A Voice from the Eastern Door

Ten Weird Ways to Save Money

Don’t laugh. Ok – go ahead

and laugh.

FREE KETCHUP!

Some folks really take advantage of those condiment packets at fast food resturaunts. In fact, one man even enlisted the help of close family in an effort to save for his first house. I remember my mother saving small jam packages for us. Here I thought she was just being thoughtful.

SELF-HAIRCUTS

This one could result in self-mutilation if not done properly, or at least a few laughs (unfortunately at your child’s expense). Cutting your own hair could save you at least $200 a year. Rather than getting 12 haircuts per year, why not just get fewer haircuts and keep letting the pros do it? Yes, everyone has been here with near disastrous results, but Moms won’t stop trying.

MY SON WOULD LOVE THIS

In order to get the best price possible, buy cereal you don’t need right now and stash it away for a later date. Two things: You could wind up with cabinets that look like Jerry Seinfeld’s, and cereal does go stale. Not to mention the free buffet you might offer a wide variety of six-legged houseguests. And yes, they can chew through the box and the plastic bag material inside, which can lead to more than just the toy surprise landing in your child’s cereal bowl in the morning.

THIS CAN’T BE SAFE

Making your own cleaning supplies seems like a good idea at first and it is good for the environment. But beyond mixing some vinegar and water, aren’t some dangerous chemicals necessary to make most household cleaners? More often than not, chemical burns and permanently discolored floors, countertops and upholstery is the result. Check out a previous issue of Consumer Corner for some safe and easy homemade cleaning recipes.

THE PLACEBO EFFECT

The placebo effect can be a powerful force in the world of medicine. This isn’t the worst idea in the world, but one has to be convinced that one is taking real medicine and that requires a real doctor to get in on the act. And the real doctor will tell you not to take fake pills.

BUY YOUR GROCERIES FARM DIRECT 

This isn’t so weird. Maybe doing this in the middle of winter could be weird. Often you can buy your groceries direct from the source, or go in with a co-op group to purchase vegetables and other groceries in bulk direct from local farms.

LIVE IN A SMALLER HOUSE (OR EVEN A TINY ONE)

These days people more often will talk about wanting to move into a bigger house with more amenities and space.  Be counter-culture and move into a smaller house that is simpler, costs less and has less expenses associated with it.  Living in a tiny house also helps lessen your impact on the environment.  Love Big. Live Small.

ROAST AND BREW YOUR OWN COFFEE 

My cousin opened my eyes to the fact that you can roast your own coffee and save a ton of money.  Coffee costs have gone up in excess of 90% or so in the past year.  Roasting your own coffee can save you a ton of money. Just buy the green coffee, buy a cheap new or used popcorn popper and follow the tutorials that you can find online.

NEVER BUY NEW. BUY EVERYTHING USED OR SECONDHAND 

Some folks will refuse to buy anything when it’s new – instead opting to buy things when they’re gently used or a year or two old. I’ve written about this before and it is true - you can find just about anything used on Craigslist or eBay nowadays – anything from an Xbox 360, to a car, to $100,000 of Twinkies. Buying used will save a ton of money! Except for the Twinkies.

A freebie…

DON’T USE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES, OR ASK FOR PRICE REDUCTIONS ON CURRENT SERVICES 

If you can help it, avoid using subscription services like cable TV, cell phone services, newspapers, magazines and lawn mowing services.  Instead opt for free alternatives online, do it yourself, buy pre-paid services or buy things only when you really want or need them.  If you need a certain service ask for a price reduction, or consider switching services to save.

 

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