One of the basics to saving money is knowing how you already spend it. This means having a system to record your income and expenses. When I was in college I used the accounting pads with the green columns to record my receipts and tabulate how much I spent in each area. It was very... Continue Reading →
Brighter savings
(updated 4/23/17) One fairly simple way to save money (and energy) in your home is to switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs. In the last few years, LED bulbs have been introduced, which are even more efficient than compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs, which had replaced incandescent bulbs). Both CFLs and LEDs have a higher cost in... Continue Reading →
Buying printer paper by the case
Over the past 2+ years, I have been searching for ways to save on things we use a lot of. As a teacher and a graduate student (and coupon clipper), I often have to print documents from home. I do try to use the backs of paper by rerunning paper through again for less important... Continue Reading →
Menu planning
(updated 3/5/17) One of the best ways to save at the grocery store is to have a list. Even better, have a menu for the week and then make a list from it. We try our best to make a menu on Saturday nights and go grocery shopping on Sundays. I admit, though, we do... Continue Reading →
Keeping a price list
(updated 3/7/17) A long time ago I stumbled on a tip from the author of the "Tightwad Gazette." She recommended creating a price book with prices of various items at different stores. I used to have mine in a spiral notebook in my purse. However, it was always hard to find the item I was... Continue Reading →
Surviving on a tight budget 