For a sample copy of The Dollar Stretcher newsletter, send $2 to: Dollar Stretcher Sample, 6695 Cortez Road W., Bradenton FL 34210. Copyright 2007 Dollar Stretcher, Inc. Visit The Dollar Stretcher for even more tips & ideas!
Custom Recipe Book
I love to use recipes I find in magazines or online, but I was tired of trying to find what I needed in a stack of papers and old magazines. And buying cookbooks gets expensive and takes up a lot of space. Here is a great solution! I bought a 1 1/2″ three-ring binder and a package of page protectors. Now, whenever I find a great recipe, I either tear it out or print it out and slide it in my notebook (that I decorated for the fun of it). It is now filled with recipes I know work for my family. When I need a recipe, I know where to find it. As an added bonus, I was able to get rid of clutter. Cindy in Lebanon, ME
On Campus Pot of Gold
Now that college graduation time is near, my daughter taught me a great money saver. College grads, and even some under-grads, often leave behind many of their school and dorm stuff. We have gotten sheets, towels, a printer, a computer, clothing and more books than we can handle. Others tell us of microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers and other small appliances. One lady even got an entire bedroom full of furniture just because she asked. Some colleges have “free” rooms at the end of the year where kids can put the stuff they want to give away, and Princeton actually has a warehouse that is open to the public for a limited number of hours weekly. It is full of furniture and other items that the school is disposing of. So if you live near a college or university, you may just have a real “pot of gold” in your neighborhood! L. Kent
Cleaning Up
I frequently find that I am asked to volunteer at various events. I find that if I am on the “clean-up shift,” which frequently means staying back after everyone has gone, I will get offered the leftovers because they do not want to carry it or store it. Recently at a community business function, I left with a beautiful flower arrangement. I am offered cakes, decorations, and even prizes that they have forgotten to give out. They just want to get rid of these things, and it is better they come home to me than go to waste. Anise in Australia
Pretty Bag Storage
A cookie jar makes a wonderful keeper for plastic bags. I used to fold mine and put them in a rack under the sink, but it was a hassle. Now I just put them in the jar, and it holds so many! Pam L. in Keasbey, NJ
No Purchase Required
Even if you don’t drink, be sure to pass through the wine and beer section at your grocery store to look for coupons and special offers. This week, I found coupons for $10 off the purchase of ham or meat compliments of a beer company. Wineries offered $2 off produce and $6 off flowers. All with no purchase required! Kim in Montross, Virginia
What’s the Craving?
I love eating sushi, but it’s a very expensive. However, I had an important realization today. It is actually the three condiments that always accompany sushi that I like best, which include pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce. Those three items can be purchased at any grocery store for next to nothing. The next time I get a craving for sushi, I am going to ask myself if it’s the sushi that I want or just the wonderful flavors of the condiments. I can eat the ginger, wasabi and soy sauce at home for pennies (along with another form of protein) and suffice my cravings while saving money too. JR in Houston
Cold Pool?
We are asking our neighbors if we can borrow their hoses to help us fill our pool. We are hoping to have 10 to 15 of them in total. Our pool is located just behind our house. One hose would reach. But, as the water comes from the tap it is freezing. So, we run the water through multiple hoses. As the sun beats down on the hoses, it warms the water. We started the summer last year with 87 degree water! Laurabeth G.
To Go…Again
I have accumulated several plastic containers by saving the ones I get from Chinese food take out. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes with tight fitting lids, and they are usually very heavy duty. Once I’ve enjoyed my food, I wash and store the containers and use them to carry my lunch to work, etc. They make great containers for leftovers at home. Linda I. In Houston, TX
Handy Address Book
I tend to lose my address book and have always struggled with loose scraps of paper to keep addresses. I came up with another plan. Many people use email services that have a built in address book. Now, I simply add addresses under the email associated with each person. It’s always there. I never need to dig through the cupboard or in a box downstairs. And if I ever need to go to mail something and I forget to address it prior to leaving the house, the library is always nearby. I can just get into my email at the computer there to get the address instead of going all the way back to the house. Laura
Pancakes!
Maple syrup is very expensive. Try putting melted butter on pancakes and topping with sprinkled brown sugar. It tastes better than syrup. Susan in Ohio
Culture…for Free!
The universities where I live all have multiple lecture series, films, music programs, etc., which are open to the public and, in most cases, free. We can see everything from almost first-run films to historically important cinema just for the cost of driving out there and paying to park. There are also lecture series catering to various professional groups and senior citizens. Judith D.
Better Coffee “Creamer”
Before adding that “cheap” coffee creamer to your coffee, read the ingredients! There’s nothing there worth putting into your body. When I ran out of creamer recently, I grabbed the box of instant nonfat milk I keep in the pantry and used it, thinking it would be sufficient until I could get more creamer. It was not only good, but I realized I was getting no artificial ingredients or fat. Instead, I was getting just good, wholesome milk and calcium. It’s a great way to get a whole serving of milk if you drink several cups of coffee in the morning. Pat