101 Ways to Save Money (Part_4)

Save in the Home

30 Cut the cost of your long distance calls as much as 60 percent by dialing yourself and using the daily and weekend specials. Plan what you need to say and limit talking time.

31Use fewer paper products, such as paper plates, cups, and towels, so they won’t have to be replaced as often.

32 Strive for a simpler lifestyle. This means owning fewer nonessential things and having less to clean and maintain. Buy less clutter and junk.

33 Be creative; use what you have in new and better ways.

34Cut your recreation costs by planning more activities and games at home.

35Entertain friends and relatives at home simply.

36Use your sewing skills to make gifts: aprons, place mats, linens, hand towels, pillows, and needlework. Or, make pictures, wall hangings, chair seat covers, and decorative screens.

37Use some of your homemade jams and jellies for gifts.

38Start slips from some of your plants; then pot them for gifts.

39 Plan carefully and thoroughly as the first step in economical decorating.

40 Consider remodeling rather than building a new house.

41 Learn to paint and to wallpaper.

42 Learn to refinish furniture.

43 Make your own draperies, curtains, spreads, slipcover, and table covers.

44 Learn to clean, repair, and restore household items yourself. Learn to maintain and repair the house and equipment.

45 Make dried flower arrangements from garden flowers, wildflowers, and decorative weeds.

46 Decorate your home with items from nature or use family creations.

47 Take advantage of free or low-cost learning opportunities, trips, and community services, such as schools, workshops, fairs, libraries, concerts,

hikes, public tennis courts, home shows, Extension programs, and other adult education courses.

48 Hold a garage sale. Sell those items you no longer need, use, or want.

49 Plan an outdoor area for living. Landscape to beautify and enjoy it.

50 Buy things that will require as little maintenance as possible.

51 Buy furniture at auctions, garage sales, or second-hand shops.

52 Buy low-cost household cleaning products or learn to make your own.