Money Saving Ideas--Some Thoughts
March 28, 2013
While doing research for retirement activities, I found an excellent website, www.retirement-online.com . Now I spend a lot of time there reading about activities that real seniors are doing, through their comments, chats, and photos.
Nina, from the UK, posted a discussion topic asking how others find ways to save money. There were great ideas and strategies.
This got me thinking, and here is what I contributed:
I wash my dishes with my dishwasher set on the short/light wash cycle. I hang my clothes outside to dry, weather permitting, because it reminds me of the good old days, and it saves much electricity. However, I live in sunny Florida where every day is pretty sunny and warm, even in the winter.
As to clothes, I donate my clothing to charities before they becomes threadbare, which helps on my income taxes, as a deduction. I only buy new clothing that will coordinate with my other clothing pieces, so I have more choices with fewer purchases. (I buy nothing that needs dry cleaning, ever.) The same goes with shoes. Remember, you can change an older outfit just by adding a scarf.
When I am finished on the computer, I turn off the power to the power strip, otherwise, electricity is still being used.
I got rid of cable tv service and am now saving $70 per month. I watch any movies or tv series online,which is covered by my internet bill.
I don't have a cell phone, ipad, ipod, etc.
I don't shop in thrift shops because I don't want to add to my possessions; I want to keep downsizing, in preparation for retirement.
I have several good books I refer to from time to time on saving money:
1001 Ways To Cut Your Expenses, by Jonathan D. Pond
Rags To Retirement, by Gail Liberman and Alan Lavine
The Automatic Millionaire, by David Bach
Retirement On A Shoestring, by John Howells
The Finish Rich Workbook, by David Bach
Organize Yourself, by Ronni Eisenberg
Most of these books were given to me; I get all my books from the public library.
I have a very old, very fuel-efficient car. Once or twice a year there may be a large repair, but I don't have a car payment. I also chose a car that was cheaper to insure.
I don't use my oven and stove top very much; I prefer the speed and convenience of the microwave, which uses far less electricity, and produces the same results, especially for casseroles, etc. I use a small crockpot/slow cooker for roasts and stews...again saving electricity.
That seems like a long list for now, but if I think of more, I'll add them.
If you go on www.pinterest.com you will find thousands of ways to save money, and thousands of ways to spend it also. :-) I have one board on my pinterest site called "Frugal Good Ideas." www.pinterest.com/mimihylton You might find many good ideas there.
Oh, I almost forgot: I never carry cash; I am too tempted to spend it too easily. I don't use a debit card for the same reason. I write checks for almost everything, because I know where my money is going."
