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First of all, congratulations to Jan T. for choosing organic foods for her family. Not only is she investing in the long-term health of her loved ones, she is also protecting the health of our planet. In addition to the benefits she mentioned, certified organic food also does not contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs). I have been buying mostly organic food for my family for years. It didn't happen overnight. Gradually, as more products became available and prices started to drop, I replaced items that were not organic with healthier alternatives.
There are several things that Jan can do to save money. If your local supermarket carries organic produce, watch for sales. I have seen organic broccoli for the same price as the stuff with the pesticides on it. Also, I have found that prices vary widely from store to store. I can get a dozen organic eggs in our local A&P for 1.99, but a D'Agostino's a short distance away charges at least a dollar more per dozen. Also, the healthy food chain in our area often has better prices than the local supermarkets, especially when items are on sale.
I have greatly reduced the amount of food that I buy in stores by joining a local "buying club." We get a delivery (to my driveway) once a month.
There are coupons available for healthy food at www.mambosprouts.com.
Take heart! I have found that as demand increases for organic produce the prices have been slowly approaching those of conventionally grown produce. Prices seem to me to be much better now than they were just five years ago.
Judyth S.
more on finding organic foods for less at www.stretcher.com/stories/00/001204a.cfm
My husband and I had our own jewelry store for 20 years. We manufactured and repaired all types, so I am somewhat of an authority.
You can get good deals at pawn shops, if you know what you're looking for. If not, stay away as many things are worn or need repair. They usually have great deals on diamonds. Surprisingly, Wal-Mart is the most under-appreciated source of jewelry. They carry the same brands found in the mall stores, and very low prices. They also back up everything with a satisfaction guarantee. Their prices on diamonds can't be beat, but you have to have a close look, as the cheapest deals are low quality diamonds. On diamond earrings, they can't be beat.
The only drawback is they have to send rings out to be sized, which can take up to 2 weeks. Overall though, a good bargain.
S.
more sources for jewelry savings
Several years ago, after our 3 kids were in bed, we made Santa's footprints. We cut 2 boot shapes out of lightweight cardboard and using a small sifter, sprinkled baking soda around them. The footprints led to the tree and then to the table with the milk and cookies. The kids were thrilled to find Santa's prints. Last year, our 13-year-old asked if he and his sister could take over this task and do it for their little brother. They really had fun and are looking forward to doing it again this year.
Brenda T.
more holiday memories at www.stretcher.com/stories/00/001204g.cfm
I was reading some of the remedies for acne www.stretcher.com/stories/99/991025b.cfm and I have one that my teenagers use and it works great. They use it every other day or so to prevent dryness. Its called a Panoxyl bar and they come in 5% and 10% strengths.
When you go to the pharmacist just ask them. They sell it behind the counter without a prescription. The cost is usually around $6-$8 which isn't bad compared to the prices of the shelf brands.
Candee O.
An inexpensive way of growing alfalfa sprouts instead of buying them at the supermarket:
* Place 1 Tsp of alfalfa seeds into a clean jam jar
* Cover with water and soak for 1 day
* Place a piece of nylon on top of the jar with an elastic band
* Rinse seeds with fresh water once a day and pour the water out (the stocking will act as a sieve to stop the seeds from escaping)
In about 5 days you will have a jar full of delicious economical alfalfa sprouts ready to put in sandwiches and salads.
Alfalfa seeds are readily available in most good health food stores.
AJM
When I was a young single mother, I found that there were two ways to get a membership to the YMCA without paying for one, thus enabling my children to be entertained and take classes. They have sliding scale fees....you have to ask for a scholarship membership and fit into the income guidelines.
Also if you work part time or volunteer your time, you can get a membership for yourself and pay the extra for your kids. I have done both, when I no longer fit the financial guidelines for the scholarship, I volunteered my time.
Check with your YMCA to see if this is available to you. I am also sure that there are other places just like this that offer this benefit if you work for them!!
FF
Several years ago, prior to my transformation into a frugal fanatic, my husband and I would struggle at the end of each month to pay all of our bills. We both got paid every Friday, yet the house payment would roll around and we would have to forgo groceries just to scrape up enough to pay that one important bill.
Fortunately, we revamped the way we were managing our money, as well as our poor checkbook management. This is what we did: Our house payment is approximately $1000/month. Every Friday after I record our paycheck deposits in the check book, on the line that directly follows the deposits I draw a line through the space in the checkbook where a check number is recorded. Then I write "House Payment 1 of 4" under the description column. I then subtract out $250 in the debit column. I do this every week. By the fourth week I subtract out the last $250 ("House payment 4 of 4"). This is where I write in a check number and actually make the house payment.
This has worked so well within our budget that I now follow each weekly house payment with a "Principal payment 1 of 4", etc.!!
Lisa L
Huntsville, Utah
I'd like to get some new ideas for keeping warm when you've decided to keep the thermostat turned down. Natural gas and heating oil prices are going up a lot this year, and my husband and I are trying to keep our thermostat set at 64. If we manage that, we might even try to go lower.
Here are some of the things we are doing so far:
* Dressing in extra layers - tee shirts under sweaters, etc.
* Wearing wool-acrylic blend socks instead of regular cotton tube socks. They are designed for cold outdoor activities, but they also make a big difference in a cold house. We got ours on sale at K-Mart.
* Fleece-lined nylon wind pants work if you're really freezing.
* Keeping active. Like the old saying, chopping wood warms you twice. Once when you chop it and once when you burn it. Just keeping busy around the house really seems to help. I still get on the computer, obviously, but I'm trying to alternate sedentary activities with household chores to keep reasonably warm. Alternating regularly helps prevent getting too hot, peeling off layers, then getting too cold, etc.
* It seems like if you go outside in the cold for a walk or do yard work, when you come in it feels much warmer inside!
* Let pets sleep on your bed.
* Our upstairs is a converted attic. Although there are heat vents up there, not much heat makes it upstairs. Instead of using electricity for an electric blanket or space heater, we bought an extra comforter.
* Our bed is queen-size, but to avoid getting drafts in the side I bought a king-size comforter this time. Layering comforters also means you can still get use out of a ratty-looking one by putting the nicer one on top for show.
* Those microwavable heating pads are great. Mine is made of tube-sock type material with a handle on each end, filled with something that feels like rice. You heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes and it stays warm a good long while. You can use it to warm the foot of your bed before getting in, or rest your feet on it while reading, etc. Also, hang it around your neck for a much cheaper version of a "neck warmer" being advertised by Sharper Image this year!
I'm sure there are many more ideas out there, and I'd love to see what other people are having success with.
Thanks!
Erica in NJ
editor's note: send any other ideas you have for keeping warm this winter by email to gary@stretcher.com with "Winter Warmth" as the subject.
You do not have to order pumice stones from a catalog. Go to a professional janitorial supply store. I pay less than $1 for pumice stones (which are larger than the ones you order). They do not have a stick attached but big deal. This way when one end gets very wet you simply turn it around and keep going. I prop mine on end leaning against the window to dry completely before wrapping to put away.
I "discovered" this store when I used the restroom at a local store and the soap they used was wonderful. I asked the name so they gave me an almost empty bottle and told me where to get it locally. I have to buy it by the case since it is a special item but since the case is six 1 gallon jugs it lasts forever. I usually order 1 case every 3 years for $25. We use it in bathrooms and kitchens here at home and love it.
I also buy commercial cleaning products at the supply store. Much cheaper and less trips since a gallon of commercial strength glass cleaner (for example) lasts for about 5 years.
Try them you will save money and trips.
Viv in TX
editor's note: You may find wholesale suppliers in your yellow pages or by doing a web search on 'janitorial supplies'
My mother requires the medication Celexa every day. We found if we get the doctor to write the prescription for 40mg tablets that the cost is only slightly higher than for the 20mg tablets that she needs. Of course, we have to cut the 40mg tablets in half for the correct dosage but we save nearly 50%. This pricing policy may apply to other medications!
Jon C.
editor's note: make sure that you check with your doctor before trying this. Your health is worth far more than savings.
My family and I use those firestarters (they look like mini bricks) to start fires in our home fireplace. I experimented with breaking them in half to see if they would work just as well. Surprise, they do and now we will get twice as much use out of the case that we buy.
Judy S.
When I shop I always watch for discontinued signs. If it is something we use, I locate and very quietly speak to the department manager and ask their bottom dollar price for the item. Depending on how many are left I might offer to buy all their shelf stock.
Several years ago I bought 8 boxes of "The Simpsons" Band Aids, regular price about $3 each for 75 cents each. We did not need all these at that time but they will keep and my family loves The Simpsons. A few months ago my grocery store had discontinued 2 flavors (a potato and a chicken) of Progresso Soup, I offered to buy all they had (20 cans) and got them for 50 cents each. They will keep just fine in my pantry for winter lunches and snacks.
Beth C.
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