$ave Money- Live Lite

What do you do to save money? To learn of other ways to save money write to me, Susan, at swheels@verizon.net

Financial - Shop for the shortest term mortgage you can afford even if monthly rates are high.
Once you select a savings account compare the rates with other local financial institutions.
Pay for an automobile in cash or make a large down payment to save on finance charges.
Credit cards with rebates, cash back, and travel rewards may have higher interest rates.
To eliminate debt, figure out exactly how much you must save each month to pay all bills.

Health- Do not ignore monthly health care, it will reduce costly problems in the future.
There are low cost health insurance plans such as AmeriHealth and COBRA.
Rather than medicine take vitamins and supplements or use everyday herbs.
Use ginko to help with your memory, reaction time, mental clarity; it improves circulation.
Vitamin B12 helps nervous system, digestion, and increases energy; it's in beef and pork.

Energy Make sure your pipes are insulated or they will leak water through the small cracks.
Use the self - cleaning oven feature immediately after cooking since it will still be hot.
If you set up a clothes line downstairs, rather than put clothes in the dryer, you save energy.
Use power strips instead of outlets then when you are not using the items turn off the strip.
Use cold rather than hot water most of the time in order to save a sigificant amount of money

Automotive Radial tires are recognized fuel savers. Check manufacturer's guidelines to infalte.
A manual shift saves gas since you don't shift gears till you absolutely must so it's efficient.
Park the car so you can travel forward when leaving. Reverse maneuvers use more gas.
Every 3 years or 48,000 miles test ignition wires, test cooling system, and hreating hoses.
Drive 55 mph in low gear with windows up or your car will use more gas than it really needs.

Shopping Prepare your menus for the week on what you already have and what's on sale.
Bargian are found on the higher or lower shelves, in the back rows, or on the bottom of a pile.
Shop for breads and desserts at bakery outlets rather than grocery stores, freeze what is left.
Look at the unit price of an item when comparing prices, it is usually hanging on the shelves.
Convenience foods are more costly than other kinds since you are trading money for time.

Cleaning Many cleaners may be made at home using common household ingredients.
To kill cockroaches use boric acid rather than buy expensive name brands at the store.
Make diswasher detergent by mixing 1/4 c. of vinegar and 1 gallon of hot water.
Common table salt may be used as an ingredient to clean over nineteen different things.
White vinegar dissolves soap scum, removes dirt, and hard water deposits in the bathroom.

Entertainment-Invite friends over who play musical instruments and have a concert.
Local bookstores have book groups and stores, like Home Depot, give free workshops.
Learn to sew, knit, crochet, needlepoint and make items that you would otherwise purchase.
Attend college lectures, band concerts, or local high school/ college sporting events.
Plan a potluck dinner you, will have many tasty treats at a low cost since you only pay for one.

Cost Concious Children Take them grocery shopping and show them how to compare prices.
Help them open a savings account and teach them the benefits of saving their own money.
Encourage them to turn off lights and faucets, shut doors and closets, and not to waste food.
Create jobs for them and pay them on a comission basis, teach them the importance of work.
Teach them to really think about what they want to purchase weighing all of the pros and cons.