Posted on 08/14/2013 6:19:44 PM PDT by RKBA Democrat
I posted an article earlier today detailing some of the latest "successes" of the Summer of Recovery ver 5.3 There are a lot of FReepers who don't seem to be sharing in the munificent economic blessings of His Most Worshipfulness, Lord Buraq the First.
It occurred to me that it's been quite awhile since I posted a thread on Money Saving ideas to share. So here ya go. Please share your ideas for saving money with your fellow FReepers.
Here are some ideas to start the thread that I don't recall posting in the past.
1. If you have Verizon Wireless as your cell phone provider, check out Page Plus Cellular. They're a prepaid cellphone provider that uses Verizon's network. You can use your same phone and pay about 1/3.
2. If you need to buy a cellphone, check out the used ones on e-bay. You can get a 2-3 year old smartphone for about $35.00. Check out the ebay retailers out of Dexter, MI like recellular, recellular 2, etc...(seems to be same company). If you get one of their phones sold in "good" condition they'll often send a completely refurbished phone.
Find ways to avoid driving or using machines much. Research fuel preservation on the Net. Gasoline can be extended for up to 3 years (2 for most folks), and diesel, up to ten (five for most folks) with enough proper measures taken. Propane will last indefinitely, but be sure to see cautions on using propane in extremely cold weather (stops producing enough when temps are low enough, especially for engines).
Is there a “shelf life’ on bottled water?
A lot of Chinese manufactures' now sell through ebay. Why buy from Walmart, when you can buy straight from China in many cases. Some items have long lead times and others have import restrictions. But so far, I've had great success on a number of items. For example, welding nozzles/tips and etc., are about 1/2 the cost for the same chinese made supplies from retailers here.
Here are a few tips for those of you looking to finance a house purchase or refi. Costco has a financing service where they compete your mortgage amongst various lenders. They’re also kind enough to list them:
https://costcofinance.com/AboutOurLenders.aspx
Lending tree is also kind enough to provide ratings of their best lenders as well as lots of other lenders, including most of those used by costco:
https://www.lendingtree.com/mortgage-lenders
You can use the ratings and feedback to pick some lenders who look good to you (you should check BBB too) and compete your mortgage by contacting the lenders directly. No need for an intermediary.
This Guy Used Only a Plastic Bottle and Water to Create Light Like That of a 60-Watt Bulb
I never buy anything online without checking for a RetailMeNot.com coupon, one from FatWallet.com, Ebates.com or Slickdeals.com. You can often buy coupons on eBay for a couple of dollars to get $25-50 or more off in places like Staples.
Don't forget to check out Overstock.com for home improvement things from light fixtures (they have ones you don't see elsewhere and good prices) to tiles, hardware, etc. Their clothes are yuck, but they also have great deals on cat and dog beds and toys, etc. and other stuff.
SierraTradingPost.com has great prices on hiking gear, camping gear, and excellent quality clothing for the whole family.
Orvis has excellent quality clothing which is very expensive, so I wait and check out their Tent Sale, where they count down the price every week at a lower and lower price.
Amazon.com usually has the best prices on most things, I have found. They will also price match if you're a good customer and you call up and ask.
I don't own a TV, so I don't have to pay for cable. I don't have a fancy cell phone either, just your basic $20 call and text model with Page Plus unlimited service.
When I buy a new computer, I don't buy the accompanying monitor or speakers, since my monitor and speakers still work.
I still have a film SLR camera because it still works perfectly and I don't feel like spending $500-800 for the new Canon digital SLR replacement.
I belong to BJs Warehouse Club, which is the same as Costco or Sam's Club. They have much cheaper prices on stuff such as Lactaid milk, cat litter, water, yogurt, etc.
Angieslist.com is good to belong to. I have found some fabulous tradesmen such as electricians, stonemasons, handymen (only for projects I can't do myself--fortunately, I am very handy and can fix most stuff around my home myself), roofers, mechanics, doctors/dentists/vets, etc. AND, Angieslist sends you coupons just about every day for significant savings on services from tradesmen praised by their members.
I always try to buy good quality clothing when it's on sale rather than cheap clothing at low quality stores, and then take good care of it.
If you are remodeling, use resources such as New York's GreenDemolitions.com. They get donations from toney homes of kitchen cabinets and other artifacts and then sell them in their retail stores for like pennies on the dollar. The proceeds go to an alcoholics rehab center, so everyone wins. I got some plywood box high quality kitchen cabinets for my kitchen when I remodeled, with high end features such as pull out shelves, solid raised oak exteriors, etc. They also sell new and used toilets, bathroom vanities, architectural things like mantles, windows, etc. I saved thousands of dollars and my cabinets didn't look used at all.
Don't forget Craigslist.com to get stuff. I got some great furniture from Craigslist which had been well taken care of and was hardly distinguishable from brand new. I got a brand new bathroom vanity still in the box from a retired contractor from there, for a tiny fraction of what it would cost new.
eBay is a great place to acquire stuff. I got so many beautiful things there when remodeling my home, and lots of other times when I needed something and didn't feel like paying retail. Of course, you have to know your prices because not everything on eBay is a good deal (far from it for the unwary!), but if you know your prices and do research on completed sales of that item, you will know how much to bid and may well prosper. I've also gotten a lot of exquisite handmade artisan items for my home from craftsmen on eBay. My bathroom sports a solid oak custom-made-to-my-design bathroom cabinet/medicine cabinet. I paid about 1/3 of what it would cost here, including shipping. I designed a wrought iron plant hook because I couldn't find one long enough locally for my big spider plant, then found a young blacksmith in WV from eBay to fabricate it for me, at a very reasonable price. My cats' bowls rest in a beautiful solid oak platform which I designed and an eBay craftsman built for me. A little ol' lady in SC makes beautiful braided stair tread covers and matching braided rugs. She will make them for you in your choice of colors. They really add a homey touch vs. the usual narrow carpeting up the stairs. eBay rocks!
And finally, step up and use Freecycle.com. There are local chapters in hundreds of cities. People list stuff they don't need anymore and everything is totally free. You can post for things you WANT or post for things you are OFFERING. Some of the stuff is junk, sure, but for example, I got a brand new UV light for one of my reptile tanks, still in the box. That bulb goes for $19-24.
It's such a pleasure when folks come over to visit, see my home for the first time and exclaim, "It looks like a magazine!" I've gotten this or similar comments from every single friend or visitor who's ever come over, and I did it on a shoestring by using the places I listed here.
Good luck in your shopping pursuits! Awaken the predator within!
Rather than use an offshore pharmacy, you might want to try this: contact costco’s pharmacy and get a quote from them. You do not have to be a member to use their pharmacy. I believe their pricing policy is cost plus 14-17%. Please let me know if that helps.
Also, you can check out the drug to see if there is a generic equivalent. Blue Cross has a drug library reference that is most helpful:
http://carefirst.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/DrugReference/
Finally, a friendly pharmacist who is willing to take the time to look up the ingredients may be able to suggest a cheaper alternative.
Oh, here’s one. If you have a friend or family member that is a member of one of the wholesale clubs, you might have them add you as an added cardholder instead of buying your own membership.
I also try to have the mindset of “there is money to be made no matter the economy” I am naturally thrifty but I like to spend my time figuring out how to make more money rather than how to squeeze out the last dime out of something.
I can’t believe this is the USA. Hard working American citizens looking to save every dime they can? It’s heartbreaking. We are Americans! We strive! We grow! I guess my tagline is right
I’m going to start making my own roundup weed killer out of vinegar, salt and dish liquid. I’ve heard orange oil is good to add also but costs more. It’s safe for my animals (and me) and doesn’t cost $50 for a gallon like glyphosate.
Garage Sales.....
“the sales are actually getting a little spooky.”
couple weeks ago.. a sales- man gave up.. sold his fancy clothes. hilfinger,ping and tommy bahamas for $1 each...never had bahamas or hilfingers before they are nice.
child support for the last 16 yrs...Garage sales
have been key to my financial survival.
I think they also provide useful insight about people.
I live in a garage sale foreclosure bought last yr......before the drug dealers left they had secured a gov. loan...... new roof,siding,windows,furnace,then they destroyed the inside.
I finished it this yr.its assessed at twice what I paid.
I think most white people waste a lot of money on stuff that doesnt matter .....
The Asians,mexicans,muslims,romainians,they all store metals ...and many store food. Like Americans used to.
I dont have much for metal...but I have food one year for 4...all bought on sale over time.....:)
“I can’t believe this is the USA. Hard working American citizens looking to save every dime they can? It’s heartbreaking.”
Welcome to owebama’s America and the summer of recovery ver 5.3.
That said, I view it as a fun challenge to make the dollars stretch. Leaves more money for other things that are more important to me.
How do I know if my engine is high compression?
You can also use them as laundry soap if they are small.
Or sew two old washcloths together along three sides and slip them in. Sorta the net bag idea, but the washcloths can handle the tiniest pieces.
I love all the driving and gas tips. Interesting isn’t it that we conservatives are actually the ones who *conserve* while the lefties who do all the talking about it are wasteful.
Another thing to consider is whether you can get off the medication completely. Obviously not for certain critical conditions. But some studies have shown that a lot of people are taking unnecessary meds that actually make them worse.
Wow, that's a lot of work and uses a fair amount of energy (heating the soap, hot water for washing the pot, etc.).
When the soap gets down to a sliver but before it's small enough to break, get a new bar of soap and just do the Vulcan soap-meld by holding the sliver onto the new bar and use. After a few wetting/drying cycles the sliver will be one with the new bar.
This Guy Used Only a Plastic Bottle and Water and the SUN to Create Light Like That of a 60-Watt Bulb
Not really so impressive now, is it?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.