I check here a couple of times a year for me and my husband. Haven't found any yet but maybe one day :)
This site searches 39 states at once
http://www.missingmoney.com/
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
25 ways to save water at home
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
Water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant.
In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation
helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds.
In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation
helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds.
Conserving
water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil
saturation, and reducing any pollution due to leaks. Overloading
municipal sewer systems can also cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes
and rivers. The smaller the amount of water flowing through these
systems, the lower the likelihood of pollution. In some communities,
costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by communitywide
household water conservation.
1. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaksRead
the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water
is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a
leak.
2. Check your toilets for leaks
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.
3. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.
4. Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank
To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.
For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.
Replacing an 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.
5. Insulate your water pipes.
It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
6. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
Inexpensive water-saving shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install. Also, long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off.
You can easily install a ShowerStart showerhead, or add a ShowerStart converter to existing showerheads, which automatically pauses a running shower once it gets warm.
Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!
7. Take shorter showers.
One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.
2. Check your toilets for leaks
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.
3. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.
4. Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank
To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.
For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.
Replacing an 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.
5. Insulate your water pipes.
It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
6. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
Inexpensive water-saving shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install. Also, long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off.
You can easily install a ShowerStart showerhead, or add a ShowerStart converter to existing showerheads, which automatically pauses a running shower once it gets warm.
Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!
7. Take shorter showers.
One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.
8. Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrushThere is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.
9. Rinse your razor in the sink
Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water
9. Rinse your razor in the sink
Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water
10. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loadsAutomatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.
With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loadsAutomatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.
With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.
12. Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal unitsIn-sink
'garburators' require lots of water to operate properly, and also add
considerably to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to
maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste.
13. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing
If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water. If using a dishwasher, there is usually no need to pre-rinse the dishes.
14. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables
Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.
15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.
Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful.
13. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing
If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water. If using a dishwasher, there is usually no need to pre-rinse the dishes.
14. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables
Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.
15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.
Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful.
water conservation in the yard and garden...
16. Water your lawn only when it needs it
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.
17. Deep-soak your lawn
When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount. Visit our natural lawn care page for more information.
18. Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy
Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.
19. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns
Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which are already planted can be 'top dressed' with compost or organic matter.
You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel water catchment systems and simple drip-irrigation systems. A watering meter can be easily added to your hose to monitor water usage to required needs. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of the leaves. For long-term water savings, consider adding moisture-retaining lassenite to your lawn and shrub beds.
20. Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants
Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.
Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.
21. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 - 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. For information about different mulch materials and their best use, click here.
22. Don't water the gutter
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.
23. Don't run the hose while washing your car
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing - this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.
24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
25. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplingsLeaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.
Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference.
16. Water your lawn only when it needs it
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.
17. Deep-soak your lawn
When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount. Visit our natural lawn care page for more information.
18. Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy
Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.
19. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns
Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which are already planted can be 'top dressed' with compost or organic matter.
You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel water catchment systems and simple drip-irrigation systems. A watering meter can be easily added to your hose to monitor water usage to required needs. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of the leaves. For long-term water savings, consider adding moisture-retaining lassenite to your lawn and shrub beds.
20. Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants
Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.
Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.
21. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 - 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. For information about different mulch materials and their best use, click here.
22. Don't water the gutter
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.
23. Don't run the hose while washing your car
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing - this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.
24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
25. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplingsLeaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.
Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference.
My Frugal Doings, What I need to work on, and What I won't live with
These are a few things I do.
I have to reread from time to time to keep myself on track. Feel free to post yours too.
Use vinegar instead of Jet Dry, Fabric Softener and Windex. Hubby also uses it to clean his car windows with newspapers. You can pour a cup of vinegar in your toilet let sit overnight and barely scrub and it comes out very clean.
Dilute shampoo, liquid hand soap and laundry detergent with water.
Started using Apple Cider Vinegar for conditioner 2-3 times a week.
Use Shampoo/Conditioner freebies.
Recycle Walmart bags for taking lunches and kitty litter.
Also, save bags in my trunk for when I go to Aldi
Send off for Samples/Freebies whenever I can. Shop at Aldi's and use coupons when I don't/can't.
Started using mypoints to earn gift cards. Have one coming for Shell Gas. :)
Also do several survey sites and have gotten free products to try
Try and keep tires properly filled to help on gas mileage.
Do several clothes after each other so the dryer is still hot
Hang clothes when hubby won't be home most of the day. (so i don't hear him complain)
Don't preheat the oven. And if my food needs another min or two I turn the oven off. (It's still 350 or whatever in there.
Don't smoke.
Take my diet cokes to work.
Have started eating in more at home. This was hard.
Also started taking my lunch more
Canceled Netflix and gym membership
Also canceled tanning and Land Line
Hubby changes my oil and general maintenance on my 14 yo car.
Shop at Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Hardly ever shop for clothes
Use baking soda for the drains and the kitty litter box
Have an adjustable thermostat and set it lower when we are away or sleeping.
Pile 2 of the dogs on the bed to keep me warm. LOL
Wear layers or sweats in the winter Never turn the heat over 69.
Hubby uses a space heater because he gets cold more often then me.
In the summer make sure ceiling fans are on. I use a box fan for me.
In the summer use the oven as little as possible. Grill or Crockpot
If I am up when the dishwasher stops I stop it at the drying cycle and open the door.
Cut my own hair most of the time. Unless I want to pamper myself.
Color my own hair
Don't get my nails "done". I do them myself
Use Generic foods when I can.
Pay bills online to save on stamps
Started an Excel spreadsheet for the bills. If one doesn't come in I still know when it's due so I won't be late.
Sell items on local online garage sites
If I buy something online I do a search for promo codes.
Avoid the urge to buy the latest cd or video
I mix in baking soda with the dishwasher detergent
Painted the rooms in my house myself
Hubby cuts our yard and does lawn maintenance
I do the flowers
Use Restaurant.com for going out to eat esp new places.
Use cloth napkins I have made
Old sheets become rags or napkins
General sewing to repair items
Take advantage of when HBO is free on Directv. DVR as many movies as we can to watch later.
And Freecycle. It is a great network. Go to www.freecycle.org to check it out.
Things I have to work on
Continue to eat at home and take lunches to work
Drinking more water or Crystal Light instead of Diet Cokes
Continue to rebuild savings
Continue not to use my credit cards
Get my food budget down
Using the weekly grocery ads to my benefit and stocking up on items
Continue to plan meals 1-2 weeks in advance
Update my price book
Riding bike to help with my health
Things I won't give up
Diet Cokes
Satellite TV. While I could and have lived without it Hubby would be a nightmare without his Speed tv.
We do have the smallest package
DVR box. OMG how did I live without this!!
Highspeed Internet. I will never go back to dial up.
Realistically if times got tough I would cut these items.
I have to reread from time to time to keep myself on track. Feel free to post yours too.
Use vinegar instead of Jet Dry, Fabric Softener and Windex. Hubby also uses it to clean his car windows with newspapers. You can pour a cup of vinegar in your toilet let sit overnight and barely scrub and it comes out very clean.
Dilute shampoo, liquid hand soap and laundry detergent with water.
Started using Apple Cider Vinegar for conditioner 2-3 times a week.
Use Shampoo/Conditioner freebies.
Recycle Walmart bags for taking lunches and kitty litter.
Also, save bags in my trunk for when I go to Aldi
Send off for Samples/Freebies whenever I can. Shop at Aldi's and use coupons when I don't/can't.
Started using mypoints to earn gift cards. Have one coming for Shell Gas. :)
Also do several survey sites and have gotten free products to try
Try and keep tires properly filled to help on gas mileage.
Do several clothes after each other so the dryer is still hot
Hang clothes when hubby won't be home most of the day. (so i don't hear him complain)
Don't preheat the oven. And if my food needs another min or two I turn the oven off. (It's still 350 or whatever in there.
Don't smoke.
Take my diet cokes to work.
Have started eating in more at home. This was hard.
Also started taking my lunch more
Canceled Netflix and gym membership
Also canceled tanning and Land Line
Hubby changes my oil and general maintenance on my 14 yo car.
Shop at Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Hardly ever shop for clothes
Use baking soda for the drains and the kitty litter box
Have an adjustable thermostat and set it lower when we are away or sleeping.
Pile 2 of the dogs on the bed to keep me warm. LOL
Wear layers or sweats in the winter Never turn the heat over 69.
Hubby uses a space heater because he gets cold more often then me.
In the summer make sure ceiling fans are on. I use a box fan for me.
In the summer use the oven as little as possible. Grill or Crockpot
If I am up when the dishwasher stops I stop it at the drying cycle and open the door.
Cut my own hair most of the time. Unless I want to pamper myself.
Color my own hair
Don't get my nails "done". I do them myself
Use Generic foods when I can.
Pay bills online to save on stamps
Started an Excel spreadsheet for the bills. If one doesn't come in I still know when it's due so I won't be late.
Sell items on local online garage sites
If I buy something online I do a search for promo codes.
Avoid the urge to buy the latest cd or video
I mix in baking soda with the dishwasher detergent
Painted the rooms in my house myself
Hubby cuts our yard and does lawn maintenance
I do the flowers
Use Restaurant.com for going out to eat esp new places.
Use cloth napkins I have made
Old sheets become rags or napkins
General sewing to repair items
Take advantage of when HBO is free on Directv. DVR as many movies as we can to watch later.
And Freecycle. It is a great network. Go to www.freecycle.org to check it out.
Things I have to work on
Continue to eat at home and take lunches to work
Drinking more water or Crystal Light instead of Diet Cokes
Continue to rebuild savings
Continue not to use my credit cards
Get my food budget down
Using the weekly grocery ads to my benefit and stocking up on items
Continue to plan meals 1-2 weeks in advance
Update my price book
Riding bike to help with my health
Things I won't give up
Diet Cokes
Satellite TV. While I could and have lived without it Hubby would be a nightmare without his Speed tv.
We do have the smallest package
DVR box. OMG how did I live without this!!
Highspeed Internet. I will never go back to dial up.
Realistically if times got tough I would cut these items.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Phantom Energy
Recently I have started looking at all of the things we keep plugged in.
I have heard about phantom energy but never paid attention to it.
Then I received our latest utility bill. It stayed about the same at $145 but we had a $25 fee from TVA.
With a $170 bill I decided to do some more research in phantom energy.
Surprisingly even my husband was on board.
We went thru and unplugged 15 things without even thinking. 1 was a Room air conditioner with it being the middle of
winter I don’t know why we didn’t do that one earlier. The desktop computer, monitor, speakers and printer where
all already on a power strip so my husband turns the strip off when he is done for the night.
Today when I was looking around the web I found a few articles that I wanted to share with more of the facts.
I have heard people saving $30 and more on their bills. We just started last week so I will let you know when we
get our next bill.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Vinegar History
I love using vinegar
Vinegar History
http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/vinegar-history.html
Vinegar History
http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/vinegar-history.html
Friday, September 20, 2013
Keeping Cool
My husband and I fight every year on this. Now I just pull this up.
Ceiling fan direction
Q: Which way is forward on a ceiling fan? Which way should it go during the
heating season?
A: Fans come with a forward and a reverse setting. When you click it to
"forward", the fan blows the air down. Standing under the fan, you will feel a
breeze. When you click it to "reverse", the fan reverses rotation and blows the
air up. Now, when you stand under the fan, you won't feel a breeze.
So, during the winter, turn the fan to "reverse" to circulate the warm air
without blowing air down and cooling you in the process. Hot air rises and a
ceiling fan, running in reverse, gently mixes the air.
During the summer, on the other hand, turn it to "forward" to create a
wind-chill effect as the air moves against your skin and cools you.
So far, what I've said holds true for rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings.
Fan companies recommend this procedure.
From The Dollar Stretcher
Ceiling fan direction
Q: Which way is forward on a ceiling fan? Which way should it go during the
heating season?
A: Fans come with a forward and a reverse setting. When you click it to
"forward", the fan blows the air down. Standing under the fan, you will feel a
breeze. When you click it to "reverse", the fan reverses rotation and blows the
air up. Now, when you stand under the fan, you won't feel a breeze.
So, during the winter, turn the fan to "reverse" to circulate the warm air
without blowing air down and cooling you in the process. Hot air rises and a
ceiling fan, running in reverse, gently mixes the air.
During the summer, on the other hand, turn it to "forward" to create a
wind-chill effect as the air moves against your skin and cools you.
So far, what I've said holds true for rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings.
Fan companies recommend this procedure.
From The Dollar Stretcher
Thursday, September 19, 2013
What to Say to Someone Who is Having Money Problems
What to Say to Someone Who is Having Money Problems
Money problems are embarrassing, no doubt about it. If you know someone who is having money problems (and who doesn't?), here are some ways to reassure and help out without embarrassing them.
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/06/06aug14b.cfm
Money problems are embarrassing, no doubt about it. If you know someone who is having money problems (and who doesn't?), here are some ways to reassure and help out without embarrassing them.
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/06/06aug14b.cfm
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Sewing
I had a mom who showed me how to cook and
sew while growing up. Sometimes I forget not everyone knows what I may
think of as easy.
When I first saw this site I was thinking "DUH" but it may be useful for some people.
They have several videos to assist with basic sewing instructions.
If you find it useful let me know.
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/2528_how-sew-button-thread-needle.htm
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/2528_how-sew-button-thread-needle.htm
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Books from Birth
Another one I thought I had posted before but don't see.
Attention all parents in Tennessee:
Did you know that your children can receive FREE books every month?
Yep... all Tennessee kids from birth to age 5?!
http://franklin.thefuntimesguide.com/2005/11/freekidsbook.php
Shelby County Books from Birth is the local affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and a partner of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. We provide a free, age-appropriate hardcover book each month for children under five who register for the program and live in Shelby County. Titles include classics such as The Little Engine That Could, Goodnight Gorilla, Max's Ride, Frog on His Own, and many, many more. There are 60 books in all!
http://www.booksfrombirth.org/
http://www.dollysimaginationlibrary.com
Georgia has a similar program
http://www.ferstfoundation.org/
Did you know that your children can receive FREE books every month?
Yep... all Tennessee kids from birth to age 5?!
http://franklin.thefuntimesguide.com/2005/11/freekidsbook.php
Shelby County Books from Birth is the local affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and a partner of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. We provide a free, age-appropriate hardcover book each month for children under five who register for the program and live in Shelby County. Titles include classics such as The Little Engine That Could, Goodnight Gorilla, Max's Ride, Frog on His Own, and many, many more. There are 60 books in all!
http://www.booksfrombirth.org/
http://www.dollysimaginationlibrary.com
Georgia has a similar program
http://www.ferstfoundation.org/
Monday, September 16, 2013
2 good tips from the Dollar Stretcher
I do both of these tips already.
Visit the Country
I live in the suburbs of a large metropolitan area. My sister
lives in a rural area, just 10 minutes from my house. My pet
recently needed veterinarian care and she suggested her rural
vet. I called around and I saved $150 by using her vet over
the one down the street. This was well worth the trip!
Apparently he makes most of his money on livestock, not
household pets.
Survey Winners
If you notice at the bottom of your store receipt that they
are conducting a survey online, go ahead and enter. Most of
the time there is a gift card "prize" that you might win. (I
won a $1000 gift card from a convenience store that will pay
for my gas for a year!) Somebody has to win, and if it's
online, you don't even need a stamp.
Visit the Country
I live in the suburbs of a large metropolitan area. My sister
lives in a rural area, just 10 minutes from my house. My pet
recently needed veterinarian care and she suggested her rural
vet. I called around and I saved $150 by using her vet over
the one down the street. This was well worth the trip!
Apparently he makes most of his money on livestock, not
household pets.
Survey Winners
If you notice at the bottom of your store receipt that they
are conducting a survey online, go ahead and enter. Most of
the time there is a gift card "prize" that you might win. (I
won a $1000 gift card from a convenience store that will pay
for my gas for a year!) Somebody has to win, and if it's
online, you don't even need a stamp.
How to fill out freebies
I like to share freebies with my friends but honestly I rarely find them myself.
I belong to a freebie group and a freebie newsletter.
The yahoo group is http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeBeesForMe/
Melissa does an excellent job running this group.
The newsletter is http://www.afreebieempire.net/subscribe.htm
Both of these sources are excellent. You won't find freebies with strings attached.
Alot of the items are repeats but they are both well worth your time.
When time permits I will check other sites like slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com and some others that escape me at the moment.
Next
I made up a yahoo name I use only for freebies and another for sweeps
or contest. You can use yahoo, hotmail or gmail for a free email
account.
Some coupons require you to respond back so be sure to check the account regularly.
I never give my real phone number. I give the local time and weather number.
You
can get a free phone number from K7, that channels your free voicemail
and fax messages directly to your e-mail. This number enables you to
have your voicemail messages and faxes delivered directly to your
computer.
But the most important thing I did after typing my little fingers to the bone was get an auto form filler.
These are 2 I have used. I like the Roboform the best. The free version meets all my needs.
Or go to www.download.com and find another filler.
If
they require you to fill out several surveys or expected to participate
in a certain number of offers to receive your "free" samples or items.
Then the item isn't a freebie.
Also, always state you heard the deal from a family member or friend.
I hope these tips help you some.
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Free credit reports, Opt out for mailings and calls
I thought I had posted this before but I didn't see it in my older blogs.
The FACT ACT amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act require the nationwide credit bureaus to provide consumers, upon request, one free personal credit report in any 12 month period. (You can order one from each agency or just one.)
Central Source
877-FACTACT
www.annualcreditreport.com
Experian
888-397-3742
www.experian.com
Equifax Credit Bureau
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com
Transunion Credit Bureau
877-322-8228
www.transunion.com
Federal Trade Commission
202-326-2222
www.ftc.gov
Offers a number of free credit-related publications
Decrease unauthorized direct mail marketing (including pre-approved credit card offers) and unwanted telemarketing calls.
Pre Screen Opt Out
888-567-8688
www.optoutprescreen.com
National Do Not Call Registry
888-382-1222
www.donotcall.gov (Remember to register your cell phones too)
Direct Mailings
www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist
Write a letter and be removed for 5 years
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 282
Carmel, NY 10512
Be sure to include your name, home phone number, address and your signature.
Telemarketing
www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offtelephone
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512
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