47 Proven Ways To Economize At Home Every Day
- Wash and reuse foil wrap.
- Save "junk mail" reply envelopes for filing recipes, receipts, etc.
- Trade things you don't want with friends, neighbors, relatives.
- Restrict family between-meal snacks to inexpensive and healthful in-season fruit and vegetables, home-popped corn, raisins, etc.
- Become a "brown bagger". Take your lunch to work.
- Save and reuse plastic sandwich bags and paper lunch bags.
- Tie soap remnants in a piece of nylon net and use as a body sponge.
- Crumpled up used aluminum foil is ideal for scouring pots and pans.
- Paper towels are expensive. Use washable cloth dish towels instead.
- Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap.
- Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers & freezer use.
- Don't throw away anything. Save everything for a future garage sale.
- Attend movies early when prices are generally lower.
- Don't buy expensive gifts. Give exotic home grown plants or bake a cake.
- Give yourself a home permanent instead of paying top prices at a salon.
- Consider cutting your family's hair yourself.
- Use plastic bread wrappers and produce bags for freezer use.
- Use washable cloth handkerchiefs instead of expensive facial tissues.
- Organize a baby-sitting club with friends & neighbors. Take turns.
- Think in terms of doing it yourself rather than hiring someone to do it, such as home repairs, painting, garden work, cutting the lawn, etc.
- Swap services with friends and neighbors who can do things you can't.
- Take advantage of free recreation, such as picnic areas, libraries, public tennis courts, swimming areas, parks, zoos, etc.
- If you're not going out to shop, leave your credit cards at home.
- Learn about the many bargains at "no frills" discount stores.
- Avoid spending on "throwaway" items such as disposable razors, flashlights, pens, toothbrushes, paper cups & plates, diapers, cigarette lighters, etc.
- For parties, use reusable plates, cups, glasses, utensils, napkins, instead of expensive paper and plastic disposables.
- Pay credit card charges when they become due so interest isn't added.
- When buying big-ticket items, learn all about them from consumer magazines and guides before you buy. You will be less apt to make a bad choice.
- Garage sales and flea markets are excellent for both selling and buying.
- Start your children earning money at an early age.
- When buying insurance, pay the premium annually. It's less expensive in the long run than paying monthly, quarterly or even semi-annually.
- Check all monthly bills closely, including your bank balance. Big companies can and do make mistakes.
- Examine your check at restaurants to make sure no error has been make.
- Buy things out of season for big savings, such as after Christmas.
- Grow your own herbs and spices in window-sill flower pots.
- Coffee is expensive. Brew only as much as your family will drink.
- Save and sell recyclable materials such as aluminum, paper, etc.
- Don't spend for extra ice cubes. Store them in plastic bags in the freezer.
- Bread becomes stale more quickly in the refrigerator. Store it at room temperature or in the freezer.
- Learn about auto upkeep and how to do minor repairs yourself.
- Don't look for a new apartment until after the peak renting season is over.
- Instead of buying gorgeous house plants, get cuttings from friends.
- If you need a lawyer, carefully investigate his fees in advance.
- Be wary of banking gimmicks. Be sure you get the best deal in town.
- Shop at discount and variety stores for biggest savings on cosmetics.
- Dilute your shampoo with small amount of water - for easier rinsing.
- Before buying anything new, ask yourself if you really need it.