Diana’s Neighborhood

kevindooley – Flickr.com

Surviving this weak economy can be frustrating and seem almost impossible.  When gas was almost at double where it is today, many of us drove less, consolidating our errands.  If I knew I needed to pick up one of my kids from an after school activity, I would hold off going to the market and post office until it was closer to the time of having to swing by the school. We should STILL continue to do this now.  Although, I’ve ALWAYS done this – I have also ALWAYS taught my kids to SHUT THE LIGHTS OFF when leaving a room – take a bag lunch and snacks from home to not only save, but eat healthier.  Put an extra blanket on their bed since a cooler, night temperature kicks in at around 8pm.  Do not waste, recycle paper, warm up left overs and shop sales – remembering though, to always ask, do I really NEED that?

Here are some saving ideas from my most favorite on-line sites:

• Dollar Stretching Shopping Tips from FOODNETWORK.COM <CLICK>
• Creative Ways to Cut Costs from Good Morning America <CLICK>
• Frugal Living from Oprah’s MONEY section <CLICK>
• 10 Meals Under $10 from Rachael Ray <CLICK>
• Saving Money from 7 OnLINE.COM <CLICK>
• Save a Dime in ‘09 from LiveRegisandKelly.com <CLICK>
• Saving Money Tips from HGTV.com <CLICK>
• Teri Gault from TheGroceryGame.com <CLICK>

Ninjapoodles – Flickr.com

A few more ideas -

• Decide what is a “Luxury” and what is a “Necessity”
• Shut the television off and have “Fun time” with the kids – Have them read books, color, build with Llegos or blocks. Make it fun by “hiding” something (like an Easter Egg Hunt) and have the kids try to find it – the first to do so, picks the next activity!
• Have a “Pasta and Salad” dinner night once a week – really inexpensive and filling!
• Cut back on your laundry’s drying time by hanging some of your clothes.  Even if it’s just a few pieces from every load.  
• Rent a movie, pop your own popcorn, buy a gallon of wine (inexpensive and lasts much longer than just a bottle) and STAY HOME!  This will also save gas!
• Trim your family’s hair, including your pup’s and give yourself a manicure.
• USE COUPONS! and stock up on Sale Items at the Grocery Store.
• Save those PENNIES!  Every day empty your pockets and put your change in a piggy bank or decortive bottle.  It adds up quickly!
• Cut your own lawn
• Make your own PIZZA. Maybe have your family pick their own personal pizza choice and make individual pizzas – I like mine with peppers – my youngest son with extra cheese, … – Yum!
• Looking to REFINANCE or purchase a HOME to take advange of the current low interest rates and tax break?  Call at least 3 different lenders – all may have totally different mortgage packages – being careful with how many times they run your credit within a certain allowed time.
• Go to bed 1/2 an hour earlier every night – Getting more SLEEP is healthy for you AND since your lights, TV, computer are being shut off earlier – the savings will add up at the end of the month!
• Call your insurance agent for info on raising your deductibles on your car and home insurance to save.
• Contact your cell phone carrier and go over your usage to see if you need all those minutes and ask if they have better packages.  Also, call your cable company and inquire on the “Bundle” packages – combing your TV, phone and internet can save you $$
• and…  don’t forget to call your Credit Card companies to see about assisting you in lowering your interest rates.

  Remember, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com

Inspirational Quote - “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today.  I can choose which it shall be.”  – Groucho Marx