Frugal Tips

This article was featured today on Mom It Forward! How exciting!!  I love sharing ideas about being frugal and was super excited to be invited to share this post with Mom It Forward readers!

This time of year you can find ready-made Valentine’s Treats your child can hand out to classmates at just about every store. Although Valentine’s Day cards are convenient and great in a pinch, it’s so much more fun to make your own! However, even a simple craft can get costly. A package of ribbon goes into the cart, a roll of stickers, add some card stock, and before you know it you’re saying “ouch” at the register.

Here’s a fun craft and sweet treat that won’t break the bank! In fact, you’re likely to have the ingredients for the pink popcorn on hand!

Valentine Pencil Toppers Craft Project

Supplies:

• Pipe cleaners in various colors
• Pencils
• Foam hearts with adhesive backs
• Permanent markers

Directions:

1. Coil the pipe cleaner evenly around the pencil. Leave a little at the top
2. Write Valentine sayings on the foam hearts with a permanent marker. Let dry.
3. Adhere foam heart to pipe cleaner at top of pencil. That’s it — cute, fun, quick, and frugal!

Pink Valentines Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bags popped popcorn (make sure and remove loose kernels)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 small box red Jell-O gelatin powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 250.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with tin-foil or parchment paper.
3. Use a large saucepan to bring the sugar, Jell-O, water, and butter to a boil. Let boil for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda (will foam).
5. Add popcorn to pan and stir to evenly coat.
6. Spoon onto baking sheets and place in oven for 30 minutes or until popcorn is no longer sticky.
7. Store in air tight container once cooled.

We took Valentines treat bags filled with pink popcorn and added a Valentine conversation heart pencil. This entire project costed less than $20 and it was a lot of fun for both my daughter and myself!

Please note: You’ll want to check with your school before handing these out as many will not allow homemade treats.

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Being frugal means more then just saving money at the register, it means taking good care of our appliances and doing our best to get as many years as we can out of them! A typical dishwasher has the life span of between 7-12 years!  Here are some tips to get it closer to 12!

1. Invest in a good machine! Do your homework. We bought a Bosch because at the time it was rated highest by Consumer Report and lot’s of people we knew and online had had good experience. It was not the cheapest way to go but that was 8 years ago and we still have not had a problem! Do your homework and spend a little more if it means getting a higher rated machine!
2. Rinse dishes well before putting them in the DW and make sure you are checking the filter at least once a week. Food get’s caught in there and needs to be removed!
3. Clean the spray arms. Depending your model, they are located on either the bottom or top of the dishwasher. Food and/or detergent can accumulate on the arms, blocking the water-distributing holes. When the holes are blocked, the dishwasher runs less efficiently.
4. Use a dish washer cleaner a 3-4 times a year. These are meant to get rid of hard water deposits that can clog spray holes and degrade mechanisms.
5. Inspect the parts of your DW from time to time if you notice pieces broken off or not working properly it may be worth it to order a new part. We recently replaced one of the sprayers on ours, we noticed the rubber piece holding it on was starting to disintegrate and causing the sprayer to lose pressure. In other words our dishes were not getting clean. We ordered a new one for $2o and voila works perfectly now. I think many people at this point would have been shopping for a new DW…not us!
6. Keep a close eye on your racks if you notice rusting you’ll need to fix this. If rusted badly enough they can break off and damage your pump. If your dish racks become rusted, either fix them with a rack repair kit, caps or replace the rack entirely. Go here for a detailed article on fixing dish washer racks —>
7. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full not only do you save water but you’re using the machine less!
8. Cycles are often prolonged so that machines can fill up with hot water. For instance, the dishwasher will continue to run water until the water is hot enough to begin a new wash cycle. You can hasten this by running hot water in your kitchen sink for 15-20 seconds before starting the DW.

Did I leave something out? Have something to add…just let me know!

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All though they keep telling us we are getting closer to living in a paperless society and although it’s true more and more information can be stored electronically….somehow I and I’m sure you end up with PLENTY of paper!

I’ve just recently started being more diligent about shredding documents, but I wonder sometimes are there things I’m shredding I don’t need to? And visa versa am I throwing out documents I should be shredding?

I did some research and here’s what I found:

What needs to be shredded?

1. Credit Card Applications
2. Old or Cancelled Credit Cards
3. Anything with your SS # on it
4. Anything with your account number on it
5. Courtesy Checks from Banks
6. Checks from you Credit Card Company
7. Canceled or blank checks
8. Financial statements
9. Income tax records
10. Insurance coverage
11. Investment information
12. Medical records
13. Personal bills
14. Physician statements & prescription statements
15. Anything with your date of birth, birth place or Mother’s maiden name
16. Labels from your prescription bottles
17. anything with your signature
18. Pay stubs
19. Receipts for purchases
20. Bank statements
21. ATM receipts
22. Any tax records or tax preparation notes, correspondance
23. Employment evaluations, applications etc…

In other words you need to pretty much shred EVERYTHING….what a PITA! Stupid bad guys (& Girls)!

There are 2 types of Shredders:

• Strip-cut: This is the most basic shredder, it strips paper into shreds of various thickness. If you own this type you should know that the “crooks” can and do take the time to piece them back together. So you may want to throw out the shredded documents in batches to further deter your information being taken.
• Crosscut: The crosscut or diamond shredder dices paper by cutting it in two directions and provides much better security. It does need maintenance though as many need to be regularly oiled. Also it can not handle as many documents at once as the strip shredder.

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Well, it’s that time of year again, time to purchase those back to school supplies! And boy does it add up! Here are some tips to saving money on back to school supplies:

1. Supply List: Have your child’s back to school list always on hand. Keep a copy in your purse & car. You never know when you’re going to find a great deal and you’ll want to know what you need.

 

2. Find it: Can’t find the list? Check your School’s web site they often have a printable list on their site!

 

3. Multiple Stores: If you really want to save big then don’t expect to buy all your supplies at once at one store. Rather keep checking the weekly deals at Target, Walmart, Staples, Walgreens etc…. Each week they will be featuring one or 2 items at a ridiculously low price. I just wait until I see what my daughter needs on a DEEP sale and only buy it then. I try to combine trips or stop in at a store when I’m driving by so as not to waste gas!

 

4. Recycle: Look around the house do you already have supplies on your child’s list? You may….check those stockpiles!

 

5. Back Packs: Some of the major office supply chains often have back packs on deep discounts or even Free after rebate. Wait as long as possible to see what sales will be offered this year.

   Also, think about recycling an old back pack for the start of the school year. Back packs will be clearanced come September so if you can make by until then you’ll get a great deal!

   Try and resist your child’s need for a “character” back-pack. They often out-grow their fondness by the end of the school year and you’ll be sick of hearing about it not to mention some some kid’s will purposefully “sabotage” their character back packs in an effort to get a new one. Yes, I speak from experience. Totally didn’t work her beat up Tinker Bell back-pack got duct taped back together. That fixed her wagon…hee hee!

 

6. Stock up: This is the time of year we’ll start seeing great deals not only on school supplies but kleenex, wipes etc… No reason you can’t stock up for home-use plus stock that art cabinet with cheap crayons, scissors, glue sticks and more for family craft time!

 

7. Dollar Stores: Don’t forget to check out your local dollar stores for some great deals! Great place for those ziploc bags if you don’t mind an “off brand name”!

Do you have any back to school shopping tips? If so send them on over and I’ll add them to the list!

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Bi-Weekly mortgage payments, have you heard of them? As the name implies your mortgage payment get’s split into two payments a month, or bi-weekly.  There are many advantages to this…and a few disadvantages as well!

Pros – What we like about this type of plan:

1. This strategy will add one extra payment a year. Which does not sound like much but really adds up over the course of your loan.

 

2. You will build equity in your home quicker.

 

3. On average you’d be taking off approximately 6-8 years off a 30-Year loan. That is substantial.

 

4. The payments are taken automatically from your bank account, so no need to worry about being late on a payment.

 

5. You can still arrange for extra to be paid towards your principal, so you’d be shaving even more time off your loan. We for example pay an extra $100 on each payment….so considering we pay bi-weekly that’s $200 dollars a month extra that is coming right off the principal. If we “fall on hard times” we could easily cancel this extra amount.

Cons – What we don’t like about this type of payment plan:

1. Fees – Many banks will charge an up front charge to set you up with one of these plans, and you might get charged per transaction.For example Citibank charges a $375 upfront charge and $1.50 per transaction, that’s 26 transactions a year so an extra $39. Wells Fargo charges you nothing! Even with the Fees you are saving substantially so it does make sense to sign up regardless.

Here are some alternatives:

1. You could pay every other week by setting it up with your banks online banking. The payments will be sent automatically. Most lenders will not charge you to get 2 payments per month rather then one.They will credit your account once monthly just like with the bi-weekly plan. Make sure though that your bank will allow this. Some might deduct the mid-month payment from your principal then still expect a full payment on your due date!
2. Make sure and check with your bank before initiating this yourself. Many banks will flat out refuse you the opportunity to make bi-weekly payments unless you sign up through their program.
3. You could just make an extra mortgage payment each year, basically giving you the same savings above. Make sure that you designate that extra amount to be taken off your “principal balance”.
4. Or you could divide your mortgage payment by 12 and just add that to each monthly payment. That way you don’t need to come up with that one time payment…rather it will get broken up over 12 months. Make sure that you designate that extra amount to be taken off your “principal balance”.

The benefits of these alternatives is you’re getting the same savings as the bi-weekly payment without having to pay any fees or start-up costs that your bank may charge. You’re also building in some flexibility, if you have a tight month you could always skip the extra amount on your payment.

However, you’d have to be disciplined enough to keep up with these payments yourself and to build them into your budget. If you’re not good at this then it make sense to pay the fees and get set-up for an automatic bi-weekly payment plan through your bank.

Common Myth:

It is commonly believed that paying twice a month reduces the compound interest on your mortgage.

That is wrong. In fact, even though you are paying biweekly, chances are your loan institution is paying your loan monthly. What is actually whittling away at your interest is that extra payment each year you’ll be making with the bi-weekly plan!

Have any input on this subject? Feel free to comment!

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The day after Easter is the best day to start your shopping for next year…almost all stores will slash prices 50% by the next day and it will just keep getting lower.

I usually head out a day or two after Easter and stock up on Easter Basket fillings for next year! I wouldn’t buy chocolate but the sugary stuff like Starburst, Skittles, Nerds and those types of things should hold up just fine.

I put everything in a Pink tote in the basement that way next year I know where to look!

Don’t forget to look through out the stores for Easter themed items that may not have made it to the clearance aisles. Like socks, pajamas, marshmallows, colored cellophane, easter themed saran wrap etc…etc…

Remember to scan items, if it looks like a seasonal/Easter product yet is not marked down…take it over to the scanner you may be pleasantly surprised!

Also, sneak that Easter Basket back down into the basement, stash it out of sight and re-use next year. That’s what I do I even keep the grass in it. If my daughter says anything I just tell her the Easter Bunny came and took it back for next year because he cares about the environment. Reuse = Recycle = Repurpose!

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In honor of Earth Day Friday 4/22, I’m giving your some resources on recycling, reselling and donating electronics!

EcoSquid
EcoSquid is a web site that helps you find the best options to resell, recycle, or donate new and used electronics. If your electronics still have value you can earn a few bucks. You’ll also find recycling or donation options for those that do not.

Earth 911
Great resource for all your Electronics recycling needs.  Once you contact the Earth 911 network, you will find community-specific information on eCycling and much more.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC)
RBRC will help you recycle portable rechargeable batteries commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. You can enter your zip code to find collection sites near you.

Best Buy
Best Buy will accept most electronics, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, cell phones and more. Consumers can bring in up to (3) items a day per household.

They also claim, if they don’t accept it they’ll help you find a place that does!
 
AT&T Reuse and Recycle
You can bring unwanted cell phones, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) and other accessories (regardless of the manufacturer or carrier) to an AT&T store or participating authorized dealer store near you.

Also for information on holding a cell phone recycling collection or the Cell Phones for Soldiers program at your business or in your community, please visit AT&T’s online starter kit for donations

Office Depot
Stop by a participating location and pick up a Tech Recycling Box. Fill the box with as many used consumer electronics (cell phones/PDAs, computers, televisions, etc) as will fit and drop the unsealed boxes off at any Office Depot store to be recycled.

Three sizes are available Small ($5), Medium ($10), Large ($15).

Dell & Goodwill/RECONNECT
Goodwill Industries and Dell have partnered to offer you an opportunity to help your community by donating your used computer or equipment! Someone will get use out of it rather then having it end up in a landfill!

Hewlitt Packard
Lot’s of drop off points for ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries and more

LG Electronics
LG offers a free mail-in recycling program for old cell phones and their accessories (any make or model). Simply box up your old phone and accessories, print off the pre-paid mailing label from their website and mail in the phone for recycling.

They’ve also partnered with Waste Management Inc. to provide drop off points for unused electronics. Head here and enter your zip code to find a drop-off point near you –>

Nokia
They offer a free mail-in recycling program for old cell phones. Just print off a pre-paid shipping label and mail it in. Those in New York & Chicago can also drop by any Nokia store to pick up a shipping label!

T-Mobile
They offer both mail-in and drop off options for their handsets. Print a mailing label here —> or simply drop off to one of their stores!

Verizon Wireless Hope Line Program:
Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any service provider. The used phones are either refurbished for reuse or recycled.

Refurbished phones, complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service, are provided to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients.

Wireless phones and equipment donations can also be sent to:

Verizon Wireless HopeLine
c/o CMB Wireless Group
630 Broadway Avenue
Holbrook, NY 11741

Techsoup
They’ve compiled a great list of information to promote computer recycling and reuse. This site provides resources for those who would like to donate hardware and those who would like to acquire recycled hardware, and refurbished.

Close the Gap
Close the Gap helps make reused and refurbished computers available to underprivileged individuals in Africa and other developing countries.

10 Tips for for Donating a Computer:
Tech soup has a great checklist you can follow if you are thinking about donating your computer! Most are common sense but there are a couple I bet you’d not thought of!

Illinois E-Cycle Drop-Off Points:
Local readers, head to the Illinois Recycling Association web site for electronic drop-offs organized by city name! If you don’t see one in your area call your township, sometimes they host drop-off days through out the year that may not make it on the list!

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