Saving $$ - Part Three

I was telling a friend here at work about my savings ideas. And truthfully, individually they are only saving pennies at a time. But pennies do add up. Her comment was that it wasn’t worth it to her to take the time to do those things for only pennies. Maybe today’s thoughts can add up to more savings… Dollars instead of pennies.

• Line dry clothing. How long has it been if ever that you line-dried your clothing? I put rugs out to dry or sweaters that cannot be dried in the dryer. And in fact, I believe that we are not allowed to hang clothes out to dry outside in our subdivision. (I need to check into that.)
o Here in Colorado the weather is so dry that overnight blouses and other items are dry, fresh smelling, and it didn’t cost a dime to dry. Also good for the environment.
• Be creative and make your own wrapping paper. Wrapping paper is expensive. When my children were at home I refused to purchase expensive or even not expensive wrapping paper, wrapping the gifts a few hours or minutes before the time to open them and then throwing $5 away. The kids thought it was funny that I wanted to save wrapping paper, tissue, bags, etc. But it just hurt my sensibilities to essentially throw that money away.
o I am thinking other papers that come through the house can be used as wrapping paper or to make gift bags. Fabric bags can be made and then used as bags to carry items or store what was in them originally. Yes, this takes time but so does going to the store to purchase paper and ribbon not to mention the gas in the car. Of course, if we are walking or riding our bicycles we save some money and get some exercise and fresh air. Making your own gift packaging also feeds your creative gene. At least it does for me.
• Make our own mulch and compost.
o A friend of mine made her own barrel composter. It is very cool and turns to mix the materials. I may not make something that big but I believe I am going to try to make my own compost as well as save those grass clippings and leaves to add. When I peel those zucchinis and cucumbers and strawberry tops are cut off I just send them down the disposal. Not any more, I think.
o No cost because I have buckets to put materials in. No cost for the materials. Organic gardening. Savings =
• Here’s an interesting one. Use water from pasta and vegetables to water plants.
o Reuse the water plus I think it must have some kind of nutrients in it?
o I have always known that if you use your dish water to water plants that it keeps the bugs away. They don’t like soap. My grandma used to do that all the time.
• Go to Great Clips or someone who does hair at home. Also color our own hair.
o This is an expensive one. A few years ago I wanted to grow my hair out and give it some more body. I wanted to find a stylist who could make it look great while growing out. So Richard came into my life. He is an artist when it comes to hair and hair color. (did I say hair color as in, MY HAIR IS TURNING GRAY?) There is a price to pay as well. A big price. Eventually I will have to give Richard up anyway so maybe I can wean myself from him now. Savings: Anywhere from $30 to $90 every three months or so.