February's Tips
Don't you hate trying to peel off price stickers, especially when they're stuck to the glass of a picture frame, or the bottom of a porcelain mug? For easier removal of sticky labels, try swabbing them with cooking oil or rubbing alcohol.
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When ordering your free credit report, be sure you're not being charged for extra credit protection. You're allowed one free credit report per year from each credit bureau by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com or calling (877) 322-8228.
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Traveling to another time zone? If you regularly take medications on a set schedule, keep a watch set to home time so you stay on track.
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Ink cartridges for computer printers are an expensive necessity --- one we didn't have to deal with just a few years ago. To stretch your ink dollar, set your personal or unimportant computer documents to print in grey rather than black.
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Next time you need to pull off the highway for gas, don't hit the station at the rest stop or immediately near the exit. They're often priced significantly higher per gallon than ones just a block down the street.
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Ever buy a new hair conditioner and end up not liking it? Most people have at least one such half-empty bottle going unused. Next time you shave, try using the hair conditioner in place of shaving cream. It will keep your skin smooth and save money!
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Did you know you can save more than $75 in energy costs per year just by putting your computer to sleep? Ditch screen savers and use the standby or hibernate feature instead.
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Are you a fan of a particular product? Send its maker a message of appreciation. Tell them what you love about the product as well as things they could improve. They'll often send coupons or free samples to thank you for your input.
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Find a place close to the front door to stash your paper shredder. When bringing in mail, you'll be more likely to get rid of the junk instead of adding it to the heap on the dining room table. The risk of private information or credit card offers getting into the wrong hands will decrease, too.
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Expensive cuts of meat can really run up the grocery bill. Beans and legumes are a cheap, healthy alternative to meeting your protein needs.
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Want to see all the latest plays, musicals and other live productions without breaking the bank? Volunteer as an usher at your local theater or live music venue. You'll get to watch the shows for free!
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Did you move to take a new job? Keep that in mind when filing your taxes this year, says the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Moving and other job search expenses, such as resume printing or consultant help, are tax deductible.
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Expecting guests? Lower the thermostat a few degrees shortly before they arrive. Collective body heat always elevates the temperature of a room.
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Need something? Go used! Check with friends and family in a mass e-mail to see if they have an item you're looking for that they no longer use. If not, move on to bartering and giveaway communities such as Freecycle.org and Craigslist.org.
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Do you watch prices like a hawk? Don't go it alone. With price alert features, such as the Amazon Price Tracker from Amazon.com, you can input a wish list or a category you're shopping and get updates to your computer desktop as the price drops.
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Cut down on the amount of UFOs (Unidentified Frozen Objects) in your freezer. Keep a dry-erase board nearby, writing down any item you freeze and the date you put it in. Once you use it, cross it off. You'll keep a better inventory of what you have, avoid buying doubles and remember to use food before it goes bad.
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Want to keep your tools from rusting? Next time you change your oil, pour it into a bucket and add sand. Then push your tools business-end down into the mix. It will keep them polished, lubricated and let them last forever.
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Don't ever leave a cash register without first asking, "Do you have any specials, coupons or discounts?" Especially at department stores, cashiers often have percentage-off coupons handy.
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Trying to cut back, but still want to enjoy the luxury of dining out? Head out for lunch instead of dinner. Most restaurants offer a scaled back, smaller-portioned, less expensive menu that's just as delicious.
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Tired of buying those pricey firestarter logs to get that cozy blaze going in the fireplace? Start saving your old cardboard egg cartons, paper towel rolls and the lint from your clothes dryer. You can stuff the lint into the empty roll or carton and get the same effect for free.
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Tired of ending up with soggy pizza reheated in the microwave? Next time, use a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat on top of the stove and it will come out crispy.
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