by 7 people |
Saving Money on Everyday Expenses
Voluntary Simplicity - The Great River Earth Institute
Fostering Personal and Cultural Transformation
"The Great River Earth Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering personal and cultural transformation through grassroots study and discussion that encourages individuals to examine their deeply held values, accept responsibility for the Earth and choose to live in ways that are as ecologically friendly as possible. We also work to provide opportunities for people who are in the process of Earth-centered personal transformation to get together for support, celebration and community."
Your Money or Your Life
The Voluntary Simplicity way of Life
Scott Simon says that 15% of Americans have adopted the 'voluntary simplicity' way of life. This results in renewal of our planitary resources and produces happier people. Simon also says that the 1960's were the beginning of the movement and baby boomers will lead the way into a healthier furture for our planet.
Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
This is a 9 Step Program to lower your spending by as much as 25%. This guide is not about making more money, it is about a new way of thinking about the money you already make. How to handle your existing paycheck and lowering your spending without sacrificing holistic living.
This is the best introduction to voluntary simplicity ever! You will find that you have more than enough and even some to save.
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Balancing the Budget
Budget in Balance Resources out Resources In
Each month we sit down and look at the resources that have come into the budget and compare them to the resources that have been paid out. This is how we determine what the next month's budget will be.
When things are tight, this may be a formality that causes stress and frustration. The resources going out are far more than the resources that are coming in. We may even start thinking that we need another job just to make ends meet.
Before you incorporate this kind of strategy into your budget planning, take a look at how you can save on everyday expenses and have more money left for saving every month.
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Savings Opportunities
Tips for Saving Money Everyday
This is where we look at actual budget cuts that will provide you with more money at the end of each day. This translates into more money at the end of the month as well.
Some Tips:
*Buy After Season Close Outs.
You will save 50-70% (or more), on just about everything you buy, when you make your purchases off season. I have purchased a winter wardrobe in May for about 10 cents on the dollar. I shop for summer clothing in October. I like to treat myself to one 'store bought' christmas decoration on January 1st each year. Camping gear is at the lowest price at the end of the camping season (just after Christmas here - there is a large camping gear demand over Thanksgiving).
By evaluating the shopping and sales cycles in your area, you can save on clothing, seasonal household decor, outdoor living essentials, lawn and garden supplies, and even grocery items (canned goods are less expensive when the fresh counterpart is in season).
*Buy Gift Certificates/ Gift Cards:
Gift certificates are far less costly than using a credit card and save from spending the funds while you wait for the clearance prices. When you have planned a purchase, you can purchase a gift certificate and have the funds ready right when you find that deal you have been waiting for.
Handling Cash
Economical Planning
*Get a Free Checking Account
Do not pay to cash a check. You will not only pay the check cashing fee (anywhere from 3-7%), you will also have cash in your pocket that will easily be spent without planning. If you do not like writing checks, a debit card fee is more resonable than check cashing fees. Some banks even pay you interest for maintaining a minimum balance.
Gift Cards
Gift Card Benefits
*Redeemable for millions of items
*Ships for free, never expires
*Available in any amount from $5 to $5,000
I am a student and I have a limited budget for text books. When I am saving for books I will purchase gift certificates so that as soon as I find the books I can buy them quick. As with any high demand items, having the resources in place will always assure that you get the best price possible for what you need to buy.
Don't use High Fee Services
Why not GET PAID while You SAVE?
*More Ways to Pay and/or Get Paid
Paypal is more than just a merchant resource for online billing, shopping cart solutions, gift certificate sales, mobile pay, credit card transactions processing, and invoices. Paypal also offers a wide range of purchasing solutions. Shop online, send money to anyone with an email account (even if they do not have a paypal account yet), pay on e-bay, sign up for mastercard or debit card accounts.
This planned spending solution will help you to save the funds for planned purchases regardless of where you buy. Payment solutions accepted at E-bay as well as countless other online locations. And, now with the mastercard or debit card accounts you can use your savings to pay for purchases nearly anywhere. Some account solutions even offer cash back incentives.
Sign Up Today
Cook at Home
The average take out meal is about $6 and that is per person. What if you could provide yourself with a healthy meal for less than half the cost?
For two people that is a $6 a day savings that can really add up.
Homecooking While You Are on The Go
Millican Ladies Club - Cookbooks For Sale
Take a look at the features of this cookbook and you will agree it is the best choice for anyone looking for a simple yet brilliant wealth of cooking recipes, tips, cooking terms, measurements substitutions, pantry basics, and much more. This is not just a 'book of recipes' it is a collection of kitchen wisdom for past present and future generations of a town called Millican, Texas.
Looking For A Wonderful Cookbook for Yourself or to give as a Gift?Save on Meals Everyday
No need to sit in the take out drive through waiting (and burning fuel), only to receive for your time and money a less than adequate meal. For less time (about 15 minutes in the morning for both slow cooker and bread maker), you can have a healthy homecooked meal with left overs to take for lunch the next day.
Is it safe to cook in a slow cooker, since it cooks at such a low temperature?
Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature -- generally between 170° and 280 °F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.
The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.
(Source: Slow Cookers and Food Safety) usda.gov
Hamilton Beach 33956 Stay-or-Go 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White
Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 01/02/2010)
Set the timer and when you return home you will have a healthy and delicious meal waiting for you. No more quick drive throughs that cost a fortune and are full of empty calories.
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Recipes are not limited to pot roast and potatos anymore.
Slow Cooker Recipes
You can select from low-carb, low-sugar, vegetarian, and much more. The slow cooker has the potential to make your life much easier while saving you money and your health in the process.
Bread
Fresh Homemade Bread Saves & Is Better For You.
The cost of a loaf of bread has skyrocketed. This purchase will pay for itself in no time. And, from then on you will have fresher, more affordable, healthier home baked bread that your friends will show up for dinner for.
I have used my bread maker on the 'dough' cycle, and then hand pulled and twisted, then baked in the oven to make wonderful raised bread treats. Saving me from having to do the mixing and kneeding myself.
Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
This delightful kitchen companion is programmable, easy to use, makes the most delicious breads, and you can adapt the recipes to your dietary needs. Set everything up in 10 minutes and set the timer so that your bread is ready when you walk in the door in the evening.
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Clothing Expenses
Take into account:
Cost of clothing item,
Cost of cleaning,
Expected life expectancy (quality),
A style that you will love for years to come.
Save on Clothing and Household Items
More Simple Ways to Save Money Everyday
*Clothing
When you are shopping for clothing look at longevity of style, quality, cleaning requirements, and preservation during times when items are out of season. By reducing the upkeep and extending the life expectency of each item you can save from having to make additional purchases over time.
*Household Items
When you are shopping for household items (appliances and items that are usually more expensive to purchase), look for simplicity and company reputation. A product that will last 12 years is worth spending a bit more on.
Extending the Used Up By Date
Protect Your Investments
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"Out, Damned Spot, Out, I Say!"
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From the beginning of time, before Lady Macbeth uttered the now famous words, "Out, Damned Spot, Out, I Say!" women have been plagued with the chore of keeping kith 'n kin clothed in snow-white apparel. Remember how grandmother used to give you help...
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Proper Storage Saves You Money
Proper storage during off season for any of your clothing, bedding, seasonal gear (beach towels, seasonal draperies) will save you from losing your investment to humidity, pests, or other common threats to stored items.
You can also use these to store and protect sleeping bags for camping, quilts that are only used in the winter, pillows for guests, extra bath towels, and more. Consider using one for a bed in a bag to have handy for company (include a pillow, pillow case, sheets, blankets, Bath Towel, and Wash Cloth). Your visitor will feel pampered that you have freshened up the bedding for them.
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Keeping Foods Fresh
Make this simple by having an air tight container in the refrigerator to add the ingredients through the week. Then on Pot Luck day, you will simply warm it all up and add a cup of broth or other liquid to make your soup or add less liquid to make a stew type dish. How about some fresh bread on the side?
Tip: Let leftovers cool before adding to the pot luck container so that you do not cause potential bacteria growth.
Tip: Put DATE of your expected pot luck meal on the container and do not layer ingredients for longer than 5 days.
More Tips at http://www.fsis.usda.gov
Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless-Steel lined Lunch Jar, Silver
Take leftovers from the slow cooker to work for lunch.
Amazon Price: $41.38 (as of 01/02/2010)
IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Container, 60 Quart, Blue
Store perishable shelf items in this air tight bin to keep out moisture (great for items left in packages- cereals, flour, pasta, etc)
Amazon Price: $25.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
Rubbermaid Durable 31-Piece Organizational Rack Set
Easy store rack with containers for keeping foods fresh that is micro-wave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
Lock Rectangle 9.3Cup - 1 Pack
Keep your freshly baked bread in this rectangle air tight storage container so that each slice is as good as the first.
Amazon Price: $5.50 (as of 01/02/2010)
Food Buying Tips
Consider Alternatives to Expensive Snack/Packaged Foods
This is a difficult topic to write about in the space provided. Everyone has their own needs and preferences when it comes to food. The following tips are going to be generalized so double check when you are out shopping to make sure that they apply to your particular location, product choice, and situation.
Generally Speaking
Popcorn is a much better buy than potatos chips (and usually healthier).
*Fruit is the best substitute for other sweets.
*Dried fruit is sweeter than candy.
*Real Fruit Juice (or extracts) can be mixed with a small amount of mineral water to give it a fizzle and is much less expensive and more healthy than soda pop.
(* Try mixing flavors of juices for some variety).
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The top and bottom shelf at the grocery market will usually have the best product value. Eye level is where they will want to put the most profitable brands.
Larger containers usually are more cost effective per serving, but, also take into account if you are going to have to repackage anything. Most situations, the larger container of anything will be the best buy.
Look at UPC codes! I was in the grocery store the other day and saw two different prices on the shelf for what appeared to be the exact same thing. One price was twice that of the other. I noticed that the UPC codes were different. After looking at several of the items, I found one that had the UPC Code associated with the lower price. I might add that it was in back on the bottom shelf. My extra 5 minutes (at about $1.50 a minute savings) felt like a real savings adventure.
Replace Bottled Water With These Economical Alternatives
The Cost of Water - Why Pay Extra for an Everyday Need?
*Simple Everyday Tips
*Trade your bottled water in on an affordable water tap filtration system or a Picher filtration gadget such as found in the exceptional Brita line of products.
Why choose Brita over bottled water?
Brita filters are inexpensive--a fraction of the cost of bottled water.
Brita is NSF certified--verifying that Brita's claims are true. Not all bottled water is verified by an independent agency.
Some research shows that certain bottled waters contain impurities such as bacteria that people find undesirable and unhealthy.
Brita systems are reusable and last for years.
Bottled water containers often end up in landfills.
Brita is fast, easy and convenient--accessible right at your tap.
You have to go to the market, buy, carry and store bottled water.
"For optimum performance, change your filter every two months or 40 gallons."
Brita 42633 Faucet Filtration System, Black/Chrome
Amazon Price: $29.65 (as of 01/02/2010)
Brita 42401 On-Tap Replacement Filter, 1-Pack
Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 01/02/2010)
Brita Pacifica Smart Pitcher Water Filtration System with Bonuses
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
Shop Online - Save Gas & Waiting in Long Lines
Why Drive? Let Your Purchases Come to You
Your purchased can come right to your door. Or, better yet, send them to the recepient (include a gift card). You will save all around!
Visit The Holiday Shopping Cooperative Group
This Group is Focused on Bringing You The BEST SQUIDOO Shopping Lens Collections we can find!
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Where To Buy The Best of Everything Guide
Frommer's Suzy Gershman's Where to Buy the Best of Everything: The Outspoken Guide for World Travelers and Online Shoppers
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $19.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
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The Shopping Lens Collection on Squidoo is not only Vast & Remarkable...
You have real people who are telling you real experiences about the products!
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GypsyOwl's Zazzle Gift Gallery Showcase on Squidoo
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This is a collection of my favorite Zazzle Gallery gift items. Create Your Own Custom Designs & Sell Your Work on Zazzle. See all of my work at GypsyOwl's Zazzle Gallery Tee Shirts, Shoes, Skateboards, Mugs, Mousepads, Greeting Cards, Posters, Ties (...
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Squidoo on CafePress Award Winning Lenses and Shops
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These are the winners of GypsyOwl's 'Squidoo on CafePress' Awards. Inspired by Squidoo Lensmasters who have created extraordinary lenses and cafepress shops all coming together to shopping a new and exciting experience. After You see this lens, be...
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40Th Comic Con July 23-26, 2009 - Comic Inspired Posters - Costume Tips & Inspirations
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The 40TH Annual Comic Convention will be held July 23-26, 2009 in San Diego California. Stop by HERE FIRST to get amazing ideas for costumes and find the best links to websites with up to the minute information. Comic Inspired Posters Galore! Great...
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GypsyOwl's CafePress Showcase - The Most Popular Gift Items @ GypsyOwl's Studio & Gifts
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I have gathered together the most popular items from my gift shop. So you have the best of the best from my Studio. All of these designs are Photography, Digital Art, or Photo Art (combination of photography and artwork). ENJOY! Be sure to visit the...
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A Taste of Millican - Cookbook - SOLD OUT
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Take a look at the features of this cookbook and you will agree it is the best choice for anyone looking for a simple yet brilliant wealth of cooking recipes, tips, cooking terms, measurements substitutions, pantry basics, and much more. This is not...
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Simply Organized - Clearing Away The Clutter
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This lens will outline an easy way to move clutter out of your space. Organizational tips, products to simplify your spaces and optimize them. How to live in small spaces that do double or triple duty. Voluntary Simplicity has many aspects. This lens...
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Top Inspirational Authors - Awakening
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This lens is going to showcase my favorite authors and the books that I love. I can not imagine a world without books. I hope that you discover some that you love as well. Discover the best of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, SARK (Susan Arielle Rainbow Ken...
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Baby Magic - Nurturing The Genius In Your Child
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Before your baby is born, you can begin to introduce him/her to many beautiful aspects of art, creativity, and self nurturing. This lens will show you why, how, and when to introduce each new area of creativity. You can begin now...and practice these...
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So You Want To Play Guitar - DreamScape Series
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Discover your talent, get inspired, find an instrument, find instructional materials and more. If you have always dreamed of playing the guitar, there has never been a better time to make that dream a reality. This lens will show you how to release t...
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So You Want to Sew - DreamScape Series
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If you have always dreamed of being able to sew, there has never been a better time to make that dream a reality. This lens will show you how to release the innate talents that you have been hiding deep within yourself. In the process, you will relea...
Entertainment Savings
Rent or Buy?
One of the most common entertainment mediums is the movies. You can save by cutting late fees on rentals by using a service that will not charge late fees. Netflix for example.
If you are good at returning movies on time, you can get many great titles at your local library for free. But, if you are not as timely, you will find late fees using this option as well.
I Own These Movies
If You LOVE a Movie & Are Going To Rent it Multiple Times...
Consider Buying it. Even buying a used DVD is often a great alternative to renting the same movie two or three times.
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You can Rent These and Watch Them Several Times Before You Send Them Back.
- 001- Night at the Museum
Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidentall...- 002- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
When four London children (Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes and Anna Popplewell) are...- 003- WALL-E
In a futuristic world, human beings have destroyed Earth and evacuated the planet, leaving the clean...- 004- Ratatouille
Brad Bird (The Incredibles) co-directs this Oscar-winning Pixar offering about a passionate rat name...- 005- Cars
Prepare to peel out with this revved-up animated adventure featuring classic automobiles, plenty of...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
More Ways to Save Money
MORE Great Ideas for You To Save Money Everyday
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things: 2,317 Ways to Save Money and Time
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 01/02/2010)
Gift Cards from Target
A Gift Card for Gifts or For Your Future Purchases.
Forget about Layaway plans.
Have you ever lost your layaway items? I have from simply forgetting about them. What about the layaway purchases that turned out to be the wrong item after you finally paid off the account?
Start today. Purchase a Gift Card. Then buy one every payday and hand on to them. The Target Gift Card never expires and never charges you any service fee!
In about two months (in time for back to school shopping), or in 5 months (in time for the holidays), you have yourself just what you need to get what you need when you need it.
And... it will be the newest selection and just the right styles and sizes. What about those growth spurts the kiddos go through in the summer? No problem!
And... if you are out holiday shopping and really can not find just the right gift for Uncle Joe or Billy's teacher, just wrap up the Gift Card.
Save Money Everyday Guestbook
~GUESTBOOK~
Did you find this lens helpful?
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Reply
- ftuley ftuley Jun 3, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
- Very insightful lens indeed. 5*
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Reply
- brokeragentspeakers brokeragentspeakers Aug 27, 2008 @ 10:26 am
- very helpful lens! five stars:)
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Reply
- a_willow a_willow Aug 5, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
- I see You have also find a book on Extraordinary uses for ordinary things! :-)) I made a lens about this book offering some tips from inside.
This is very good lens with some valuable tips and I'm lensrolling it to my lens!
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Reply
- mulberry mulberry Jul 26, 2008 @ 9:18 am
- Living simply is smart. I also lensrolled you to my Spend Less lens...it's a good fit.
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Reply
- kellywissink kellywissink Jun 17, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
- Great Lens!
With gas prices so high we are staying home more.
5 stars!
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Reply
- oneorganizedlife oneorganizedlife Jun 12, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
- Wonderful lens! You have a lot of great information on here. I will definitely have to check back and digest it all more carefully.
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Reply
- LaraineRose LaraineRose Jun 5, 2008 @ 12:11 am
- Thank you for linking my 'Out, Damned Spot, Out, I Say' lens to this fine lens of yours. I have given you 5 stars, favorite, fan and lensrolled you to my Stain Removal lens. Thanks again.
Savings on Travel
Travel Savings when you Plan Ahead
You can save up to 40% on air fare and accomodations by planning early for your next trip. In general (other than holidays and anticipated high travel times), you will save the most by booking at least 3 weeks in advance.
What to Check out These Prices?
I have selected Washington D.C. for a holiday trip. Go and see the largest Christmas Tree and have a wonderful time seeing all of the historic sites!
Auctions In Progress - Coupons, Gift Certificates, and more.
Do You Clip Coupons? Do You Save Discounts?
If you find or are recepient of discounts, coupons, etc. and they are not exactly what you are looking for. You can sell them on eBay. You can also find great coupons and discounts on eBay for the things that you do need.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNOTICE: COPYRIGHT©GYPSYOWL TM 2007-2009
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All PHOTOS, ART, IMAGES, GRAPHICS, AND OTHER CONTENT WITHIN MY LENS ARE ORIGINAL OR HAVE BEEN PERMITTED FOR MY USE THROUGH LICENSING, MARKETING & AFFILIATE PARTNER MARKETING TOOLS OR OTHER LICENSING AGREEMENT. NO IMAGE MAY BE COPIED OR DOWNLOADED WITHOUT PERMISSION UNDER LICENSE.
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COPYRIGHT©GYPSYOWL TM 2007-2009
by GypsyOwl
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