Don't Buy That Insurance YET!

A lot of people really believe they need insurance for everything they own, but let's evaluate this.

Obviously you need auto and health insurance. It's even required by law. And, if you own your own home, you definitely want homeowner's insurance.



Now, let's look at a few other types of insurance.

Cell Phone Insurance: Perhaps you're the type of person who drops your phone constantly, or you have young kids, and you definitely need cell phone insurance. Consider paying your cell phone bill with a credit card that offers free coverage just for charging the phone bill to your card every month. (Of course, you'll want to be sure and pay the bill in full each month.)

Renter's Insurance: This one won't be the same for everyone. If you are a lifetime renter, and you have accumulated a lifetime worth of items, you probably will want to purchase renter's insurance. If you just moved out of your parent's home and everything you own is either curbside furniture or hand me downs, you might be just as well saving that money for your first home. Compare the annual cost with the amount you paid for your current assets.

Life Insurance: Obviously, if you are married with children, you will need to provide enough life insurance to not only pay for your funeral, but to provide the lifestyle your family is currently used to living. However, if you are single, you might want to consider planning your funeral and expenses in advance and skipping the monthly payment.

Life Insurance on a child: Put the money into a savings account for the kid instead!

Please consult a trusted financial advisor for assistance in any insurance decisions. I am not a professional in the industry, just someone trying to bring to light ideas to help you save some money and help with an inexpensive way of life!

Save when Cleaning your Oven

A lot of us are just learning that the self-clean feature on ovens can be harmful to the health of our stoves. It seems the self-clean feature runs the oven at such a high temperature that it burns control panels and fuses in the newer model stoves.

Solution: use a 1/2 cup of ammonia.

This will probably be less expensive than the electric of running the self-clean feature on your oven, and definitely better than the aerosol oven cleaners.

Here's the directions, from thekitchn.com:

" First, turn the oven on, let it warm to 150°F (65°C), and then turn it off. Place a small bowl containing 1/2 cup ammonia on the top shelf and a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf. Close the oven door, and let it sit overnight. The next morning, remove the dish and pan, and let the oven air out awhile. Then wipe it clean using the ammonia and a few drops of dishwashing liquid diluted in a quart of warm water -- even old burned-on grease should wipe right off. Warning: Do not use this cleaning method with a gas oven unless the pilot lights are out and the main gas lines are shut off."

Fight Inflation with Points

Most stores today offer some type of rewards card.  With the rewards you can earn anything from gift cards to cash off your next purchase. 

AutoZone gives a $5 rewards credit every time you spend $25 or more in their store. You can cash in after you earn $25. Note: the amounts may be different for different AutoZone locations.

Kroger gives you one cent off gas for every dollar you spend in their store. 

Hawaiian Airlines  pays you with miles not only when you fly and use your credit card, but also to do searches using their toolbar!  Wouldn't it be great to earn a free flight to Hawaii!

AARP even has a point program where you earn points by visiting their site daily and performing activities.  You do not have to be 50 years of age to participate.

There are point programs for too many companies to even try to mention.  So, keep your eyes open when you are shopping at your favorite retailers, and search the web for ways to earn points toward cash off your future purchases.

How to Get Rid of Ants

Spring will soon be here, along with those pesky critters.

Ants can often show up where they are least wanted.

Whether they are wondering around your favorite picnic spot in your backyard or if they are in your kitchen you can use these tips to get rid of ants.

Try pouring small piles of cornmeal in spots where you see the ants the most.  They will gobble up the meal and take it back to their colony.  The ants will not be able to digest the cornmeal, and will disappear within a week.

If your ant problem is indoors, and you don't like the idea of having cornmeal spread around, try Turkish Bay Leaves.  You can find the bay leaves in the spice department in your local supermarket.  Place the bay leaves in corners and counters.  The ants will be gone in no time!

Good luck getting rid of ants and other pests using these inexpensive and pet safe ways!

Don't Charge That Phone Overnight!

Here's an idea to help you save a little energy: Don't charge your cell phone overnight!

With today's technology, cell phones are usually fully charged in an hour and a half, or less, depending on how much battery life you have left.

If you are plugging your phone into an outlet before you go to bed, and pulling it off the charger just before you leave for work, you are probably wasting about 6 1/2 hours or more of energy on that phone.

Try plugging your phone into the outlet while you are cooking and eating dinner with your family.  Make this a rule in your household, and see how much more conversation you have during dinner.  You might actually get to enjoy your kids and dinner a bit more.

If that's not enough time, how about charging it while you are having breakfast and in the shower as well?

These three times may not be enough on their own to charge the phone, but the three combined should be well enough to keep your phone charged, and you in charge of your life.....instead of your phone!

Save on Laundry

There are a number of ways you can save money when it comes to laundry.

If you are in the market for a new washer and dryer, think big....The bigger the capacity laundry machines, the less often you have to do laundry.

Try to only do two or three loads of laundry a week.  This will be a little more difficult if you work in an industry where your clothes are completely soiled at the end of the day.  But if you can manage to get two days out of one set of clothes, you've just split your laundry bill in half.

Think about it, you get home from work, whether you work in an office or a factory, you want to get out of those work clothes right away.  So you put on your comfy pair of casual pants or jeans.  You wear them for two or three hours while sitting in your living room, or while having dinner.  Why not wear that same outfit later in the week, instead of tossing them into the laundry right away.

Buy whites, whites and lots of whites!  I'm talking about underclothes.  Sure, you're not going to like folding them.  But, if you only have to wash whites once every three weeks, it's not that big of a deal.  You shouldn't run out of skivvies before you have a full load.  If you do, you're wasting money running that washer and dryer.  So next time you want to splurge on yourself, take an extra ten bucks and buy yourself a pack of new bloomers.

The same with sheets.  You should own at least three sets.  It usually takes two to fill a nice size capacity washer, so why do them ahead of time.

Next, do your laundry at night!  Some people doubt it, but it is true.  Electricity costs less at night, between the hours of 9pm and 7am.  Try it for a month, and see if your power bill doesn't drop.

Finally, watch for sales on laundry detergent.  Not just any sale, because if you look at all of the weekly fliers, you'll find at least one store has laundry detergent on sale every week.  What you want to keep an eye out for is the best deal.  When you get that really good deal, keep that price in mind.  If you paid $10 for 100 ounces.  Refuse to pay more.  That's $5 for 50 ounces, or $15 for 150 ounces.  Just keep that figure in the back of your mind, and when you find that great deal, buy extra so that you're not running out and paying full retail when there's no need!

Open the Blinds! Save on Heating

Open Your Blinds and Save on Your Heat Bill

A lot of people sit in their apartments or houses with the blinds closed for privacy and don't give it a second thought.

First of all, keep in mind, people usually can't see inside during the day.  The reflection of the sun usually blocks their view inside your window.

Second, open the blinds and let the sun shine in!  We shouldn't be surprised that the sun can help us heat our homes in the fall and winter.  It heats the whole planet!

Opening your blinds and letting in the natural heat from the sun, can increase the temperature in your home by 2 to 4 degrees.  That's gonna keep your furnace from working that much harder and also give you some natural light.  Therefore, you're not only saving on your heat bill, but also your 'light bill' as everyone called it when I was a kid.

Don't Shop the Clearance Rack

Ok, I'm not going to say don't shop the clearance aisle or rack, at all.  But you should certainly stay away from that rack if you don't need something, especially if you are the type who can't resist a good deal.

Usually, when you buy something on clearance, it isn't something you need.  Think about it, how many items do you have sitting in a corner, or hanging in your closet with the tags still intact.  You got a good deal on it, but it's money you would not have spent on an item you didn't  need. 

Say it's the end of summer and you completely wore out your summer sandals or were short on summer apparel this year, then, of course it's not only acceptable, but a smart choice to hit that clearance rack.  Find those much needed shorts and get a great deal on sandals for next year.

However, if you are looking at the rack just to see what kind of good bargains they have.  Skip the rack. 

You won't get the good deal on something you don't need, but the money will remain in your pocket!  And that's an even better deal!

Quit Living Week to Week!

Follow these steps, and you'll see how easy it is to quit living week to week.

Stock Up While It's On Sale

All of us have certain items that we use on a regular basis, from your favorite soda or your favorite cereal, to your favorite laundry detergent.  These are items that are always in the house, or we need to pick up if we run out.

If you watch the ads close enough, you will find certain items go on sale at certain times of the year.

For example, my favorite soda is Mountain Dew.  It goes on sale frequently enough, but it's usually at it's lowest price for about two weeks before each holiday.

If I buy a case of Mountain Dew when it's on sale for $5 instead of the regular price of $7, I save $2 a case.  Considering I go through a case about every other week, that's a savings of $52 dollars a year!

If you do this with everything you buy, these savings add up!

Another example, canned vegetables usually go on sale in the fall, just before Thanksgiving.  It's September and I still have enough vegetables in my cupboard from last Thanksgiving, to do me until November. 

It may seem like a lot of money to put out, at first, but after a while it will be less than your normal grocery bill. 

Next you'll find yourself only going to the store to buy necessity items, unless there is a good sale. 

Do this with your meats, too.  Keep your freezer stocked so that you aren't running to the store two or three times a week to pick up something for dinner 'tonight'!

You'll find you are not only no longer living week to week, but you also have free time to spend with your kids.  Or you'll have the extra cash to go out for dinner and a movie without worrying about next month's rent!

 

Homemade Pet Flea Shampoo

Are you tired of paying outrageous prices for flea shampoo for your dog or cat?  Here's a great homemade recipe that can be made with items you already have in your home.

Homemade Pet Flea Shampoo

1 cup dish liquid
1 cup vinegar
1 quart water

Mix ingredients and use just like you would normal pet shampoo.

Increase Your Income

Have a little bit of savings, but don't want to dip into it.  Use it to increase your income, why not, that's what the wealthy do!

Check out Value Line, (you can also find their reviews at your local library), for a list of companies that regularly raise their dividends.

Take that extra savings, and purchase shares of stocks from these companies and enjoy the benefits of quarterly dividend earnings.

Do a thorough background check on the companies' whose stock you wish to purchase.  Find companies that also allow you to purchase additional shares direct.  Save on brokerage fees by only making the first purchase through a broker, and additional shares directly through the investment relations department of the company!

Gift Cards vs. Cash Back

I, for one, have been using the Cash Back program from Discover to make all of my monthly purchases since 2004....that's almost a decade!

Recently, I decided to review their gift card program.  Since I am planning a trip, I have found that it is worth the money to cash in my cash back for gift cards instead of cash. 

If you dine out often, travel or shop at one of their affiliates often, it is definitely worth your time to investigate the program.  You can get gift cards for less cash than the cost of the card.  For example: $50 Red Lobster gift card for $45.  Same deal with Best Western.

An even better deal thru the Discover card is their Hyatt gift certificate.  You can get a $100 Hyatt gift certificate for only $40 cash back dollars.  If you are going to be staying at the Hyatt on vacation, why not save $60!  What a great deal.

Check with your other credit cards and bank accounts as well.  I recently signed up for a bank account that gives 1 point for $2 spent.  The points can be cashed in for gift cards, gift items, and more.  I received 5000 points for signing up for the program.  When I referred someone, I received another 5000 points.  I'll end up with about $75 worth of gift cards with just the sign up points. 

What an easy way to pay for vacation.

Where There's a Will...

I titled this one, Where There's a Will, because I have always believed if you want to do something, Where there's a will, there's a way!

So, let me just tell you how 5 people went to the Brickyard 400 this past Sunday for only $147.00.

I'll begin by letting you know that we found a deal for free NASCAR tickets.  We received 4, but then decided to buy a 5th ticket, for a designated driver at the last minute.

We could only buy tickets by the set.  So we purchased 2 discounted tickets on Stub Hub, for $40 each.  After shipping and fees, we ended up spending $105.  Sold the 2nd ticket for $55, so we only had $50 in the extra ticket.

Next, we spent $47 in gas, roundtrip.  We brought most of our drinks and food, but ended up spending about $50 between the 5 of us.

Not bad for a professional sporting event!

So, the next time you decide you want to do something different, or just getaway, don't say you can't afford it.  Instead say, "Where there's a will, there's a way!"

Look for free or discounted tickets.  Find someone to split the gas.  Bring sandwiches and drinks along, so that you don't have to pay high convenience store and venue prices.

Homemade Hand Lotion

Time to save a little money by making your own homemade hand lotion.

My aunt made this and was giving it away at a family gathering recently.  It smells great, and really moisturizing the skin.

I believe she said you could pick up these small containers at any of the dollar shops, or you can purchase the hand lotion bottles at some craft stores.

Here are the ingredients.

8 ounces vaseline or cocoa butter
8 ounces vitamin e cream
16 ounces baby lotion

This will make a lot of lotion after you get it all mixed together.  Why not give some as gifts to family and friends!  You could even make your own labels to put on the bottles.

Save Your Ignition Tumbler

This may sound a little off the concept of the An Inexpensive Way of Life Blog, however, it is not.

If you have to replace the ignition tumbler/switch on your car or truck, it could essentially cost you hundreds of dollars.

For one, the part is pretty inexpensive with a price range from $15 to $30 if you have an older GM or other domestic vehicle.  Plus, about an hour and a half of labor costs (which could range from $60 to $90 an hour).

Although, if you have a newer car, the sky could be the limit for the replacement, up to $650 or more.  Consider the fact that newer model cars have coded keys and ignitions.

So, here's how to save your ignition switch.  The next time you sign up for a new rewards program at the grocery store, put that little tag on a different key ring.  Put your library card, gas card, pharmacy card, all on a different key ring than your car keys.  Even put your house key on a different key ring if you can.

The only thing that should be on your set of car keys is the keys to your car, and the key fob if you have one. 

Prepare for Power Outage

Storm season is upon us.  In preparation for power outages, one of my utility companies has sent me this list of "Items to have ready in the event of a prolonged power outage".  So, I thought I would share them with you.

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day (for at least three days)
• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio
• NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Candles with containers
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• First Aid Kit, prescription medication
• Moist towelettes, trash bags and ties for personal sanitation
• Cell phone chargers that plug into car (or solar charger)
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents in a waterproof container (insurance policies, identification, bank account info)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each family member
• Change of clothing and personal hygiene supplies
• Paper cups, plates, towels and plastic utensils
• For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications

Hopefully you won't need this list, but it is a good idea to have these items handy, just in case.

How to Save $40 on Your Electric Bill

How to save $40 this summer on your AEP bill….

If you live in Indiana, log in to http://indianamichiganpower.com/save . If you live in a different state and you are an AEP customer, check your AEP web site for more details.

Click the Residential Peak Reduction tab in the lefthand column.

In order to qualify:

• You must be an I&M customer living in Indiana.
• Your home must have central air conditioning in good working condition. Window and wall air conditioning units do not qualify for the program.
• You must own your home or have the property owner’s permission to participate.

Click enroll online.

Have your bill handy, as you will need your account number.

Agree to allow authorized Indiana Michigan Power representatives to install a control device on your home near your outside air conditioning unit. This device will allow Indiana Michigan Power to adjust the air conditioner compressor so it will run at 50 percent cycling during periods of high electricity demand May through September on non-holiday weekdays ending by 8 p.m., not to exceed fifteen non-emergency and ten emergency events per year.

By participating in this important program, you are helping to reduce peak demand on the electric grid and promote the reliability of electric service when it is needed most. As a program participant, you will receive an $8.00 monthly bill credit during the months of May through September, totaling $40 per year.

Homemade Weed Killer

This is a great time of year to wipe out the weeds along the cracks and crevices of the sidewalk, along the fence row, and other places you will need to weed eat throughout the year.  Get these things sprayed now, and you won't need to worry about breaking out the weed eater so often this summer.

Here is a great Homemade Weed Killer Recipe for you to try.

Ingredients:

4 cups white vinegar
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons of dish liquid

Mix the ingredients together and pour into a sprayer. 

Remember this is not a weed and feed, this is just a weed killer.  So only spray in locations where you want to complete get rid of all vegetation.

Please let me know if you have any weed killer recipes you would like to share!

Homemade Groundhog Repellent

If you have a new neighbor living under your porch or hanging out in your garden, it's probably an unwanted groundhog or some other type of pest.

You can spend money on a live animal trap, hope you catch him.  Then carry him out and dispose of him at the lake, or whatever way you find fit.

You can also spend money on expensive repellents that need to be sprayed monthly....Or you can try this recipe for your own homemade groundhog repellent from The Gardner's Rake.

Mix 1 tablespoon of hot sauce with one gallon of water.  Spray around the perimeter of the area in which you want to keep away the groundhogs.  You can also spray this mixture on your garden plants, just be sure to wash them well when picked.

Frugal Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought I would try to come up with some frugal ideas for Mother's Day gifts that she will love.

Here are a couple that my sister and I have actually done.

 

Make a throw pillow with pictures.  Here is a link to a sample from Country Living.

My sister is quite the seamstress, so she came up with the idea on her own.  She made a pillow case and then used an iron on technique to put pictures of each of us kids when we were younger.  Mom loved it.

Another one of my sister's great crafty ideas was a notepad with pictures on it.  Here is a how to link from Chica and Jo.

You can put pictures on it, your mom's favorite flowers or animal pictures.  Of course, don't forget the grandchildren.

Take the notepad, add a pen, pencil and eraser and you'll have a great care package for Mom!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!