant—a ficus, say—and decorate it just like a spruce. Put $35 in
your stocking.
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Beat The Crowds. Always shop for holiday cards, decorations, and gift wrap
as the season ends, and keep them for next year. Save 75 percent or more.
(Just don't forget where you stored them.)
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Score Points. Go shopping during major sporting events like the World
Series or Super Bowl Sunday. Stores are empty, and salespeople are eager to dicker.
Knock at least 2 percent off list price.
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Call Late. The best airline fares typically go to those who call just
after midnight, East Coast time. That's when airlines decide whether a flight is full and begin slashing prices if it's not. Fares can drop by anywhere from $50 to $400.
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Move In. Considering a new home? The best time to buy is in the dead of
winter, when other buyers huddle inside. (Likewise, in the Sunbelt, wait until summer's dog days.) You can save 5 percent off the peak-season price.
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Check It Out. Your bank may charge up to $20 for a box of replacement
checks.
Use independent printers instead. Checks Unlimited (800-426-0822;
www.checksunlimited.com), for one, charges as little as $8.95. Or try
Checks in the Mail (800-733-4443; www.checksinthemail.com).
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See Double. Share three magazine subscriptions with a like-minded friend
to save at least $20.
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Trim The Fat. Once a year, put all your finances under a microscope. A
prime cost-cutting target: unnecessary insurance. For instance, you may be able to drop the credit-life insurance that is often buried in the contracts for cars, major appliances, or mortgage loans. Sure, doing this might save you as little as $4 monthly, but you'll reap a bigger benefit: that special sense of satisfaction that you get from dumping something you don't need.

Save Money with our choices

Save a Little Green
Age-Old Tips for Cutting Costs and Carbon Footprints
By Brian Clark Howard Link to full article below

The economic dark cloud persists, affecting banks, mortgage companies and pension plans, and consumer confidence is only just beginning to improve. The latest figures put U.S. consumer confidence at 84 on the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey, up 4 points from a July survey, but still low. With retirement savings in jeopardy, banks fearful to give loans and employers tightening belts and laying off workers, it’s essential that we all start saving.

Fortunately, money-saving tips are frequently planet-saving tips, as smart conservation, wise stewardship of resources and future planning work together. Some of these tips may at first seem like putting the proverbial band-aid on the gaping wound—but remember that California's serious blackout crisis of 2000 and 2001 was largely solved (and in short time) by individuals and businesses ramping up energy conservation, not by bailout packages or government maneuvering.

Also, if you talk to folks who weathered the Great Depression, they'll tell you that they got through it primarily by saving pennies, growing their own food and stretching what they already had.

It can seem overwhelming, but we're here to help you get started.

1. Spend Less on Gas

Yes, it's true that gas prices have fallen somewhat with the rest of the economy, but they remain much higher than in years past. One of the most immediate ways to reduce your bills is to drive less. Sound too easy? Consider starting a local carpool with your friends, neighbors or coworkers. Combine errands and walk around town.

Take extra junk out of your trunk and unused racks off your roof. Drive the speed limit, use cruise control, keep tires inflated and forget jackrabbit starts. Don't idle your savings away. Take public transit when possible, and maybe you can eliminate a whole set of wheels in your family—leading to big-time savings.

To read the other tips and full article: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4919

Save Money with Homemade Cloth Table Napkins

Save Money with Homemade Cloth Table Napkins
By Jean Nick RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
Link to full article below

When I was growing up, my mother used cloth table napkins only on very special occasions, but once I was out on my own, I discovered it's pretty easy to save the paper napkins for the special occasions (large picnics) and use cloth napkins on a day-to-day basis—if you know a few tricks. Using cloth table napkins is a great way to save money, leave some trees standing in the forest instead of heading to the pulp mill, and cut down on the amount of trash you generate.

Local stores should have a good selection of cloth table napkins. I prefer natural fabrics, as they seem to be more absorbent. (If you buy new ones and they don't seem to soak much up, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash the first few times you launder them; vinegar cuts through the natural oils in cotton that can hinder absorbency.) If you have kids or other messy eaters, choose a busy, colorful pattern so stains won’t show as much. For everyday use, you don’t need the priciest damask, though those are lovely for extra-special occasions.

You can also check out thrift or vintage stores, ask elderly relatives if they have a stash they’d like to be rid of, or sew some up if you're handy. You can buy fabric by the yard or, better still, reuse something you already have—napkins are a great way to recycle soft, worn-out flannel shirts or sheets, or other time-softened fabric. Then, you'll be keeping even more waste out of landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each American sends an average of 67 pounds of perfectly reusable towels, linens, and other fabrics to landfills every year.

To make cloth table napkins from scratch, just cut squares the size you prefer (18 inches square is a nice size) and either run a narrow hem around the folded-over edge, or sew over the cut edges with a zigzag decorative machine stitch to keep them from unraveling.

To read the full article: http://www.rodale.com/cloth-table-napkins?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_10_01-_-Top5-_-NA

13 Things You Couldn't Pay Me to Buy

13 Things You Couldn't Pay Me to Buy
Easy money-saving tips that will get you thinking thrifty…while still having fun.
by Jeff Yeager July 15, 2009
Link to full article below

Go ahead. Just try me. Send me a blank check (made payable to "Jeff Yeager, The Green Cheapskate") and see if I succumb to the social pressures to buy any of the following:

1. "Green" household cleaners - Do you know about baking soda and vinegar?

2. A suit that costs more than $200 - As Warren Buffett said, "I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me." And at a thrift store, $200 will buy you a closet full of suits.

3. A cell phone - Pay to ruin the quality of my life?

4. Bottled water - News Flash: Bottled water may be unsafe, and definitely a waste of money and resources. Hate to say it, but I told you so.

5. A riding lawn mower - The only thing wider than the expanse of your grass, is the expanse of your ... If you're going to have a lawn at all, at least mow it with a push mower.

To read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/how-to-save-money-460709?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr

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20 Garden Veggies That Could Each Save You $25 or More (Including One Worth $600)

20 Garden Veggies That Could Each Save You $25 or More (Including One Worth $600)
See how much planting a garden can save you at the grocery store. Then plant your own organic garden.
By Dan Shapley
6.26.2009
(from thedailygreen.com, link to full article below)


If you shop at the grocery store for tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, salad greens or strawberries -- and who doesn't? -- then you are the perfect candidate for becoming a kitchen gardener.

Growing your own will save you an incredible amount of money -- more than $1,200 if you plant all five, according to the analysis of one Maine gardener.

Roger Doiron, the founder of Kitchen Gardeners International (and a 2009 Heart of Green Award winner), undertook the painstaking process of determining how much his garden was worth. He weighed what he grew and compared it to the cost -- on a per pound basis -- of buying the same amount of conventional produce at the grocery store, local produce at the farmers market or organic produce at a nearby Whole Foods.

Doiron has a pretty big garden -- 1,600 square feet -- and he estimated spending $282 on seeds, supplies, a soil test, compost and water during the year of his analysis. He grew 834 pounds of produce -- 35 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs. All told, he saved between $1,914.50 (compared to conventional produce at the grocery store), $2,149.15 (compared to local produce at the farmers' market) and $2,266.93 (compared to organic produce from Whole Foods).

Try and find a better financial bet in this -- or any economy. His return on investment was a whopping 678% (assuming he'd have bought that much produce at a grocery store).

Will you save that much? That depends on how much you spend on planting and maintaining your garden, how successful your harvest is (Doiron's apple tree was a bust), and how much the same produce costs at your local markets. (The analysis also papers over one confounding factor: Few would purchase 72 pounds of zucchini or 47 pounds of winter squash in a year, but if you've ever had a garden you know that part of the pleasure is finding recipes to deal with the mixed blessing of high yields.) Regardless, his analysis is a good indicator that you can save a bundle with a little effort -- effort that is rewarded not only in dollars, but in flavor, nutrition, exercise and time spent outdoors.

Here's a look at the 20 vegetables he grew that were worth $25 or more each, listed from most lucrative to least. For simplicity, we're listing only the value of the garden crop as compared to buying conventional produce at a grocery store. We've also rounded to the nearest pound and dollar. To see the comparison to farmers' market and Whole Foods prices for all 35 of Doiron's crops, and every decimal place, check out his raw data.
20 Garden Vegetables Worth $25 or More
garden vegetables

Crop Pounds Value
1. Tomatoes 158 $630
2. Potatoes 142 $211
3. Salad Greens 26 $198
4. Zucchini 72 $136
5. Strawberries 35 $104
6. Onions 54 $81
7. Carrots 34 $68
8. Cucumbers 34 $68
9. Peas 12 $62
10. Nasturtiums 1 $53
11. Snap Beans 21 $53
12. Winter Squash 47 $46
13. Leeks 12 $46
14. Celery Root 10 $39
15. Eggplant 21 $38
16. Peaches 13 $38
17. Basil 4 $32
18. Cabbage 40 $31
19. Endive 6 $28
20. Asparagus 9 $27

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/garden-save-money-47062603?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist#ixzz0JuDYsxyQ&C

Top 5 Going Green Money Savers

Top 5 Going Green Money Savers
Ways to Cut Back and Keep Bills Down
By Jessica Knoblauch

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4673
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4673&printview&imagesoff

Ah, summer. A time of heat waves, hot dogs and…home energy audits? Here are a few easy ways to lower your footprint and your bills.

1) Kill your lawn. Why break your back and the bank for short-lived greenery when you can have native plants that color your lawn and are already well-suited to the climate?

Naturescaping—landscaping with native plants—conserves water with minimal irrigation and preserves habitats by providing local plants, shrubs and trees for nearby wildlife. This growing landscaping practice cuts weed killer and fertilizer costs and eliminates the need for an expensive, gas-guzzling lawn mower. It also prevents the spread of invasive species, says Steve Adamson, founder of PlantNative.org, a native plant advocacy site.

2) Make your appliances work for you. Programmable thermostats cut down on electricity bills by eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling, all according to your preferences. For the ultimate in climate control, pair your programmable thermostat with the Honeywell Portable Comfort Control, a handheld, battery-operated device that allows you to adjust a room’s temperature without leaving your chair. The devices combined could save you nearly one-third on heating and cooling costs, which account for about half of your energy bill.

To read the full article: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4673

Cut Home Heating Bills - 50 Ways

Cutting Home Heating Bills
50 Ways to Save Your Money

http://www.chiff.com/a/cut-heat-bills.htm

Yes, there must be 50 ways... at least, and most are simple, inexpensive and easy to do.

Start with what you use for energy:
1. Some areas have very low gas prices. In other places home heating oil is reasonable. Electricity may be the energy source most prevalent where you live, and parts of the world have little access to any inexpensive fuels. Find out what is the best for you to use... heat your home with the energy that is cheapest in your area.
2. Consider heating your home with the sun's help. Energy from solar panels or using solar heat to supplement your normal heating source is cost effective in most parts of the world. The initial cost may seem higher, but over the long run it costs the least and many energy hungry areas provide generous tax rebates for installing solar panels.
3. If wood is plentiful where you live, have a professional install a wood burning stove.

Next think about using that thermostat as an assistant in your money saving campaign:

4. In the spring and fall, turn off the heat unless the temperature outside gets below freezing.
5. Temperature variations near the thermostat will affect the whole house. Be sure your thermostat is located in an area that is not too cold or hot.
6. Install an automatic timer to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. If it seems chilly - put on a sweater.
7. Wear warm layered clothing indoors during cold weather. Some of the new synthetics are the best for thermal layering. If you live in a cold climate and can comfortably walk around in a tank top and shorts - you're wasting money!

Take a look at your windows for a clear view of heating bill savings - and don't forget the doors and insulation in other spaces where air can carry your valuable heat away:

8. Use storm or thermal windows in colder areas. The layer of air between the windows acts as insulation and helps keep the heat inside where you want it.
9. Don't just concentrate on the windows... install storm doors before the cold weather arrives.
10. Open up those draperies and shades in winter to let in the heat from the sunshine. If you're worried about fading the furniture - use a slipcover.
11. Keep shade trees from blocking the suns rays into your house. Prune any branches that block the sunlight.
12. If you've installed awning to block the sun in the summer make sure you take them off before the cold weather hits. You want the energy provided by sun-exposed windows during winter months - take full advantage of those warming rays on your windows.
13. Keep windows closed during cold weather, but be careful to "air out the house" on a regular basis to avoid buildup of any toxins.
14. Check to see that glass in all windows have fresh putty. If the putty in your windows is dry and cracked you may want to consider adding some newer sealant. Also seal any visible cracks with weather-stripping or cloth - newspapers will do if you're desperate. Some folks just staple a sheet of clear plastic tarp over very old windows for the winter.
15. Repair all cracks and holes, large or small, in your roof, walls, doors and windows. Make sure you seal off anywhere that heat might escape.
16.

Window insulation
Window sealants are
a quick & easy way
to keep cold air out.

You may be able to cut heat loss in half by weather-stripping doors and windows. Don't forget the weather-stripping on your attic and basement doors to prevent heat from escaping.
17. In colder areas it makes sense to move furniture away from any exterior walls. Putting some space between you and the cold walls makes the house seem warmer and leaving room for the air to move around actually makes it warmer.
18. Think about upgrading the insulation in your home. If you haven't already, insulate your attic and all outside walls.
19. Insulate floors over unheated spaces such as your basement, any crawl spaces and your garage. You actually lose more heat through poorly insulated floor spaces and basements in the average house than through drafty doors and windows. The savings here could be as high as $500 a year!
20. Close off the attic, garage, basement, spare bedrooms and storage areas. Heat only those rooms that you use.
21. When you're away from home for an extended time, turn off the heat and the hot water heater. Don't do this for short term absences. It can take more energy to heat up the cold water than you saved.
22. Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings that could transfer your heat to areas that are not heated. While you're at it - caulk those baseboards to keep the heat from seeping out.
23. Wrap heating ducts with duct tape (that's where the name comes from!) where they may be exposed to cold air. Putting insulation around pipes that need it is also an energy saver.
24. Dust is a wonderful insulator and tends to build up on radiators and baseboard heat vents. It keeps the heat from getting into the rooms where you need it... dust or vacuum all radiator surfaces frequently.

A small fortune gets lost by homeowners who try to cut corners by not having their furnace in tip-top shape:

home furnace
Save money by maintaining
your furnace throughout the
home heating season.

25. Before you use your furnace for the first time in the cold weather have it serviced. Many gas and oil companies provide this in your service contract or for a small additional fee and it could amount to savings of up to $400.
26. Talk to your gas, oil or electric company to see if you can be put on a level billing contract. This doesn't really save money, but does help you to budget for the heating season and makes heating bills more affordable.
27. Inspect your furnace during the cold months. Keep parts clean. Replace air filters when necessary. Clean filters can save up to $60 a year on heating costs.
28. Make sure that furnace cold air and warm air registers are not obstructed and vacuum them clean once a month.
29. Turn off your furnace pilot light when heat is not necessary.
30. Check for cracks around fireplace. Keep heat in by caulking all cracks.

Think a fireplace or heater will help save money? It can work if you do it right:

31. Keep fireplace damper closed when not in use.
32. Turn off heat when the fireplace is being used.
33. A glass front or glass screen will reduce fireplace heat loss.
34. Check efficiency ratings before purchasing appliances of any kind.
35. An electric blanket is much less expensive than heating your bedroom.

Your kitchen is a great place for energy savings. Just follow this simple recipe:

36. Try to cut down on the use of kitchen and bathroom fans in winter. These fans cool the air and waste household heat.
37. Cover pots and pans when heating liquids.
38. Cooking utensils with flat bottoms and tight fitting covers save heat.
39. Be sure pots and pans are right size for range burners and elements.
40. Plan some meals so that entire meal can be prepared in oven at same time.
41. Thaw frozen meats to almost room temperature before cooking.
42. Turn off your oven about five minutes before cooking time is over. The heat in the oven will keep on cooking your food, and you'll save on gas or electric bills.
43. Don't open the oven often to check food while it's cooking. You lose 20 to 50 percent of the heat each time you do - and you slow down the cooking process.
44. Never use your stove for heating. It doesn't do a good job, it's bad for the stove and it could be dangerous.

A few last hot tips for saving on your heating bills:

45. Never use open flames or candles for heating. Damage from fires is much more expensive than heating bills.
46. Try to teach children to keep doors closed and discuss other ways of conserving heat and saving energy. If yours haven't turned out a light since they were old enough to stop playing with the light switch - good luck!
47. Check to see if you qualify for any government assistance with your heating bills if you have a low income or are a senior citizen on a fixed income.
48. Check tax breaks and homeowner's insurance policies for savings when you add energy conserving items to your home.
49. Check with your local electric company to find out if they have times during the day when the rates are lower. Using the oven, dishwasher, washing machine and other energy demanding appliances during these times may lead to big savings. Be careful. Some plans may make you pay a premium price for using electric during peak hours and you'll need to make sure to do wash and other chores during the off hours.
50. Talk to your utility company for other suggestions for saving money on your heating bills. Many companies will actually send someone to your house for a home energy audit and offer suggestions to help you use less energy.

Finding a Frugal Mater

Finding a Frugal Mate
by Celeste Leibowitz

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jan12b.cfm

If you want to prosper and thrive, get married and stay married like 92% of America's millionaires. But don't just marry the first person that comes along. Choose the right mate, and live frugally ever after.

In The Millionaire Mind, author Thomas J. Stanley devotes an entire chapter to the importance of marrying the right person. Why? First, divorce is financially devastating. All your efforts to save and live a thrifty lifestyle can be negated by divorce. Even a no-fault "simple" divorce will cost you far more than the "low, low fee," because you'll have to maintain two separate households where one would have been sufficient.

No one can guarantee that your marriage will last, but you can reduce the likelihood of a breakup and increase your happiness quotient by finding a mate as frugal as you are. Of all the issues that couples fight about, money is high on the list. Eliminate money as a source of dissension, and you've eliminated many marital spats.

What are some of the clues that you've found a frugal soul mate? Here's what Bruce, my husband of 21 years, told me in the first year of our marriage: "One thing I really liked about you was that you treated my money as if it was your own."

His jaw dropped when I sweetly replied, "And now it is!"

When he retrieved and replaced his lower jaw, Bruce explained that he noticed I was cautious when ordering in restaurants. I ordered modestly priced meals and didn't force him to break his budget when treating me.

Here are some other signs of a frugal date:

1. When you compliment her on a new outfit, you hear, "Thanks! I got it at the thrift shop (or yard sale). Best $5 I ever spent!"

2. He bikes to work. Not only will his frequent exercise save on medical bills, but this saves the cost of gas and upkeep on the car, too.

3. Your date is Mr. or Ms. Fix-It. A handy person can save thousands of dollars on home repairs. Someone who took the trouble to learn these skills knows the value of DIY (do it yourself).

4. You see a copy of The Dollar Stretcher around the house or protruding from a jacket pocket or tote bag.

Find this person, and if the other aspects of his/her personality check out, you're on your way to a lifetime of frugal wedded bliss.

What should you avoid? Certainly, no matter how hot the chemistry, you'll want to steer away from a person who is perpetually in debt. If her motto is "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping," run the other way. Similarly, the person with a house full of expensive, trendy clothes and "toys" isn't going to change his spending habits the minute you tie the knot.

Aside from steering clear of obvious spendthrifts, be careful also of people who call themselves frugal but are simply cheap. Watch out for these red flags:

1. Tax evasion is not "frugal." It's against the law. The fines are steep, prison is a possibility, and you'll be in trouble too if you sign a joint return.

2. Failure to tip is not "frugal" either. It's cheap and rude. If your date can't afford to leave a tip, buy take out or cook at home. Don't penalize an innocent waitperson in the name of "frugality."

3. The person who spends freely on herself but doesn't share with you isn't going to view marital finance as a team effort. Beware.

4. Watch out for the "frugal" guy who sponges off of you in order to save his own money. When I was studying for the bar exam, a man at my table asked to read my newspaper every day. He bragged, "I haven't bought a newspaper in over seven years, and I've saved enough to go to Europe." This man took advantage of people around him, making him a poor marriage risk.

5. Stay far away from a person who insists on tit for tat when circumstances force him to spend money on you. Mike, the same man who bragged to me that his jeans cost $100 (worth $315 in today's money), always insisted on going Dutch. One evening, I fell ill while we were out and was too indisposed to take the subway home. Mike grudgingly paid for a taxi to take me home. On our next date, he was determined to make me pay my "debt." It was a raw, drizzly day, but he insisted we walk to the late World Trade Center. Once we arrived, he fussed until I agreed to pay for both tickets to the Observation Tower. Visibility was 0-2 miles, meaning all we would see was gray fog. Despite my protests that this was a deliberate waste of money, Mike would not be deterred. Is anyone wondering why he didn't become my husband?

We all have checklists for the ideal mate. Put "frugality" high on yours, and look for that special person whose approach to money matches your own. Then fall in love and cherish each other for as long as you both shall live.

15 Ways to Save Money in the New Year

15 Ways to Save Money in the New Year
by www.SixWise.com

http://www.sixwise.com/Newsletters/2009/January/7/15-Ways-to-Save-Money-in-the-New-Year.htm?source=nl

Americans rang in the New Year with increased optimism about what the future holds, but many are still treading cautiously when it comes to their finances. Given the ongoing recession facing the nation, it’s no surprise that the third most popular New Year’s resolution for 2009, according to a survey by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion in Poughkeepsie, New York, was to save more money.

Many have already begun to scale back, with 55 percent of respondents to a USA TODAY/Gallup poll saying they’ve cut household spending because of lower prices in the stock market and fears about the economy. Already:

* 63 percent said they cut back on travel for the holidays
* 81 percent have cut back eating out at restaurants
* 72 percent have cut back on entertainment such as going to the movies
* 37 percent have cut back on household services such as housekeeping or lawn service

Still, families are still looking for creative ways to save even more money, without feeling like they’re sacrificing their standard of living. Here we’ve compiled 15 such tips that can help you to save money and feel more financially secure in the New Year.

1. Prepare More Food at Home. WSL Strategic Retail found that cutting back on dining out is the number one or two money-saving move for Americans, and it’s a smart one. You'd be amazed at how quickly your workday eat-out lunches add up. Add to that take-out dinners and you'd stand to save easily $100 or more a month by preparing your meals at home instead.

2. Be Savvy When You do Eat Out. Cut back on the expenses of eating out by sharing an entrée or having the waiter box half of it up for you. This way you get two meals for the price of one (and you save yourself from overeating as well).

3. Let Your Money Work for You. Rather than putting your savings into a regular bank savings account (which typically pay yields of 0.2 to 0.5 percent), put it in a money market account with 4-5 percent yields. (If you want to make potentially more than that, consider stocks, mutual funds or other forms of investments also.)

4. Sell Your Stuff. EBay CEO John Donahoe estimates that the average American has $3,200 worth of “stuff” at home that they could sell to get some extra cash. Whether you use eBay, another online auction site or a good old-fashioned garage sale, selling your “stuff” will also help you to stay organized around the home.

5. Know What You Already Have. Take an inventory of your closets, kitchen cabinets and pantry. Avoid buying new items that you already have and resolve to make do with what you have around the house. Knowing what’s in your pantry also makes it easier to plan a meal-at-home, fast.

6. Entertain Your Family on a Budget. Renting movies and making popcorn at home is infinitely cheaper than going out to the movies. Likewise, with a bit of creativity you can discover free or low-cost entertainment options in your area (such as free concerts or movies in a local park, free days for museums, nature preserves, beaches and festivals) that are just as much fun as more expensive options. And remember to take advantage of your local library as well. Libraries offer a wealth of entertainment that's available to you at no cost (other than your tax dollars, of course).

7. Know What to Buy Used. Often, you can save a pretty penny by being savvy about used items. Cars are almost always a better deal when they're used (they depreciate in value about 15-20 percent each year), as are items for kids, CDs, DVDs, office furniture, and jewelry.

8. Reassess Your Fixed Monthly Bills. They may not be as “fixed” as you think. Phone, cable and insurance companies are always changing their rates to stay competitive. Every six months or so, shop around to see if a lower rate is available, or at least call the phone/cable company you currently use and tell them you want the same introductory special that they're giving to new customers.

9. Resist Impulse Buys at the Grocery Store. Grocery stores purposely set up enticing displays of expensive cookies, crackers and other packaged foods hoping to coax you into buying something on a whim. Making a list and sticking to it will help you to avoid such impulse buys. And always remember grocery shopping tip #1: Don’t shop hungry!

10. Keep Your Veggies Fresher, Longer. How much money do you waste by throwing away produce that has gone bad?

This is important as these molds and bacteria can make you and your family sick, and they can also spoil food before you have a chance to eat it. This is especially true with organic foods, since there are no preservatives to help ward off the germs.

11. Ask for the Best Price. When it comes to booking a hotel room, renting a car or even renewing a magazine subscription, always ask for a better price. You'll be surprised that a better price will usually be offered.

12. Watch Your Medical Bills Closely for Errors. Bills from hospitals, physicians and other medical services are rife with errors, and they are usually not in your favor. Watching them closely is the only way to protect yourself from the erroneous charges.

13. Use Coupons & Certificates, Especially for Larger Purchases. After 15 years of decline, coupon use is increasing, according to the Promotion Marketing Association's Coupon Council. If you are in the market for home services such as having your air ducts cleaned, getting new siding, or major repairs to your car, coupons from reputable businesses who want to earn your long-term business are a surefire way to save big money. Check the following sources for such coupons:

* Local phonebook, which will likely have coupons for the services
* Online, as there are often special deals posted online that are not available elsewhere
* Home coupon mailer packets
* Entertainment fundraising books (you pay a fee for the book, which is filled with coupons … make sure you’ll use the offers before buying!)

14. Lower Your Credit Card Percentage Rate. This one may surprise many people: if you want to save a significant amount of money over time on credit card interest, you can simply call your credit card company and demand a lower interest rate.

That is a step in the right direction, but that still doesn't guarantee that you are getting the lowest rate around. Here's how to be sure you do:

* Call various credit companies and see what rates they are offering. Even if your credit rating is not great, chances are very high you can find a better rate. Collecting interest on your purchases is easy money for the banks, so trust us, they WANT your business.
* Then, contact your existing credit card banks and tell them what the competing banks are offering you. Often they are very willing to lower their rates to equal or even slightly better rates to retain your business.
* You can also roll your balances over to credit cards offering special low introductory rates until you pay off your balance (but be careful to read the fine print and watch for rate increases after the introductory period has expired).

15. Get Back to the Basics on Home Cleaning Products. Commercial cleaning supplies are expensive (not to mention almost always toxic). This year, opt for natural, and inexpensive, natural cleaning supplies like lemons, baking soda and vinegar. Check out Nine Tips to Get Rid of Bad Smells in Common Household Locations to find out how to get your home smelling fresh and clean, using all-natural (and inexpensive!) items that you may already have around your house.

"10 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget" by Heather Havey, M.A.

"10 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget" by Heather Havey, M.A.

1. Grow your own organic food. Seeds are very affordable. Simply takes a bit of prep, water, sunlight, and TLC. The joy of harvesting food that you grew yourself is priceless, will bring you great joy, and can change your life. Watching these plants grow can bring you peace, gratitude, and awe. Feeding yourself, friends, and loved ones will also bring you great joy.

2. Buy organic from local farmers. Food that has been shipped around the country or world is more expensive than food grown in your own town. Also, by supporting local organic farmers, you are supporting a healthier world (no poisons), and you are not supporting the destructive corporatization of the bigger farms. Huge companies typically care about profit and growth; consideration of your health is an afterthought, if a thought at all.

3. Buy seasonal produce. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains that are in season, are cheaper to buy.

4. Drink more water. People spend a LOT of money on sodas, alcohol, coffee, tea, and so on. Drink more water. Also, do not buy bottled water. Drink water purified from your own faucet or well. Also, you can easily grow camomile, peppermint, lavender, and other herbs to make your own tea with.

5. Buy bulk. You will save money by not buying quantities of foods with no need for packaging materials.

6. Prepare your own food rather than eating our or buying prepackaged meals. This always saves money. Also, typically your own homemade meals will be significantly healthier than any canned, jarred, packaged, processed, altered, or restaurant foods (though some restaurants can be very healthy).

7. Be a grazer. Rather than prepare elaborate and expensive meals, eat simply. Make a simple salad. Eat a cucumber, sliced. Eat a piece of fruit. Make a simple fruit salad. Make a simple soup. If you have fruit trees in your yard, you can eat those fruits for a snack. Be a grazer, of natural foods.

8. Eat less: when you feel hungry, sometimes all you need is a big glass of water. Americans eat far too much food!!! Eat smaller quantities of more nutritious food.

9. Organize potluck dinners or picnics with friends...and enjoy them out in nature.

10. If you see a particular sale on an item, eat that for the day or week.

Heather Havey, M.A., is a naturalist, veganic farmer, and author. She teaches yoga/meditation as well as organic farming techniques. She supports the "food not lawns" philosophy of filling your life with natural organic beauty, wildlife, and nature - rather than overly-manicured, poison-filled "lawns." To reach her: www.peacethroughkindness.com

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