By Suzanne Arant Wells
Many people earn their living by selling gently used thrift store items on eBay. Learn what to look for in thrift stores to turn into cash on eBay.
Do your homework. Check eBay's completed listings for what items sell and for what price. If you have a hunch about an item's value, check it out on eBay before buying it to resell. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of items that nobody wants.
Look for any items, still in the box or with tags. Many people donate items to charity that are brand new. These items may have been gifts, clothing in the wrong size, or they may never have had the chance to return them to a store for a refund or exchange. You will find items new in the package like candles, office supplies, cosmetics, bath gel, board games, kitchen gadgets, and baby items.
Look for high end, designer leather goods such as handbags, coats, boots, shoes, and belts. Authentic leather items sell well on eBay.
Check the front counter or special display areas for high dollar items such as perfumes, china dolls, cosmetics, leather motorcycle jackets, electronics, and gift items. Many thrift stores know the value of these items and will sell them for more than the regular inventory on the sales floor. These items may be more expensive than other items in the thrift store, but you can still make a good profit selling them on eBay.
Kitchen items. Look for calphalon, circulon, cast iron, Pampered Chef, Corningware casserole dishes, and vintage Pyrex items.
Linens. Childrens items do well - focus on whatever characters are popular at the time. Sheets, comforters, pillows, sleeping bags do well. Look for electric blankets of all sizes. Make sure they work properly before purchasing.
Vintage character items. Anything with characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Peanuts; Smurfs, Evil Kneivel, Disney characters are good sellers. Look for items such as bed sheets, lunchboxes, mugs, puzzles, dolls, etc.
Candles. Look for Yankee Candle, White Barn Candle, any that are expensive when purchased retail. Even if the candle it burned a little, you can still sell it on eBay. Some of these have been retired and aren't being made any more.
Anything with a unique theme. People collect anything and everything. Look for items like men's unique ties, shirts with a specific theme (animals, vehicles, etc), salt pepper shakers, kitchen and home decor.
Clothing- Before you buy it, examine items closely, looking for any holes, stains, or any flaws.
Wash each item, according to care tag instructions.
Make a list of items you are going to sell, taking down brand, color, size, and condition.
Take clear digital photos. If you can't tell what items you have in the photo, no one else will be able to either. If you will be selling in lots, lay out outfits together or items that are similar, and take a few detailed photos of any flaws that need to be pointed out. Otherise, take clear photographs of the front and back of each item.
Take measurements: Bust/Chest, Waist, Hips, Inseam, Length are the basics. Sleeve length, neck size, and bell width (on skirts/dresses) are also helpful.
List your items on eBay. Write up a title, description, and set your starting price. Make it as low as you are willing to sell the item for -- lower prices encourage more people to bid.
Monday, November 3, 2008
How to Get Free Food
By Suzanne Arant Wells
Getting free food from restaurants, coffee houses, and fast food places is easy if you know how. The key is to plan ahead, stay informed, and constantly be on the lookout for freebies that you and your family can use. Learn how to tap into resources and stay "in the know" on how to get free food.
Join groups and forums where members post freebies and deals. There is power in numbers - thousands of eyes and ears are everywhere seeking out deals and posting them on forums. Sites such as SlickDeals.net and Anything4Free.com have thousands of members who are watchdogs for freebies. New deals are posted daily and the members post links to printable coupons, online advertisements, or just spread the word about deals they have seen or heard about. Some of the deals are for a limited time only or in certain geographic locations, so check the forums often and see which deals will work for you.
Read blogs such as Money Saving Mom and Sisterly Savings. The women who write these blogs have a huge following of readers who help them stay in the know about freebies of all kinds - coupons in the Sunday inserts, online deals, local specials, you name it. Information about freebies are constantly being added to these sites. Subscribe to these blogs so that the updates are delivered to you by email. What could be better than receiving freebies in your inbox every day?
Visit the website http://www.familyfriendlyamerica.com/kidseatfree.html for a huge list of restaurants and fast food establishments where kids can eat free. The website outlines what days and times kids eat free, so you can plan eating out around the best deals.
Join restaurant and fast food loyalty programs. Many sandwich, coffee, and ice cream shops have punch cards where you receive a credit for each purchase. When your card is full of punches, you will be granted a free item. If you are eating out anyway, take advantage of these frequent customer programs and rack up free food.
Watch your mail for the ValueMailer type envelopes full of coupons. Our family uses these all the time. You will find offers for BOGO meals, free beverages, or a free dessert with purchase. The BOGO meal deals will save you the most money.
Check the Sunday paper coupon inserts. National chains like IHOP, Hardees, and Pizza Hut usually have coupons in the Sunday inserts for BOGO deals or free items with purchase.
Pay attention to your local TV, radio, and newspapers. Local restaurants have all kinds of specials. You've probably seen specials like this: Celebrate our 10th anniversary - Get a free sandwich from 5-7 on Tuesday! Wear your team jersey and get a free appetizer from 3-5 during the game! Halloween Madness - wear your costume and get a free dessert! National Coffee Day - get a free cappuccino on Friday! Watch for these types of special promotions in your community.
Eat free on your birthday, or take someone out so they can eat free on their birthday. Go to http://www.frugalliving.tv/free-stuff/birthday-freebies.html. Some freebie deals require that you join a birthday club in which case coupons will be mailed. You can literally drive around all day on your birthday getting free meals, coffee, snacks, and desserts. I've done it!
Getting free food from restaurants, coffee houses, and fast food places is easy if you know how. The key is to plan ahead, stay informed, and constantly be on the lookout for freebies that you and your family can use. Learn how to tap into resources and stay "in the know" on how to get free food.
Join groups and forums where members post freebies and deals. There is power in numbers - thousands of eyes and ears are everywhere seeking out deals and posting them on forums. Sites such as SlickDeals.net and Anything4Free.com have thousands of members who are watchdogs for freebies. New deals are posted daily and the members post links to printable coupons, online advertisements, or just spread the word about deals they have seen or heard about. Some of the deals are for a limited time only or in certain geographic locations, so check the forums often and see which deals will work for you.
Read blogs such as Money Saving Mom and Sisterly Savings. The women who write these blogs have a huge following of readers who help them stay in the know about freebies of all kinds - coupons in the Sunday inserts, online deals, local specials, you name it. Information about freebies are constantly being added to these sites. Subscribe to these blogs so that the updates are delivered to you by email. What could be better than receiving freebies in your inbox every day?
Visit the website http://www.familyfriendlyamerica.com/kidseatfree.html for a huge list of restaurants and fast food establishments where kids can eat free. The website outlines what days and times kids eat free, so you can plan eating out around the best deals.
Join restaurant and fast food loyalty programs. Many sandwich, coffee, and ice cream shops have punch cards where you receive a credit for each purchase. When your card is full of punches, you will be granted a free item. If you are eating out anyway, take advantage of these frequent customer programs and rack up free food.
Watch your mail for the ValueMailer type envelopes full of coupons. Our family uses these all the time. You will find offers for BOGO meals, free beverages, or a free dessert with purchase. The BOGO meal deals will save you the most money.
Check the Sunday paper coupon inserts. National chains like IHOP, Hardees, and Pizza Hut usually have coupons in the Sunday inserts for BOGO deals or free items with purchase.
Pay attention to your local TV, radio, and newspapers. Local restaurants have all kinds of specials. You've probably seen specials like this: Celebrate our 10th anniversary - Get a free sandwich from 5-7 on Tuesday! Wear your team jersey and get a free appetizer from 3-5 during the game! Halloween Madness - wear your costume and get a free dessert! National Coffee Day - get a free cappuccino on Friday! Watch for these types of special promotions in your community.
Eat free on your birthday, or take someone out so they can eat free on their birthday. Go to http://www.frugalliving.tv/free-stuff/birthday-freebies.html. Some freebie deals require that you join a birthday club in which case coupons will be mailed. You can literally drive around all day on your birthday getting free meals, coffee, snacks, and desserts. I've done it!
ShopStar
Do you like freebies, bargains, coupons, samples, and a fun community? Do you have freebies or deals to share? Then, ShopStar Forums is the place for you!
Here are just some of the things you can expect with ShopStar Forums:
*Random contests for DVD's, books and lots more!
*Sign up for the free monthly newsletter
*A lottery system being put into place for your chance to win prizes and cash!
*Get Paid to Post! Check out our posting rewards Forum with more details.
*New Deals, Coupons added daily
*Get access to posting unlimited referral links or advertising your business on our Hot Entrepreneurs Forums.
Check out this brand new community, with lots of great things in store!
Be sure to register in order to be able to get your posting rewards and to be eligible for contests.
See you there!
ShopStar Inc. Admin
http://shopstarinc.proboards74.com
http://www.shopstarinc.net
Here are just some of the things you can expect with ShopStar Forums:
*Random contests for DVD's, books and lots more!
*Sign up for the free monthly newsletter
*A lottery system being put into place for your chance to win prizes and cash!
*Get Paid to Post! Check out our posting rewards Forum with more details.
*New Deals, Coupons added daily
*Get access to posting unlimited referral links or advertising your business on our Hot Entrepreneurs Forums.
Check out this brand new community, with lots of great things in store!
Be sure to register in order to be able to get your posting rewards and to be eligible for contests.
See you there!
ShopStar Inc. Admin
http://shopstarinc.proboards74.com
http://www.shopstarinc.net
25 Ways to Save More Each Month
by Ben Steverman
The more we spend unnecessarily, the less money we save for our true priorities and future needs. That's especially important in challenging economic times. BusinessWeek asked financial advisors for tips on how to reduce expenses and boost savings. Changing spending habits can be difficult, but here are 25 suggestions to get started.
1. Track Every Expense
Financial advisors say the best way to control your spending is to know precisely where all your cash is going each month. There are several options: Make a budget; keep a spreadsheet of all spending; or buy a computer program designed to help manage your finances.
2. Vacation in the Off-season
Reston (Va.)-based financial planner Frank Boucher says he is taking his beach vacation in early September, when he found a luxury condo for half its cost during July and August. Vacationers can also save by staying with friends or visiting low-cost locations like developing countries.
3. Cut Out Investment Charges and Fees
Jeff Seymour of Triangle Wealth Management in Cary, N.C., points out that many investors end up paying 2% to 3% off the top each year for investing costs. Lower-cost mutual funds and index funds can slash that bill, savings that compound over several decades of investing.
Also, save more by taking full advantage of your employer's matching contribution to your 401(k) account.
4. Cut Back on Eating Out
Food is a daily expense that can add up quickly over time, so office workers can save a lot just by bringing their lunches to work rather than buying every day. Meals eaten at home almost always cost less than evenings out, even at more casual restaurants.
5. Downsize Your Car
Drivers stuck with a gas-guzzling SUV might consider selling it and finding more fuel-efficient wheels. (Of course, that could mean a financial hit given falling prices for the behemoths.) You can save on fuel and also on auto loan payments. High car payments are a frequent budget-buster, financial advisors say.
6. Cut Utility Bills, Especially Electricity
Experts are full of advice on lowering electricity and heating bills: Buy efficient light bulbs; lower the thermostat; turn off the air conditioning whenever possible; turn off lights and unplug appliances when not needed.
7. Make Sure You Don't Have Too Much Insurance
Life insurance can be a bad deal if you don't have dependents. For auto and home insurance, deductibles are often too low, advisors say. "You can save quite a bit by going from a $250 to $1,000 deductible," says Kirk Kinder of Picket Fence Financial in Bel Air, Md. "Also, shopping these for prices every couple years is important."
8. Find Cheaper Beverages to Drink
If you can break your addiction to fancy coffee, the free office coffee can be a money-saver over time. Unwilling to give up out-of-office coffee breaks, some thrifty consumers switch to a cheaper drink at their local Starbucks or other coffee shop. For alcoholic drinks, quality wines, beers, and liquor can be found at lower prices with a little research.
9. Examine Your Phone Service
Do you need both a landline and a mobile phone? If you have a cell phone, do you need long-distance service on your home phone? Canceling one line could mean one less bill every month. Many people have phone packages that are too expensive for their needs, so read your bill carefully.
10. Stop Paying for Premium Cable
Some penny-pinchers cancel cable service entirely to save $100 or more each month. Others lower their bills by cutting out premium movie channels.
11. Drive Less; Consolidate Trips
Think before jumping in the car. By planning and running many errands on the same car trip, you cut your fuel usage. Rather than driving, consider using public transportation, or walk, bike, or rollerblade somewhere nearby.
12. Use Warehouse Stores Wisely
Warehouse stores like Costco or Wal-Mart's Sam's Club can be great places to get deals, but they can also encourage over-spending. "Just make sure you go with a list and only buy those things that you are actually going to consume," financial planner Frank Boucher says. "It makes no sense to get a 'bargain' on a bulk item if you are going to throw half of it away."
13. Lay Down the Law with Your Free-Spending Friends
It can be hard to keep up with wealthier or less thrifty friends. Some financial planners advise cash-strapped clients to seek out social companions with similar budgets. However, if you're honest about your spending limits, true friends should be willing to adjust their plans by, for example, choosing a less pricey restaurant.
14. Find Free Entertainment
Movie rentals, cable TV packages, book purchases, concert tickets—it can all add up. Use your local public library to read books and rent films for free. Depending on where you live, it might also be possible to find free concerts, performances, and readings.
15. Consider Alternatives to a Gym Membership
The health benefits of a fitness club membership are only worthwhile if you go often. But there are other options: Exercise at home, outside, or at a local parks facility. Or, sign up for individual exercise or yoga classes rather than a full membership.
16. Cut Your Own Lawn
Michelle Goldstein of Goldstein Financial Future in Dallas estimates her family saves $40 each time they mow their own lawn instead of calling a lawn service.
17. Be Smart with Credit Cards
Financial advisors admonish clients to pay off their bills each month to avoid interest and finance charges. For those stuck with debt, move cash to cards with low interest rates. Some find they spend less on impulse purchases if they cut up their credit cards and use only cash instead.
18. Annualize Your Expenses
When reviewing your spending habits, roughly calculate how much they're costing over the course of a year. "Realizing how much things cost over the course of a year can really help put things in perspective," says Bob Nusbaum of Middle America Planning in Pittsburgh. For example, if you spend $10 for snacks and lunch each weekday, that adds up to $2,500 in a year.
19. Force Yourself to Save
One way to save more is to trick yourself. Transfer money automatically from paychecks into savings or investment accounts. With less available in your checking account, you'll be more careful about your spending. Gradually increase your automatic savings rate over time.
20. Institute a Waiting Period for Major Purchases
Wait at least 48 hours before deciding to buy anything over a certain price limit—$50 for example. After the waiting period is over, "You may decide that the object desired really isn't worth the price," says Jennifer Hartman of Greenleaf Financial Group in Los Angeles.
21. Pay Bills Online—Save on Stamps, Avoid Late Fees
Set up your finances so bills are paid automatically or online at the click of a mouse. "There's no reason to pay for stamps and envelopes and run the risk of a late-payment fee when bill-pay programs are usually free," says Walt Mozdzer of Syverson Strege & Co.
22. Make Sure You're Deducting All Business Expenses
Chris Long of Long & Associates in Chicago says clients often make the mistake of mixing personal and business expenses on one credit card. That makes them less likely to get reimbursed for expenses by employers or to deduct expenses from taxes.
23. Buy Generic Drugs and Groceries
Store-brand products in grocery stores are often made by the same manufacturers as the brand-name items. If you take prescription drugs, ask your pharmacist if a cheaper, generic version is available.
24. Buy Used
Cars, books, furniture, and even clothing can be bought used for a fraction of their original cost. New cars in particular often aren't worth the extra cost; a lightly used vehicle can save you thousands of dollars with little or no extra maintenance expenses.
25. Shop Smart
Coupons are a classic way for shoppers to get great deals. Supermarkets vying for shoppers will frequently run "double coupon" promotions. Comparison-shopping on the Internet is easy thanks to a variety of sites designed to help shoppers find the best deals. When retail Web sites ask for "coupon codes," try to find one by using a search engine. But whether online or in person, avoid the temptation of bargain-hunting for items you don't really need. "Most of the time if an item is 20% off, we waste $8 to save that $2," says Neerja Bhutani of Bhutani-Palmin Financial Planning in Walnut Creek, Calif.
The more we spend unnecessarily, the less money we save for our true priorities and future needs. That's especially important in challenging economic times. BusinessWeek asked financial advisors for tips on how to reduce expenses and boost savings. Changing spending habits can be difficult, but here are 25 suggestions to get started.
1. Track Every Expense
Financial advisors say the best way to control your spending is to know precisely where all your cash is going each month. There are several options: Make a budget; keep a spreadsheet of all spending; or buy a computer program designed to help manage your finances.
2. Vacation in the Off-season
Reston (Va.)-based financial planner Frank Boucher says he is taking his beach vacation in early September, when he found a luxury condo for half its cost during July and August. Vacationers can also save by staying with friends or visiting low-cost locations like developing countries.
3. Cut Out Investment Charges and Fees
Jeff Seymour of Triangle Wealth Management in Cary, N.C., points out that many investors end up paying 2% to 3% off the top each year for investing costs. Lower-cost mutual funds and index funds can slash that bill, savings that compound over several decades of investing.
Also, save more by taking full advantage of your employer's matching contribution to your 401(k) account.
4. Cut Back on Eating Out
Food is a daily expense that can add up quickly over time, so office workers can save a lot just by bringing their lunches to work rather than buying every day. Meals eaten at home almost always cost less than evenings out, even at more casual restaurants.
5. Downsize Your Car
Drivers stuck with a gas-guzzling SUV might consider selling it and finding more fuel-efficient wheels. (Of course, that could mean a financial hit given falling prices for the behemoths.) You can save on fuel and also on auto loan payments. High car payments are a frequent budget-buster, financial advisors say.
6. Cut Utility Bills, Especially Electricity
Experts are full of advice on lowering electricity and heating bills: Buy efficient light bulbs; lower the thermostat; turn off the air conditioning whenever possible; turn off lights and unplug appliances when not needed.
7. Make Sure You Don't Have Too Much Insurance
Life insurance can be a bad deal if you don't have dependents. For auto and home insurance, deductibles are often too low, advisors say. "You can save quite a bit by going from a $250 to $1,000 deductible," says Kirk Kinder of Picket Fence Financial in Bel Air, Md. "Also, shopping these for prices every couple years is important."
8. Find Cheaper Beverages to Drink
If you can break your addiction to fancy coffee, the free office coffee can be a money-saver over time. Unwilling to give up out-of-office coffee breaks, some thrifty consumers switch to a cheaper drink at their local Starbucks or other coffee shop. For alcoholic drinks, quality wines, beers, and liquor can be found at lower prices with a little research.
9. Examine Your Phone Service
Do you need both a landline and a mobile phone? If you have a cell phone, do you need long-distance service on your home phone? Canceling one line could mean one less bill every month. Many people have phone packages that are too expensive for their needs, so read your bill carefully.
10. Stop Paying for Premium Cable
Some penny-pinchers cancel cable service entirely to save $100 or more each month. Others lower their bills by cutting out premium movie channels.
11. Drive Less; Consolidate Trips
Think before jumping in the car. By planning and running many errands on the same car trip, you cut your fuel usage. Rather than driving, consider using public transportation, or walk, bike, or rollerblade somewhere nearby.
12. Use Warehouse Stores Wisely
Warehouse stores like Costco or Wal-Mart's Sam's Club can be great places to get deals, but they can also encourage over-spending. "Just make sure you go with a list and only buy those things that you are actually going to consume," financial planner Frank Boucher says. "It makes no sense to get a 'bargain' on a bulk item if you are going to throw half of it away."
13. Lay Down the Law with Your Free-Spending Friends
It can be hard to keep up with wealthier or less thrifty friends. Some financial planners advise cash-strapped clients to seek out social companions with similar budgets. However, if you're honest about your spending limits, true friends should be willing to adjust their plans by, for example, choosing a less pricey restaurant.
14. Find Free Entertainment
Movie rentals, cable TV packages, book purchases, concert tickets—it can all add up. Use your local public library to read books and rent films for free. Depending on where you live, it might also be possible to find free concerts, performances, and readings.
15. Consider Alternatives to a Gym Membership
The health benefits of a fitness club membership are only worthwhile if you go often. But there are other options: Exercise at home, outside, or at a local parks facility. Or, sign up for individual exercise or yoga classes rather than a full membership.
16. Cut Your Own Lawn
Michelle Goldstein of Goldstein Financial Future in Dallas estimates her family saves $40 each time they mow their own lawn instead of calling a lawn service.
17. Be Smart with Credit Cards
Financial advisors admonish clients to pay off their bills each month to avoid interest and finance charges. For those stuck with debt, move cash to cards with low interest rates. Some find they spend less on impulse purchases if they cut up their credit cards and use only cash instead.
18. Annualize Your Expenses
When reviewing your spending habits, roughly calculate how much they're costing over the course of a year. "Realizing how much things cost over the course of a year can really help put things in perspective," says Bob Nusbaum of Middle America Planning in Pittsburgh. For example, if you spend $10 for snacks and lunch each weekday, that adds up to $2,500 in a year.
19. Force Yourself to Save
One way to save more is to trick yourself. Transfer money automatically from paychecks into savings or investment accounts. With less available in your checking account, you'll be more careful about your spending. Gradually increase your automatic savings rate over time.
20. Institute a Waiting Period for Major Purchases
Wait at least 48 hours before deciding to buy anything over a certain price limit—$50 for example. After the waiting period is over, "You may decide that the object desired really isn't worth the price," says Jennifer Hartman of Greenleaf Financial Group in Los Angeles.
21. Pay Bills Online—Save on Stamps, Avoid Late Fees
Set up your finances so bills are paid automatically or online at the click of a mouse. "There's no reason to pay for stamps and envelopes and run the risk of a late-payment fee when bill-pay programs are usually free," says Walt Mozdzer of Syverson Strege & Co.
22. Make Sure You're Deducting All Business Expenses
Chris Long of Long & Associates in Chicago says clients often make the mistake of mixing personal and business expenses on one credit card. That makes them less likely to get reimbursed for expenses by employers or to deduct expenses from taxes.
23. Buy Generic Drugs and Groceries
Store-brand products in grocery stores are often made by the same manufacturers as the brand-name items. If you take prescription drugs, ask your pharmacist if a cheaper, generic version is available.
24. Buy Used
Cars, books, furniture, and even clothing can be bought used for a fraction of their original cost. New cars in particular often aren't worth the extra cost; a lightly used vehicle can save you thousands of dollars with little or no extra maintenance expenses.
25. Shop Smart
Coupons are a classic way for shoppers to get great deals. Supermarkets vying for shoppers will frequently run "double coupon" promotions. Comparison-shopping on the Internet is easy thanks to a variety of sites designed to help shoppers find the best deals. When retail Web sites ask for "coupon codes," try to find one by using a search engine. But whether online or in person, avoid the temptation of bargain-hunting for items you don't really need. "Most of the time if an item is 20% off, we waste $8 to save that $2," says Neerja Bhutani of Bhutani-Palmin Financial Planning in Walnut Creek, Calif.
Helpful Gas Saving Tips!
Hi,
I found some helpful gas saving tips:
First of all, put regular gas in your car, not premium. Ninety percent of vehicles only need regular gas. You don't help yourself out buying the premium. You don't help yourself out buying the mid- grade if all your car needs is regular gas.
Also, your check engine light -- if it's on, you're definitely using more fuel. That's according to AAA.
Another good one is gas up when it's cool. That's because when it's cool, gas is denser. You get more bang for your buck.
Also, slow down. You can save up to 10 percent the difference between 55 and 65.
And if you're idling more than a minute, turn your engine off. You'll save money. Less than a minute, leave it run. ( I always wondered about this one)
Tire pressure is big, especially if you have an SUV. The bigger the vehicle, the more critical tire pressure is. You can save as much as 10 percent, especially on that SUV. I check the air in my tires on a regular basis--also I have heard that changing your oil every 3000 miles can save on gas in the long run.
I've heard that running the AC can really drain fuel economy. If possible, roll windows down when driving in the city to save gas. It doesn't work on the highway though. Too much air resistance.
Also, if you have roof racks or weight in your truck, get rid of that and check gaspricewatch.com if you want to get the lowest price. All you have to do is put your zip code in and you'll get the lowest price.
I hope this helps!
I found some helpful gas saving tips:
First of all, put regular gas in your car, not premium. Ninety percent of vehicles only need regular gas. You don't help yourself out buying the premium. You don't help yourself out buying the mid- grade if all your car needs is regular gas.
Also, your check engine light -- if it's on, you're definitely using more fuel. That's according to AAA.
Another good one is gas up when it's cool. That's because when it's cool, gas is denser. You get more bang for your buck.
Also, slow down. You can save up to 10 percent the difference between 55 and 65.
And if you're idling more than a minute, turn your engine off. You'll save money. Less than a minute, leave it run. ( I always wondered about this one)
Tire pressure is big, especially if you have an SUV. The bigger the vehicle, the more critical tire pressure is. You can save as much as 10 percent, especially on that SUV. I check the air in my tires on a regular basis--also I have heard that changing your oil every 3000 miles can save on gas in the long run.
I've heard that running the AC can really drain fuel economy. If possible, roll windows down when driving in the city to save gas. It doesn't work on the highway though. Too much air resistance.
Also, if you have roof racks or weight in your truck, get rid of that and check gaspricewatch.com if you want to get the lowest price. All you have to do is put your zip code in and you'll get the lowest price.
I hope this helps!
Cheap meals: family of 5
pizza pasta:
1 lb box penne pasta
1 can diced tomatoes
half bag of pepperoni
1 cup mozzrella
1/2 cup parm cheese
1/2 cup kraft roasted red pepper italian parm dressing
**cook noodles and mix
I tried this, its good and cheap.
cheddar mac n ham casserole
2 box mac n cheese, cooked
1 and half cup cooked peas
1 and half cup diced cooked ham steaks
**add cooked peas and cooked diced ham to prepared mac n cheese.. sprinkle with cheese if you like (put into casserole pan to make it look as if you slaved in the kitchen all day)
so cheap, so easy! mac n ham casserole is about $6 to make .. pizza pasta is about $10, but you may already have the cheeses, making this pretty cheap to make!
home made chili
dry beans (cook per directions) $1.00
hamburger meat ($3.00)
can of diced tomatoes ($1.00)
spices
soak beans over night or boil for two minutes then cover and take off burner for two hours. drain. cook beans for another two hours in water (follow directions on bag. Supposedly using salt in the cooking or soaking process slows it down so don't do that.
fry hamburger. if you're not wanting the chunks of ground beef like you get when you brown it, then cook it in water while smashing and stirring several times. add spices while doing this. then brown it when it's right for you. this makes the crumbly taco meat at restaurants. add onions and bell peppers if you like.
mix diced tomatoes, beans and hamburger with spices and cook until heated.
beans can be stored after being soaked. soaking takes out the toots. 1 bag of dried beans equals at least a few cans in quantity but is the same price as 1 can.
***
beans and rice. my kids hate it but it costs pennies and they'll eat it if i add salsa for Mexican rice. get creative, try sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki. see what they like. beans are a great protein and fiber source. contrary to popular belief, they are not fattening unless you eat like Boston baked beans with a bunch of brown sugar and molasses or something.
1 lb box penne pasta
1 can diced tomatoes
half bag of pepperoni
1 cup mozzrella
1/2 cup parm cheese
1/2 cup kraft roasted red pepper italian parm dressing
**cook noodles and mix
I tried this, its good and cheap.
cheddar mac n ham casserole
2 box mac n cheese, cooked
1 and half cup cooked peas
1 and half cup diced cooked ham steaks
**add cooked peas and cooked diced ham to prepared mac n cheese.. sprinkle with cheese if you like (put into casserole pan to make it look as if you slaved in the kitchen all day)
so cheap, so easy! mac n ham casserole is about $6 to make .. pizza pasta is about $10, but you may already have the cheeses, making this pretty cheap to make!
home made chili
dry beans (cook per directions) $1.00
hamburger meat ($3.00)
can of diced tomatoes ($1.00)
spices
soak beans over night or boil for two minutes then cover and take off burner for two hours. drain. cook beans for another two hours in water (follow directions on bag. Supposedly using salt in the cooking or soaking process slows it down so don't do that.
fry hamburger. if you're not wanting the chunks of ground beef like you get when you brown it, then cook it in water while smashing and stirring several times. add spices while doing this. then brown it when it's right for you. this makes the crumbly taco meat at restaurants. add onions and bell peppers if you like.
mix diced tomatoes, beans and hamburger with spices and cook until heated.
beans can be stored after being soaked. soaking takes out the toots. 1 bag of dried beans equals at least a few cans in quantity but is the same price as 1 can.
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beans and rice. my kids hate it but it costs pennies and they'll eat it if i add salsa for Mexican rice. get creative, try sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki. see what they like. beans are a great protein and fiber source. contrary to popular belief, they are not fattening unless you eat like Boston baked beans with a bunch of brown sugar and molasses or something.
Angel Food Ministries
We get some of our food from a program called Angel Food Ministries. They have distribution sites all over the U.S. You can visit www.angelfoodministries.com and check out the November menu & find a site near you. I was leery about this at first, but we have gotten the main box for the last few months and it has been very good. One month I actually bought two main boxes because I knew we would use everything in it. The object of the program is the main box is $30 and it is supposed to feed a family of four for a week. There is meat, frozen vegetable, some times pasta, instant potatoes, etc. We also like it when they have the chicken tenders special - a 10lb box for $18.00 (and they are sooooo yummy!!!). It is not always the "healthiest" kinds of foods, but usually you can make pretty well rounded meals from what you get. There is always a dozen eggs and two pounds of frozen vegetables. I have really liked adding this to my grocery shopping. I visited the site and here is the November menu:
1.5 lb. New York Strip Steak (4 x 6 oz.) 3 lb. IQF Split Chicken Breast
2 lb. Baby Back Pork Ribs 2 lb. Chicken Chunks
28 oz. Jumbo Charbroiled Beef Patties with Gravy 1 lb. Smoked Sausage
1 lb. Ground Turkey 1 lb. Green Beans
1 lb. Diced Sweet Potatoes 10 oz. Peanut Butter
15 oz. Cranberry Sauce 7 oz. Beef-Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
20 oz. Shoestring Fries 32 oz. 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
6 oz. Pancake Mix One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item
All for $30!!!!!
1.5 lb. New York Strip Steak (4 x 6 oz.) 3 lb. IQF Split Chicken Breast
2 lb. Baby Back Pork Ribs 2 lb. Chicken Chunks
28 oz. Jumbo Charbroiled Beef Patties with Gravy 1 lb. Smoked Sausage
1 lb. Ground Turkey 1 lb. Green Beans
1 lb. Diced Sweet Potatoes 10 oz. Peanut Butter
15 oz. Cranberry Sauce 7 oz. Beef-Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
20 oz. Shoestring Fries 32 oz. 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
6 oz. Pancake Mix One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item
All for $30!!!!!
use the library
I use the library to save $$$. Most libraries now have videos and DVD's and CD's. I also take advantage of the interlibrary loan system. If there's a book I'm interested in, but don't want to spend the money to buy it, I see if my local library can borrow it from another library.
Lori
Lori
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