Finance: Dollar Stretcher Tips
Cheap, Custom Dry Erase Board
Reader's Money Saving Tips
Cheap, Custom Dry Erase Board
I needed a dry erase board for messages in my kitchen, but I hated the thought of the glaring white against my earth-toned counters and backsplashes. Instead of buying one, I resurrected an old wooden frame, placing a color-coordinated piece of paper (I used red) under the glass instead of a picture. I now use the dry erase markers directly on the glass when leaving messages for my family. It looks classy, cleans off easily, and didn't cost me anything to put together. I didn't hang it on the wall. Instead, I used the cardboard attached to the backing to make it stand up, so I can move it around easily.
Ann S.
No More Tears
To save time while washing my toddler's hair, I bought a pair of $1 goggles for him to wear. He always screamed when the shampoo got into his eyes and face. It didn't matter if it was children's shampoo or regular. This really saved time without the screaming and made for a peaceful bath and hair washing. Also, it was a cheap way to solve the problem.
Jane B.
From Bad Habit to Good Time
When I quit smoking 4 years ago I kept the money in my budget and I put it into separate account and save it. My money goal is to travel now and save money towards retirement which only 13 years away.
Kate C.
Granite Countertops for Cheap!
I just replaced my dated laminate countertop with granite. I did the work myself. There were two specific ways I saved. First, I used 12" granite tiles, which are about $10 each. I ordered five boxes that held ten tiles each, and then I used four boxes. Second, instead of renting a tile saw, I took specific measurements and then took the tiles over to Lowe's to have them cut. Instead of spending $50/day to rent a tile saw, I spent $8.50 to have 38 individual tiles cut.
I priced granite slab, solid surface, and quartz countertop at my local Lowe's. They were all twice the price of what I spent, including plywood, cement board, fiberglass tape, thinset mortar, grout, and the tiles. I saved a bundle.
Jen in NC
Cook Ahead
I wanted to start bulk or once a month cooking, both to save money by buying in bulk and to allow me to not have to cook everyday. But with small children, it was going to be impossible for me to spend an entire day cooking. So I've come up with an alternative.
When I cook a meal that freezes well, I make multiple batches at the same time and freeze the extra batches. I save money by buying the ingredients in bulk and by using my stove and oven more efficiently. Before I multi-batch a new recipe, I cook a single meal so I can be sure we like it.
I've done this for several weeks and , I have a lot of variety in the freezer. I can not cook for a couple nights a week on a regular basis by eating precooked or preassembled meals. As I save money by buying in bulk, I'm putting some of my savings into buying freezer containers so I can save money on freezer bags.
Rita R. in Excelsior Springs, MO
Great Motivation
This is something of a radical idea, but I needed a way to motivate myself to keep from getting my hair cut at $100 a visit (I've been very unhappy at cheaper salons). I'm now growing my hair for Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization Locks of Love that makes wigs for children who've lost their hair. Now I'm saving money and helping a good cause!
Cathy in Los Angeles
Propane Negotiations
When we first moved into our fixer-upper, we needed to fill the already existing propane tank. It belonged to a local company and was rented monthly by the home's previous owners. We called around to price propane per gallon. Of the two companies we narrowed down to, one of them offered a slightly better rate for the season and their office help was very friendly. (Each time you have your tank filled, call around because it may change annually. Also, you will get a better rate if you have your tank filled in August.)
Each company required that we rent their tank on a monthly basis or buy it outright. Neither of which sounded good to us, so we called up the company that offered the cheaper rate and explained to them that we were deciding between their company and another. Then we told them that if they would consider foregoing the monthly tank rental for as long as we used their propane, we would choose them. So, the other company came to pick up the existing tank and the company we chose brought a brand new tank and set it (about a 100 feet from where the old one sat) for free. And we will never have a monthly tank rental, which was about $8 bucks a month. $8 is not a lot of money, but it adds up each month year after year. Happy heating this year!
Bobbi
Personal Greeting Cards
Greeting card prices are too high for me. I bought several boxes of beautiful cards that are blank inside. I use these for everything from weddings to birthdays to sympathy cards and more. I love the personal touch it gives when I write my own words inside. I also sometimes use quotations or make up simple rhyming verses. Buying cards by the box beats even dollar store prices. I always have something suitable on hand for any occasion.
Also, sometimes card shops sell at terrific discount prices when they are closing. I have also bought colored envelopes from card shops that were getting rid of them for a song.
M.
Paying for Membership
My husband and I made a former unwise decision to shell out a considerable amount of money to join a health club, with the hope of motivating ourselves to exercise. It was a 100% waste of good money. We never went, and the health club refused to allow us out of the contract. Apparently, there are many people just like us, who have made the same mistake. The manager of the club unflinchingly told my husband, "You can't get out of the contract. We'll take you to court; I do it all the time."
After this painful lesson, we now have found the best (and no- cost!) way to fit exercise into our busy schedules:
Formerly wasted moments of time are now turned into health- building moments. The times you can build health-promoting benefits into your life are endless. And they don't cost a dime.
Sharon R.
For
more than 25 years, Gary Foreman has worked to manage money
effectively. He's been a financial planner and purchasing
manager. He currently edits The Dollar Stretcher website www.TheDollarStretcher.com and several newsletters. His mission is to help people "Live Better for Less."
While helping clients manage their hard earned money, he applied commonsense, time-tested techniques during the turbulent 1980's. The experience convinced him that you didn't need to hit the lottery to accumulate significant wealth.
Following that, Gary had an opportunity to learn more about how to get the best value for a dollar spent. As the Purchasing Manager for a computer manufacturer, he was responsible for supervising over $10 million in purchases each year.
Today, Gary spends his time editing The Dollar Stretcher newsletters and website. He enjoys the give and take of the internet and likes nothing better than to help people achieve their financial goals.
Gary lives in South Florida along with his wife of thirty years and their two children. When he has a free moment you'll find him restoring a Checker station wagon nicknamed "Two Ton" or cruising a '65 Impala convertible with doo-wops playing in the backgroun
Cheap, Custom Dry Erase Board
Reader's Money Saving Tips
Cheap, Custom Dry Erase Board
I needed a dry erase board for messages in my kitchen, but I hated the thought of the glaring white against my earth-toned counters and backsplashes. Instead of buying one, I resurrected an old wooden frame, placing a color-coordinated piece of paper (I used red) under the glass instead of a picture. I now use the dry erase markers directly on the glass when leaving messages for my family. It looks classy, cleans off easily, and didn't cost me anything to put together. I didn't hang it on the wall. Instead, I used the cardboard attached to the backing to make it stand up, so I can move it around easily.
Ann S.
No More Tears
To save time while washing my toddler's hair, I bought a pair of $1 goggles for him to wear. He always screamed when the shampoo got into his eyes and face. It didn't matter if it was children's shampoo or regular. This really saved time without the screaming and made for a peaceful bath and hair washing. Also, it was a cheap way to solve the problem.
Jane B.
From Bad Habit to Good Time
When I quit smoking 4 years ago I kept the money in my budget and I put it into separate account and save it. My money goal is to travel now and save money towards retirement which only 13 years away.
Kate C.
Granite Countertops for Cheap!
I just replaced my dated laminate countertop with granite. I did the work myself. There were two specific ways I saved. First, I used 12" granite tiles, which are about $10 each. I ordered five boxes that held ten tiles each, and then I used four boxes. Second, instead of renting a tile saw, I took specific measurements and then took the tiles over to Lowe's to have them cut. Instead of spending $50/day to rent a tile saw, I spent $8.50 to have 38 individual tiles cut.
I priced granite slab, solid surface, and quartz countertop at my local Lowe's. They were all twice the price of what I spent, including plywood, cement board, fiberglass tape, thinset mortar, grout, and the tiles. I saved a bundle.
Jen in NC
Cook Ahead
I wanted to start bulk or once a month cooking, both to save money by buying in bulk and to allow me to not have to cook everyday. But with small children, it was going to be impossible for me to spend an entire day cooking. So I've come up with an alternative.
When I cook a meal that freezes well, I make multiple batches at the same time and freeze the extra batches. I save money by buying the ingredients in bulk and by using my stove and oven more efficiently. Before I multi-batch a new recipe, I cook a single meal so I can be sure we like it.
I've done this for several weeks and , I have a lot of variety in the freezer. I can not cook for a couple nights a week on a regular basis by eating precooked or preassembled meals. As I save money by buying in bulk, I'm putting some of my savings into buying freezer containers so I can save money on freezer bags.
Rita R. in Excelsior Springs, MO
Great Motivation
This is something of a radical idea, but I needed a way to motivate myself to keep from getting my hair cut at $100 a visit (I've been very unhappy at cheaper salons). I'm now growing my hair for Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization Locks of Love that makes wigs for children who've lost their hair. Now I'm saving money and helping a good cause!
Cathy in Los Angeles
Propane Negotiations
When we first moved into our fixer-upper, we needed to fill the already existing propane tank. It belonged to a local company and was rented monthly by the home's previous owners. We called around to price propane per gallon. Of the two companies we narrowed down to, one of them offered a slightly better rate for the season and their office help was very friendly. (Each time you have your tank filled, call around because it may change annually. Also, you will get a better rate if you have your tank filled in August.)
Each company required that we rent their tank on a monthly basis or buy it outright. Neither of which sounded good to us, so we called up the company that offered the cheaper rate and explained to them that we were deciding between their company and another. Then we told them that if they would consider foregoing the monthly tank rental for as long as we used their propane, we would choose them. So, the other company came to pick up the existing tank and the company we chose brought a brand new tank and set it (about a 100 feet from where the old one sat) for free. And we will never have a monthly tank rental, which was about $8 bucks a month. $8 is not a lot of money, but it adds up each month year after year. Happy heating this year!
Bobbi
Personal Greeting Cards
Greeting card prices are too high for me. I bought several boxes of beautiful cards that are blank inside. I use these for everything from weddings to birthdays to sympathy cards and more. I love the personal touch it gives when I write my own words inside. I also sometimes use quotations or make up simple rhyming verses. Buying cards by the box beats even dollar store prices. I always have something suitable on hand for any occasion.
Also, sometimes card shops sell at terrific discount prices when they are closing. I have also bought colored envelopes from card shops that were getting rid of them for a song.
M.
Paying for Membership
My husband and I made a former unwise decision to shell out a considerable amount of money to join a health club, with the hope of motivating ourselves to exercise. It was a 100% waste of good money. We never went, and the health club refused to allow us out of the contract. Apparently, there are many people just like us, who have made the same mistake. The manager of the club unflinchingly told my husband, "You can't get out of the contract. We'll take you to court; I do it all the time."
After this painful lesson, we now have found the best (and no- cost!) way to fit exercise into our busy schedules:
1. Upon waking up, we do leg and arm exercises before getting out of bed. We deep breathe.
2. At red lights, we do neck rolls.
3. We walk briskly to and from our car to store, job, church, etc.
4. While brushing and flossing, we do leg lifts.
5. While waiting those seemingly "useless" minutes in line at the store, bank, etc., we do unobtrusive gluteal and abdominal tightening exercises.
2. At red lights, we do neck rolls.
3. We walk briskly to and from our car to store, job, church, etc.
4. While brushing and flossing, we do leg lifts.
5. While waiting those seemingly "useless" minutes in line at the store, bank, etc., we do unobtrusive gluteal and abdominal tightening exercises.
Formerly wasted moments of time are now turned into health- building moments. The times you can build health-promoting benefits into your life are endless. And they don't cost a dime.
Sharon R.
For
more than 25 years, Gary Foreman has worked to manage money
effectively. He's been a financial planner and purchasing
manager. He currently edits The Dollar Stretcher website www.TheDollarStretcher.com and several newsletters. His mission is to help people "Live Better for Less."While helping clients manage their hard earned money, he applied commonsense, time-tested techniques during the turbulent 1980's. The experience convinced him that you didn't need to hit the lottery to accumulate significant wealth.
Following that, Gary had an opportunity to learn more about how to get the best value for a dollar spent. As the Purchasing Manager for a computer manufacturer, he was responsible for supervising over $10 million in purchases each year.
Today, Gary spends his time editing The Dollar Stretcher newsletters and website. He enjoys the give and take of the internet and likes nothing better than to help people achieve their financial goals.
Gary lives in South Florida along with his wife of thirty years and their two children. When he has a free moment you'll find him restoring a Checker station wagon nicknamed "Two Ton" or cruising a '65 Impala convertible with doo-wops playing in the backgroun