31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #30 - Upgrade Instead of Buying New

One money-saving tip that I have discovered over the years is that upgrading is almost always cheaper than buying new.  Now I don't know if this can also be applied to things like insurance, or cars, but I know that it definitely applies to home decor.  As you can see in the picture above, I am a devote lover of spray paint, and I feel as though it can make almost anything better.  Instead of going out and buying new lamps, or frames, or end tables, spray paint your old ones for a fresh look at a fraction of the cost.  I have done this with knick-knacks as well.  Now, what about things that you can't spray paint?  Well, see if there is another way that you can upgrade them instead of buying new...

• Make or buy new pillow cases instead of a whole new throw pillow
• Keep your same wreath on your front door and just add a few flowers from the Dollar Tree instead of buying a whole new wreath
• Change out the hardware on your dresser or desk instead of buying a new piece of furniture

So, instead of buying new, see if you can upgrade the existing item instead.  Not only is it 'greener,' but it can save you some green as well!

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 #29 - Preserve in Season

Going along with yesterday's tip to grow your own, preserving in season can also save you money.  Now, don't think that just because you don't have a garden or a massive amount of plants that you can't still take advantage of this money-saving tip.  We haven't had a garden the past couple of years, and I still manage to preserve quite a bit.  It is a fact that produce is cheaper when you buy it in season.  A quick Google search can tell you what is in season where you live, and this will change throughout the year - not everything is in season at once.  Here in Maryland, Fall is the time of year for pumpkins and apples, and there are great prices to be had on both.  We don't really preserve pumpkin in this house because I can get it for $0.89 a can at ALDI, which is cheap and I'm lazy.  Now, apples on the other hand, we make into 'cooked apples,' and can them.  This way I can serve them with pancakes or in pie.  We've also done applesauce in the crock-pot and canned that. 
The price breakdown goes like this...
1 bushel of #2 grade apples $19.98
Brown Sugar and Spices - Free (I keep them year-round, and this really doesn't take that much)
Jars and Rings/Bands - Free (I reuse them every year, and got them free from yard sales)*
Jar Lids - approximately $2 for a box of a dozen at Wal-mart*
We spend one whole day washing, peeling, coring, slicing, cooking, and canning the apples.  When it's all said and done we have about 20 or 21 quart jars of pie filling.  Now, quart jars equal about 1 and 1/2 cans of pie filling from the store, which even at ALDI runs about $2.89 a piece.  That is a savings of $66.72 or 77%!!!
Did I grow these apples?  No, but I bought them in season, at a great price, and preserved them to have for later.  
I know what a lot of you are thinking - 'that's great Laura, but I don't can' - not to worry, you can still preserve like a champ!  That is why freezers were invented.  Especially chest freezers.  If you don't have one, I serious recommend finding a great deal on one during the Black Friday sales.  During the summer as things like bell peppers and onions go on sale for great prices I buy a whole bunch, bring them home, and wash them up.  The bell peppers I slice and flash freeze on a cookie sheet before adding them to a labeled freezer bag.  This keeps them from sticking together so I can just shake out a few instead of a huge clump.  The onions I either slice or dice, as I like to have some of both in the freezer at all times.  The diced ones I run through the food processor, and then measure them out into 1 cup balls (which equals about 1 onion) on saran wrap, roll them up, and put them all in one large, labeled freezer bag.  The sliced onions I try to keep in onion-shape, if that makes sense, before I roll them, and pop them into a different labeled freezer bag. 
Did I grow either of these vegetables?  No. 
Did I can them?  No. 
Were they still preserved in season, and saved me a bunch of money?  Yes!
So, don't get caught up in the logistics of it all, just preserve what you can in season, however you need to.

*You can get a case of Jars/Lids/Rings on Amazon Here (affiliate link) the price is comparable to Wal-mart

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/

Budget Update: October 2016

October f-l-e-w by.  It feels like just yesterday the days were filled with heat and humidity, and today is just a beautiful, crisp day.  Not that I am complaining in the least; I LOVE Fall and everything about it.  It just seems that the days are zipping by at such great speed.  Is it just me?  Maybe.  So, anyway, we're here to talk budget, not weather.  October was a great month budget-wise.  I did a lot of pantry and freezer cleaning out to make room for our pork order coming in early November, so I didn't need to buy a lot of meal items at the store.  I took this shopping reprieve though and used the money to stock up on things like vitamins, lotion, canned goods, and amazing finds from the Dollar Tree.  #dontjudge  I came out under budget, and I'm happy with the deals I got, and that's really all the matters.  

So, below is how my spending broke-down over the month of October...

• Week #1: $101.32 oop, Earned $29 ECB's, $0.50 Saving Star Rebate, and $0.30 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #2: $89.45 oop, Earned $10 ECB's, $2 Saving Star, $0.20 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.25 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #3: $76.56 oop, Earned $15 ECB's, and $25 Amazon Gift Card from Swagbucks

• Week #4: $68.64 oop, Earned $0.20 Mobisave Rebate

Total OOP: $334.97
Total Earned: $82.45
Total Remaining from October: $41.17
*Use this link to sign up for Checkout51, upload a receipt, and get a $5 Bonus!
**Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Weekly Spending Report: 10/23-29/2016

This week was just the basic 'oh, we're out of a bunch of stuff and need to go to the store' week.  I didn't stop into CVS because the deals weren't really that great.  We are still eating our way through the freezers and pantries, so I really only need breakfast, lunch, and snack foods.  I was super shocked to find out that after I totaled up for the month, we were under budget!!!  Yeah!  I shopped at ALDI and Giant this week; you can see what I picked up below...

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $50.37 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Tortilla Chips)

• Monday's Giant Trip: $18.27 oop, Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Soup)

Total OOP: $68.64
Total Earned: $0.20
Total Remaining from October: $41.17!!!

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more... 

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #28 - Grow your Own

This money-saving tip is pretty self-explanatory, but if you have the ability to grow your own food, it can save you a LOT of money.  We have only ever had small gardens, but the savings is always impressive.  We've grown squash, tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, potatoes, lettuce, mint, sage, and onions over the years.  The savings comes during the harvesting of course, and the anticipation of doing so can be killer, but it's so worth it.  Even though we were still purchasing dairy, meats, and bread, we didn't need to purchase many if any produce or canned goods.  It seems like such a small thing, but over the weeks, the savings really adds up.  Don't feel like you can take advantage of this tip just because you live in an apartment, or have no space for a garden.  You can grow things like green onions, lettuce, and herbs in your window sills.
So, even if you only plant 1 thing, growing your own is still saving you money.

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/

Household Project List 2016 - October Update

I feel like October just flew by, just like that, gone.  Things have of course been busy here, as usual, but not as crazy as in September.  We did set up at a flea market, we had our fall event here at the museum, and I'm gearing up to serve tea this weekend, but we've been trying to just chill out and enjoy the crisp weather before it gets bitter cold.  Which here in Maryland, will be here before you know it.  I didn't get a whole lot done this month, but there is very little left on the list - YAY!!!  Even if everything doesn't get crossed off by December, I am still SO pleased with everything I have been able to accomplish this year!  I am hoping to get maybe 2 more things done in November, so wish me luck!

Here's how the list is looking so far...

• Bedroom: 
• Declutter 2 Dressers, 1 Chest of Drawers, 2 Nightstands, 1 Closet, and Under the Bed -- Finished in February
• Steam off the crappy boarder - I'm hoping to get to this in November
• Re-glue the wallpaper seams - Completed in September
• Change the wall art - I'm still on the hunt for a shelf.  I'm debating between a wreath or two cross-stitch pieces for behind our bed.

• Hall: 
• Declutter Hall Closet, Desk, and Coat Closet -- Finished in February
• Sell desk, and move in a bench -- Finished in April
• Build another shelf in the hall closet -- Unneeded, crossed off in February

• Bathroom:
• Declutter the Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers  -- Finished in February
• Touch up the paint - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Living Room:
• Declutter 8 Cube Baskets, 1 End Table, and 3 Dresser Drawers -- Finished in March
• Finish adding pictures to our 'mural' wall - Finished in June/July. 
• Paint the letter 'R' on our 'mural' wall -- Finished in January
• Find new art for behind the futon - I am still saving up for my picture.  I haven't found one at the thrift store yet...

• Kitchen:
• Declutter 35 Cabinets, 1 Pantry, 1 China Cabinet, and 11 Drawers -- Finished in March   
• Get a new trashcan -- Finished in February
• Steam the wallpaper off our microwave table, and repaint it - Crossed off in September, we are going to build a new one next year.
• Paint the windows/sills/trim - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
• Clean out the chest freezer and defrost it -- Finished in March
  

• Nursery/Office:
• Declutter the Closet, Dresser, Desk, Chest of Drawers, Bookcase, Sewing Table, and Cedar Chest - Finished in September
• Go through the CD 3-drawer organizer and combine into a large CD case - Finished in June.
• Install new curtain rods and tie backs; Hang new curtains - Finished in July.
• Make a new curtain for the closet; Hang - We've decided to go with closet doors instead of a curtain since Howard will be in a 'big boy' bed soon enough.  Closet doors we can put a safety lock on, a curtain we cannot. 
• Buy new Lamp/Shade for the Dresser -- Finished in April
• Re-glue wallpaper - I have started on this and have decided I need a better glue.  The wallpaper glue and roller I used for the other rooms in the house just isn't cutting it in here.  The paper is peeling much worse in this room though, and it's just so dry it doesn't want to stick.  I've tried everything including superglue, so if you have any suggestions, please share!
• Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - Finished in September.  Here's the picture I promised you all...

• Build new shelf (or two) above the desk; Add books to shelves -- I finally found a little shelf!!!  I know that it isn't centered, that's because I'd like to get two little things to hang beside it and make a little mural wall like I did above Howard's chest of drawers.

• Paint the windows/sills and the closet door frame - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Laundry Room:
•  Declutter Desk, 3 Drawer Stand, Bookcase, and Closet (including stored Christmas decorations) -- Finished in March
• Touch up paint from renovation - I have started this and plan to finish in November.
• Hang art -- Crossed off in May. 
• Wash box of new-to-us toys - Finished in July.
• Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- I haven't been able to make it to IKEA yet this month, so I will probably not get there until sometime in November.  I am hoping to knock this out soon though - I need an organized laundry room stat.

 Are any of you working on some household projects this year?

What are you getting accomplished? 

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #27 - Go Multipurpose

An easy way to save money is to purchase items that are multipurpose.  This saves you from having to store and spend money on multiple items - that's a win win in my book.  Using multipurpose spray for cleaning is an obvious choice, but there are lots of options out there...

• Vinegar can be used in recipes, to soften your laundry, or to clean your floors and drains
• Baking Soda is used in baking, but can also deodorize your fridge, and scrub your tub or toilet
• Toothpaste can not only clean your teeth, but also your car's headlights, and it's good for bee stings 
• Dish Soap will not only clean your dishes, but also your floors, and just about anything else that needs a good wash
• Rubbing Alcohol will disinfect a wound, as well as your doorknobs, light switches, and toilet seat, plus you can use it as deodorant

 So, as you can see, there are LOTS of multipurpose things around, you just need to be a little creative.  Pinterest and google will also yield tons of ideas for items that can be used in multiple ways.  So, to save money, instead of purchasing multiple items, purchase multipurpose items, to get the most bang for your buck.

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 #26 - Don't Waste

We've discussed repurposing and reusing things so that they aren't wasted, and how that saves you money, but it's just as important to just not waste things.  Just like throwing out containers that can be reused or repurposed, throwing away food that went bad before you used it is wasteful.  And being wasteful is basically like throwing dollar bills in the trash.  I don't think anyone really wants to do that.  If you don't think you will get a chance to use something before it goes bad, do something with it - freeze your leftovers, take your limp broccoli and roast it for dinner tonight, make bread from your overripe bananas - but don't let it rot and then have to throw it in the trash.  This applies to things that aren't food as well - squeeze your toothpaste flat and make sure you get every last bit, rinse out your laundry detergent bottle to get one more load, cut your lotion bottle in half and get several more applications. 
Basically before something goes in the trash or the recycling, make sure it's had a nice long life and is completely empty or all used up.  By not being wasteful, you save money because you are making sure to get your money's worth. 

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 #25 - Reuse

We've addressed repurposing things that can't be fixed in order to save money, but going along with that is just reusing things.  Now, obviously you can't reuse something that's broken, but what about things that are just going to end up in the recycling can?  Why not reuse them instead of buying new things.  Most of these items just need a quick wash and they are ready to be used again.  Let me give you some examples:

• Wash out your empty Parmesan cheese shaker and use it to hold baking soda.  This way you can easily sprinkle it on whatever you want cleaned or freshened.  I use mine for scrubbing the tub, and toilet, and for freshening up our carpets.   
• Wash out your empty margarine/butter/Cool Whip tubs and use them to hold leftovers.  This is especially nice around the holidays when you want to send food home with family members, and now you won't have to worry about getting your favorite Pyrex containers back.  
• Collect your junk mail envelopes and use them for your grocery lists.  You can write the list on the back and stick the coupons inside.  You can also use them for scratch paper when you need to make a note, or give them to your toddler to play with.  Howard loves envelopes.
• Wash out empty ketchup or salad dressing bottles and refill them with homemade.  Salad dressing can come together rather easily, and this gives you a way to easily pour them.  You can also use them to hold paint, and even maple syrup.  This is especially handy if you buy the big containers of syrup - those things are heavy and can easily spill.
• Use any kind of old clean food jar (glass or plastic) to store hardware or craft supplies.  They are usually clear so you can see what's inside, and they come in a variety of sizes.  Think peanut butter and mayo jars, spaghetti sauce jars, and baby food jars.  We use ours for nuts, nails, screws, and buttons.  
• Keep your empty astringent, detangler, and hand soap bottles and just refill them.  I make simple homemade detangler with just hot water and little squeeze of conditioner, and it works great.  My homemade astringent is just as easy and only takes three ingredients.  And we all know it's cheaper to buy the big refills of hand soap and have a reusable pump to refill.

 So before you toss things into the recycling can, see if you can reuse them to save money.  You might be surprised at what can be used again with just a little soap and imagination.

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 Tip: Day #24 - Repurpose What You Can't Fix

Yesterday we talked about trying to fix things before spending the money to replace them, but what about the things that can't be fixed?  Well, before you throw it out, try to repurpose it.  This concept doesn't work with everything, unless you are super creative.  I'm not, but I can give you a few basic examples:

1. Take a stained T-shirt and cut it up into cleaning rags
2. Use your old curtains, or tablecloth to make some new throw pillows for your sofa
3. Use your old shower curtain liner as a drop cloth when you craft or paint
4. Break the lid to you favorite sugar bowl?  Turn it into a one-of-a-kind vase
5. Take your old scratched-up Tupperware and use it to organize your drawers or things like nuts and screws

... and the list goes on and on.   How does this save you money?  Well, by taking something old and making it into something new, you no longer have to buy the new item you were in need of.  If that makes sense.  Let's take the T-shirt example - you can no longer wear the T-shirt, so you cut it up for rags, now you don't have to buy rags to clean with.  They do actually sell rags for cleaning.  I swear, it's a thing.  Basically instead of spending money on something new, you are using something you already had, which is free.  Repurposing takes some thought, but once you get the hang of it, you will start to repurpose almost anything, which will end up saving you a good chunk of change!

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/