Daily Thrifty Tips - September 18, 2007

This week's Saving Money On... Newsletter is about Saving Money on Banking Fees. Do you have any tips to share? Please submit them here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Old Baby Gate For A Trellis

Do you remember the old wooden baby gates? If you see one at a garage sale or an auction, they make an excellent trellis. I have a clematis growing on mine that I started this year.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Baby Blanket Dolls

Baby dolls, boy and girl, made out of one pink thermal receiving blanket and one blue thermal receiving blanket, a boys bonnet, a girls bonnet, a blue bib and pink bib, white thin satin ribbon, girl booties and boy booties.

Take the receiving blanket hold the long rectangular way, roll each long side to the middle, till the two sides meet. Folded 3/4 halfway with the rolls on the inside. while holding in your hand, using a fist full of craft stuffing (fiberfill) stuff inside the top of the inside roll, to make the head, gently tie a ribbon around under the head to make the head, Then take from the back side the two ends of the roll, the short ends and bring them around the front sides, tie with a ribbon around the end piece of each side roll, to make hands, take the bottom two rolled ends and do the same, separate and tie off with a ribbon to make feet. Put the bonnet over the head, put the bib around the neck, and the booties on each foot! Hand embroider half moon blue eyes, a tiny knot for a nose and a pink embroidered mouth. These sit in a basket, make wonderful gift toppers, and then beautiful decorations for baby's nursery.

By Jackie from Southern, MA

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Macinack Bridge In Michigan

On our last trip last Fall, we visited the last of all the United States, we drove over the Macinack Bridge in Michigan. We camped in a campground at south end. We had seen a documentary on the construction and was on our "to see" list.

By Eletha from Waterford, CA

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Lady (American Cocker Spaniel)

Lady is 4 years old and a American Cocker Spaniel. Her nickname is LadyBaby.

I have a friend that knew these people that lived next door that had Lady. Lady wasn't being taken care very well at all. When I got Lady, her fur was all matted up. She had motor oil and screws in her fur. It was an awful sight. I have always loved these kinds of dogs, so I brought her home and she's fit into our family ever since.

She loves to play ball, goes for walks, or just get a good doggie rub. Lady is a wonderful dog, always willing to please.

By Cynthia from Douglasville, GA

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When Things Aren't On Sale
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

There is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.

How many times have you snatched an item off the shelf because it was unbelievably priced, then you paid with a credit card? Credit cards are great for spontaneous purchases, but if there are too many spontaneous purchases they start to counteract the sale that pleased you so much.

The Problem

This isn't a bad deal if you have the $300 set aside to pay for them (or at least you will by the time the credit card bill comes.) However, if you are like most people, you will carry a balance on that card. Paying a minimum of $20 a month plus interest will take a little less than a year and a half to pay off with $27 in accumulated interest charges (13% APR). Still, this isn't a bad deal.

However, if you apply the previous logic to a sweater that is on sale for $6 off and add it to an already mounting credit card bill, things change. If the sweater is $34 on sale, you're adding $34 to a bill that already isn't being paid. Suppose you still make the $20 monthly payment, but your balance is $1238. It will take six years to pay off this debt (assuming you never add to it) and you will pay $488 in interest (13% APR.) Rather than save the $6, apply the $34 towards your monthly payment and reduce that $488 interest to $193.

The premise is simple - you're not saving on sales if you're adding to accumulated debt.

The Benefit

Keep your balance manageable on your card. If there is a month that asks for the sudden flight to Aunt Jo in Denver, then avoid using the card again until this emergency is paid off. Likewise, if those golf clubs are on sale and your card carries little or no balance, buy them. Even at paying the interest you're saving $123 on the set. However, the sweater isn't worth it.

Have trouble keeping your hands off your credit card? Try this trick. The first is to keep the card in a lock box at home rather than in your wallet. Yes, revolving balances and internet purchases are still possible, but the temptation of a shopping spree at the local department store which is having a blowout sale will disappear. If something is on markdown, the drive home to get the card will make you think further about the purchase and its validity. If you're too tired to drive back out to the store (not to mention add the expense of the gas for another trip) then you really didn't need it in the first place. It forces you to think about your purchases more.

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Use Vintage Metal Buckets for Planters

Use vintage metal buckets found at yard sales for container gardening. In most cases, the buckets already have holes in the bottom, acting as great drainage holes. Fill with organic materials and plants and, voila, you have a portable container gardening solution!

By Lisa from Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Power Of Attorney For Elderly Parent

I strongly suggest if you have a parent still living that they make you power of attorney over them, in case something happens to them where they might have to wind up in the nursing home. The state will otherwise take their home and property.

By Wendy from Enid, OK

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Steam Cleaning Leather Running Shoes

You might faint from shock or horror, but I have had great luck cleaning leather runners with a steam cleaner. Just be careful not to let the dirt from the shoes blow onto the white sink like I did while steaming, it is another chore to steam it off as well. Best done outside!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Fishing Line For Frugal Toilet Fix

As a very stingy gramma, I have got "tight waddery" down to a science. While living in an apartment where the repair people didn't come running when I called, I figured out a way to fix my toilet. I just did it this morning in my 30+ year old condo. We will eventually replace the toilets but this will work until we do.

I removed the chain from the flushing apparatus and replaced it with a double length of fishing line. If you make it exactly the length to fit from the handle to the little rubber stopper thingy, it won't get caught and leave the toilet running all day. Fishing line won't cause those rust stains which torment us at cleaning time. Be sure to leave the link of chain that attaches to the rubber stopper. Just loop the line through that and then through the hole in the lever which attaches to the flush handle. Then wind it several times and tie it securely.

By Marty from Houston, TX

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Keep Utility Phone Numbers In Your Cell For Emergencies

In my cell phone's address book, along with my other numbers of my family, friends and other contacts, I also have the phone number of the electric company. In case of a power outage, I'm not running in the dark trying to find the phone book to look up the power company's number to report the outage. I keep my cell phone close by at all times. By having their phone number in my cell phone, it's come in handy twice just this summer!

By Terri H. from NV

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Stock Up When Groceries Are On Sale

One thing I do is watch the grocery store flyers to find items that I think is a good price. I watch prices real close, I may have a coupon , maybe not. Say they have a can of refried beans for 79 cents, if it's a generic can. I might pick up 4 or 5 cans. If it's a name brand, I may or may not have a coupon, and I pick up a few cans; that's only about $3.00. I take those home, do it that way for a few items and I have a stash at home.

I do this kind of shopping for all my groceries and clothes. You'd be surprised at how soon you have shelves of groceries at your house. You need something? You have it! What's $3.00 for a few groceries on your shelf, you would generally spend $3.00 on some insignificant something, and you can still have your Coke when you want it.

By Jamish from Ransom, Kansas

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Save Magazine Pictures For Crafts

I love to make my own cards and gift bags and I love magazines (I get a ton). When I want to make card for a certain holiday, let say Halloween, I just pull out my latest magazine, (they always arrive a month ahead of time) and look for cute pictures of pumpkins, black cats and other Halloween related pictures. If I can't find what I want, I pull out an older issue of the same month.

To make it even easier, go through each magazine as you get it and cut out any cute or interesting pictures. Save them in a file until you need them. You can use them for scrap booking, crafting, collages and more. If your kid likes a certain cartoon character, you could look for pics of it in your magazines and make a nice collage for them to hang on their wall. Other people might like a neat collage of their favorite things: dogs, cats, airplanes, etc. Almost any nice picture you find in your fav magazine can be framed and given as a gift or even keep it yourself.

By Jennifer from Conyers, GA

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Cheap Photo Business Cards

I got a great deal on business cards with pix at www.vistaprint.com. They had a deal on free photo uploads! So 500 only cost me $6 or so for shipping.

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles. CA

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Homemade Laundry Detergent for HE Washers

Is homemade laundry soap safe for HE washers?

Lisa from Lebanon, IL

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Getting a Companion For a Dog

We are thinking of getting another dog for our current dog Cosmo to have a friend and playmate. Also, to try and get him to be a little braver and not so nervous. He is Chu/Terrior mix. Cosmo is a sweet dog, just scared of everything. He seems to like it at my in-laws with their dog and stays out of his cage to play with the other dog. Any suggestions? We really don't want 2 dogs, but if it would make Cosmo happier then we will consider. My kids 7 and 10 really want another dog, but they don't have to pay the vet bills or take care of 2 dogs.

Lisa

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Front Lawn Overrun With Weeds

We just bought a new house on a 1/2 acre and it is over run with weeds. Lots of sticker type weeds also. In the front of the house I wanted to do a big lawn.

So my neighbor brought his tractor over and tilled the front area we then threw down grass seed and began to water,and water and water... the grass started to grow and sprout up here and there and we got excited but then the weeds sprouted up and over ran the area we planted. We tried lawn weed killer and it did NOTHING!

Is there anything I can do to get the lawn not the weeds to grow? If I start over whats the best way to get the lawn to grow and get rid of the weeds for good? I read all the vinegar and salt articles but I want to be able to grow a nice front lawn and I don't have lots of money so it need to be somewhat inexpensive also?it seems the more i water the faster the weeds grow!! and I'm new to this so I'm clueless! Please Help!
Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Natalie from Sigurd, UT

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Looking For Inexpensive Cotton Headbands

Does anyone Know where to get cotton headbands cheap? I'm looking to make some headbands with bow, etc. on them for a craft show. I can't find them cheap. Thanks.

Susan from Prospect Park, PA

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Buying Inexpensive Flannel Backed Plastic Tablecloths

Where can I buy flannel back plastic tablecloths at a reasonable price?

Jacquey from Phoenix, AZ

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Getting Mud Off Stainless Steel Walk-In Cooler

How do I get mud off a walk-in cooler thats made of stainless steel? We cannot turn the cooler off as its a store cooler and when we use water it freezes up.

We have tried alcohol, it works a little and what ever we use has to come in contact with food so we have to be careful. Please help thanks.

Margaret from Corrigan, TX

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Which Hand Would a Left-Handed Waiter Carry a Drink Tray

On the palm of which hand would a left-handed waiter place a drinks tray?

Malcolm from Taringa

Editors Note: I am right handed and I have worked in several restaurants. I can honestly say the tray may start in my right hand but by the time I get to the table it ends up in my left just as often as not. The important part is getting the food or drink safely to the patrons.

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Caring For Great Dane With Parvo

My great dane has parvo, we just got back from the vet. I was wondering if there were any tips anyone has for treating this at home. Does the bleach method work or is there anything else out there that works.

David from Yua City, CA

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Ideas For Asking a Girl To Homecoming

What are homecoming ideas to ask a girl to homecoming as a friend but I like her more than that but she doesn't know that?

Rick from Everett, WA

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Homecoming Float Ideas With "Of One Body" Theme

For our homecoming float the theme is "Of One Body" and I have no ideas. Does anyone else have a creative idea? Please Help!

Ashley from Jefferson City, TN

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Advice On Painting Ceiling Dark Red

I have been reading a post about painting a ceiling red . . . I am toying with dark plum for my kitchen - any thoughts? I really think that it will be great (plus my husband "forbid" me to do it - which of course means - it HAS to be done!) - but anyone tried this one before?

tippytoad from Neosho, MO

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Looking For Review of Oust Candles

I saw an ad for "OUST" candles odor eliminator. Are they any good?

Keeper from MTS, NC

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How To Determine Spacing Of Grommets On Curtains

Does anyone know how to determine the placement of grommets on curtains. There needs to be an even number and I just can't figure it out!

Mary from Aurora, CO

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Recipe For Garlic Olive Oil

How to make plain olive oil into garlic flavor oil, any recipes?

Birthaleen from Burbank, CA

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Advice For Putting Queen Size Bed On Risers

I have a queen size bed that I would like to put on risers. The problem is I do not like the risers to show. The bedskirt is not long enough to cover them. I have tried using a queen and a king size bedspread but the queen is too short and the king is too long. I have also tried using a king size bedskirt. It is too large. Does anyone have any suggestions?

suzi_homemaker01 from Central Texas

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Where To Find Earth Shoes

Anyone remember Earth shoes from 1970 era? If Earth shoes are still around can you tell me where to find them? Thanks.

Birthaleen from Burbank, CA

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Removing Food Stains From White CorningWare

How can I get the worn in food stains out of my White CorningWare Baking Dish.

Ruth from Harlingen, TX

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Ingrown Hairs After Surgery

I had lymph nodes removed from my left armpit 3 years ago. Since then I keep getting ingrown hairs on the scar. It was not cancer, just inflamed lymph nodes. The surgeon messed up and left me with nerve damage so now I know when it is going to rain/snow now. The main problem is the ingrown hairs, any ideas on preventing and getting rid of the 2 painful ones I have now. I don't want to go to doctor and would like a natural cure.

Lisa from Westland, MI

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Does The Power Rider Provide Effective Exercise

I have an exercise equipment that was really popular about 10 years ago. It's called a Power Rider. I wonder how effective this equipment is when trying to lose weight. I have a hard time getting to a gym or out on my own, because I have a small child, and I thought if I woke up early each morning and worked out on the Power Rider I could work out from home. Anybody know about the effectiveness of this equipment?

Stacy from Denver, Co

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Planning a 25th Wedding Anniversary With Renewal Of Vows

I was wanting to give my parents a wedding to re-new their vows for their 25th anniversary. Well, from the looks of it I am the only child of theirs that is willing to do this. But it will give me 2 years to plan and get things together. I need help please

Dee from Morrow, GA

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Decorating With Dust Allergies

I have allergies to dust, dust mites, and animal dander. When this was diagnosed, the doctor gave me all kinds of information on how to keep my house dust free via regular cleaning, air filters, etc. One requirement is that I not have a lot of decorations on my walls and and other places because they are major dust collectors.

I don't mind having not having a lot of decorations because I like a simple home anyways. However, I'm wondering if anybody else has this problem? I've Googled many times to find tips on how to decorate a home with this condition...but I've found nothing. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to make a house look homey and nice...without all those dust collectors?

Janellio from Lewisburg, PA

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Frugal Ideas For Replacing Cabinet Doors

Does anyone have any frugal ideas for replacing cabinet doors? I do not want to strip, paint, or replace hardware on present doors. Thanks.

Sally from Georgia

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Help With Constipated Puppy

What can I give to my 6 week old puppy to help her go poop?

Leota from Richland, MO

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Preventing White Residue At Lipline From Lip Gloss

Every time I wear lip gloss, chap stick or lip stick I get this nasty white goo at my lip line. I have never heard anyone else having this problem, how can I stop that from happening?

Monique from , Galt, Ca

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Recipe for Angel Food Pudding and Fruit Cake

I'm trying to find a recipe for a dessert that had chunks of angle food cake on the bottom, a layer of vanilla pudding, and them fruit on top. I don't know if there is anything else in it or not.

Amy from Fort Wayne, IN

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Saving Money on Bank Fees

Tips for saving money on bank fees. Post your ideas below.

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Moth Ball Odor in Washing Machine

I washed clothes that had been stored in mothballs and now my washer smells like them. How do I get that smell out? I have tried lots of stuff without success. Nothing is working.

Roseanna from SD

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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