Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 110, August 20, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have been getting a lot of great contest entries for the digital camera contest. On one day we got 30 contest entries which is by far the most we have received. Thank you for all the great contributions.
This weekend's ThriftyFun News will be all about garage sales, if you have any tips for buying and selling at garage sales feel free to send them in.
A reader asked us to point out that the 3M's "World's Largest Pink Ribbon" charity to benefit breast cancer research does not require that you enter any of your contact information. They only require your name, city and state and 3M will donate $1 for each of the first 75,000 people that sign up. It costs you nothing.
For more information about the "World's Largest Pink Ribbon" visit:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- The One-Month-Ahead System
- Tip for Stinky Shoes
- Saving Money on Steel Wool Pads
- Learn About Things You Own
- Use for Bottle and Pop Can Rings
- Get the Soap Fragrances You Like for Less
- Saving Money on Milk
- Cook An Extra Meal and Freeze
- Get Stains Out Of White Cutting Boards With Bleach
- Feedback: Prevent Grease From Building Up In Your Oven
- Feedback: Stinky Towels?
- Feedback: Free School Supplies
- Feedback: Clutter Control Tips
- Other Active Topics
- Today's Recipe: Turkey Chili
New Requests:
- Checklist for Maintaining Your Home
- Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes
- Homemade Rabbit Cages
- 7 Tips for Burning the Perfect Candle
- Budgeting When Your Paycheck Varies
- Spanish Food
- The Tasty Tortilla
- The Secret To Making Perfect Chili Fit For A King
More Reading:
- Checklist for Maintaining Your Home
- Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes
- Homemade Rabbit Cages
- 7 Tips for Burning the Perfect Candle
- Budgeting When Your Paycheck Varies
- Spanish Food
- The Tasty Tortilla
- The Secret To Making Perfect Chili Fit For A King
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Today's Tips
The One-Month-Ahead System
It took me several years, but I finally figured out how to manage my families finances so we never worry about the bills.
First, I used a windfall (could be a tax refund, holiday gift, inheritance, bonus, etc.) to get a month ahead of my bills. This means any money received in January is for February living expenses. Don't use direct deposit unless it goes directly to a savings account. You are likely to use it before you mean to if you put it in your checking account. Otherwise just hang onto those checks until about 4 days before the first of the month. Then deposit the checks or transfer from savings into your checking.
When you make your deposit, get cash back for regular items such as gasoline, allowance for kids or the working person, groceries, and money for things like a night out, movie rental, haircut, etc. We call those incidental expenses. Put the cash into a coupon holder - one slot for groceries for the month, incidentals, gasoline, etc. That's all you should spend for the month on those items.
Write any checks for bills due the first of the month. Then whenever a bill comes in, pay it right away. Part of my going through the mail is writing checks for bills received and getting them ready to go out in the next day's mail.
When you are at the bank (I only go once a month to do all this), transfer into another checking account money used for bills that aren't monthly, like car insurance that you only pay twice a year, or property tax, home insurance and auto registration paid only once a year. Each month you put only a month's portion of the total bill for each item into that second checking. Then when the bill comes, the money is there because you have been saving for it bit by bit all year. You don't have to take it out of savings. You can do the same thing for clothing, school supplies and outings, gardening, home and car maintenance, whatever your categories are.
This way everything that's left STAYS in savings. The bills are always paid right away and there's money earmarked for the big non-monthly bills and other living expenses. You can make it a habit to never go into your savings account to pay bills by using this system.
The next windfall you get after starting this should go directly into savings. You'll soon find you have a good back-up in case of job loss or emergency expense.
Padma in Pima
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Tip for Stinky Shoes
Place a sheet of Bounce fabric softener in your shoes overnight so they'll smell great in the morning.
By Lisa Trudeau
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Saving Money on Steel Wool Pads
I am probably one of the most "thrifty" people I know. (My husband calls me cheap - LOL) When I need to use a scrubbing steel wool pad, I cut them in half or quarters first. There is a two-fold reason for doing this. One - it sure cuts down on the amount of steel wool pads I buy - they ALWAYS begin to rust before they are used up. PLUS -- it seems to clean and sharpen my scissors also! By Sue Archer
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Learn About Things You Own
Learn as much as you can about all the things you own. There are many times that you can fix things yourself when they break, instead of paying someone else to do it. By Lisa Trudeau
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Use for Bottle and Pop Can Rings
I have been saving the rings from bottled beverages to make Christmas wreath ornaments to give out to the families that come to the food pantry that I volunteer at when the season comes. I get many because so many friends are willing to save them for me. I just press down the ragged edge and crochet snuggly over them.
By Sheila S
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Get the Soap Fragrances You Like for Less
I like the antibacterial soap that Bath & Body Works have. I purchased about 20 bottles last year at a cost of $1.74 (including tax) and I dilute them. 1 bottle of soap to 3 bottles of water which comes to about 43.5 cents a bottle. Once or twice a year they have a fantastic sale so I stock up. When it next comes around I will only replace the amount of full bottles to keep my supply at 20 so I have the fragrances I like.
By sshep
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Saving Money on Milk
Nonfat dry milk is the least expensive way to buy milk. When using it as a beverage, mix it several hours ahead and refrigerate so it can get cold before drinking.
Buy fresh milk in large containers (gallon or 1/2 gallon). These generally cost less than quarts.
Buy fat-free or lowfat milk to cut the amount of fat in your family's meals. Note that children under 2 years of age should be given only whole milk.
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Cook An Extra Meal and Freeze
When preparing a meal (it doesn't matter if it is a breakfast casserole or a dinner), try doubling the amount you are cooking. Freeze the second part.. You automatically have saved your self precious time for the future, but you have also made a more nutritious "fast food" that you can use whenever you feel like it without going out of the house. This can come in handy at busy times of the year. By Pat-Aston PA
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Get Stains Out Of White Cutting Boards With Bleach
I have a large, old cutting board made of a heavy white material (sort of a polymer plastic). It was extremely discolored & I was going to toss it out. I tried all kinds of things to get it clean, including putting it into the dishwasher. Nothing worked. As a last resort I filled my kitchen sink with hot water & added bleach & let the board soak for a few hours. Ole! It looks brand new. By joesgirl
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Feedback: Prevent Grease From Building Up In Your Oven
Vinegar is wonderful. I keep it in kitchen and bathrooms. I use it for everything from adding to bath water to cleaning windows. It does wonders for your skin, great for final hair rinse, no more dandruff, and makes your windows and mirrors sparkle. I even add a cup to water to rinse my Poodle. It keeps fleas away and no dry skin.
By Pat
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Feedback: Stinky Towels?
I once had this problem. Now I always add a 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of my washer - I put it in the softener dispenser. This works great.
I also threw away all my wash cloths and gradually bought WHITE ones. Now I bleach them and they smell great - so clean. Walmart has bundles of white wash cloths for a very reasonable price. I think they come in bundles of 18 or 24 for less than $10.00 When they get stained I throw them out or use them to wash the car or other tasks around the house. I buy a new bundle every once in a while with the money I save using coupons.
By Susie Sims
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Feedback: Free School Supplies
I save all the pens, pencils, rulers etc. that businesses give out at job fairs, expos or just to advertise. Then I don't have to buy those items for school.
By Robin
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Feedback: Clutter Control Tips
Egg cartons, tops cut off, make good organizers in drawers for little things. Earrings, safety pins, jewelry, keys, etc. For larger things, entirely fill a drawer with cut-off cereal or other boxes. Makes nice compartments and you can customize them to whatever you plan to put in them. Underwear drawer--just cut cardboard "dividers" fit to size. The clothing will keep them upright. Also you can use bowls from the thrift store for the "junk" drawer. One for keys, one for bread ties, one for popsicle sticks, whatever you save for later use.
Zip-lock baggies make nice organizers for your purse, suitcase, briefcase. Baskets are nice too, for catch-alls in the bathroom or on your dresser, such things as hair barrettes, small bottles of cosmetics, clippers, things like that. I keep a plastic desk drawer organizer on TOP of my desk. A little slot for paperclips, staple puller, note paper, calculator, etc. On the countertop, a large vase holds your most-used utensils. Only keep the ones you use frequently in here, the rest go into the drawer, so they don't just sit around and get dirty. I built a little shelf, VERY simple, top & 2 sides, to give myself more room over my kitchen countertop. Now there's 2 layers there with more workspace.
Some of your stuff looks good organized into a "collection". This way you get to show it off and enjoy it instead of considering it clutter. For instance, a pile of books on a coffee table. Keep them dusted. Maybe tie them with a ribbon and a silk flower on top. Baskets of yarn are especially nice to look at. Seashells too. Green or blue glass. and you can store smaller things in jars and make an arrangement. Hang shoe pocket organizers on the backs of bedroom doors, or make some out of fabric like old jeans, they're not hard to make. Boxes, shoe boxes especially, can fit into the most amazing places, like under the bed or behind the couch. Label everything if you do this.
Mostly, just go around your house and see what's causing you the grief, then figure out what it would fit into, and whether you need to hide it or not. Now go have some fun, you have lots of work to do! LOL.
By Jayne
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Other Active Topics:
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Today's Recipe: Turkey Chili
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 3/4 cup Onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons Margarine
- 3 cups Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Dry parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dry mustard
- 1 15-1/2-ounce can Canned red kidney beans, drained
- 1 6-ounce can Tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Pearl barley
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Cooking Time: 70 Minutes
1. In large sauce pan, cook turkey and onions in margarine until turkey is browned and no longer pink in color, about 9 minutes. Drain; return turkey and onions to pan.
2. Add remaining ingredients except the cheese to turkey mixture; bring to boil, stirring frequently. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Uncover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve over cooked macaroni.
5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cheese over each serving of chili.
Per Serving:
Calories 540
Total fat 26 grams
Saturated fat 9 grams
Cholesterol 104 milligrams
Sodium 579 milligrams
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This kit includes everything you need to get started roasting coffee at home on your stove, in your oven, or in a hot air popcorn popper. Includes the book Coffee Roasting at Home by Susan Sanders and Fletcher Sandbeck, 1 lb of green, unroasted coffee beans, and coffee bags to store your roast.
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New Requests:
Ideas for Baby's 1st Birthday Party?
Enter teaser before activating
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Yellow Bleach Stain on White Counter
Hello, I was trying to remove a stain from my white bathroom counter and used bleach. The stain is gone But I have a big yellow stain on my counter from the bleach. Is there anyone that can tell me how to remove bleach stains from a bathroom counter? Dpatrice
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Quesadilla Recipes
My family loves to eat cheese or chicken quesadillas at our local restaurant, but they're pretty expensive for what you get. They seem like they'd be pretty easy to make, but I'm not sure how to get started or what kind of cheese(s) to use. Do I really have to buy a special machine to make these at home? I'd appreciate any hints, tips or recipes that you have to offer. Thanks in advance! KK
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Jelly Making as a Business
I am about to embark on a jelly making frenzy so as to start a business. Anyone have any advice? Is there a way to make really large batches at a time? Lynne
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Furniture Stain on White Rug!
I bought a cherry wood antique chair recently. When I moved the chair last week while vacuuming, I noticed the cherry wood stain got on my white rug in 4 spots where the legs were resting. The chair's wood stain must not have been completely dry when I purchased the chair. I've tried a carpet cleaner, which didn't take the stain out at all. The antique store didn't have a clue to help me. Please send your ideas...thank you! Libby Goedken
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Whitehead Remedy?
Help. Since having my baby a year ago, my chest has become covered with trapped under the skin whiteheads. Does anyone know of a make your own remedy to loosen, remove these pesky things? Samantha in NC
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Sewing Machine for Shortening Pants and Sleeves
I am a beginner sewer. All I want to do is to shorten pants and long sleeves. I would like to buy a sewing machine that can also do serger work, but they are all expensive ($250 above), could anyone give me any suggestion on that? Maybe a normal sewing machine can also give a fabric a finished look. Any suggestion is a big help. - Frances Teng
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Removing Railroad Ties in Rhode Island
Hello, I am looking to replace the railroad ties surrounding my patio. I live in Newport RI (02840) and I am not sure where to go for the service....any thoughts? Thanks! tony.raiano (at) fmr (dot) com
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Look For Low Carb Recipes
I need low carb recipes! My husband and I have recently jumped on the low carb bandwagon and boy are we hungry. It's so hard to have an actual meal on this diet. If you have any low carb recipes, I would greatly appreciate it! Samantha in North Carolina
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More Reading
Checklist for Maintaining Your Home
Implement a regular inspection program of home maintenance to help prevent major repairs and to protect your home's value. Remember to disconnect the power source of any electrical or gas system before inspecting, cleaning, or repairing it. Use the following checklist to help you during an inspection.
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Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes
When people occasionally encounter snakes in or around their homes, they usually are concerned about whether the snakes are dangerous. For your safety in managing snake problems around your home, it is important to be able to identify whether snakes are poisonous or nonpoisonous types.
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Homemade Rabbit Cages
The best homemade rabbit cages are built of welded wire. Wire cages are more durable than wooden cages and are less expensive in the long run. Wire cages reduce the incidence of disease because they are easier to clean and disinfect.
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7 Tips for Burning the Perfect Candle
By Chere Deshayes
Tapers, columns, votives, containers, pillars and novelty - chances are you have at least one of these types of candles in your home. Surveys done by candle manufacturers suggest that 7 out of 10 U.S households use candles, 96% of which are purchased by women. The basics for candles are easy, just light them! However, if you want to get the most out of your candles and not watch your money go up in smoke (literally), here are seven tips to follow.
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Budgeting When Your Paycheck Varies
By Terry Rigg
How can you decide how much you have for bills and expenses when your paycheck varies from one payday to the next? That's a question a lot of people struggle with.
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Spanish Food - The Tasty Tortilla
By Linda Plummer
It certainly is a poor man or woman who cannot find a few eggs, a couple of potatoes and an onion in their store cupboard!
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The Secret To Making Perfect Chili Fit For A King
By John Foutz
Every autumn my thoughts turn to making chili. The garden is about done. The freezer is full of veggies. All the canning is done, and winter is coming. Just before winter hits, the price of beef drops as cattlemen sell off any remaining stock that they don't want to "winter over". It is the perfect time to stock the freezer with homemade chili.
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Thanks
Susan
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