Tips for Saving Money

If you are struggling to keep up with your bills, learn hundreds of great ways to save money that will stretch your paycheck much farther and make your life a lot easier.

The Dollar Stretcher Store, a huge compilation of money-saving tips, contains hundreds of readers' tips that can save thousands of dollars In home, auto, family, food, health & beauty, information on how to live debt free, how to earn extra money and much more.

If you are on a tight budget, you know how difficult it is to stay within your means when you go to the grocery store. Food prices are skyrocketing, making it difficult to afford the basic necessities; never mind trying to afford extras like paper products, toiletries, and cleaners. How do you buy groceries without going off of your budget?

There ARE ways to save money when you shop at the supermarket. There are a number of tips and suggestions that have helped me save significantly at food shopping. Some are common sense suggestions, some require a bit more foresight on your part, but all of them will give you more money at the end of the month.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

*Shop at a discount warehouse. Though you pay a membership fee, you can save a lot of money. The same item at a wholesale club may cost half of what it does at your local supermarket.

*Get a supermarket discount card. To entice shoppers, many supermarkets offer cards that give substantial savings. The cards are free and the discounts, usually as much as half off, change weekly.

BEFORE YOU GO

*Always make a list. Impulse buying can destroy a budget. Post a list on a bulletin board or refrigerator where other family members will see it. They can add items as they are needed to the list. Once you do your shopping, start a new list.

*Use coupons and rebates. The Sunday paper has freestanding inserts of coupons almost every week. The Internet is also a source for coupons.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR COUPONS

*Subscribe to the Sunday newspaper. When you receive the paper, cut out all of the coupons, even the ones that you don't think you will ever use.

*Organize your coupons into a box with dividers, such as dairy products, meats, canned soups, canned vegetables, boxed items, cereals, etc.

*Go to the stores that offer double or triple coupon value when shopping with coupons.

*Stock up on an item (hide it until you need it!)if you find a good deal.

HOW TO SHOP

*#1 tip - only purchase items when they are on sale, if possible, and stock up.

*Avoid extras. Toppings displayed near ice cream and dips stocked near salty snacks are far more expensive than options such as chocolate syrup or homemade dip.

*Avoid single serving juices. The same goes for prepared gelatins and pudding. A better solution is to buy large sizes and fill small reusable containers.

*Avoid pre-packaged foods. They usually cost more. Instead, stop by the deli counter for cold cuts and cheese. Buy a head of lettuce instead of a ready-to-go bag. Check out the bakery counter too.

*Buy a jar of popcorn. Instead of buying microwave bags, make your own popcorn, a much cheaper option.

*Buy bags of frozen vegetables instead of boxes. With bagged veggies, you can measure out what you need and reseal the bag. You are not paying for the extra packaging.

*Buy meat in bulk. Most groceries have large packages of meat available that are cheaper by the pound than their smaller counterparts. Divide the meat into one-meal portions, place in plastic freezer bags, and freeze.

*Buy paper goods in bulk. Paper towels, toilet paper, and napkins are cheaper in bulk, so it is always better to buy more and store them.

*Carry a calculator. Figuring out the total as you shop will ensure that you buy only what you need. When checking out, watch the scanner and go over the register tape carefully. Scanner errors do occur.

*Choose produce by weight. Use the scale to get the best value on fruits and vegetables. One head of lettuce may be larger but less dense than another. Be sure to shake off any excess water before weighing fresh greens.

*Compare alcohol prices. Many states permit the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets, but often you pay more for the convenience. Call the liquor store and check prices first.

*Compare costs. Prices vary for fresh, canned, and frozen versions of fruits and vegetables, as well as for different cuts, (whole, sliced, etc.) so consider all the options.

*Do not buy breadcrumbs. It is more economical to freeze bread ends and stale bread. When you have enough, make breadcrumbs in your blender or food processor. If you are not going to use them right away, freeze them.

The above suggestions should help you cut your costs considerably the next time you go shopping for food. You may also come up with your own ways to save money at the grocery store.

The tips below are simple, creative and will save you money.

1. What do you do with the drippings left over in the frying pan after you have cooked a batch of bacon? Use them to take the place of butter or margarine and add a hint of additional flavor to enhance your recipe.

2. The next time you are cooking bacon, let the drippings cool but not solidify. Pour into an ice cube tray and place into an airtight freezer bag and freeze. These "cubes" can then be removed one at a time for saut%uFFFDing or in place of oil in some recipes.

3. How many times a week do you cook pancakes, waffles of French toast for breakfast? Do you spend more money than you have to by buying these items pre-made and frozen? Rather than waste time and money, try making larger batches at one time. These freeze well and can be reheated in either the toaster or the microwave in minutes.

4a. What do you do with the crusts or heels of a loaf of bread? Do you throw it away or give it to the birds? Simply run them through the food processor and freeze until ready to use. You will never have to buy breadcrumbs again. If you prefer the seasoned variety, add some basil, oregano and garlic powder while processing. They freeze well in a plastic container or freezer bag.

4b. What else can you do with those crusts and heels of bread? Make stuffing! Take the frozen bread crusts and cut into cubes (note: it is easier to cut clean cubes when the bread is frozen). Toast these bread cubes in the oven at 400F turning once during cooking until golden brown. While baking, sprinkle with whatever herbs and spices you desire or leave plain

5. Have you ever made a mess when you are preparing meat or vegetable recipes that require breading? Rather than making a mess, try filling a large plastic freezer bag with your coating mixture. Add the meat or vegetables and shake. This process covers more evenly and cuts the mess down to a minimum.

6. The last time you cleaned out the refrigerator did you throw food out? Everyone has busy days when they do not have time to cook. The next time you are running late do not spend a fortune on takeout. Have a home cooked meal.

7. Spend a couple of dollars on some nice individual serving freezer containers. (The ones with the separate compartments are great). The next time you have leftovers use these containers to store and freeze your meals. Then, when you do have one of those days you can simply pop one of your "TV" dinners into the microwave and your family can enjoy a home-cooked feast in minutes. You'll save time and money in the long run!

8. Everyone makes salads with leftovers. There is chicken salad, turkey salad, ham salad, etc. Next time try "dressing it up". Prepare your salad as you normally would but cut mayonnaise in half. Add a creamy salad dressing in place of the mayonnaise such as Ranch, Creamy Italian or Caesar, etc. This zings up your salad just enough for family members to think you spent much more time than you actually did in the kitchen.

9. After you take something that is stored in the freezer in a plastic freezer bag do you throw it out? Next time you go shopping try buying two kinds of freezer bags. Purchase a less expensive type that need not have a state-of-the-art zipper to store your meat in and to throw away. Then buy a better brand with the fancy zipper to store, wash and reuse. You will be surprised by how many uses you can get out of one bag.

10. Whenever you are boiling meat you are not only cooking the meat, you are also creating a stock. Do not throw this away. After cooking the meat strain the water, save it in a covered bowl or plastic container and place in the refrigerator. As it cools, the fat from the meat will rise to the top. Skim this off of the stock. Add some salt and pepper to taste. At this point you can use your stock in your favorite recipes or freeze until ready to use.

11. Rather than buy expensive junk food, try making your own snacks like popcorn hot off the stove. Add some Parmesan cheese to make it interesting.

12. Save tins from pies and Styrofoam meat trays (washed thoroughly). Use them to store leftovers or home-baked goodies to give away.

13. Reuse your grocery bags to line your garbage cans. If you do not have a garbage disposal, use them as a food waste depository. When you are finished, tightly secure them and dispose of.

14. Save your fresh milk for drinking. Use powdered milk for baking and cooking.

15. Remember that most sweet brand name cereals are expensive and contain very few nutrients. Mix your cereals to get a good balance of nutrition, taste, and cost effectiveness.

If you are spending more than you are earning each month, you probably need to create a budget for yourself. A budget is a money plan that outlines your financial situation and your financial goals.

With a budget, you can regulate, set, and achieve your financial objectives. You can also decide in advance how you want your finances to work for you.

The main objective of budgeting is to be able to save a certain amount of money each month for either a specific goal or to have in case of an emergency (you lose your job, you become ill, etc.).

Beginning a budget is not as difficult as it sounds. To put it simply, drawing up a budget is simply a way to estimate monthly expenses based on previous expenses.

In this way, there are no surprises. You know exactly where your money is going and can decide if you want to make some changes.

BUDGETING TIPS

1. Make a list of your fixed expenses first; insurance payments, house payments or rental, car payments, utilities, etc. The next step is to make a list of everyday miscellaneous expenses; gas, groceries, barbershop, entertainment, newspapers, coffee, etc.

2. Once you have made a list of everything for a month, you will have an idea of where your money is going. Once you know where your money is going, identify your spending patterns and make changes that will help you achieve effective budgeting.

3. After you have determined what your fixed bills are each month, you can determine what your budget will be by the balance that is left. For instance, if your paycheck is $3,500 per month and your fixed costs are $2,000 per month, you will have a budget of $1,500 per month to allocate for all of your miscellaneous expenses.

MAKING IT WORK

In order for budgeting to be successful, you must be disciplined and willing to stick with it. Budgeting works best when goals and plans are specific and then followed as closely as possible.

Make sure you have a good sense of money management. Know how important it is to reduce expenditures and know the difference between luxuries and necessities.

Think of new ways to have fun. Instead of going shopping, ride your bike, go to the park with your kids, go to the YMCA and go swimming. Use your imagination. You CAN budget your money and you will benefit from it.

My family and I, like most people, are trying to reduce our spiraling energy bills. We have found that there are many things that can be done around the house to help reduce those costs. If you would like to save some money on your energy bills, please consider using the following suggestions.

WINDOWS

*Consider replacing your windows with double-paned windows. They help to insulate your home. Remember to replace your regular windows with storm windows in the wintertime.

*Place weather stripping on windows and doors to keep the cold air out, cutting down fuel consumption. Take an inventory of all windows, doors, and outside vents. Check to see where cold air may be coming in or allowing heat to escape. Repair broken windows and make sure the windows seal properly.

COOLING

*Always make sure to install the air conditioning unit on the shady side of the house rather than in direct sun.

*Installing an attic fan will eliminate hot air that can put a strain on an air conditioning system during the hot summer months, as heat will build up in that space. A black roof will also attract and keep the heat as opposed to light colored roofing.

*Installing awnings on outside windows and doors on the sunny side of a house will help keep a house cooler in the summer months.

*Raise the temperature during the summer months of your air conditioner to around 76 degrees rather than leaving it around 70 degrees. This will save on electricity. Keeping the air conditioning filter clean will also help the unit run more efficiently.

HEATING

*Add more insulation to the structure of a house, whether in between walls or between ceiling and attic. This makes the house much more energy efficient.

*Change the thermostat. Purchase a programmable thermostat. These allow you to lower the heat when you leave the house and raise it before you get home. These thermostats save money and pay for themselves quickly.

*Check the filters in your heating system. Change dirty filters to get the maximum performance from your heating unit.

*Check your heating vents. Make sure that couches or other items do not block them.

*Do not heat rooms that are not being used. This is an unnecessary waste of fuel.

*Have the furnace (particularly oil furnaces) professionally cleaned. Cleaning out the carbon and other residue will help it to operate and burn fuel more efficiently.

*Install ceiling fans. Since hot air rises, ceiling fans can help circulate the heat evenly through the room. There is also the added bonus of cooling your home in the summer months.

*Install insulated draperies on windows for the winter months. These keep cold air out and reduce heating costs.

*Keep heat-generating items such as lamps, computer monitors, and televisions away from your thermostat. They will affect the proper operation of your heating system.

*Take special care with fireplaces, ensuring that cold air is not coming in or that heat is not escaping through a damper.

*Wear layers of clothing instead of turning up the thermostat in the house. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you will lower your heating bill.

WASHER/DRYER

*Avoid small loads, even if the washer has a small setting. Avoid overfilling the washer, as clothes will not be thoroughly cleaned and may require a second, water-wasting washing.

*Remember that hotter is not always better. You can wash all but your most soiled colors in cold water. For heavily soiled colors, use warm water instead of hot. Most whites can be washed in warm or cold cycles, as well.

*Line-dry clothes whenever possible - not only does this save energy, but your clothes will last longer. A quick five-minute tumble in the dryer with half a fabric softener sheet will leave your clothes soft and fresh smelling (you can reuse the dryer sheet). To help clothes dry more quickly in the dryer, toss in a few dry hand towels - they help soak up the extra moisture and substantially decrease drying time.

*Look for a dryer that has a drying sensor feature, which will automatically turn off when the clothes are dried and will stop the dryer from running longer than necessary.

*Use your dryer efficiently. Keep the lint filter in your dryer clean and dry loads one after another so that less energy is needed to warm up the dryer.

*Iron your clothes when they are still damp. It saves on drying time and you do not have to use steam.

APPLIANCES

*Always load the dishwasher fully and properly, and turn off the "heat dry" feature. Remember, you use the same amount of energy and water for a half full load as you would for a full one. When the dishwasher has completed its final rinse, wait for the steam to settle, and allow the dishes to air-dry (crack the door for about 30 minutes). This can save a significant amount of the energy used to heat the dishes dry.

*Keep your freezer full since all the frozen items will keep other items cold, but do not pack your food too tightly. It needs room so that air can circulate around the food.

*Cool hot foods before putting them in the refrigerator or freezer. Also, be sure all moist foods are covered since high humidity requires more energy.

*Consider replacing very old appliances, such as refrigerators. Newer appliances offer energy-saving features that will more than make up the initial investment.

*If replacing aging appliances is not an option, try cleaning the appliance thoroughly and replacing any worn parts. Cleaning the coils on the back of the refrigerator allows air to circulate more freely and helps the refrigerator maintain an even temperature.

*If you do not have a frost-free refrigerator and freezer, defrost them regularly. Frost works as an insulator forcing the appliance to work harder to maintain proper temperature.

*Ensure that refrigerator door seals are tight. Put a piece of paper between the door and refrigerator and after shutting the door, if the paper pulls out easily, replace the seal.

WATER USAGE

*Insulate your hot water heater and the hot water pipes to keep the water hot.

*Purchase and install a timer for your hot water heater, which turns the heater on and off at preset times, according to your family's hot-water needs.

*Reduce the temperature of your water heater to 150 degrees. This saves energy and reduces the risk of children being scalded.

*Put a plastic jug filled with water in the water tank of the toilet to decrease the water usage.

*Install a single-control shower valve that lets you preset the water temperature so that you do not waste as much water when you are making hot and cold adjustments.

*Take short showers instead of baths.

If you apply some or all of the above suggestions, the savings you will enjoy on your energy bills will pleasantly surprise you. In today's economy, every penny saved is important.