Readers' Tips
Preparing a Basement Floor for Painting
UGL has a great paint/sealer for concrete (double check that it can be used on the floor though). If it cannot be used, then there are products at your local hardware store for filling in concrete cracks in caulking and other forms.
As for painting, you have to etch the floor with muriatic acid if you plan on painting the floor. If you don't, then you will have other problems. (If you have any leftover muriatic acid, do not store near metal as it rusts it. I would give it to anyone who has a pool as they might have a use for it.) My husband and I used to own a hardware store. When people skipped this step, they were sorry.
There are paints you can use. I personally would recommend oil-based floor paint and dilute the first coat for a primer as stated on the can.
As for the oil on the floor, you might be able to clean some of that up with Simple Green.
The most important step is to read all the labels and follow
any and all manufacturer's directions!
Debbie in MA
editor's note: You'll find more suggestions on how to prepare a basement floor for painting here or join the discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community.
Buying a Mattress
I used to work as a "sleep consultant" at one of the biggest mattress chains in the country. Sales reps are able to discount the mattresses up to 50% and still make money, but they won't always be willing to play with the price. The best way to save money is go to a large mattress chain store in a location that doesn't have a lot of shopping. The sales reps there are under pressure to make their numbers, and they're willing to chop the price up more than others. On Tuesday nights, after they've spent eleven hours not selling anything, they're willing to discount close to 50%. I know because I used to get excited when people even looked in my store on Tuesdays. Let alone told me they'd buy if I gave them a good enough price.
Just remember that Tuesday night at a Sleepy's or Mattress
Firm is like the black hole for mattress sales people. They'd
give you a bed if it'd help them sell something.
Michael
Sweeter Smelling Vacuum Cleaner
With two little ones, I sweep up a lot of food with my
sweeper, and to keep it smelling good, I just vacuum up some
cloves or cinnamon. There are no harsh chemicals and very
rarely do I use a whole container of spices before it gets
stale. Keeps the sweeper smelling like apple pie every time I
vacuum.
Valerie B. in Ohio
Handy Sandwich Wrap
When I make a sandwich for my husband to take to work, I
always make it on a paper towel and then wrap the sandwich in
the towel prior to putting it into the sandwich bag. That way
the bag stays clean longer and can be reused. The paper towel
can then be used to hold the sandwich when he is unable to
wash his hands or he can use it as a napkin. Once the bag
begins to look worn out, I rinse it out and put my son's dirty
diapers in them before throwing them into the diaper keeper so
the odor is better maintained.
Amanda
Before You Go Picking
Are you headed to the picking orchards or farmers market? You
will save lots of time and even money if you pick out the
recipes you want to use before you go get your prized food
selection. Make sure you have done your homework and know how
you are going to put the food up for storage after you bring
it home. Check your supply of containers, freezer bags, etc.
before you begin. Find and mark the recipes you want to use
and the ingredients it will take to bring the recipe to
reality.
Theresa T. in Maroa, IL
Little Luxuries:
Time Together
Though we live only 10 miles apart, my sister and I rarely got to see each other. My car was totaled a couple of years ago and she's taking care of grade-school-age granddaughters while school is out. Her son lost his vehicle, job and home in this economy and has to borrow her truck to get to work. We're thankful he managed to get another job. Every day we talk on the phone multiple times, but it's not like being together. You can't hug a best friend by wire.
Our solution? Once a week, as soon as her son gets home from work in the afternoon, she dashes out to get me. We stop to pick up anything she needs to shop for as we head back to her home.
I spend the night so we can look at old family pictures and enjoy replaying the happy memories of our youth over a small glass of her homemade rosemary wine. When she takes me home the next evening, I do my shopping.
We usually try to have one special meal, even if it's just grilling hotdogs on a stick. And I get a good visit with my great-nieces that would otherwise not happen. I have no grandchildren of my own to watch grow up. This is a grand luxury for both of us, a bonding of family in hard times.
Sis and I teach them things like making yarn dolls, corn
starch beads, sewing, and spinning yarn on my spinning wheel.
They will carry memories like we do of our past into their
future. Memories that can help them find things to rejoice
about in their hard times.
Priscilla
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by gary@stretcher.com. We'll share the best ones in future issues.
Summer Reading Rewards
Check with your local public library to see if they have a
summer reading program for children. My two daughters have
been involved with the reading program at our local library
and have won some great prizes as reading goals have been met,
such as coupons for free ice cream and pizza. The best prize
so far has been a coupon for free admission to the Central
Wisconsin State Fair for one day. Their names were also added
to a drawing for free ride wristbands at this same fair with
the winners to be announced in a couple of weeks. Also, the
top readers in the program will win an all expense paid trip
to a nearby outdoor water park. As a parent, we all want to
see our children read more, but it makes it even sweeter when
you see them being rewarded for a job well done.
Pam H.
Cheaper Pork Chops
In our neck of the woods, the grocery stores often have whole pork loins on sale for $.99 a pound or less. Because they're always at least seven pounds, this looks like a huge hunk of meat, but if you eat pork chops, this is a great deal. Why? Those expensive boneless pork chops are really just sliced pork loin. Sharpen a knife, slice them about 1/2 or 3/4 inch thick, and freeze the chops for later use. You'll feel really smart when you see pork chops on "sale" for $1.49 a pound. Your cost will be less than $1 a pound and a few minutes of prep time.
Save two pounds of the pork loin and toss it in the slow
cooker with a 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook for
eight to nine hours on low (your pot may vary) or until it's
"falling apart" done. Pull apart meat with a fork, mix in the
pan juices and adjust to your taste with more BBQ sauce. Grab
some buns and you've got great BBQ pork sandwiches. Freeze any
extra for a fast dinner next winter!
Michelle Y.
Theme Park Snacks and Drinks
I go to WDW every year. When going through the security checkpoint to enter the park, people around me always say, "Why didn't I think of that?" I pack snacks in gallon baggies. I pack PB & J sandwiches, small bags of Wheat Thins, small bags of cookies, apples, a favorite small box of candy and juice boxes. I carry a flask in my cargo pocket and refill it all day at water fountains for free. Bottles of water are $2.50 and PB & Js are $4.49 to $4.99 in the parks.
I think you could do this when vacationing anywhere, but it's
always a good idea to check the park's website to see what's
permitted. You don't want to be told that you can't bring your
snacks into the park!
Brenda S.
Keeping A/C Bills Down
As the temperature outside rises, so does our electric bill, which is elevated by all those fans and air conditioners. To minimize their elevation, prepare your air conditioner for the cooling season.
Clean the condenser coils on your window or through-the-wall units. Remove the cover to gain access to the coils and clean them with a soft bristle brush. While you're in there, clean out any lint build up and oil the motor if it is equipped with oil ports on the sides.
Outdoor compressors for whole house units could use a good cleaning, too. Remove sticks, leaves and those fluffy seeds with a hose sprayer.
Protecting your outdoor compressor or your window unit from the hot direct sun can help increase its energy efficiency.
Don't forget to clean or replace your air conditioner's
filter.
Naomi K.
Extra Income
I have tutored over the past nine years off and on. Currently
I charge $25 per hour. I am a certified K-5th grade teacher. I
always let my administration (coordinator, counselor) and
teachers know of my tutoring status. I stay full most of the
time. I can easily bring in $700 to $1000 per month working
after school a few days a week. I never tutor my own students
as it is unethical to do so. I have had great success at this.
I get material from our school counselor, coordinator, and
teachers. The Internet is a great place to get free worksheets
and printables.
JM
Vacation Strategies
My family loves to vacation, but the vacation has to be affordable. As part of our strategy, we do the following:
- establish a budget and save money for gas, eating, and fun
before the trip
- stay at hotels Sunday through Thursday, because the rates
are cheaper or use hotel rewards to pay zero dollars
- get a package deal that includes hotel, breakfast,
amenities, and activities
- bring a cooler for water and snacks
- read local reviews on restaurants, view menus, and search
for coupons online before our vacation to determine what
restaurant we will go to
- eat a late lunch at local restaurants in order to avoid
dinner prices
- as part of our planning, we look for free attractions online to save money
Vacations can be fun and affordable!
Sharman L.
Nighttime Cooling Without A/C
If you are trying to stay cool but need to feel cool to sleep,
try this. Get an air mattress and sleep on it. Since the
ambient temperature (which is the temperature of the air in
the mattress) is lower than your body temperature, you will
actually feel too cold and may need to use a mattress pad or
blanket between you and the mattress.
Patt
Alternate Sources
I would like to suggest trying "alternative" sources for food.
For instance, in my area, we have two "scratch and dent"
places, but only one of them is listed in the phone book under
grocery stores. The other is listed under "groceries - whole
sale," but anyone can shop there. As with shopping anywhere,
be sure to closely scrutinize per unit pricing. In addition,
if there is a livestock auction nearby, you may find that they
also auction off vegetables, fruits and plants for extremely
low prices.
Mandi
Part-Time Summer Earnings
As a way to earn a little extra money this summer, readers may want to consider applying to work at their local county fair. Sure, it's temporary work and pay is typically lower than minimum wage, but in five days, I worked over 50 hours and earned just under $290.
County fairs need employees to check the public in at gates,
control traffic, help in office, do maintenance work, do
custodial work, and work as attendants in their buildings. In
addition, some may even offer perks, such as discounts on
concessions and other vendors, as well as discounted tickets
for amusement rides. Meals can be packed if money is tight
(and whose isn't tight these days). Every little bit helps.
Cindy K.
Instant 'Fresh Air'
Instead of spending money on expensive air fresheners, switch
to the old fashioned method of eliminating bathroom odors,
namely the household match. Simply light the match, wave it
once or twice through the air, and you'll have instant relief.
No more foul odors. Be sure to dip the used matchstick in
water before disposing in trash (we don't want any fires).
Nechama K.
The Garden Party
With gardening season upon us, consider making parties out of
produce swaps and canning/preserving activities. Invite
friends over with their extra garden bounty and trade with
others, while enjoying refreshments and trading garden
stories. Or, consolidate produce and can or preserve food in a
group setting, asking everyone to bring along canning jars,
fruits, veggies, etc. It's a lot of fun and you can try new
methods and recipes. This is cheap entertainment and a great
way to put up veggies and jellies for the winter or for
holiday gifts. If friends don't have a garden, invite them
anyway and they can swap other items like the pectin needed
for jelly or a bottle of wine or seltzer.
Z.
Inexpensive Drying Racks
My washer and dryer are upstairs in my condo, and I have no
basement and I cannot dry laundry outdoors. Rather than buying
the expensive fan and rack drying combination, I put up my old
wooden drying rack and turn on the overhead fan. A portable
fan would work too. My clothes dry quicker and get less wear
and tear than in the dryer, and I cool off at the same time!
Not only do I save the cost of the new "drying system," but I
also save money on running my clothes dryer by using what I
already own.
Barbara in CT
Little Luxuries:
A Special Book
I love to read. It is my chosen form of entertainment, but I
rarely buy new books anymore because they are so expensive.
Instead I use the public library. However, I do allow myself
to purchase the new releases of one favorite author when they
come out. I buy the brand new release in hardcover! Since it
doesn't happen very often, it doesn't affect my overall
budget, and it really gives me a lift!
Linda in Murray, KY
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by gary@stretcher.com. We'll share the best ones in future issues.
What would you do with an extra $100? One lucky Dollar Stretcher "tipster" will win a $100 check each month just for sending in their favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you. Just send your suggestion to Tips@ stretcher.com. If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you" and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100 drawing!
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