Saving money becomes an imperative: Tips to help make ends meet during hard times

With the economy tanking, people aren’t just spring cleaning. They are taking those old lawn mowers and leaf blowers and sticking price tags on them. The big trend now is people selling off their prized possessions, heirlooms, and household treasures on online sites such as Craigslist — where used and new goods are sold at affordable prices.

In fact, Craigslist sales have jumped 70 percent since last summer, and the number of listings has topped 15 million.

Susan Reinhardt, a columnist for The Asheville Citizen-Times in North Carolina, has put together a helpful list of savvy ways to save money during hard times.

1. When something non-perishable is on sale at the store, buy tons of it.

2. Yogurt is perfectly safe to consume a few days after the expiration date.

3. Stridex or other acne pads can be used twice, as can Swiffer dusting and mopping pads.

4. Cut off the heat or air during the day and run the fan or open the doors.

5. Drive with the AC off unless one is having a major hot flash.

6. Eat beans and pasta. Both are cheap and good for you, especially whole-wheat pasta.

7. Visit stores such as Go Grocery, Amazing Savings and Aldi.

8. Good makeup is essential. But cheap lipstick and blush are fine.

9. Shop at thrift stores. I bought two end tables for $8 each.

10. Don’t just clip and forget coupons. Use them.

I'd like to add a tip of my own: When you must hit a drive-thru for lunch, order only from the dollar menu. Forget about the soft drinks, it's better to pour a cup from your own bottle, or better yet -- drink water. And, when it comes to treating the family to ice cream, don't overlook McDonald's vanilla soft-serve cones. They cost just about $1 each and they aren't too damaging to dieters. One of those tasty treats is just about 150 calories, with 3.5 grams of fat. ; )

If you have any money-saving tips to share, please email me.


read more | digg story