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SILENCE IS GOLDEN

I have to use earplugs to sleep at night due to a snoring spouse. They can get pricey for the ones that work best (the soft rubbery ones with a string attached) when purchased in the drug store. I stumbled upon a three-pack of the same type in the local hardware store in the hearing protection section. The three-pack was the same price as a single pair from the drug store and they work just as well. Obviously, I sleep better knowing I’ve saved money as well.

Lisa C. in Marlborough, MA

UNEXPECTED SENIOR DISCOUNT

I have a tip for folks on a limited income. If you have to have car repairs and have to deal with a dealership, ask about a discount for senior citizens. My dad did and saved over $70.

Delores

INSTEAD OF CASH

When setting a budget, some people don’t like to carry their spending cash around with them. Although that’s the easiest way to keep track of what you spend and what you have left. My suggestion is to get a reloadable Visa or MasterCard gift card. At the beginning of the month (or each payday), put your spending money on the card. Put on it the money that you have budgeted for fun, for take out, for morning coffees, etc. You pay for all these extras with the gift card, and when you spend it, it’s gone until the next time you are scheduled to reload it. Remember to get a gift card that has no fees!

Using the gift card for all the non-essential purchases is a convenient way to realize what you spend money on and where you go overboard.

DeAnna D.

I.C.E.

is not so much a time- or money-saver, but it may save your life. Now that people keep their emergency contact number in their cell phones listed as ICE (in case of emergency), you should also include your list of medications and/or medical conditions. Then you or an ER hospital staff can easily find necessary information.

Nancy C. in Southgate, MI

HOMEMADE RECIPE BOOKS

I use photo albums that have the sticky sheets to store all my favorite recipes. I wait until they go on sale. They are perfect for storing recipes you find in magazines, etc. I just use tab dividers to sort out main dishes, side dishes, desserts, etc. It’s perfect and right at your fingertips. My cupboard is so organized now that I store my recipes in photo albums.

June C.

A LANDLORD’S CLEANING ADVICE

As a landlord, I occasionally need to clean really grubby tubs and showers when prepping for the next tenant. I buy the cheapest hair shampoo I can find. Greasy hair formula works best. I just coat the surface with a thin film and let it sit for a couple hours. It usually cleans everything off with minimum effort and expense.

John in Ohio