Avoid Lightning Strikes with Plastic Tipped UmbrellaI live in a tropical country. We don't have snow, but we have rainy seasons with thunder and lightning, so we have to choose an umbrella very well. We should be looking at the tip of the umbrella, what I mean is the finial end of the umbrella. It should be plastic not the metal one.
Compare Prices for the Best ValueThe internet is an amazing resource to compare prices to see if you are getting the best value possible! A travel mug featuring 7 hours hot, leak proof, and 18 hours cold interested me. The mug was reasonably priced, or what I thought was reasonable before researching.
Use Caution When Connecting A Smartphone to a CarWhen a smartphone is connected to a car, you are basically sharing your personal information. It is best to not connect your smartphone to a car that is not yours, especially a rental. If you do, please make sure to erase all your information and clear the history.
Birthday FreebiesMake sure you register for birthday rewards a few months before your birthday. I have received: $10 gift card to Victoria's Secret, $25 to Williams Sonoma (you must have their credit card), sample makeup from Ulta and Sephora, a sandwich from Honey Baked Ham, and a silver necklace from Helzberg Diamonds.
Quickly Cool a Hot CarThis is the most annoying situation, parking your car under the heat of the sun. When you get inside, it feels as if you were inside the oven! It burns all over! I hope that this tip can contribute to lessening the heat inside of your car.
Keep Beauty Products Receipts for RefundsSome stores offer 100% guaranteed satisfaction toward beauty products. If a beauty product does not work for you, you can actually get a refund of your money back even if the product has been opened and used.
Snap a Photo of the Gas Pump Instead of a ReceiptFor as long as I have been driving, I would always get a receipt just in case there is a bill discrepancy. Instead, now I snap a photo as my proof and it'll be on my phone just in case, plus the time and location on the photo.
Product Review: Umbrian Lentil SoupI tried this soup which is full of great ingredients. This soup cooks in its own package and can be eaten right out of the package. The company that makes' this soup is known for excellent ingredients and their commitment to wholesome foods.
Save Time and Money with a Shopping ListWhen I write a shopping list, I know exactly what I need to purchase and get out of the store so I will not overspend or purchase unnecessary splurge items. I will also save time by having a list in-front of me when I shop.
Return Items with Tampered SealsI made a mistake of not throughly checking the boxes of tea I purchased today. It looks like someone has tampered with the seals of the boxes and maybe peeked inside? I am sure the tea is still fine, but I do not want to take the risks. I will exchange them for new ones.
Check Your Car's Lights RegularlyIt is important to check all your headlights, blinkers, brake light and signals to see if they are working properly. I do this bi-weekly, just a few minutes out of your day.
Product Review: Shark Navigator Lift-AwayThis vacuum has excellent suction and is bagless. I save a lot of money not having to buy bags. It is lightweight and the power head is removable. It has many attachments, and has a microfiber cloth that attaches to one of the attachments for bare floors.
Compliment Companies to Receive Coupons and PerksI saw this tip on a thrifty-type reality show. The woman said "if you write to companies of food that you habitually shop with just to compliment them on their product, they will send coupons."
How to Safely Sell Your Used CarThere are several ways you can sell or get rid of your used car.
Shop at Salvage StoresSalvage stores are a great way to save some money, while having terrific stuff. A salvage store is a local establishment that buys out of date and possibly shelf-damaged stuff from local supermarkets or grocery stores.
Keep Your Car Clean with Little Money and EffortCleaning your car, especially any dirt and grime, and keeping it clean can be a very daunting task. Usually it involves a significant time, and often, money expense. Due to Ubering, which I discussed earlier, I have found a need to keep my car as clean as possible in as easy and inexpensive a way as possible.
Finding the Value of Old DollsA lot of people write on here wondering about the value of their old dolls, so I wanted to post a small guide that may or may not prove helpful.
Keep Product Box and Receipt In Case of ReturnA nifty way to never lose your receipt for a product you purchased is to enclose the receipt in a small envelope taped to the inside of the box. That way, if the product you purchased does not work as planned and want to make a return, you will know where the receipt is without having to dig around and waste time.
Tempered Glass Screen Protector for SmartphoneA tempered glass screen protector will be your best friend to help prevent your smartphone from breaking, shattering and scratches! For less than $10 bucks, you could easily install the thin screen protector yourself. The kit comes with everything you need.
Download Store Apps for DiscountsDo you have a smartphone? If you do, you could actually be saving some money! Check your local stores you shop at and see if they have an app. Chances are if they do, there is usually an incentive like clipping mobile coupons, clipping manufacturing coupons, mobile rewards or some sort of perks/deals!
Dollar Store for Food ItemsWhenever you are in the dollar store, make sure you go down the food aisle. Many times, you get lucky and find items that are much more expensive in the supermarket. You may even find gourmet items.
Verify Tags When ShoppingDo you verify the tags of items you are purchasing? You should! Because, sometimes you can come across an outfit you like but a belt is missing, or the top, bottom. If you do come across anything "missing" in your outfit or quantity of some product, chances are you will get a further discount!
Join Restaurant Loyalty Reward ProgramsIf you enjoy dining out, I would recommend joining for the restaurant's loyalty reward program, or email subscriptions if they have any! The reason being? You can earn awesome perks, discounts, promotional offers, be alert for new items, and so forth!
Double Check Sensor Tags Before Leaving StoresAlways double check the security sensor tags before leaving the store Even though the cashier may say they did, it is better to double check so you do not have to go through the inconvenience and gas to get the sensor tag removed.
Check Expiration Dates before PurchasingBe sure to check the expiration dates on everything you buy! A tip is to grab from the back, those are the longer expiration dates rather than the front! And not only food has expiration dates, but car seats and make up too!
Check Your Receipt for Incorrect ChargesJust within this week, I have been overcharged 3 times at 3 different stores! It is important to double check your receipt because accidents can happen. Sometimes it could be the cashier ringing up more items than you purchased, the price is incorrectly advertised, and so forth!
Product Review: Sliding Robots for Moving FurnitureSliding Robots is a must have in our household! It makes cleaning so much easier. You can easily move furniture and heavy objects on any smooth surface such as: carpet, wood, tile, or linoleum!
Check Receipts for DiscountsNot all receipts are trash! Some actually have potential discounts that could help you save on future purchases.
Product Review: Victoria's Secret Hair TiesI picked up this package. It had a $10 price tag, but was on sale for $5. The package was pretty, and the ties were all different, but upon examining it when I got home, I realized that it was just a length of 3/8-inch elastic with a knot on the end!
Double Check Restaurant ReceiptsDouble check all your receipts when you eat out. First check them to make sure they are correct. Second, check them for coupons and surveys and internet addresses to sign up for more coupons. In the past 2 months, I have had part of my meal free because of checking my receipts.
Don't Use Metal Valve Caps on TiresI learned my lesson the hard way. Don't use the metal valve caps on your tires. It can end up costing you a lot of money! The tire shop told me that they see a lot of metal valve caps that corrode during the winter due to the salt on the roads.
Dog Food as Weight for Snow DrivingMany of us add weight to our vehicles during the winter months if there is snow. This gives us better traction when driving in the snow. A friend of mine was complaining about having to buy sand bags every winter, because she had no use for them after winter and no place to store them until next winter. I advised her to get large bags of dog food and use them for weight.
Nail Polish for Shiny JewelryDo you have a colorless nail polish? It can be used for your jewelry. The nail polish can make your jewelry shine and the color of the jewelry will be preserved. If you have fake gold jewelry, if you put a nail polish on it, the color will last longer and it doesn't fade as easily.
Product Review: Bai "Antioxidant Cocofusion" Flavored WaterOnce in a great while, I'll come across a product I like so much, I just want to stand up, shout and share it with everyone. If you like coconut, this Antioxidant Cocofusion water tastes like a Mounds Bar without the sugar or chocolate. Think Pina Colada without the alcohol.
Replacing Small Appliances InexpensivelyI am always on the lookout for inexpensive small appliances. If you wait until it breaks, you will pay top dollar for a new one. I have found new items at thrift shops and family-run estate sales. Today I found this new Hamilton Beach convection toaster oven for $10.
Get Incredible After Christmas Sales NowI just bought this gourmet coffee for 30 cents! The original price was $3.99. That's a 92% savings. There is plenty of winter weather left to enjoy it. The Christmas package is the only reason it is so inexpensive.
Product Review: Hummus Made EasyThis is a new product, Bush's Hummus Made Easy. You mix the contents of the pouch with one 16 ounce can of drained garbanzo beans and process in the food processor. You can process until it is the consistency you like. It comes in several flavors, but I have just purchased the classic flavor.
Product Review: Island Cotton Hand SoapI love the Sea Island Cotton fragrance and I found a match in hand soap. The hand soap is made by Studio 35 Beauty, and is called Island Cotton Hand Soap.
Do the Math Beyond the Purchase PriceBefore you purchase an item, do your research. Check the consumer ratings, price compare from store to store, and take into consideration what it will cost you over time to use that item. Several times I have paid more upfront for an appliance as it will save me money over time compared to a less expensive version.
Product Review: Flirty ApronsI have a few of these aprons. They are full coverage, and come in so many pretty styles and colors. The quality is excellent. They can be as expensive as $34.95 plus shipping.
Buy Products With FreebiesChristmas is coming and supermarkets are now open with cheaper items and more freebies. Some brands would drop down their prices and sometimes items would come out with bags, mugs or anything for free.
Use Shampoo as Hand Soap RefillI have an alternative to replace pricey hand wash pumps. I use value supermarket brands of shampoo instead! I buy the cheap shampoos from the supermarket. Store branded hand wash start at about £1 a bottle.
Product Review: Rags in a BagFlylady.net makes them. They are $11.95 for 3, and they come in their own laundry bag to wash. They recently had a sale, and I got another bag free, so the cost was halved. They are wonderful for mirrors, windows, and to wipe down counters. They are large and lint-free.
Decorate Hats with Earrings or PinsHere is a use for single earrings or rarely worn pins. Put them on the brim of a winter hat! You can give these pieces a second life.
Product Review: Contigo Thermos MugOne of my students had a Contigo mug, and said it was the only mug that was truly drip-free. It retails for $29.99 on Amazon. When I went into Goodwill this week I saw it brand-new for $8.99, with a 35% off sale, so I grabbed the last one! It lives up to its claims; I can vouch for that. Even when you hold it upside-down, nothing leaks out.
Check Craigslist for AppliancesThis weekend, my old dryer stopped working. After checking prices at the big box stores, my husband went onto Craigslist to see if there was anything available. He found some great deals and we got a replacement dryer from someone in our neighborhood for $25!
Expandable Garden Hose ReviewWhen I heard about the expandable garden hose, I was not impressed. I didn't think there would be much to it. However, three years ago, I saw one in Bed Bath and Beyond and decided to purchase it. It is one of the best buys I have ever made. I really enjoy using it.
Product Review: Breezecatcher Rotary ClotheslineAccording to the Consumer Energy Center, your home clothing dryer can be one of the most expensive home appliances to operate at 6% of your total electrical usage. If you have the space and no pesky homeowner association restrictions, a much less expensive alternative is a clothesline.
Find the Biggest Savings on AmazonWhen you're doing some online shopping on Amazon, this tip can help you find the biggest savings on whatever you're searching for. In this example, I'm looking for paint brushes. When the search results come up, go to the url and add the argument "&pct-off=90-99" (without the quotes) to the end and hit enter. This will bring up the most discounted items in your search. (I marked the url change and discount shown in red.) If you change the argument at the end of the url to "&pct-off=50-99" it will find you items discounted from 50 to 99 percent. Adjust accordingly. :)
Ponytail Band for Tight WaistbandIf your trouser or skirt waistband is a bit too tight, tie a pony tail band to the button hole and loop it onto the button to fasten.
Check Your Receipt for Incorrect PricesI just found out that my supermarket has a policy that will give an incorrectly scanned item to you for free. The store will give you a $10 discount on items that are more than $10. Because of this knowledge, I got a $7.99 package of burgers for free.
Restaurant Pizza at Home AnytimeMy local grocer sells some of their hot/dinner foods for less after a certain time of the evening. Mine sells pizzas for $5 each and sometimes they offer two for whatever they choose.
Fujifilm Instax Instant Mini 8 CameraDid you enjoy using a Polaroid camera when you were younger? You can still buy Polaroid film, but it is very expensive. For instant camera fun, using a Polaroid is just too expensive now. There is a fun little camera on the market that is a great alternative if you want to have some fun with instant film!
Save Money with a Costway Mini WasherHere you will see a Costway mini washer. It's great for anyone looking to save water, soap and the light bill. I run my washer all hours of the day and night. I save money because it's good on everything. You only use two buckets of water and about two tablespoons of soap gives you a machine full of bubbles.
Benefits of Coasting When DrivingMost people hate to see people 'coast' through life and put a negative tag to such a thing. But when driving, I've found it to be an essential tool every driver needs to utilize.
Insurance Tip for Better CoverageWe recently changed health/vision/dental insurance companies. Our new insurance carrier denied several vision and dental claims that according to their handbook should be covered. I called to ask them why. They told me that they did not pay on those particular services until after we had coverage for 12 months. Further explanation brought forth the fact that if I could prove we had prior coverage and that our old insurance company covered those services, then they could waive the 12 month rule. This is to prevent people from changing insurance companies just to get things covered.
Carefully Read Food Ingredient LabelsI've always read food labels. While I had no problems eating anything, I did tend to shy away from foods with a high salt content. Something else I looked for, particularly in meat products, was 'by products'. I avoided them entirely.
Bathing Suit ShoppingI found this new bathing suit at a quality clothing store priced at only $5 on the discount rack. Why, I wondered!
Wear Panties over HoseIf you wear nylons or leggings or tights, you know how they bag in the crotch, or creep down and your legs look all wrinkly? Wear a pair of panties over the top of them.
Re-Weigh Premeasured Fruits and VeggiesInstead of just picking up the prepackaged produce and throwing it into my cart, I take the extra time and weigh four packages of lettuce, four packages of tomatoes and different bunches of celery. The weights are not all equal and some weigh more than others.
Helping Your Mattress Last LongerThere are a few tips you can try to make your bed mattress last longer. I am surprised how many people don't know these tips, so thought I would share.
Measuring Pants Without Trying Them OnLadies, want to find the correct size pants when shopping? There are so many different name brands of women's pants in the market place; at times it is almost impossible to find your size quickly without a hassle. I learned a trick that works for me and maybe will work for you also.
Waxalene for Diaper RashEach baby is different and what works for some doesn't work for the other. We tried quite a few different diaper rash ointments, including; Desitin, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, and Burt's Bees Diaper Rash Cream. Nothing worked as well for my son as Waxelene.
Product Review: PetSafe Indoor Bark ControlThe PetSafe Indoor Bark Control is activated when its internal microphone picks up the barking sound or when a button is pressed. When activated the unit emits a 2-second ultrasonic sound that can only be heard by animals. The sound is unpleasant to most dogs and startles them so they stop barking.
Grocery Store StrategiesI live by three different grocery stores so I check the front and back of each flyer every week. That is where they list their hook sales, sometimes incredibly good deals to attract you in to their store. I make a list of the three stores and their best deals for items I would be interested in.
Floor Cleaner with No ResidueHave you ever mopped with a cleaner just to discover you have a sticky floor from the residue? We bought some rubber planking floor that looks like wood and I wanted a good cleaner so I did some research. My research took me finally to Amazon where there is a product called Congoleum Bright 'N Easy No Rinse Cleaner.
Tips For Weekly Grocery ShoppingI make several lists long before my actual food shopping week. First, what items I can get at the dollar store? I am always amazed at how many name brand foods are sold at the Dollar store.
Product Review: Sloggers BootsI recently purchased these awesome boots. They are super flexible, unlike many other rubber boots that are stiff and hard to work in. They have a fabric-covered edge at the top, which makes them comfortable to wear with shorts and they are wide enough to easily stuff your pant legs into when necessary.
Wait to Buy OnlineWhen you buy online, leave the item in your cart for a few days without actually buying it. Many times, the company will email you with a discount to entice you to purchase the product they think you forgot about.
Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser for StovesMy solution to this and other kitchen challenges is now Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. A liquid version of the scouring powder made by Bar Keepers. This cream cleans better than the expensive stove top cleaners and does dual duty for stainless steel, other kitchen metals (pots and pans) and hard surfaces.
Keep Groceries Organized to Save...To keep my groceries organized so I know what I have and don't have, I have been doing the following:
Hand Sanitizer for Frozen Car DoorTake some of that hand-sanitizer that you bought that one time and put it on the key to unlock it (with the keyhole, not the button) or the outside of the door and the hand-sanitizer should get rid of that frost.
Keep Sneakers SnugI can't believe that I never knew this until the salesperson at my shoestore told me when buying sneakers! I did always wonder why some sneakers had very long laces.
Check Delivery Options for Alaska or HawaiiABC and LTD don't deliver to Hawaii or Alaska. I learned that when I moved there after placing several orders to them when I lived in Florida, then moved to Alaska.
Use Hairspray on Black FabricsUsing pump style hair spray.
Thrift Shops Before RetailWhy the coat? I recently purchased this coat for 69 cents at a thrift shop. No, I'm not kidding you! For years now, I have ALWAYS looked in the local thrift shops BEFORE simply paying retail at a chain store.
Selling Record AlbumsSome of your old records could be worth quite a chunk of change. Sadly, it can be a little time consuming, but it's fun and worth it if you have a little time. Often, if it's a rare record in great shape, you will get the best return by putting it up for auction on eBay
Repair Appliances Instead of UpgradingUpgrading seems to be the latest catchword when replacing appliances. Do so with caution as all the major appliances are coming out of China. They are not of the quality as when US made. My appliance repairman will vouch for that as he's busier than ever now.
Look for Early Editions of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThe basic guideline is that the 1st up until the 8th Editions have great collector values, defined by condition. The 9th and 10th Editions are so numerous that they are of small value. Anything after 1928 is basically worthless.
Buy Sweat Shirts at the Thrift StoreI've always bought my sweat shirts at Thrift Stores due to the fact I've always had dogs. I prefer the heavier material type because they hold up better to rough play and yard work.
Use Calculator to Get the Best PriceCalculator shopping was popular back when hand-held calculators first became cheap and easy to get. Nowadays, I rarely see anyone shopping with a calculator, but there are many good reasons to use one.
Where to Buy All Natural Cat LitterIf you are looking for a good all natural cat litter, this is reliable quality product. It controls odors well, is hypo allergenic and the 40lb bag is a great value.
Where to Buy Puppy Training PadsIf you are house training a puppy, piddle pads are a great tool to help speed to process. Sometimes you can find the best deals online. These pup training pads are large, absorbent, and only $.50 each.
Where to Buy LED Light BulbsUsing LED light bulbs is one of the best ways to save money on your electric bill. These Philips LED may look odd but they work great and only use 10.5 watts to equal a 60 watt incandescent bulb.
Where to Buy a Brother Sewing MachineIf your sewing machine is beyond repair, it may be time to buy a new one. This Brother sewing machine is easy to use and jam resistant.
Where to Buy Crochet HooksIf you enjoy crocheting, having comfortable crochet hooks that don't cause hand fatigue are a must have. These Clover crochet hooks have comfortable ergonomic handles and an ideal hook shape.
Where to Buy Grain Free Dog FoodIf you are looking for a good quality grain free dog food, Taste of the Wild is a respected and trustworthy brand. Sometimes the best deals can be found online. This is a great deal for a 30lb bag of high quality dog food.
Product Review: Brother "Project...About 3 years ago, DH and I were in Walmart looking at sewing machines. I was off in a corner looking at the brand I liked, leaving my DH to entertain himself. He was reading the carton info on a Brother Project Runway machine.
Buy Frozen Chicken BreastsLike most of you, I have noticed the huge jump in prices at the grocery store. I have a trick to save money on chicken that I will share.
Where to Buy Washing SodaArm & Hammer Super Washing Soda is a great product for household and laundry cleaning. Sometimes the best deals can be fund online. Here is a great deal on two 55oz boxes of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda.
Buying an LG RefrigeratorBuying a refrigerator is a big decision because it is such and expensive purchase. Checking out the reviews on Amazon can be a useful way to educate yourself before making your final choice.
Where to Buy Dawn Dish SoapSometime the best deals can be found online. Here is a 90oz bottle of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid. If you use Dawn often, this is definitely a great deal.
Where to Buy Octagon SoapOctagon was a popular brand of bar laundry soap. However, it no longer being manufactured. Fels-Naptha is still available and much cheaper so that could be an alternative.
"Sock It To Me" Cell Phone CaseI have a small cell phone. It's not a smart one, but it's fine for what I need it for. My husband had purchased me a nice $15 case for it. Then I lost it and I would not spend another $15 to get a replacement case. Instead, I bought a pair of toddler socks.
Baking from the Discount Grocery ShelfI recently started checking the discount shelves at my local supermarkets. I have found some really good savings from time to time. Earlier this year I picked up a couple of bags of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix.
Keep Purse with Shopping BagsI don't know if you have this problem, but I do. I try to use reusable grocery bags as much as possible but I forget to bring them into the store! Same with my coupons and sometimes even my shopping list!
Coin Purse for Broken Keyless RemoteMy keychain/car remote broke. The small end that had a hole that allowed the metal ring to loop through it broke so I couldn't hook the key ring to the remote anymore.
Do Not Trust Online Inventory DatabasesMy advice is not to trust the online store inventory databases. Go to the store and see for yourself.
Check Prices Online Before Buying AmazonDo you shop online using Amazon? To make money off of their customers, they sell items they have in stock 'for less' than retail value, with the promise of free shipping if you purchase an Amazon Prime membership.
Store Large Trash Bags in TrunkKeep a couple of big plastic trash bags in your car - trunk, tool box, or gear box - they will help keep the grease and grime off your clothes when you need to change a tire, attach or detach a trailer to the hitch, or add oil/radiator fluid under the hood.
Use Phone as Shopping ListI am always losing my shopping lists. Since I always have my phone with me, I put my list on my phone's notebook. As I collect the groceries, I delete them off the list. It also helps me to stick to the list, with less impulsive buying.
Great Value Packaged at Del MonteDel Monte is the producer of Great Value canned fruit, I worked for a trucking comapny that hauled it, and it comes for various DelMonte plants around the country but, a lot is from California.
Product Review: Clip On StrainerI'm not one for buying unnecessary kitchen gadgets, but I had to try this handy $5 clip on strainer from Aroma Bakeware when I saw it at a kitchen store. I love it!
Dollar Store for Cheap UmbrellasDollar General has them. That's where I go when I get caught in the rain
Product Review: Spin Mop Works WellI was given this mop as a gift, and I didn't have much faith in it, to tell you the truth. BOY was I wrong. Not only does it not drip and picks up everything like a dream, it also spins out nicely. I have a puppy that makes a ton of drinking water around his bowl, and this is perfect.
Nibble to Stay Awake on Long TripsOn those long trips where time is of essence, fight sleep by nibbling on any type of food/snack. The act of chewing uses face muscles that affect your eyelids. As long as you are using the muscles it takes to chew on something your eyes will stay focused and your eyelids will not droop.
Check Your Car for RecallsAutomobile manufacturers offer free repairs called "recalls" for many problems which affect their cars. These repairs are generally available from the nearest dealer whether a car has had one or many owners.
Add Extra Sole and Heel to New ShoesMy grandmother used to wear ladies' flat lace up shoes, and always had an extra sole and heel put on each new pair before she started wearing them. She would then get them redone every time the extra sole and heel wore out, so the originals were never worn or damaged, and the shoes lasted much longer.
