The BIG List of Random Tips

How many of these do you do? Better yet, how many are you going to be trying out?
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# When refrigerating celery, green onions, carrots and even lettuce, try wrapping them in foil to keep them fresh longer. When you are done with the foil, wipe off and use again.
# Save a lot of money by borrowing videos from the local library for both adults and kids. Put yourself on a wait list for tv shows and popular movies. There's no rush to see a movie when you can see it for FREE!
# Comparison shop for groceries; taking a few minutes on the weekend to check store circulars can save you an extra 20% or more on your grocery bill - you don't even have to cut coupons.
# Using cloth napkins saves a bundle, especially when you are eating chicken or bbq.
# Save paper bags from the store and use them to wrap packages you are mailing off

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# When you go out to eat, order water. It is not only free, but healthier and you eat more of your meal (unless you want to take it home with you)
# Don't buy bags of ice when you can prepare ahead of time and make it free with your own freezer
# Shop at yard sales, second-hand stores and online auction sites for clothes, tools and kitchenware
# When you ruin clothes beyond repair, don't toss them out. Cut them up to use for rags, patches or quilt sections
# Extend the life of your lettuce by putting it in a sealed container or towel -adding days to the lettuce

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# Don't use Benadryl, instead smear baking soda over the bug bite to calm the itching
# Take your dinner from the night before to lunch the next day
# Cook more meals at home
# Make your own home-made home cleaners and making your own laundry detergent
# Trade in your standard bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. Prices on CFLs have dropped dramatically, are more energy-efficient, last for years and consume little power and generate little heat.

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# Meat is expensive, buy it when it has been reduced in price or cut down to eating meat once or twice a week.
# Go store brand/generic for everything you can - diapers, TP, can goods
# Shop off-season for the items you need
# Don't ever buy Windex - spray on vinegar and wipe off with newspaper
# Cut out your coupons while you are watching tv and then remember to put them in your car for when you are out

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# Use cards you received to make new ones to send out. Cut off the front and paste to construction paper and send them back as folded cards or postcards
# Don't buy fabric softener sheets. Use fabric softener samples, pour it into a container or spray bottle, dampen a washcloth and toss in the dryer.
# Don't use baby wipes when changing a diaper, keep a washcloth with you, wet it, rinse and place in a sandwich baggie to take home or use again.
# See a good deal on milk, buy extra and freeze the milk
# Refill your liquid hand soap with soap slivers, shampoo or dish soap

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# If you see the greeting card person at the store, ask for any extra envelopes to use for handmade cards - the worse they can say is no.
# Buy the 'loss leaders' at the grocery store to stock up
# Don't buy on impulse, planning ahead is your biggest money saver!
# Line dry your clothes to save on the electricity. Bonus: Your clothes don't get worn out as fast either
# Pay the minimums on all credit card but one, on that final one, pay the most you can and keep paying it that way until it is paid off

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# Wash your clothes in cold water to save on heating expenses
# Have a stain, cold water is suggested to get it out most of the time
# Store your left over vegetables in a jar in the freezer, then once a month, pull it out and make homemade vegetable soup
# When gift giving time rolls around ask for gift cards to grocery store and second-hand stores if money is tight
# Buy in bulk and repackage in smaller sizes for use later

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# Don't forget to use the discounts that come via your grocery store for spending a certain amount - my local store has good deals on baseball tickets
# Remember to clean out the refrigerator of the left overs once or twice a week
# Plant a garden and grow your own vegetables
# Learn to sew up or patch ripped items and save yourself money from buying another item
# When grocery shopping check the damaged goods area in the back for deals

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# Buy a programmable thermostat; if no one is home during most of the day, set it to turn on a half-hour before anyone arrives home
# Find a consignment shop - This puts cash back in your pocket by getting money for the clothing you no longer wear - that's still in good condition
# Flexible spending Accounts - saving you a bundle on taxes by paying your child care and health care costs with pretax dollars.
# Always seek a second opinion when an animal vet suggests a pricey surgery procedure
# Treat saving as a bill. Consider having the amount transferred automatically from your checking account or paycheck

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# Use junk mail envelopes to write on for shopping and to do lists
# If you drink soda pop in cans, don't forget to recycle and get money back by weight or per can
# Save the bread crumbs or bread ends to make your own flavored croutons
# Cancel all the extra services you don't use on the tv, cellphone and landline phone - call waiting, txt messaging, premium movies.
# Use the cuffs of sweatshirts or jeans for tying up hair

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# Put soap slivers, small gift soaps and hotel soaps in a nylon and hang it around your outdoor water spigot to wash up with
# Shred your personal mail or old documents and use it in the packaging when you mail
# Soup and bread make a simple, quick and cheap meal
# Plan once a week or once a month cooking
# Save the juice from canned fruits and make popsicles
# Get the word out when you are in need of an item, someone may have it stored away to give you