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| Credit Answers > Debt-Management-Articles-2010 > Budget Ideas |
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It can be fun and interesting to look back at what our parents, grandparents and ancestors did to save money. Could any of those time-tested money savers help you put aside a little extra into your debt settlement program savings?
Coupons
You can find coupons in your weekly newspaper or look for them on the internet. A recent Chicago Tribune report revealed that searches on Google for 'printable coupons' and 'online printable coupons'
more than doubled in 2009. Some sites for you to try include www.Coupons.com and www.Dealtaker.com.
Try Gardening
According to 'How to Make the Garden Pay' by T. Greiner (1890), fresh fruits and vegetables from your own home garden can be beneficial to your health and budget. If you are
short on space, a sunny window or balcony might provide the perfect place for a pot of herbs, zucchini, peppers or tomatoes. For ideas visit websites like
www.thegardenglove.com and Better Homes and Gardens at www.bhg.com.
Layaway
The old-fashioned practice of layaway is making a comeback according to Woman's Day magazine. Rather than buying something on credit and having to pay interest, layaway gives
customers the opportunity to put an item 'on hold' at the store and make payments until it is paid in full.
Home Canning
It is possible to turn fresh tomatoes and fruit from your garden or local farmer's market into a year's worth of home-canned tomato sauce or jam. For instructions on how to
do your own home canning and to sign up for a free newsletter with tips and recipes, visit www.freshpreserving.com.
Go Local
Local businesses can give back to the community through wages, municipal taxes and purchases from other neighborhood businesses. If you shop at farmer's markets or stores that
sell locally-grown produce, meat and poultry you're not only helping local farmers, you're also saving the gas costs required to transport fruits and vegetables to larger stores.
Home Baking
Consider baking in bulk and freezing what you can't eat now. Watch for sales on cooking staples such as whole wheat, white and barley flour, corn meal, baking powder and other
items which can keep for longer periods when properly stored. Yeast should always be used when fresh. Try thrift stores for inexpensive baking tools and storage supplies.
The Home Baking Association offers recipes and information at www.homebaking.org.
Use Your Leftovers
Remember the old saying, 'Waste not, want not'? Use your leftovers creatively! You could add leftover vegetables to soups, toss them into a stew, make a stir fry or take
them to work for lunch. Dining out can be expensive, but on those occasions when you do eat away from home, try to take your leftovers with you to eat later.
Cleaning Supplies
Simple, inexpensive and nontoxic ingredients can help you save money and the environment. For example, white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can remove stains and
other household grime. Visit www.MakeYourOwnCleaners.com for recipe ideas or simply type 'homemade cleaning recipes' into your internet search
window for more choices.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix together 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 gallon water. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows,
bathroom mirrors, etc. Store and keep in a safe place.
Courtesy www.EarthEasy.com
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