1.
Save on Energy
Have an expert check the insulation in your house to make sure it is adequate. If it is not, insulate where needed. You can do open areas, such as the attic, yourself. It will save both heating and cooling costs.
Have an expert check the insulation in your house to make sure it is adequate. If it is not, insulate where needed. You can do open areas, such as the attic, yourself. It will save both heating and cooling costs.
2.
Save on Energy
Turn off the air conditioning and open the windows in moderate weather.
Turn off the air conditioning and open the windows in moderate weather.
3.
Save on Energy
Wear warm clothes in the house in cold weather so you can lower your thermostat setting.
Wear warm clothes in the house in cold weather so you can lower your thermostat setting.
4.
Save on Energy
Take care of home repairs as soon as the need arises. Delay can make the problem worse and repair costs higher.
Take care of home repairs as soon as the need arises. Delay can make the problem worse and repair costs higher.
.
Save on Energy
Close the doors and turn off the heat or air conditioning to rooms that you are not using.
Close the doors and turn off the heat or air conditioning to rooms that you are not using.
6.
Save on Energy
Choose equipment with higher energy efficiency ratios (EER). Check the labels for EER.
Choose equipment with higher energy efficiency ratios (EER). Check the labels for EER.
7.
Save on Energy
Move to a smaller house if the one you live in is bigger than you really need.
Move to a smaller house if the one you live in is bigger than you really need.
8.
Save on Energy
Use energy saving window treatments, such as insulated or heavy draperies and storm windows.
Use energy saving window treatments, such as insulated or heavy draperies and storm windows.
9.
Save on Transportation
Keep your car in good running condition. It will be safer and will cost less to operate.
Keep your car in good running condition. It will be safer and will cost less to operate.
10.
Save on Transportation
Walk more; drive less. You will save gasoline and improve your health.
Walk more; drive less. You will save gasoline and improve your health.
11.
Save on Transportation
Learn how to do some of your own car maintenance chores. Change the oil, oil filters, and air filters.
Learn how to do some of your own car maintenance chores. Change the oil, oil filters, and air filters.
12.
Save on Transportation
Use self-service gasoline pumps. Anyone can do it! Don’t forget to check the oil and water levels.
Use self-service gasoline pumps. Anyone can do it! Don’t forget to check the oil and water levels.
13.
Save on Transportation
Form a car pool to go to work, to meetings, and even on shopping trips.
Form a car pool to go to work, to meetings, and even on shopping trips.
14.
Save on Transportation
Ask yourself each time you get in your car, “Is this trip really necessary?”
Ask yourself each time you get in your car, “Is this trip really necessary?”
15.
Save on Transportation
List “things to do” and “things to buy” before leaving home. Forgetting and making second trips are costly.
List “things to do” and “things to buy” before leaving home. Forgetting and making second trips are costly.
16.
Save on Clothing
Study your wardrobe, determine your needs, work out a clothing budget, and stay with it. Clothes bought on impulse rarely fit in your budget or your wardrobe.
Study your wardrobe, determine your needs, work out a clothing budget, and stay with it. Clothes bought on impulse rarely fit in your budget or your wardrobe.
17.
Save on Clothing
Buy the best quality you can afford, particularly in clothes that will last for several years. This is called “Investment Dressing.” Think in terms of cost per wearing.
Buy the best quality you can afford, particularly in clothes that will last for several years. This is called “Investment Dressing.” Think in terms of cost per wearing.
18.
Save on Clothing
Buy color-coordinated clothes you can mix and match. Buy all-season styles and fabrics when possible. This way you don’t have to buy as many clothes.
Buy color-coordinated clothes you can mix and match. Buy all-season styles and fabrics when possible. This way you don’t have to buy as many clothes.
19.
Save on Clothing
Know how to spot a bargain. When you buy a garment, check its construction, care instructions, fiber content, and other label information. Be sure it will last and will be easy to care for.
Know how to spot a bargain. When you buy a garment, check its construction, care instructions, fiber content, and other label information. Be sure it will last and will be easy to care for.
20.
Save on Clothing
Buy designs that will stay in style.
Buy designs that will stay in style.
21.
Save on Clothing
Buy wash and wear as much as possible. Clothes that require dry cleaning are expensive to care for.
Buy wash and wear as much as possible. Clothes that require dry cleaning are expensive to care for.
22.
Save on Clothing
Choose clothes with simple trim; they won’t go out of style as quickly. Trim should be of good quality and should require the same care as the rest of the garment.
Choose clothes with simple trim; they won’t go out of style as quickly. Trim should be of good quality and should require the same care as the rest of the garment.
23.
Save on Clothing
Shop factory-outlet stores. Don’t assume there is something wrong with clothes sold there. They could be surplus, samples, or discontinued lines. Any imperfect or damaged items must be tagged or advertised as such. And, the flaws in some may be so minor that they don’t matter at all.
Shop factory-outlet stores. Don’t assume there is something wrong with clothes sold there. They could be surplus, samples, or discontinued lines. Any imperfect or damaged items must be tagged or advertised as such. And, the flaws in some may be so minor that they don’t matter at all.
24.
Save on Clothing
Accessories can add a new look to your wardrobe for a much smaller cost than buying major items.
Accessories can add a new look to your wardrobe for a much smaller cost than buying major items.
25.
Save on Clothing
Adapt what you have to current styles instead of dashing out to buy something new.
Adapt what you have to current styles instead of dashing out to buy something new.
26.
Save on Clothing
When you outgrow clothing, exchange with friends and relatives or recycle them.
When you outgrow clothing, exchange with friends and relatives or recycle them.
27.
Save on Clothing
Contribute clothing to a “nearly new” shop sponsored by a charitable organization. Your gift may be tax deductible if you get a signed receipt for its estimated value.
Contribute clothing to a “nearly new” shop sponsored by a charitable organization. Your gift may be tax deductible if you get a signed receipt for its estimated value.
28.
Save on Clothing
Learn to sew, but don’t rush out and buy a lot of fabric that you’ll never get around to making into garments.
Learn to sew, but don’t rush out and buy a lot of fabric that you’ll never get around to making into garments.
29.
Save on Clothing
Take good care of your clothing and shoes. They will last longer.
Take good care of your clothing and shoes. They will last longer.
30.
Save in the Home
Cut the cost of your long distance calls as much as 60 percent by dialing yourself and using the daily and weekend specials. Plan what you need to say and limit talking time.
Cut the cost of your long distance calls as much as 60 percent by dialing yourself and using the daily and weekend specials. Plan what you need to say and limit talking time.
31.
Save in the Home
Use fewer paper products, such as paper plates, cups, and towels, so they won’t have to be replaced as often.
Use fewer paper products, such as paper plates, cups, and towels, so they won’t have to be replaced as often.
32.
Save in the Home
Strive for a simpler lifestyle. This means owning fewer nonessential things and having less to clean and maintain. Buy less clutter and junk.
Strive for a simpler lifestyle. This means owning fewer nonessential things and having less to clean and maintain. Buy less clutter and junk.
33.
Save in the Home
Be creative; use what you have in new and better ways.
Be creative; use what you have in new and better ways.
34.
Save in the Home
Cut your recreation costs by planning more activities and games at home.
Cut your recreation costs by planning more activities and games at home.
35.
Save in the Home
Entertain friends and relatives at home simply.
Entertain friends and relatives at home simply.
36.
Save in the Home
Use your sewing skills to make gifts: aprons, place mats, linens, hand towels, pillows, needlework. Or, make pictures, wall hangings, chair seat covers, and decorative screens.
Use your sewing skills to make gifts: aprons, place mats, linens, hand towels, pillows, needlework. Or, make pictures, wall hangings, chair seat covers, and decorative screens.
37.
Save in the Home
Use some of your homemade jams and jellies for gifts.
Use some of your homemade jams and jellies for gifts.
38.
Save in the Home
Start slips from some of your plants; then pot them for gifts.
Start slips from some of your plants; then pot them for gifts.
39.
Save in the Home
Plan carefully and thoroughly as the first step in economical decorating.
Plan carefully and thoroughly as the first step in economical decorating.
40.
Save in the Home
Consider remodeling rather than building a new house.
Consider remodeling rather than building a new house.
41.
Save in the Home
Learn to paint and to wallpaper.
Learn to paint and to wallpaper.
42.
Save in the Home
Learn to refinish furniture.
Learn to refinish furniture.
43.
Save in the Home
Make your own draperies, curtains, spreads, slipcovers, and table covers.
Make your own draperies, curtains, spreads, slipcovers, and table covers.
44.
Save in the Home
Learn to clean, repair, and restore household items yourself. Learn to maintain and repair the house and equipment.
Learn to clean, repair, and restore household items yourself. Learn to maintain and repair the house and equipment.
45.
Save in the Home
Make dried flower arrangements from garden flowers, wildflowers, and decorative weeds.
Make dried flower arrangements from garden flowers, wildflowers, and decorative weeds.
46.
Save in the Home
Decorate your home with items from nature or use family creations.
Decorate your home with items from nature or use family creations.
47.
Save in the Home
Take advantage of free or low-cost learning opportunities, trips, and community services, such as schools, workshops, fairs, libraries, concerts, hikes, public tennis courts, home shows, Extension programs, and other adult education courses.
Take advantage of free or low-cost learning opportunities, trips, and community services, such as schools, workshops, fairs, libraries, concerts, hikes, public tennis courts, home shows, Extension programs, and other adult education courses.
48.
Save in the Home
Hold a garage sale. Sell those items you no longer need, use, or want.
Hold a garage sale. Sell those items you no longer need, use, or want.
49.
Save in the Home
Plan an outdoor area for living. Landscape to beautify and enjoy it.
Plan an outdoor area for living. Landscape to beautify and enjoy it.
50.
Save in the Home
Buy things that will require as little maintenance as possible.
Buy things that will require as little maintenance as possible.
51.
Save in the Home
Buy furniture at auctions, garage sales, or second-hand shops.
Buy furniture at auctions, garage sales, or second-hand shops.
52.
Save in the Home
Buy low-cost household cleaning products or learn to make your own.
Buy low-cost household cleaning products or learn to make your own.
53.
Save on Food
Feed your family well from the Food Guide Pyramid. Keep them healthy and you’ll save on medical bills.
Feed your family well from the Food Guide Pyramid. Keep them healthy and you’ll save on medical bills.
54.
Save on Food
Plan your meals one week at a time. First, review the grocery ads to take advantage of specials. Make a shopping list from your menu plan with the ads.
Plan your meals one week at a time. First, review the grocery ads to take advantage of specials. Make a shopping list from your menu plan with the ads.
55.
Save on Food
Plan one meatless day per week.
Plan one meatless day per week.
56.
Save on Food
When you use the oven, try to cook more than one item while it is hot. Cook the main dish, dessert, vegetables, quick breads, or other foods at the same time in the oven.
When you use the oven, try to cook more than one item while it is hot. Cook the main dish, dessert, vegetables, quick breads, or other foods at the same time in the oven.
57.
Save on Food
Stretch ground meat with bread crumbs, oatmeal, or tomato sauce.
Stretch ground meat with bread crumbs, oatmeal, or tomato sauce.
58.
Save on Food
Mix one-part nonfat dry milk with one part regular milk. The family will never know the difference.
Mix one-part nonfat dry milk with one part regular milk. The family will never know the difference.
59.
Save on Food
Prepare some of your own convenience foods, master mixes, and desserts at home.
Prepare some of your own convenience foods, master mixes, and desserts at home.
60.
Save on Food
Prepare a large quantity of standard recipes, such as spaghetti sauce, chili, pastries, and stews. Then label and freeze them for later use. This not only saves time but also allows you to buy larger amounts of basic ingredients at lower prices.
Prepare a large quantity of standard recipes, such as spaghetti sauce, chili, pastries, and stews. Then label and freeze them for later use. This not only saves time but also allows you to buy larger amounts of basic ingredients at lower prices.
61.
Save on Food
Waste less! Each year Alabamians throw many dollars worth of food into garbage cans. This happens not only at home but also in restaurants and school cafeterias.
Waste less! Each year Alabamians throw many dollars worth of food into garbage cans. This happens not only at home but also in restaurants and school cafeterias.
62.
Save on Food
Eat less expensive foods; drink less expensive beverages.
Eat less expensive foods; drink less expensive beverages.
63.
Save on Food
Entertain with “pot lucks” or inexpensive buffets such as lasagna and salad.
Entertain with “pot lucks” or inexpensive buffets such as lasagna and salad.
64.
Save on Food
Grocery shop when you are not hungry. It will help you avoid impulse buying.
Grocery shop when you are not hungry. It will help you avoid impulse buying.
65.
Save on Food
Cut your food shopping trips to no more than one a week. You will save gasoline, time, and money.
Cut your food shopping trips to no more than one a week. You will save gasoline, time, and money.
66.
Save on Food
When you shop, compare the price per unit: pound, ounce, dozen, package, or square foot. Take your calculator with you.
When you shop, compare the price per unit: pound, ounce, dozen, package, or square foot. Take your calculator with you.
67.
Save on Food
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and milk drinks, oatmeal and peanut butter cookies, and popcorn instead of junk food. You’ll be healthier.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and milk drinks, oatmeal and peanut butter cookies, and popcorn instead of junk food. You’ll be healthier.
68.
Save on Food
Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Can, freeze, and dry some of them for future use.
Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Can, freeze, and dry some of them for future use.
69.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Buy or make children’s clothing with built-in growth features.
Buy or make children’s clothing with built-in growth features.
70.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Use good quality fabrics, buttons, and trims from out-of-style adult clothes to make children’s clothing.
Use good quality fabrics, buttons, and trims from out-of-style adult clothes to make children’s clothing.
71.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Shop at discount stores for children’s clothes.
Shop at discount stores for children’s clothes.
72.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Select children’s clothes that are functional and comfortable.
Select children’s clothes that are functional and comfortable.
73.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Teach children proper care for clothing, toys, furniture, and equipment so replacements, repairs, and maintenance will be reduced.
Teach children proper care for clothing, toys, furniture, and equipment so replacements, repairs, and maintenance will be reduced.
74.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Involve children in understanding their environment. Reward them in some way for conserving resources.
Involve children in understanding their environment. Reward them in some way for conserving resources.
75.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Save household items that children can play with such as egg cartons, meat trays, old stockings, and cardboard boxes of all sizes.
Save household items that children can play with such as egg cartons, meat trays, old stockings, and cardboard boxes of all sizes.
76.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Devise creative, inexpensive entertainment for children.
Devise creative, inexpensive entertainment for children.
77.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Interest children in budgeting their money. Give them allowances, and let them learn to save and stretch their money.
Interest children in budgeting their money. Give them allowances, and let them learn to save and stretch their money.
78.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Start a “child-care pool” with a group of friends to save on babysitting fees.
Start a “child-care pool” with a group of friends to save on babysitting fees.
79.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Buy basic gifts or supplies when prices are reduced, such as after Christmas or Easter, and save them for the following season.
Buy basic gifts or supplies when prices are reduced, such as after Christmas or Easter, and save them for the following season.
80.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Insist the children do some sort of work, besides regular chores, as soon as they are old enough.
Insist the children do some sort of work, besides regular chores, as soon as they are old enough.
81.
Save on Children’s Expenses
Involve children in gardening.
Involve children in gardening.
82.
Save on General Living Expenses
Distinguish between needs and wants— consider values, goals, and resources.
Distinguish between needs and wants— consider values, goals, and resources.
83.
Save on General Living Expenses
Know alternatives for increasing income.
Know alternatives for increasing income.
84.
Save on General Living Expenses
Know how much things cost. Comparison shop.
Know how much things cost. Comparison shop.
85.
Save on General Living Expenses
Know when to use cash, checks, or credit.
Know when to use cash, checks, or credit.
86.
Save on General Living Expenses
Beware of little expenses. “A small leak will sink a great ship.”
Beware of little expenses. “A small leak will sink a great ship.”
87.
Save on General Living Expenses
Shop with a list; don’t buy on impulse. If you see something you really want that you didn’t plan to buy, wait a day before buying it.
Shop with a list; don’t buy on impulse. If you see something you really want that you didn’t plan to buy, wait a day before buying it.
88.
Save on General Living Expenses
Follow proven buying guidelines. Consider price per unit and watch weights and measures. Check your sales slips. Count your change.
Follow proven buying guidelines. Consider price per unit and watch weights and measures. Check your sales slips. Count your change.
89.
Save on General Living Expenses
Pay promptly. Don’t build up interest charges for late payments.
Pay promptly. Don’t build up interest charges for late payments.
90.
Save on General Living Expenses
Know how much money you have. Plan your spending.
Know how much money you have. Plan your spending.
91.
Save on General Living Expenses
Don’t spend tomorrow’s paycheck today.
Don’t spend tomorrow’s paycheck today.
92.
Save on General Living Expenses
Be sure the time is right for the best price. It’s oftentimes not what you buy but when you buy it.
Be sure the time is right for the best price. It’s oftentimes not what you buy but when you buy it.
93.
Save on General Living Expenses
Learn the principles for cutting family living costs. Learn, practice, and develop skills in the marketplace, in the use of credit, in thrift, and in using financial institutions.
Learn the principles for cutting family living costs. Learn, practice, and develop skills in the marketplace, in the use of credit, in thrift, and in using financial institutions.
94.
Save on General Living Expenses
Substitute other resources for money. Learn to barter, borrow, share, switch, substitute, simplify, and conserve goods and services.
Substitute other resources for money. Learn to barter, borrow, share, switch, substitute, simplify, and conserve goods and services.
95.
Save on General Living Expenses
Establish a safe level of credit.
Establish a safe level of credit.
96.
Save on General Living Expenses
Set aside a realistic emergency fund equal to 2- to 6-months take-home pay.
Set aside a realistic emergency fund equal to 2- to 6-months take-home pay.
97.
Save on General Living Expenses
Shop for credit just as you shop for merchandise. Consider the cost of credit as a part of the cost of the item you are buying. Know the annual percentage rate as well as the cost of credit in dollars and cents.
Shop for credit just as you shop for merchandise. Consider the cost of credit as a part of the cost of the item you are buying. Know the annual percentage rate as well as the cost of credit in dollars and cents.
98.
Save on General Living Expenses
Shop sales carefully. A seasonal sale may save 10 to 25 percent; a clearance may save 50 to 75 percent. Consider the actual savings in dollars and cents.
Shop sales carefully. A seasonal sale may save 10 to 25 percent; a clearance may save 50 to 75 percent. Consider the actual savings in dollars and cents.
99.
Save on General Living Expenses
Remember, if you don’t need it, it is not a good buy at any price.
Remember, if you don’t need it, it is not a good buy at any price.
100.
Save on General Living Expenses
Recycle. It will save money and reduce landfill space.
Recycle. It will save money and reduce landfill space.
101.
Save on General Living Expenses
Check with your county Extension office for other money saving ideas.
Check with your county Extension office for other money saving ideas.
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