Showers are Savers

Taking a short shower instead of a bath is a great way to save money and the environment.  Not only do you save money on gallons of water, but you also save money on the cost of heating that extra water.

I must be completely honest and say that I rarely follow this tip, although I should.  Baths are one of the few "luxuries" I allow myself!

Store Coupons

I failed to include in my Coupon 101 post an important thing about store coupons.  They can be used in combination with a manufacturer's coupon and an electronic (Cellfire) coupon.  This equals extra savings!!

'Tis The (Garage Sale) Season

Well... maybe not today with all the rain:-), but it is definitely garage sale season now.  Never been garage saleing before?  Not too sure you like the idea of buying used merchandise?  Let me  share some of the great reasons to become a garage saler.  (Yes, I know "saler" is not a word, but you get the general idea!)

1. Hit the right garage sale and you can find needed items at a fraction of the retail cost, often without much wear on the item.
2. It's kind of fun--like a treasure hunt.  "One man's junk is another man's treasure" right?
3. You are doing your part for the environment... just recycling someone else's stuff.
4. If an item breaks or wears out, you won't feel as bad because you paid a few dollars for it rather than a lot of money.  Less money down the drain!

My mom and I started garage saleing when I was young.  Loving antiques, we found treasures of china, silver, books, etc.  Inside one book we even found a handwritten letter from 1876!  (Unfortunately, we couldn't remember where we had bought it and so were unable to return the letter to the owners.  Sad!) Since marriage, we've found more practical items that were gently used:  crib ($35), wingback chair, kids' toys, wagon, rocking chair, etc.  It has saved us lots of money!

So, here are tips for the best garage sale experience.

1. Map out your intended garage sale route to maximize fuel efficiency.
2. Start early.  The best deals go fast!
3. Wear somewhat grubby clothes (decent looking, but ones that can get dirty).  Purchased items may need a little cleaning, plus it helps with bargaining.
4. Don't be afraid to bargain.  Almost everyone is willing to come down in price a little, if it means they can get rid of an item.
5. Don't be afraid of items that look a little dirty, but are in good shape.  Some good ol' soap and water and a Magic Eraser can do wonders!!
6. Carry cash...preferably in low denominations.
7. Have fun!

Over time, you'll learn which neighborhoods and houses have the best sales.  Garage saleing is a great way to save money!   (Just don't go overboard and buy tons of things you don't need just because it's such a great "deal.")

Community Spring Clean

Many communities offer FREE cleanup services during the springtime.  Search your city website for dates of when they provide free removal of large garbage items.  Usually it is only offered one day, so take advantage of it so you don't have to pay your garbage service for extra items.  Cities also often offer a free Hazardous Waste Collection day... again saving you from having to pay for hazardous waste removal.  Spring clean and save some green!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Growing up, my mom always had a large productive garden.  We'd grow tomatoes, squash, zucchini, onions, rhubarb, and other veggies with varying success.  We also had many fruit trees--cherry, plum, apricot, peach, apple.  Since my marriage, I've dreamed of having a similar garden, but it is yet to become a reality.  Our current backyard is tiny.  The only space suitable for a garden would be smack in the middle of the grass, which would not survive the rough housing and ball games of my boys.  I've attempted container gardening, without much success.  This year I'm looking into joining a community garden, but am unsure if I have the time to commit to it.

So, my question for you is, how do you garden?  What have you successfully grown in Colorado, particularly with containers?  Please share!!

Happy About Hand-Me-Downs

I hate clothes shopping---it's difficult with three little ones in tow, it's hard to sort through all the immodest clothes to find modest outfits that fit and are cute, and I hate paying $20 for a piece of clothing.  Enter hand-me-downs.  I'm incredibly blessed to have a sister-in-law who loves to shop and is close to my same size.  She gets the "thrill" of shopping, wearing an outfit for a year or two, then when she tires of it, she sends it my way.  She does the same thing with clothes for her sons and daughter, who are handily just a few years older than my children.  We LOVE hand-me-downs at our house. 

Now, you may not be as fortunate as to have a shopping-loving relative, but you can still spread the word that you welcome any and all hand-me-downs.  Many people would rather donate their gently used clothing to someone they know than to some faceless organization.  I have two neighbors that occassionally drop off their son's outgrown clothes, knowing that if I can't use it, I have friends with boys the same age as mine that would also welcome hand-me-downs.

Another option is to organize a clothing swap with your friends.  Make it a fun event where everyone brings clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry that they don't want anymore.  You can then "shop," coming home with a new wardrobe, without paying a cent!  Donate any leftover items to your favorite charity.

Easter clearance

Sorry, I should've posted this last week, but things have been a little crazy around here. 

Most stores are clearancing their Easter merchandise for up to 75% off.  NOW is the time to buy any baskets, plastic eggs, egg dyes, cookie cutters, etc. that you will want for next Easter.  If you so desire, it's also a fabulous time to buy those adorable Easter dresses/outfits for next year... just guestimate what size your child will be a year from now.

Coupons 101

Ok, I'll admit it.  I 'heart' coupons.  In fact, I'm probably a little fanatical about coupons.  Even my kids know to ask if I have a coupon for some item they'd like me to buy for them.  Coupons are great because they save money, and hey, they are just FUN!  (I know...I'm a little crazy!-)  But you do need to know how to use them in order to really get a good deal and to not just buy something you don't really need.

Here are the basics you need to know about coupons:

1. Types of coupons
2. Where to find coupons
3. Store Coupon Policies

First we'll cover the different types of coupons (and a little bit of where to find them):

• Manufacturer Coupons-- These are the most common.  Usually found in newspapers, magazines, and online.  These coupons can sometimes be "doubled."
• Store Coupons--  Offered by your local store.  Sometimes they come with the newspaper (like Target's) or, if you have a shopping card at King Sooper's or Safeway, you will be mailed special store coupons.
• Internet Coupons--  Some websites allow you to print off coupons.  Usually these are a digital form of manufacturer coupons and often you can only print off one of each coupon.
• Digital Coupons-- Companies like Kroger (King Sooper's) and Safeway, as well as other companies like Cell Fire,  allow you to download coupons directly to your store card and/or cell phone.  Using your card at checkout, the coupons are automatically deducted when your couponed item is scanned.  While you can only download one coupon per item, you are allowed to use a manufacturer coupon on top of it...meaning double savings!
• "Peelies"-- These are the coupons that come attached to a product you purchase.  You can either use it then or save it for a later purchase.
• "Catalinas"-- These are the printed coupons that are handed to you with your receipt.  Some are junk, but pay close attention to these as sometimes there are great deals such as "Save $3 on your next purchase."  Lately, I've noticed catalinas printed off at King Sooper's that inform you of upcoming promotions.  (For example, "Buy 4 Kleenex, save $1 on your next order"  with the promotional dates.)  I've started saving these in my coupon folder so I can really know when there are special deals happening.

Where to find coupons:
I get most of my coupons in the newspaper.  We were able to get a great deal on the Denver Post (liberal newspaper, I know, but they have good deals) where we pay $4.17/month for a daily delivery.  The coupons usually come in Sunday's edition, but I often get extra "leftover" coupons in my Wednesday or Thursday papers.  Extra coupons = extra savings!  Just remember to recycle your finished paper!

You can also find coupons in magazines, store mailers, and online.  The Grocery Game website now has a great site that leads you to several online coupon resources, including Cell Fire.

Store Policies
The best thing to do is to check out the store's website and/or call customer service.  Some clerks are easier than others with coupons.  I try to be completely honest with my coupons, but there is one clerk at King Sooper's that questions EVERY coupon (even though I buy the correct item) so I avoid her (since I usually have 10+ coupons.

King Soopers and Safeway "double" your coupons up to a dollar.  This means that if your coupon is for 50 cents off, they'll give you an extra 50 cents discount.  25 cents off, they'll give you 25 cents additional discount.  75 cents off, they'll give you 25 cents extra.

Whew!  Sorry for the novel of a post, but hopefully this helps.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.  Please don't feel overwhelmed by this massive explanation.  Start out slowly and soon you'll become a coupon queen!

Yahoo! Print Article

I just noticed this article on Yahoo today:

It states that you can save money by switching the default print on your printer.  It reads: "When Printer.com tested popular fonts for their ink-friendly ways, Century Gothic and Times New Roman topped the list. Calibri, Verdana, Arial and Sans Serif were next, followed by Trebuchet, Tahoma and Franklin Gothic Medium. Century Gothic uses about 30 percent less ink than Arial." 

The article does warn, however, that some fonts like Century Gothic are wider, and so you may end up using more paper.  Times New Roman font seems to be the best choice of font--it uses less ink than other fonts and it is still narrow to use less paper.

Some other way to save on printing:

• Ask yourself if you really need to print it in the first place.  Could you just jot it down on a scratch piece of paper instead?
• Use the fast draft option.  It uses less ink.
• Use the "print in grayscale only" option.  Again, it uses less ink.
• Print on both sides of the page.

Switch Your Bulbs

Burned out light bulb?  Replace it with a CFL bulb.  While the upfront cost is more than a regular light bulb, you will save money in the end because a CFL bulb lasts much longer and costs much less in electricity.

CFL bulbs at Walmart

I'm not sure how long this deal will last, but I noticed at Walmart today that GE CFL light bulbs are selling for $5.88 for a 6 bulb package.  Usually they sell for $11.88/box.  This is a great deal!!  Use a $1 off coupon for additional savings!

Love Your Library

Our city library is one of my most favorite (and economical) excursions for my family.  Not only can you borrow books, but you can also borrow cds, movies, Leap Pad games, storytime kits, reading group kits, etc.  They offer free internet (something to look into if you are considering cutting monthly expenses... rather than pay for a connection at home) as well as informative classes.  The library offers storytimes for all ages, parent information classes, and a fantastic summer reading program.  They occasionally offer family-friendly concerts as well.  And they do this all for FREE!  What a bargain!!