~Saving/making it -- in today's struggling economy~

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I thought it would be a good idea to have a discussion on saving money as there are lots of things that each of us do that others may not think of!! So I will start with some of the things my family has done so far trying to save and make it. A. Meals-- I buy cheaper meals most nights now and something that is large enough for leftovers. I simply add new things to it the next night to make it different. Examples. ~~ 1. chili one night the next add potatoes , corn, and mushrooms. eat with tostitoes instead of crackers. .. ```2. Mashed potatoes (homemade only) the next night have potatoe cakes.. .. ```3. Hamburger helper the next night add vegetables and some durkee fried onions to the top or cheese. .. B. Electric-- People in my house have light patrol now :)).. Cut off those lights and tv when not in use! Also unplug items you do not use that often-- like can openers, mixers, coffee pots, toasters, stereos, tread mills, etc...... .. C. I buy more off brand items now than I ever did. Some work just as well!! This may take some time to find out which off brands are best. EX. some cheaper dish detergents are cheaper, but it takes twice as much. Hence- this is not really cheaper. Remember what works for some might not work for you as everyone's water is different. I use less of products now where it can be. like clothes! I grew up washing dirty muddy and greasy mens clothes. Now it is just me and my 3 girls. .. D. Instead of expensive exfoliants and toners .. Research natural home cures. Ex. baking soda and oatmeal with dab of water is a perfect exfoliant. Toner lemon juice w/some water. Make your hair shine -- pour a beer in it once a week. or conditioner mayo and egg let dry then wash!. .. E. Buying used stuff---- incredible savings!!!!!! Yard sales, 2nd hand stores , etc.... .. F. Also there is a site called Freecycle. Check to see if there is one in your area. Give and receive items I normally would throw out or give to salvation army or Goodwill now I put on free cycle place the item outside and let someone come pick it up. .. G. This is an old old trick. Flushing your toilets. People way back mainly had wells not public water which you don't pay monthly (unless you have to get a water system of course). Now most people have public water and are charged for this every month. Place a brick or two or a plastic container filled with water in the tank of your commode (do not let it touch or interfere with the flushing devices though).. This still allows your commode to flush accurately , but saves on water. If it does not flush properly make sure it is not touching any of the devices. If it is not , then the item used is to large and not allowing enough water to come in so find something smaller. (every time you flush you use 5 gallons of water that YOU are paying for and that much water in not necessary to flush correctly) .. Remember--in case some don't know this. Some cheap cleaning and deod. `Clear` vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, baking soda, and peroxide. Baking soda` baking soda` and more baking soda!! clothes , pots and pans, drain cleanser overnight, scrubbing agent (some surfaces), deod. teeth (one to two times a week only). nothing to help with economical, but drinking through a straw helps with staining and keeping teeth cleaner! Hope this helps !