31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #20 - Make Your Own

Today's tip goes hand in hand with cooking from scratch, but making your own doesn't have to begin and end in the kitchen.  There are so many things that you use in your house that you can make.  And making your own can save you some serious dough.  Pinterest and Google can help you to find recipes or instructions to make just about anything.  Some things that I make that are super simple include floor cleaner, multipurpose spray, face toner, laundry detergent, and shower cleaner.  Do I make everything myself?  Definitely not, I have neither the time nor the patience.  But I make what I can, and for most other things there are sales and coupons to help me save. 
So, the next time you run out of something, do a quick internet search to see if you can make more yourself instead of having to purchase it.  If you do this just once a month, the savings will really add up, and before you know it you'll be making you own everything, or not. 

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

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31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #19 - Cut Back

We've discussed a lot of different ways to save money so far this month, all of which will help cut back on your spending.  Another way to cut back though is to just use less.  Cut your dryer sheets and dish sponges in half to get twice the amount for the same money.  I do both, and even though they are smaller, they get the job done just as well.  Use less soap, shampoo, and detergent.  Even if it's only a 1/2 teaspoon, it adds up over time, and you and your clothing will get just as clean.  When cooking make sure to use the correct measurements of the ingredients.  Yes, the more butter you put in to something the better it will taste, but neither the recipe nor your waistline really need it - trust me on this.  So when you are making something or buying something, ask yourself if you really need that amount?  Will less work just as well.  Buying in bulk can sometimes save money, but if you really only need 6 hot cocoa packets, then the box of 50 is really a waste.  Which means you wasted food, but also your money. 

So to save money, cut back on what you can, when you can, and just use less.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #18 - Go Reusable When You Can

I know, reusable bags don't really save you money, however, other reusable items can.  Think about things you use everyday that are disposable, and thus have to be purchased over and over again, costing you money each time.  Replace these items with reusable options to save money.  Things like plates, cups, and silverware, napkins, cleaning rags, lunch boxes, and even your coffee cup all come in reusable options.  It does cost a little more upfront, and obviously these items need to be washed in order to reuse them, but plenty of people have done the math and reusable options always win out as being cheaper in the end.  Not only that, but it's better for the planet. 
So, to save money, and the Earth, choose reusable options when you can.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/