The following is a guest post by Rainy Kaye of RainyoftheDark.com.
We all know to clip coupons, turn off the TV when it’s not in use and switch to energy saving light bulbs. But there are other, less obvious, a little more do-it-yourself ways to save dollars in the long run. Here are five ideas to get you started:
Learn Basic Sewing
No need to become a seamstress if it doesn’t appeal to you, but learning the basics of a sewing machine can get you far. Not only can you repair your clothes for little more than the cost of thread, but you can take on the textiles in your house. For example, simple curtains, couch pillows, and even blankets can be inexpensive to make if you watch for fabric sales.
Go Solar
Consider switching to solar outdoor lights as much as possible. This can definitely save dollars in the long run for those who run their porch light all night. Solar lights can be hung, or staked into the yard. Discount and clearance stores often have them available from time to time.
Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers – commonly referred to as Crock Pots – are an often underestimated appliance. While many people think it is reserved for making pot roast, the truth is, it can cook nearly anything, including breads and desserts. Even though they run most of the day, they use far less energy than the stove or range. They also do well with cheap cuts of meat. Many recipes can be adapted for it, so you won’t have to give up your favorite meals, either.
Take Care of Your Animals Yourself
While it’s important to take an animal to the vet for checkups and illness, there are certain things you can do at home to save money. Many animal supply stores sell vaccinations you can administer yourself (either nasal or by injection). Also consider learning how to cut the toenails on your pet and simple grooming techniques so you can bypass those procedures which quickly add up.
Learn Basic Plumbing
Understand how sink, shower and toilet plumbing works. Many problems with these are easily fixed. For example, a toilet leaking water probably just needs the wax ring replaced. It’s simple to do, and a new ring is inexpensive from the home improvement stores. Far cheaper than calling the plumbers. At the very least, know how to shut off the main water line and individual fixtures so you can circumvent emergency phone calls.
The ways to save money around the home are nearly endless. It often just takes a little creativity. Analyze not only your daily and monthly expenses, but yearly as well. Then look for ways to reduce them in the future.
Rainy Kaye blogs at RainyoftheDark.com.
Your turn: In what unique ways do you reduce household expenses?
About Carrie Rocha
I am a firm believer in couponing! I am not some extremist, but every little bit helps and coupons have helped me bridge the gap in my budget. Also, a great way to keep up with the things my teen needs for school (gym class, etc) is to look online for freebies. I am able to send my son to school with deodorant and body wash all the time so he always smells clean and I didn’t have to spend a dime. You just have to know which freebie sites to frequent so you don’t just get a ton of spam!
I love these articles! Every time I mend something with my own needle and thread I feel such a sense of accomplishment. It’s a small thing, but it works for me!
And during these dog days of summer, the crock pot doesn’t heat up the house like the oven or stove top, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard, saving you even more money! Yeah for crock pots!
I agree. We started plugging our crock pot in outside on the deck, so there is no added heat in the house at all. Works great and it’s too hot to attract bugs.
FYI: There is a great facebook group called crock pot girls that have great recipes for the crockpot.
One way to save money came about in our utility bill newsletter — it outlined the price difference in electricity use during “peak” and “off-peak” times. The cost difference was an eye opener! So now (as I work from home) I either do laundry/run the dishwasher, etc. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. at night. A programmable dishwasher which can run in the late night helps with this as well. Good article, good tips. Thanks!
Lisa @ Wallet Watcher
AND if you know basic sewing you can alter your own and your kids’ clothes. I often purchase $1.49 items at Goodwill that might not be my exact size and I alter them to fit me perfectly! There are tutorials online to help you learn how to do this. Just Google the name of the article of clothing you what you want to alter (such as “how to shorten a skirt”). It’s so easy and saves so much money! YOU CAN DO IT!
One of the very funnest sites on altering clothes is New Dress A Day (http://www.newdressaday.com/). Each day she takes a thrift shop bargain and turns it into something pretty and up-to-date with very little sewing. She also just got her first book deal! So fun! She says she was inspired by the book/movie, Julie & Julia. She’s young and hip, so some of her creations are young and hip (which I am not). But her tips are universal. As soon as I get my ancient sewing machine back to working order, I am planning to tackle some re-creations!
You can also find tutorials online for basic home maintenance such as plumbing. Seriously, you can so do this!
When we bought our first house we received the book Home Improvements for dummies. We are in our second house and we use that book all the time.. saved us big $$$ many times over!
I recently tackeled re-upholstering my couch & loveseat cushions. I took one apart & used it as a pattern. I bought very similar fabric & re-used the zippers. They took some time but after I did one the rest were easy. I did a total of 5. Saved a ton of money & now have furniture that will last a long time.
As a single mom, I need all the do-it-yourself help I can get. Lol. I use a website called ‘Ask (dot) com’ and type a ‘how do you’ type question. I was able to remove an old sliding glass shower door and learned how to remove an old style door knob and replace with a newer one. I was so happy I didn’t have to pay anyone.
I would like to install some outdoor solar lights in the front of my house and a few in the backyard, does anyone have any experience with purchasing them or suggestions on some good ones (brands, etc)? I’m not sure where to start or what to look for. Thanks.
So I’ve ALWAYS wanted to know–how DO you alter a recipe for a crock pot? Is there a set ratio (like X # of min in CP for every 5 min of baking or something?) I’ve yet to master cooking meat in it–it often comes out over done. I can do soups though :)
Lisa, that’s a really great question. Most main dishes can be converted with a few simple facts:
1. Use slightly less dry herbs. They simmer longer and so usually taste stronger.
2. Add most dairy ingredients in the last 30 mins to an hour. Milk, sour cream, etc curdle in the extended heat.
3. Chicken won’t usually brown, so if you don’t like that sickly boiled look, expect to toss it in a pan for a few mins to get some color.
4. Crockpots should be half to 3/4 way full.
5. Properly filled crockpots (see #4) generally need 7-8 hours on low, and about 4 on high. If meats are coming out over done, cook them on low with a broth and use (this sounds weird) a less quality cut of meat. Expensive pieces of beef will not turn out as well in a slow cooker. London Broil, however, is really difficult to work with in a crockpot so don’t try that first. It’ll turn everyone off future attempts.
Good luck :)
I love using my sewing machine to save money…and make things that I want, but can’t find in a store. Just this week, I made banners and a handkerchief dress for my twins’ cowboy/cowgirl party and saved a bunch on decorations. It’s also great for updating clothes with just a little something extra or tailoring them just a bit so I like them better. I’m not great at it, and make it up as I go, but it usually works out. Anyone know of any tailoring classes though? I just want to learn a few simple things…like how to take a shirt in at the chest or waist, etc. It would make buying off the clearance racks for clothes easier. Thanks!
If you use a lawn service consider calling a neighborhood kid and pay him by the job rather than paying a set fee every month for a service. Same goes for snow shoveling, pay a neighbor kid by the job and not a monthly fee.
Googling car problems/symptoms can also save a lot by making you more informed, even if you can’t fix it yourself. There are a zillion gearheads talking in a bazillion blogs and you can ‘virtually’ pick their brain! It has helped me too in realizing when something is over our head, preventing even more expensive fixes later. :-)
We unplug all items that we are NOT using. For example, the toaster,blender, coffee pot (i know some people leave it on for the timer but we d ont use it that often), phone chargers, computers etc.
Also if you need something new look into doing it yourself. My inlaws were looking at recovering their kitchen chairs and for around $20 (for fabric) I recovered them for them.
Try asking your parents (or grandparents!) for money saving tips. Most of them had many hardships to endure when they were young. Learn from experience. For example, try to spend less money on entertainment and do things with your friends like playing cards or having potlucks.
We do holiday potlucks. Everyone gets to contribute and make sure their favorite dish is available, and it makes the cost of serving a large group of people affordable.
One other tip for saving money. As you get older your legs are NOT your most attractive feature. With that in mind I like to have my cropped/clam diggers or whatever you call them are often too short for my legs. what I do is buy pants that fit good at the top & cut off the bottoms & hem to my specifications that are more attractive for me. Another feature for women of a certain age is arms/wings. I use to have a hard time in the summer to find clothes/dresses that have some type of sleeve to cover up the wings. Now I have a few lace shrugs in different colors that I can wear. I now can buy sleeveless dresses on sale with no problems.
Hey this isn’t for older people! :) I’m over 6 feet tall and I wanted really cute crop pants/capri’s and I’m not handy with the sewing machine…so I went shopping in the petite department! (Yes, I got some looks and was asked if I needed any help.) I don’t remember the last time I could shop at a regular store! (And catch a good sale too!)
Hellooo, what do you mean this is not for older people? By the way your idea is great, sorry I didn’t think of it. I’ll have to tell my Daughter she is almost 6 feet tall.
Oops, should have said, it isn’t JUST for older people!
For the capri’s, you just have to find a wash that doesn’t have the faded knee (looks funny when it’s 6 inches too high and also has a cut that is straight leg – I ended rolling mine up for the boyfriend look. )
The whole vaccinating your pet is great, but it isn’t a simple process. Well the actual vaccinating is, but getting the vaccines is hard in MN. Only a vet can give the rabies and unfortunately to order your other vaccines in MN you need a prescription and most vets require you to bring in your pet yearly for a physical before they will write an RX. Still, you can save a good amount.
Another way to save money? Get 90 day prescriptions for you and/or your family. It saves me loads!
One last way? Cloth diaper your babies!
Here in Arizona we can get 5 or 6 different vaccinations at the pet feed stores, but not rabies. That has to be documented, as far as I’m aware.
You shouldn’t vaccinate your own animals. I am a Certified Veterinary Technician. Animals can sometimes have reactions to vaccines and wouldn’t you want to be at the clinic if you animal was one of those that does have a reaction to a vaccine? Would you give you child a vaccine instead of going to the doctor and letting them do it? I wouldn’t. So why would you do it to your animal? Plus, Rabies vaccine can only be given by a veterinarian. If you want to save money on Vaccines find a clinic that does the vaccine clinicdays! It is a weekend (typically) set aside to give discounts on vaccines and heartworm tests. They tend to be busy, but it is cheaper when you have more than one animal.
As a vet tech, you must know that reactions from a vaccine can take days to appear, so it isn’t like a person is going to wait that long at the vet in case a reaction may develop. Plus, in MN you need an RX so it isn’t like you can do it without ever seeing a vet, especially considering you need them to give the rabies. People give sub-cu injections to their pets all the time, whether it be for insulin or other things like lactated ringers (I keep them on hand for my rabbit who is constantly fighting GI stasis.). When the vet gives your pets their rabies, ask him/her to teach you how to properly vaccinate. But in reality, it is a very easy process and I actually just ordered my kids’ yearly vaccs. And yes, I would give my child their vaccine if it was allowed, relatively safe, and I felt comfortable doing it. To each his own.
Actually it doesn’t take days for a reaction to show up. It happens within the first 5-20 minutes. Also, insulin is also given IM most of the time. I think it is fine to give fluids SQ, but you shouldn’t be able to give vaccines unless you a re a vet or vet tech. Next will it be ok to orperate on your own pet to save money?
I said it CAN take that long. My clients’ dog has it happen everytime and it usually takes at least 36 hrs. to happen. When I worked at my vet, I never gave insulin any other way than SQ. Not saying you are wrong about that, just saying you aren’t 100% right. I guess we will have to agree to disagree. :)
How about something simple like washing your car in the driveway “by hand” instead of taking it to a car wash? The bending and stretching provides a little exercise too.
Certainly talk with your parents or grandparents…they lived with much less than we do today. My mom was also a fantastic seamstress. She would sew just about everything and still sews my husband’s torn jeans for work. You may laugh, but she also used to sew the holes in our socks. Now, I have three boys and have started doing this also.
Gardening!!! I bought a basil plant for $3.50 and it paid for itself after 2 meals! I haven’t bought a cucumber or green bean in weeks. This is my first garden ever and I am thoroughly in love with tending to it and eating food that I know the entire history of! Next year I will add fruit. Can’t wait!
P.s. – I bought one jar of my favorite refrigerated pickles – a splurge- and have been quartering extra cucumbers and adding them to the jar since I ate the originals and the homemade replacements are fabulous!
DO NOT BUY POP! It has no nutritional value and set kids up for bad habits because they get used to having pop around. The same goes for juice. Even fruit juice is mostly just sugar water.
I agree. Soda is a splurge around here; it’s just so bad for you. Crystal Light is a good alternative for those who dislike plain water, and some warehouse stores sell it in bulk.