1. If you have your haircut every 3 weeks, try
going 4 or 5 weeks in between haircuts. If you
pay $10 for a haircut, you could save $70 a year
by having a cut every 5 weeks instead of 3.
2. Buy only generic basic types of cold cereal,
if your family must have it. With fall and cooler
weather coming, it's a good idea to introduce hot
cereal. It's usually the best buy and by using
the microwave oven to prepare, it is almost as
quick to fix as cold cereal.
3. If you have a cell phone, don't buy the
accessories at the "cell phone store". Check out
prices at local discount stores first.
4. Quit smoking. Need we say more?
5. In some states, children's immunizations are
offered free at local health clinics. Call the
local health department to inquire.
6. Wash, wax and detail your own vehicle instead
of paying someone else to do it.
7. Put a little money aside every month in order
to pay your car and homeowners insurance annually.
Most insurers charge a fee (sometimes hefty!) for
paying monthly. You'll also avoid those mid-year
increases.
8. When making instant pudding from a box, add
an extra cup of milk. The pudding "sets up" the
same and tastes the same, but you have one more
cup. You might want to experiment with adding a
little more. And of course, another money-saver
is to use reconstituted dry milk.
9. Meat prices are soaring, so plan to have a
meat-less meal at least twice a week. Substitute
an egg or pasta dish. Or maybe canned tuna or
salmon.
10. If you love magazines, try sharing with a
friend. Each of you subscribe to a different
magazine, when you're finished reading, swap.
"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a
great ship." --Benjamin Franklin
Helping you live the good life...on a budget!
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another"
bi-weekly e-newsletter and founder of the website of the same name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the e-newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".