tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53325520154065001462024-03-21T19:35:26.174-07:00debsdialoguesdebsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-62705528275220580802011-02-01T13:07:00.000-08:002011-02-01T13:07:21.584-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Cut out the Fat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-YRAT8vb6K6SfIwfc2UhZCl6lg16-hW_CW8gcHyTzLFCpXhKb9nh0Aw2vk_yK5I5SAPQI73laHzs_7la0HYZm4WEdjJpn6DCKt2xbgtnSVvDd2dj-nkHEtpGhFya1OuLJPgvVy9E830/s1600/trim+the+fat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-YRAT8vb6K6SfIwfc2UhZCl6lg16-hW_CW8gcHyTzLFCpXhKb9nh0Aw2vk_yK5I5SAPQI73laHzs_7la0HYZm4WEdjJpn6DCKt2xbgtnSVvDd2dj-nkHEtpGhFya1OuLJPgvVy9E830/s320/trim+the+fat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I don't like extra fat on my meat, and that got me thinking if there are ways I can trim the "fat" from my expenses. You might also consider if there are things/expenses you could trim away that would hardly be noticed. For example, if you have a magazine subscription, is it a magazine you could do without? Or could you just as easily read it at the library for free? When you go out to eat, could you drink water instead of ordering a soft drink? Could you watch a movie without buying popcorn? How about refilling your own water bottle to avoid purchasing bottled water.<br />
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This week focus on seeing how much fat you can trim away from your budget, without giving up the standard of living you've been accustomed to. I'd love to hear how you do!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-77772547951881266162011-01-26T07:52:00.000-08:002011-01-26T07:54:15.774-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Click!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA1Wwj-trKucTfD47zn8r6vZP8RrpgX6wk8cenZMeIYSnA9V7kQxpDbR1-8H6neIO87LPE-f9ACamxoqlr3EdT1G2tenO_8em13snzSAIZr4CGJyOVDHvo3wmj4s2myMeDIAA3odBkj0/s1600/computer.solid-ink-printer.jpg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA1Wwj-trKucTfD47zn8r6vZP8RrpgX6wk8cenZMeIYSnA9V7kQxpDbR1-8H6neIO87LPE-f9ACamxoqlr3EdT1G2tenO_8em13snzSAIZr4CGJyOVDHvo3wmj4s2myMeDIAA3odBkj0/s320/computer.solid-ink-printer.jpg.gif" width="226" /></a></div><br />
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Today's money saving idea is easy and just takes a few seconds. If you are like me you make the most of your computer printer. I try to only print off what I need, but I still seem to go through reams of paper. But printing uses more than just paper - it uses ink. And it can use a lot of it. If you haven't already done so, change your default printer settings to "fast draft," or "draft," depending on which settings your printer uses. I have found that for 95% of my printing needs, fast draft works just fine. This setting uses much less ink that the "normal," or "best" setting. If you are paying full-price for your ink, you will notice the savings immediately. If you refill your own printer ink cartridges (check my earlier posting for this tip) you are already saving money and will now be saving even more! Also, color ink cartridges tend to be more expensive and won't last as long as black ink, so while you're at it change your color settings to only print in black. The savings will continue to add up!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-21139848973298237962011-01-21T06:08:00.000-08:002011-01-21T06:08:44.638-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Bread Machines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEvg6PNoHEIDnw9D3Fbd0obQ6lXfdeiCyqPu21cTaqh5YgvEFCWHDQWnUxCqGNKqHaWjFzLhHvhXEMX0mgOX_yOJiZnqDOQvi536EWiNvZTXi9XvP5pOR3I2PMMilb4F4lKNOzGektkA/s1600/308_M_Zojirushi_BreadMachine_M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEvg6PNoHEIDnw9D3Fbd0obQ6lXfdeiCyqPu21cTaqh5YgvEFCWHDQWnUxCqGNKqHaWjFzLhHvhXEMX0mgOX_yOJiZnqDOQvi536EWiNvZTXi9XvP5pOR3I2PMMilb4F4lKNOzGektkA/s320/308_M_Zojirushi_BreadMachine_M.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's money-saving idea is actually easier than you think (for those non-bread-machine-owners). For a fraction of the cost of store bought bread, you could be enjoying homemade bread that is nutritious and easy to make. What I love is that I simply dump in the ingredients push a couple buttons and the machine does the rest - from mixing to kneading to baking. I can even time the machine to have the bread ready to come out of the oven when I get up in the morning. Nothing better than waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I currently own four bread machines, none of which cost me more than $5 each because I bought them at yard sales or thrift stores. The one on my kitchen counter is the same brand as the one shown in this picture - a Zojirushi (a high quality brand). It looked like it had never even been used, and had a users guide video inside. I looked online and had I purchased online or in a store this brand could have cost more than $200! So no need to buy new, unless you're looking to empty your wallet. Your challenge this week is to stop by several thrift stores and see if they have any bread machines. Don't fret if you've never used one before - nothing could be easier. If the one you buy doesn't have a recipe book/users guide inside, just look online for directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also have a wheat grinder and some wheat, so I like to make either whole wheat bread, or half whole wheat flour and half white flour bread. I also make cinnamon rolls - just set the machine to the dough setting. Once the dough has risen I take it out of the pan, roll it out on my counter, add melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, slice and put on a cookie sheet. Let rise again and cook about 12 minutes on 350 degrees. Yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Discover the wonderful world of bread machines, there are so many other things you can do besides just making a regular loaf of bread.</div>debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-57644880029836713792011-01-17T07:32:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:32:36.413-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Stay Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1N8PV2f9I0aEzZ2foC9BIDLX1Rb619TEMSawTwBORQSaYc50JkniYg06ECL2bdCaE_wQnku2q0zBXQocPXWaN2nKdzeXldcT_sL5-ETzDwcxz3wD7QJpId_Lh8ATzTYzL9Tor2w3bY8/s1600/car+in+garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1N8PV2f9I0aEzZ2foC9BIDLX1Rb619TEMSawTwBORQSaYc50JkniYg06ECL2bdCaE_wQnku2q0zBXQocPXWaN2nKdzeXldcT_sL5-ETzDwcxz3wD7QJpId_Lh8ATzTYzL9Tor2w3bY8/s320/car+in+garage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today's idea is a complete no brainer: stay home! How many times do you run to the store for a couple things and end up with a cartfull of items and a deep hole in your pocketbook? So for this week I challenge you to live off what is already in your cupboards. If you have your heart set on a particular food for dinner but find you're missing an ingredient, fix something else! Take stock of what you have on hand and make up a week's worth of meal ideas using those items only. In addition to unnecessary items you'd come home with from the store you'll also save $$ on gas.<br />
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If you look in those cupboards and find that they're bare and you just can't feed your family without purchasing a couple things, write down exactly what you need and then purchase ONLY those items.<br />
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Post how you did!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-38404287446121742832011-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:002011-01-14T10:59:12.247-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Double Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SHGYh_iiKsn79ZtHi1yqVxDfJD1c3KlNKiMGXwRMXPi5UbDwvV5yEiY7fGlPVbCTRzvGJ9ka9Z2Y6uoEc7f0GUkXk_z76iP3fptOXVjVo-AoWls3_QbuhiGZ7YIIYsDl2ycwWaMegLg/s1600/gas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SHGYh_iiKsn79ZtHi1yqVxDfJD1c3KlNKiMGXwRMXPi5UbDwvV5yEiY7fGlPVbCTRzvGJ9ka9Z2Y6uoEc7f0GUkXk_z76iP3fptOXVjVo-AoWls3_QbuhiGZ7YIIYsDl2ycwWaMegLg/s400/gas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>With the price of gas skyrocketing, sometimes it seems that we may have to take a loan out at some point just to fill up! That may be an exaggeration, but higher gas prices can take a gouge out of a wallet on a weekly basis. My idea for today is mainly a challenge: Don't drive your vehicle (except to drive to and from work) unless you can combine at least two errands. In other words, for the rest of the month try not to drive your vehicle if you are only running one errand. For example, before you get in the car to drop items off at the dry cleaners grab that stack of books that need to go back to the library. If you are on your way to do your weekly grocery shopping, run those items to the post office on the way. And if you can arrange it, try putting off a few errands and running all of them on one trip once a week. Try to think ahead and see if you can run errands either on the way to, or on the way back from work.<br />
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This may be painful for those of us used to instant gratification. I often think nothing of driving all the way to the library just to get a "free" movie to watch, not even considering I just used a couple bucks worth of gas in doing so. I could easily drop off a package at the post office, pick up a gallon of milk and use my coupons to get some nearly free items at CVS on the way.<br />
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So combine trips and see how long you can go without even driving. When you do have to drive make sure you get the most out of your gas. Post how you did!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-41113493797978702642011-01-07T13:38:00.000-08:002011-01-07T13:38:17.982-08:00Deb's Daily Dollar Idea: Save the Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyXccrt7VTSV63E1ZRRWyC9VMy7PpWa6debQYVvrEkDyF2Of_yWGtc7odcbqP_qvAm2fGSV_iuMLokTLjaPA8Bf6RXqZaTgRCw57dWN1HxrSZ-eWzRnWRk9baOMOJ_ROTxgknTJTOLt0/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyXccrt7VTSV63E1ZRRWyC9VMy7PpWa6debQYVvrEkDyF2Of_yWGtc7odcbqP_qvAm2fGSV_iuMLokTLjaPA8Bf6RXqZaTgRCw57dWN1HxrSZ-eWzRnWRk9baOMOJ_ROTxgknTJTOLt0/s1600/soap.jpg" /></a></div>Today's idea comes from my mother, a truly frugal woman! Sometimes we overlook ways to save money because we may only save a few coins in so doing. But consider that a few coins added up over the course of a year is no small change! Saving money in many instances just requires a frugal mindset. Most of us want to get the most possible use out of something before we have to replace it. Replace an item fewer times and save some green. So today's idea has to do with making those bars of soap last longer.<br />
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1. To make bar soap last a lot longer, open the packaging when you get home and let the bars "dry" out and harden before using. A month or two should do - especially if you live in the WEST where we have dry mountain air to do the drying. Ever notice how a bar of soap that falls in the bath water just melts away? A soft bar of soap won't last long. A rock hard bar of soap will last a long time - yet get you just as clean.<br />
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2. Don't throw away soap bar slivers. Collect them, along with those little bars you collect from motel visits, and put them all through your grinder - like your food processor. Add a little water until softened and form into "new" soap bars the size of soap bars. Forget them for a while and you have new, hard bars. It is amazing how fast those slivers and bars add up. Another plus side is a fun activity to do with your kids or grandkids. You can use cookie cutters to form the soap into fun shapes.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-74587969738644362082011-01-04T06:52:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:52:21.380-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar idea: Freecycle it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uMlgQpIvvojoOwrW_xvPf-QnJNc7l917EoYM3bMwdDif_oNkRMkKhT96VhKUzUCvjyo7UoYi4q6LNn6tmfU244f9N3kx5SDHVZGYHHfhtVf3JRX4vUDlqh2oSAkCFnVgbVtDYpTCHzo/s1600/freecycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uMlgQpIvvojoOwrW_xvPf-QnJNc7l917EoYM3bMwdDif_oNkRMkKhT96VhKUzUCvjyo7UoYi4q6LNn6tmfU244f9N3kx5SDHVZGYHHfhtVf3JRX4vUDlqh2oSAkCFnVgbVtDYpTCHzo/s400/freecycle.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over 8.2 million people around the world have discovered that sometimes you can get what you want by leaving your wallet at home. Over 3,000 people in my city alone are members of Freecycle, an online network that makes it possible for people to give away or receive items for free. There are over 4800 groups worldwide, so there is sure to be one in your area. Simply visit www.freecycle.org and put in the name of your city. You can then join the group for your area and sign up to receive emails when people post items. The only catch is that no money be exchanged. Items must be offered free of charge. You may either post an item(s) you are wanting to give away, or post an item that you are looking for. I have used freecycle to give away a number of items, and have also picked up a few useful things, like dishes, Christmas decorations, diapers and a shelf unit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'd be amazed at the items people give away. If you don't mind an item being used, it's a great idea to check freecycle before purchasing it. It is also a good idea to ask a potential buyer to email you personally to arrange for pick-up of an item. Unless the item I'm giving away is too large, I usually opt to meet at another location rather than my home. Safety first!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you do sign up for freecycle and receive an item for free, post your lucky find!</div>debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-69898406902201987602011-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:002011-01-01T08:13:59.384-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oc6OGwPWRTXdULxCBZEMEEAeajcl1f0GUOUH1XRZ5YUc1QmwqEMPni8TeodITkZFrkUSiWnP_G-cR2uzTnpZx1R1yiEWlksIfoAUEZuaCN2VVD00K-rtLc2N3OJcuH12wW3CG3o_i70/s1600/piggy+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oc6OGwPWRTXdULxCBZEMEEAeajcl1f0GUOUH1XRZ5YUc1QmwqEMPni8TeodITkZFrkUSiWnP_G-cR2uzTnpZx1R1yiEWlksIfoAUEZuaCN2VVD00K-rtLc2N3OJcuH12wW3CG3o_i70/s1600/piggy+bank.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Happy New Year! As 2011 rolls out I, like many people will be setting some New Year's Resolutions which will include among other things, how I handle my finances. One thing I've committed myself to doing is paying myself first, instead of last. It's always easiest to to set a little money aside while you still have some, instead of "just seeing" if there is money left at the end of the month to put in savings. <br />
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PMF - Pay Myself First will be my motto for the year. I have done this off and on but I'm determined to use a little more self-discipline in my spending and savings habits. To do this I I'm going to start with just one simple habit:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> - put all loose coins and bills in a jar at the end of the day. This jar as of today is sacred and will not be broken into except in the case of dire extremeties. By saving a little as I go I'm hoping to erase the need to use my credit card if I get in a pinch. In my case using cash is always better than using plastic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So here's a challenge and a request. Get a piggy bank, jar or bottle and start plinking in your loose change at the end of each day. At the end of the month decide what you'll do with it. You could use it to pay down a credit card, simply let it continue accumulating, stick it in a savings account or something entirely different.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm interested in two things from my readers. First, let me know at the end of January how much you've been able to stash away using this idea, and what you'll be doing with that stash. I personally will just let it accumulate so I have a little cash on hand for emergencies. What we don't want is for your piggy bank to look like this at the end of the month:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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In my "investigations" about crock pot versus an electric oven I've discovered that an average crock pot uses about 200 watts of electricity an hour, while an oven heated to 350 degrees uses about 2,000. The crock pot uses less electricity, doesn't heat up the kitchen the way the oven will, and you can fill it in the morning and forget about it until you're ready for dinner.<br />
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There is a plethora of websites devoted to crock pot cookery, including thousands of recipes. I'll share just one simple idea: use the crock pot to cook baked potatoes. Simply scrub the potatoes, grease and place in the crock pot. An average sized pot will hold 10-12. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5. That's all there is to it!<br />
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What is your favorite crock pot recipe?debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-72689974200791326032010-12-28T18:06:00.000-08:002010-12-28T18:06:36.507-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Call, Call, Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZDOo4bJbsh-GqcAmqc_hJ5-MlaRYlHPy7iviIZlG7Wh_j5wvn6jwCyMncAYZkJtKFBbSpfMaxNeI5Y8PLeVcDAU-5zT_3u9PIrocM4l7jhVMoCfzGC3scHV0uqsPjmAedoi6CwoZm2k/s1600/telephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZDOo4bJbsh-GqcAmqc_hJ5-MlaRYlHPy7iviIZlG7Wh_j5wvn6jwCyMncAYZkJtKFBbSpfMaxNeI5Y8PLeVcDAU-5zT_3u9PIrocM4l7jhVMoCfzGC3scHV0uqsPjmAedoi6CwoZm2k/s1600/telephone.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Some of us have at one time or another forgotten to pay a bill on time, written a check before adding money to the account, or are just paying a high interest rate on a credit card. Those late fees, overdraft and high interest charges take a bite out of an account balance. It "pays" to just pick up the phone and call the bank, the credit card company or the business and beg for mercy. I have had late charges removed, credit card interest rates reduced and bounced check charges reversed simply because I called. I was told once by a customer service agent that they allow a charge to be reversed once a year. Now that credit card companies are under more stringent regulations you may not get the interest rate reduced, but it can't hurt to try. They want your business, and it pays to keep the customers happy. So next time you incur a late fee pick up the phone and see if they will either reduce or eliminate those charges. Ask them if there is anything else they can do to reduce your bill. Always be courteous, remember the adage "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar." debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-60880864442802171672010-12-27T17:22:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:24:35.651-08:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Rediscover the Public Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8yPLaZoh8wVW-9DJo8TFkuWSrRmgKxHZ6Tl2iy58U1HowC5rter3hYOUg5O54iDAJw4sWwgDRIeoB6BK5gv8nnMWeCHa-06kikhrVmuQykn1zkHBEVahL5Z6kzgzdCz8XBTNYdU74Ko/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8yPLaZoh8wVW-9DJo8TFkuWSrRmgKxHZ6Tl2iy58U1HowC5rter3hYOUg5O54iDAJw4sWwgDRIeoB6BK5gv8nnMWeCHa-06kikhrVmuQykn1zkHBEVahL5Z6kzgzdCz8XBTNYdU74Ko/s1600/library.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Simple idea, but don't pay for something you can get for free at the public library. Unless you want to keep a book you're probably only going to use once, why pay for it? Most libraries let you check out a book for three weeks, and one week for newly released books. If someone else hasn't placed a hold on the book you can usually renew the book twice. Plenty of time to finish the book and return it.<br />
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I regularly check out videos and DVD's. However, you can rack up late fees is you're not careful. At my library videos may be checked out for a week, DVD's for two days. And as with books, as long as there is not a hold on the item they may be renewed up to twice. I can place a hold for a particular movie I want to watch and am notified when the movie is available. No need to run to Blockbuster and pay $4 for a movie when they're free from the library!<br />
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Need to check out something from a newspaper? Head to the library. My library carries all the major newspapers, as well as our local papers. They also have every magazine available.<br />
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A lesser known resource at the library are conference rooms. My Toastmasters club met at the library for several years at no cost. If you are a member of a club or organization that needs a place to meet check out availability at the library. If there is a fee for a room it will be nominal.<br />
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Check out your libary schedule for monthly events such as book clubs, lectures, teen and children's events. Our library system regularly offers classes on painting, making jewelry, local history, health, exercise, gardening, cooking, and more. Craft classes are held weekly for children and teens.<br />
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Libraries also provide assistance with filling out tax forms, and usually provide the forms.<br />
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If you find yourself driving by the library on your way to the book or video store, make a u-turn and keep the green in your pocket.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-51835398993174554392010-12-21T10:19:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:19:53.146-08:00<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ap9hvQ8-3QRa6aOkJYo2DAPnNZjUVmmyvlMqkc1TzPRc5DmfNqeyZWcLE5Y29GFTaQvgUrOiD_1qEa64UmChRexIwDPHK0tt-ZT_lAoZVzXCqu_npuFCS-CvL8nww-WuW6aI6I8T9C0/s1600/best+electric+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ap9hvQ8-3QRa6aOkJYo2DAPnNZjUVmmyvlMqkc1TzPRc5DmfNqeyZWcLE5Y29GFTaQvgUrOiD_1qEa64UmChRexIwDPHK0tt-ZT_lAoZVzXCqu_npuFCS-CvL8nww-WuW6aI6I8T9C0/s1600/best+electric+blanket.jpg" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><i> </i></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><i> </i></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><i>I read this info at the blog (link provided at the bottom of this post.) Since most of us are in the throws of a cold winter, any ideas about staying warm while keeping the electric company out of our pockets is welcomed. I typically see electric blankets on clearance after Christmas. So if you can wait a week or two you might get a great deal on something that can save you a lot of money. </i></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Electric blankets and pads cost little more than many non-electric comforters, and only use about a <a href="http://electricblanketinstitute.com/energy-savings.html" target="_blank">nickel's worth of electricity per night to operate</a>. Yet according to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every degree you turn down the heat during the winter, you'll probably save about one to three percent on your total home heating bill.<span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span><br />
Read more: <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/how-to-save-money-at-home-47011401#ixzz18lruEKRB" style="color: #003399;">http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/how-to-save-money-at-home-47011401#ixzz18lruEKRB</a></span></div></div>debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-2768737611549943342010-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:002010-10-18T06:46:25.855-07:00Deb's Daily Dollar Idea: Skip the soda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnMusd5bjiSZUI6K7gSuBfH3pDZZbturU_sW9NdOQkf-H8YIjmTvlrEyVuVTgpqxuu09ii9jykrhsioh9pOOdni1-VZwRFkgqmtngaHkLm2S4ueUY5R4haxVwZ49mov5zBsu8VDSdyf0/s1600/soda_pop250x255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnMusd5bjiSZUI6K7gSuBfH3pDZZbturU_sW9NdOQkf-H8YIjmTvlrEyVuVTgpqxuu09ii9jykrhsioh9pOOdni1-VZwRFkgqmtngaHkLm2S4ueUY5R4haxVwZ49mov5zBsu8VDSdyf0/s1600/soda_pop250x255.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Today's money-saving idea is simple: skip the soda. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, whether sit-down or drive-thru, opt for water instead of a drink. You may only save a buck or two, but if you're paying for several people it will add up. Consider also the number of times you buy soda over the course of a year and by choosing water instead of other drinks, the savings really begin to pile up. Add in the serendipity factor of not ingesting all that refined sugar, caffeine and who else knows what, and the health benefits add up also. So do yourself, and your wallet a favor. Drink up, but only H20.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-66308433673653581812010-10-08T05:19:00.000-07:002010-10-08T05:19:57.672-07:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Thrift Stores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzMEE54-f3r1h1U0ZJdVhsGDDZYafFu5BVCLB-Wbd-t1uLj8Uk8fHuAvzGjZOsFHBUB-68HMpoRX2-_VqM6iA7KVqVIH0Mgx7zhh0w06Kis9n4dVuGfPFGPV-5_x49qDB4fUa2l5haOw/s1600/thrift+store+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzMEE54-f3r1h1U0ZJdVhsGDDZYafFu5BVCLB-Wbd-t1uLj8Uk8fHuAvzGjZOsFHBUB-68HMpoRX2-_VqM6iA7KVqVIH0Mgx7zhh0w06Kis9n4dVuGfPFGPV-5_x49qDB4fUa2l5haOw/s1600/thrift+store+sign.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Today's Daily Dollar Idea may not be a new one to many, but it's one that has saved me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars through the years. No matter where you live your town is sure to have one, if not a dozen thrift stores. Before getting in your car to drive to Wally World, Macy's or Target, consider if you could purchase what you need at a Thrift Store. Simple idea, but I for one sometimes "forget" to consider finding what I need at a thrift store, thereby paying a fraction of what I would if I purchased an item new.<br />
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Most thrift stores have clothing, dishes, appliances, furniture, books, shoes, toys, music and much more. I love going in the store with a $5 bill in my purse, and then leaving the store with a bag of items and $1 still in my purse! I couldn't begin to count the items of clothing thrift stores have provided for my children and myself, several pieces still with the original price tag on them (which means they've never been worn!) One of my favorite finds was a round, glass turntable plate that goes inside a microwave oven. I accidentally broke mine, so finding it was the highlight of my day! Paid a buck for it, and it was the perfect size. I've also purchased 3 different bread machines at various times, each for $5, and each in perfect working condition. <br />
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I've also purchased canning jars, drinking glasses, dishes, bread pans, and a host of other kitchen dishes. I bought dirt cheap winter coats for my daughters on a trip to Utah. Why pay $50 for a coat they only need for 3 days? At $3 each, the coats I bought in a thrift store were like brand-new, and you couldn't tell they'd been previously owned.<br />
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So consider shopping at a thrift store next time you head out to buy something you just gotta have. Then see how little green you have to use to get what you need.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-22479585985955670642010-10-05T15:07:00.000-07:002010-10-05T15:07:40.608-07:00Debi's Daily Dollar idea: Free Samples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5hiEkxexDDkjqssBps0KUQHgN-tObzfbyLeDYdr-N6YqQW-w0tgKxf7RRBG3NjGjDGhec6RfGFMKNz2WDaL3rGA-5ZUJGVFSz142Uw6wIcnLgj2NuBAkTw2R3GvH3bvB7D2r78APz0I/s1600/FreeSamples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5hiEkxexDDkjqssBps0KUQHgN-tObzfbyLeDYdr-N6YqQW-w0tgKxf7RRBG3NjGjDGhec6RfGFMKNz2WDaL3rGA-5ZUJGVFSz142Uw6wIcnLgj2NuBAkTw2R3GvH3bvB7D2r78APz0I/s320/FreeSamples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today's money saving idea is brought to you by hundreds of businesses who give away their products for free, in the hopes to make you a lifelong customer. Over the past couple of years I have stockpiled free samples of diapers, pull-ups, paper towels, garbage bags, make-up, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, pens, granola bars, candy, drink mixes, laundry detergent, dishwasher tabs, cereal, rice mixes, infant formula, dog food and more. The internet makes it a cinch to find, and send for free samples. My favorite freebies website is: http://forums.startsampling.com/index.php<br />
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When you get to that website lick on "Real Quality Samples," and "Coupons/Deals" and "Other Free Stuff." You should be able to find several samples to get started. Visit daily, or a couple times a week or once a month, depending on how much time you have, and how much free stuff you want!<br />
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I have used many of the individual samples of shampoo and conditioner when I go on trips. I've given the diapers away to new moms, and we've enjoyed countless treats without spending a penny. Sometimes you can request free samples when you visit individual company's websites.<br />
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Why pay for something when you can get the product for free? Once you get started you may want to keep a "Got it for Free" journal to keep track of those freebies. Feel free to leave feedback when a freebie shows up in your mailbox!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-56728961995039241652010-09-29T13:22:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:22:59.379-07:00Saving money on printer ink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFlkCgu17AC6uVXLfGpvgipqOKaS3zBBYT7w6pEtMO7LTrBtt3C6RXNhZGQDn4dc5eEkqLGHpMaOvqvS721OfioyYtbWa3nTuTKujzKfPu4_jsIEvv_9c1Ay0nvhO-xKOHg_evBzMwbw/s1600/ink+cartridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFlkCgu17AC6uVXLfGpvgipqOKaS3zBBYT7w6pEtMO7LTrBtt3C6RXNhZGQDn4dc5eEkqLGHpMaOvqvS721OfioyYtbWa3nTuTKujzKfPu4_jsIEvv_9c1Ay0nvhO-xKOHg_evBzMwbw/s320/ink+cartridges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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If you are like me the above picture may represent the number of ink cartridges you go through in the course of a year. I find myself printing off articles, coupons, decorating ideas, instructions, coloring pages, kids homework and other things on a daily basis. I do try to only print what I deem absolutely necessary, and still I go through reams of paper like water it seems. While I've thankfully managed to score some great deals on paper, the major cost of printing is not the paper, it is the ink.<br />
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If you find yourself printing more than a few pages a month you might want to look into refilling your own ink cartridges. I save about 75% over the cost of purchasing new ink cartridges, and it just takes a couple minutes each time the ink cartridge runs low. If you have never tried refilling, here are a few tips to consider:<br />
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1. Don't be scared! It's just black ink, not a snake! Follow the directions on the refill kit and you should be fine.<br />
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2. Not all printers work well with refills. I use a HP printer and mine does just fine. You'll just have to try it with your printer and see if it works. Do some research on the internet for your particular printer, and see if others have any tips.<br />
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3. Don't overfill. If ink overflows the top of the cartridge slowly pull some back into the syringe. Always better to underfill than overfill.<br />
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4. Don't let the cartridge dry out - refill as soon as the printer starts running out. Drying out will ruin the cartridge and then you'll have no choice but to purchase a new one.<br />
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5. Check for a store that offers ink refilling. Once in a while Walgreens in my area will run a one-day special, offering to refill an ink cartridge for $1. Even I can't refill my own cartridges for that cheap! Even their everyday refill price is less than purchasing a new cartridge.<br />
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6. Set your default printer setting to draft, that way you save ink on every page. The draft setting works just fine for 95% of what I print out - including coupons. If I need to print something that I need to look professional, I change the setting to "normal," or "best" just for that document, then change it back to draft.<br />
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7. Cartridges can usually be refilled between two and 10 times. They will eventually reach the point where you have to just shell out money for a new cartridge. Consider either recycling them (most schools have recycling programs) or turning them in yourself and earn some cash. For example, I get $2 in Staples rewards for each ink cartridge I turn in. Payment is sent out quarterly (I believe it's quarterly anyway) in the form of a Staples Reward certificate, which is just like money that you can spend at that same store.<br />
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8. Once you are saving money refilling your own ink cartridges, start looking around for good deals on paper!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-17594761028973636902010-09-28T12:17:00.000-07:002010-09-28T12:17:56.646-07:00Say "Cheese!"Today's money-saving idea comes from my favorite sister-in-law Debra:<br />
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Here are a couple of ideas that might be new to someone out there:<br />
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Did you know you can freeze milk? The lower fat milks freeze best for longer times. Whole milk ought to be used within 2 weeks. To use frozen milk, just let it thaw (on the counter is how we do it), shake it well, and drink or use as desired. We like it best when it still has ice slushies in it - YUM. Anyway, freezing milk helps me limit my trips to the grocery store and thus save money. I also get to take advantage of sales on milk this way. Try it!<br />
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You can also freeze cheese. Shredded cheese or stick cheese are naturals for freezing! Just plonk them in and use them within a year or so. I do like to buy my shredded cheese in bulk and divide it into quart or sandwich bags before I freeze it. That way, I just get out what I will use right away and the rest stays fresh frozen. <br />
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Block cheese freezes beautifully and can keep for about a year in the freezer. When you freeze block cheese, there is a trick to getting it to not crumble when thawed. Make sure you thaw it in the fridge instead of on the counter. That is the big secret. Now you can take advantage when cheese goes on sale and stock up for later! BTW, I have frozen all kinds of cheese successfully from cream cheese (thaw completely, then stir it well to restore creaminess - or use without stirring for cooking) to Monterrey jack, cheddar, parmesan, Mexican cheese blends, etc. I have NOT tried American cheese. We don't like it, so I've just not tried freezing it. Has anyone else?debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-84112741078929641182010-08-13T08:19:00.000-07:002010-08-13T08:36:55.664-07:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqj3WNQHmKHZwxTXZKIlvQwGN4cGgz3sNLyUKZMyEoXgQtBvVmQPXUyW81QAW7STfpF2_ve_lFJ8OVknO2_wLHstsAK-LhwBxx1BD7Om90x1dq71bxOF_MndyV3zZl3Xh5k16XG7z7SY/s1600/ReddyKillowatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqj3WNQHmKHZwxTXZKIlvQwGN4cGgz3sNLyUKZMyEoXgQtBvVmQPXUyW81QAW7STfpF2_ve_lFJ8OVknO2_wLHstsAK-LhwBxx1BD7Om90x1dq71bxOF_MndyV3zZl3Xh5k16XG7z7SY/s320/ReddyKillowatt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Anyone remember Reddy Kilowatt? That lovable cartoon character that was the spokesman for electricity in the 1960's? I remember my mother telling me not to stick forks and other items in the electrical outlets because Reddy Kilowatt would get me. I've learned not to be so curious about those outlets, but Reddy still manages to get me anyhow - in my wallet. If I'm not careful he'll drain that wallet faster than I can say "Reddy, leave me alone." Thankfully I've learned a few tricks that keep Reddy, and his wallet-snatching lightning bolt fingers out of my pockets.<br />
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There are a hundred ways to conserve electricity around the home, and in the previous post I highlighted one of my favorites - putting the dryer on notice by using a clothesline instead. I'd like to list another idea that helps to lower that monthly electric bill:<br />
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Unplug, unplug, unplug. My kids think I'm the electric outlet czar because I'm constantly either unplugging appliances, or turning off the power switches. Because of "phantom electricity," appliances and other electrical devices that stand ready to deliver power immediately when turned on can use up to 75% of the power used when turned OFF. Yes, you read that right. Televisions, computers, microwave ovens, digital clocks, and other appliances all draw power when turned off. No sense having the television and microwave ready to power up when we're all sleeping at night. In my home I have four television sets (I'm pretty embarrassed to admit to that number!) Three of those either have an XBox, or a DVD player hooked up to them. By unplugging them each night I'm stopping the electricity use from seven items. Then add in the microwave oven, ceiling fans, lamps and other items I either unplug, turn off when not in use, or switch off at the power strip and there's even more savings.<br />
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CHALLENGE: Take an inventory around your home and see how many items stand ready to deliver electricity and then get in the habit of either unplugging them, or plugging them into a power strip that has an off switch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Use Reddy Kilowatt responsibly, and keep your green in your wallet!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-17244353523281503312010-08-06T06:51:00.000-07:002010-08-06T06:51:21.818-07:00Debi's Daily Dollar Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRoWTDrlxUqBdU80D4KKPlj5Xb_sKscPZwQ6uGmEw9R8cbFegNQrGgZavfEAlhPqVv6yMJ9c5_mJ1BvD-6OND9z-RbA93ngu11pOWzg2ZqI4dDQGwSmd22L5INo86frJXDkbwWaHrTzU/s1600/dollar-sign-in-lightbulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRoWTDrlxUqBdU80D4KKPlj5Xb_sKscPZwQ6uGmEw9R8cbFegNQrGgZavfEAlhPqVv6yMJ9c5_mJ1BvD-6OND9z-RbA93ngu11pOWzg2ZqI4dDQGwSmd22L5INo86frJXDkbwWaHrTzU/s320/dollar-sign-in-lightbulb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm toying with the idea of creating a new blog about ways to save money everyday. This would include couponing, thrifty finds, ways to cut back on electricity, anything that keeps the green in the wallet and the red out of the checkbook. My plan is to do the research and both save myself money, and pass along my info so as many as possible can benefit from saving as well. Sometimes these savings ideas will be coupled with a challenge<br />
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So, here's my first Debi's Dollar Idea:<br />
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8/6/10 Hang up freshly washed laundry instead of using the dryer. For the next week don't use the dryer, and keep track of how many loads you didn't spend that electricity on. If you have access to a clothesline, use it! Take advantage of the free drying power of the sun. Or, hang items inside your home. I frequently put wet clothes on hangers and line them up on the shower rod, from cupboard handles or doorways. Large, heavy items such as towels, blankets and jeans often find themselves hanging over the fence. Your neighbors, or even your own family may think you've lost your marbles. But if you can save yourself a few bucks, who cares?<br />
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I'll be checking with my electric company to see just how much I'm saving per dryer load I'm NOT using. Perhaps an extra challenge would be to use the money saved from not using the dryer to help pay down a credit card, or to add to an existing savings account.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-38169065823015522082009-11-05T11:59:00.000-08:002009-11-05T12:11:07.933-08:00Fun with Juliette<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a_0u3J3xHt9JDIsDr8XC6DpEOeBPxf2Ly6aCt6X7-I5P4kIC_0AzX7jSGktZvZBsPHMIkKG0P2JTkNh6AwlluZCbY68SdBVHhAoAtWLUhvybU8isgc5h-E1YiLCwrAMozBvO2EJQUJ0/s1600-h/juliettelauren7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a_0u3J3xHt9JDIsDr8XC6DpEOeBPxf2Ly6aCt6X7-I5P4kIC_0AzX7jSGktZvZBsPHMIkKG0P2JTkNh6AwlluZCbY68SdBVHhAoAtWLUhvybU8isgc5h-E1YiLCwrAMozBvO2EJQUJ0/s400/juliettelauren7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400713982769295954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiWuJ8pCWyrC0iY4S7Nx_vq25JjSSprYvw_eX29ei0MKf0je35z-b1bk3vIziq3M1WPgW3Gwamy6X097dmlE4nsZ-UmdvlfsokmWWpp2yqCnJpY7ngBlQepKFCtjeCgfNt2pajqsVPWk/s1600-h/juliettelauren6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiWuJ8pCWyrC0iY4S7Nx_vq25JjSSprYvw_eX29ei0MKf0je35z-b1bk3vIziq3M1WPgW3Gwamy6X097dmlE4nsZ-UmdvlfsokmWWpp2yqCnJpY7ngBlQepKFCtjeCgfNt2pajqsVPWk/s400/juliettelauren6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400713813096106354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEhwlhMlNm2GdtPBJJo5SIMmD-SS9xjS0jsS0UYc_u139NdTf31678oP9nb9hA3iEBdFXn_pXdBU9BoTT6DwxzAgo9VXPsGi16H6RE1YTZl0G52XI4FhftwHK9sKQGL6a5IlKk4ZMgwM/s1600-h/juliettelauren5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEhwlhMlNm2GdtPBJJo5SIMmD-SS9xjS0jsS0UYc_u139NdTf31678oP9nb9hA3iEBdFXn_pXdBU9BoTT6DwxzAgo9VXPsGi16H6RE1YTZl0G52XI4FhftwHK9sKQGL6a5IlKk4ZMgwM/s400/juliettelauren5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400713578661705330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFOgYnpUYGd3z6p2RfhEJdRtj6wkJIUeTwEtdQ7HvxAqo9GVtVN_OknRUwFOTLBWCJUJXXQkpdbhbaI3OM0SkJafmjq-lBHX2NrEiDvxXfpiI59nUPaJWQkyh0PNi_6Y9EWxLwy4OYqI/s1600-h/juliettelauren4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFOgYnpUYGd3z6p2RfhEJdRtj6wkJIUeTwEtdQ7HvxAqo9GVtVN_OknRUwFOTLBWCJUJXXQkpdbhbaI3OM0SkJafmjq-lBHX2NrEiDvxXfpiI59nUPaJWQkyh0PNi_6Y9EWxLwy4OYqI/s400/juliettelauren4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400713276274877170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUlik9yhcoYnJbnoysTDNJlIGyxqkUvX45uZdnKtQMW9CQma8HoXqFXIe9EC-G4tYqc9IE-7ngHN7b_7WJkOujULhGc-ft_ltxfjxbwoYJKVBn47YLzjpq59Ztc9RvZXDa_v8jK5ktkw/s1600-h/juliettelauren3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUlik9yhcoYnJbnoysTDNJlIGyxqkUvX45uZdnKtQMW9CQma8HoXqFXIe9EC-G4tYqc9IE-7ngHN7b_7WJkOujULhGc-ft_ltxfjxbwoYJKVBn47YLzjpq59Ztc9RvZXDa_v8jK5ktkw/s400/juliettelauren3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400713068366880994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSOFtaAwADgXLRhpWtLTJ5Yfdia31micyDsD6N1dHAqkB1ANTpnxyLKDM3RQAth8mCLygkA5diX7-_3eeB21qUADuScfZ7CIEQFvUjriL9Y3Jgpt3-XYoppCpvkDRv5-QrSx8CAqPgLI/s1600-h/juliettelauren2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSOFtaAwADgXLRhpWtLTJ5Yfdia31micyDsD6N1dHAqkB1ANTpnxyLKDM3RQAth8mCLygkA5diX7-_3eeB21qUADuScfZ7CIEQFvUjriL9Y3Jgpt3-XYoppCpvkDRv5-QrSx8CAqPgLI/s400/juliettelauren2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400712818142197634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsWEMWdbnvhumEyQ-C-6x88mXVwXz_EWeF7_bKw_oY3UMBEXQB7E8CLkvjV7oGfg7s24WT8OSzGlCB4R-ClW-5CWUIIQxZpLP1lfyaD7ozv9kj4a-KhQDxJGJ8g1wx-iHlfvjrnhyphenhyphenvKM/s1600-h/juliettelauren1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsWEMWdbnvhumEyQ-C-6x88mXVwXz_EWeF7_bKw_oY3UMBEXQB7E8CLkvjV7oGfg7s24WT8OSzGlCB4R-ClW-5CWUIIQxZpLP1lfyaD7ozv9kj4a-KhQDxJGJ8g1wx-iHlfvjrnhyphenhyphenvKM/s400/juliettelauren1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400712579287367778" border="0" /></a><br />I always love it when Matt, Raquel and Juliette stop by. I managed to get a few photos of Juliette, who will NOT stop long enough for me to get many shots!.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-46686759968940810112009-11-05T11:57:00.000-08:002009-11-05T11:59:45.776-08:00Cents make sense<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJBAswNml-qtSv6VvQIOSbGVI_ijDCCa94FtV8rczt_Wm3PVeP5bTbVN5nkhnZHrHYvFfXmMYvt7cj9TgirKQAgwD_mupxV_7Pzjw5ufNZr7BYx-a1N4_uUlPl35iEifJwJ8QaaeiB-8/s1600-h/publix+32+cents.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJBAswNml-qtSv6VvQIOSbGVI_ijDCCa94FtV8rczt_Wm3PVeP5bTbVN5nkhnZHrHYvFfXmMYvt7cj9TgirKQAgwD_mupxV_7Pzjw5ufNZr7BYx-a1N4_uUlPl35iEifJwJ8QaaeiB-8/s400/publix+32+cents.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400711683677093906" border="0" /></a><br />Here's what I got at Publix a couple days ago for 32 cents.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-82121912006173365982009-10-23T16:29:00.000-07:002009-10-23T16:32:17.090-07:00Great website on planning now for the possibility of coming together during a disaster. It may be necessary to take in a few or more people, and you want to make sure you and your provisions are safe. Also, you want to make sure those you take in can contribute something.<br /><br />http://preparednesspro.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/a-community-of-disaster/debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-43756010221248242862009-07-05T18:21:00.000-07:002009-07-05T18:28:29.255-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ce_FeuvxVs-QNIvos8ZFdhDK7Y8OPul-wwz2h80MxzPCh7nmW-U0n-nRm2THVP2eC-L9BFFKwj63Bv7cepHEqz_v_Gc8QxHP8-3gCGFsl2fVUOs-HKHyGEf2hnPrpY3-O5z3cKZRCwY/s1600-h/publix+goodies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355151619589364098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ce_FeuvxVs-QNIvos8ZFdhDK7Y8OPul-wwz2h80MxzPCh7nmW-U0n-nRm2THVP2eC-L9BFFKwj63Bv7cepHEqz_v_Gc8QxHP8-3gCGFsl2fVUOs-HKHyGEf2hnPrpY3-O5z3cKZRCwY/s400/publix+goodies.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is the photo from my great shopping trip at Publix. Total before coupons was $81. Total after coupons was $7. Normally I don't do regular shopping at Publix because it's more expensive than other stores. I got:<br />4 cans of Raid<br />2 can of Off!<br />4 lg. cans of Baked Beans<br />2 bottles A1 Steak Sauce<br />2 bottles chocolate syrup<br />4 bags of salad<br />1 bag doggie snacks<br />4 cans dog food<br />2 bags of salad toppers<br />5 rolls of dental floss<br />5 ears of corn<br />1 cantalope<br />2 bags hamburger buns<br />2 boxes lag. bandaids<br />1 box rolled gauzedebsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-15969658839483061162009-03-27T16:42:00.000-07:002009-03-27T16:48:30.178-07:00My baby girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6hpxI45LvlHg6ayxjy-FvmoPmeAmoZdZDvwiU7eFeYTx43ZwYyFC8-UPBxP6U4gWOIA37Y_Po-93_3QawfMtXYd8w8g_niZWo-q3p3GRtJfOERFYaTd2v9_luPwYBrUdVXE6AofbkJA/s1600-h/alisha2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6hpxI45LvlHg6ayxjy-FvmoPmeAmoZdZDvwiU7eFeYTx43ZwYyFC8-UPBxP6U4gWOIA37Y_Po-93_3QawfMtXYd8w8g_niZWo-q3p3GRtJfOERFYaTd2v9_luPwYBrUdVXE6AofbkJA/s400/alisha2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318018283516699186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Bc5_WWK1RuJIUmevQuKKfKqRBCkjJ0itlDCPPr5GAVmbYeAKUEMbWe98oVXZtjuRdlbmeYmFLZa5FK-obcSmCxUV-aTiBSDMSFq177I83URlBLDk6tVnZHVv8mNPdDSqsfxthSn4cI/s1600-h/alisha1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Bc5_WWK1RuJIUmevQuKKfKqRBCkjJ0itlDCPPr5GAVmbYeAKUEMbWe98oVXZtjuRdlbmeYmFLZa5FK-obcSmCxUV-aTiBSDMSFq177I83URlBLDk6tVnZHVv8mNPdDSqsfxthSn4cI/s400/alisha1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318018278246859826" border="0" /></a><br />Alisha went to her friends Quinsenara tonight, kind of like a "coming of age" party. We don't often see Alisha all dressed up, and we never see her with her hair curled, so it was quite a sight. All dolled up for looks older than the barely 14 she is. Does this mean my baby girl I waited so long for is growing up?! We bought Alisha a nice dress, but she decided to wear one of Raquel's instead. The color looks so good on her!debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332552015406500146.post-32543802517926398432009-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:002009-01-26T11:48:33.230-08:00First temple trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTX194zuBx-DHrNkouin3rH9e1Lgw-WsQA6dsjXlkZm856Q3e4ItaGQFxHi8UDyniwxOaMKQSMUxm4ILS14bNb3HSZSLxOwLbxPvoFMmLRATFmZIecEQ3WbSlTFFGV-8k6xmD23NqP-Y/s1600-h/first+temple+trip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTX194zuBx-DHrNkouin3rH9e1Lgw-WsQA6dsjXlkZm856Q3e4ItaGQFxHi8UDyniwxOaMKQSMUxm4ILS14bNb3HSZSLxOwLbxPvoFMmLRATFmZIecEQ3WbSlTFFGV-8k6xmD23NqP-Y/s400/first+temple+trip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295691174737251634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5IjuNYmma87iCz_c0bDPqpOgvv01aj7FnLtS1YtSTsB5J6JP3JAo7qVzWUrMdD-OdatUV08DFLbHvfV7ia7dx725eqhyphenhyphenZtPzH3Ss-J5zMeEmnMvXDrlTzJXwNE1N9DxGpsUGP8_oQpA/s1600-h/youth+temple+group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5IjuNYmma87iCz_c0bDPqpOgvv01aj7FnLtS1YtSTsB5J6JP3JAo7qVzWUrMdD-OdatUV08DFLbHvfV7ia7dx725eqhyphenhyphenZtPzH3Ss-J5zMeEmnMvXDrlTzJXwNE1N9DxGpsUGP8_oQpA/s400/youth+temple+group.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295691171199066338" border="0" /></a><br />Friday, Jan 16 was Tierra's first trip to do baptisms at the temple. Because it took 2 1/2 very long, very frustrating, very emotional years just to get her baptized, it was a pretty meaningful experience for me. I was able to go, in fact I've only missed a couple youth temple trips in the past 10-12 years. I wish Ryan or Matt could have gone to do the baptizing, but they were both working. Tierra wore the dress I got her for her BSYO concerts.<br />This is a photo of the whole group before leaving to go to the temple. Alisha and Tierra are on the far right.debsdialogueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515287288164103534noreply@blogger.com2