Frugal Friday
These last few weeks, we concentrated on frugal tips for around the house. This week, we are going to talk about ways to save money in another area of your life--your health. Good health leads to a happy, fulfilling life. But it is also expensive for those without health insurance, or with little coverage. So wherever you can save money is helpful.
1. You can work out at home for free. But if you want to join a health club, look for one that has per-visit plans. Even with the best intentions, you don't always go as often as you'd like.
2. Just because you don't have a membership at a warehouse club, doesn't mean you can't get your prescriptions filled there at the lowest cost. Federal law mandates that consumers can buy prescriptions from any pharmacy.
3. Get a 30-day supply of a generic drug for $4 at participating pharmacies. Check with your local Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger and Target.
4. Whitening strips are often too large for your teeth. Cut them in half for double the uses.
5. Those on Medicare or over 65 have additional savings--no copays on some wellness checks, low cost eye exams and discounts on prescription drugs through Part D.
6. Even a high-priced insurance plan costs less than a visit to the hospital.
7. Join a discount club for dental care if you don't have coverage through your employer.
8. Get regular check-ups. Discovering a problem early on will keep you healthier, and keep health costs down.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
File, Don't Pile
Senior Thursday
Papers can be daunting. They come into the home from many different sources--mail, doctor visits, work, etc.. There are papers for your house, your health, your finances and your family. But where to keep them all? Many times, out of frustration, we just drop them on the nearest pile.
What happens when you need that piece of paper, though? Where is it? What pile did you put it on?
If you set up a functional filing system, you'll be able to find what you need when you need it. Here are some tips for setting up a filing system.
• Store away what you don’t use--This is anything that you need to keep, but don't need to access. Old tax returns, supporting tax documents, old receipts, and memorabilia fall into this category
• Use labels that work for you. What words would you think of when looking for it again? Would your spouse use the same description? Use something you'll remember.
• Limit the description on the label. The fewer words you use, the easier it will be to remember and read. A noun, adjective and year is often sufficient.
• Color code your folders or labels. You can categorize them by person, subject , or year. Use what is comfortable for you.
• If you are intimidated by the task of setting up a system, use a pre-packaged system, such as Freedom Filer, that comes with stock labels and an index guide. These are easy to use, and the index helps you locate items easily.
• Schedule time for filing. In order for the filing system to work for you, you have to keep on top of it. Schedule time every day or week for doing your filing. Purge your files every six to twelve months to keep them from getting too big.
Papers can be daunting. They come into the home from many different sources--mail, doctor visits, work, etc.. There are papers for your house, your health, your finances and your family. But where to keep them all? Many times, out of frustration, we just drop them on the nearest pile.
What happens when you need that piece of paper, though? Where is it? What pile did you put it on?
If you set up a functional filing system, you'll be able to find what you need when you need it. Here are some tips for setting up a filing system.
• Store away what you don’t use--This is anything that you need to keep, but don't need to access. Old tax returns, supporting tax documents, old receipts, and memorabilia fall into this category
• Use labels that work for you. What words would you think of when looking for it again? Would your spouse use the same description? Use something you'll remember.
• Limit the description on the label. The fewer words you use, the easier it will be to remember and read. A noun, adjective and year is often sufficient.
• Color code your folders or labels. You can categorize them by person, subject , or year. Use what is comfortable for you.
• If you are intimidated by the task of setting up a system, use a pre-packaged system, such as Freedom Filer, that comes with stock labels and an index guide. These are easy to use, and the index helps you locate items easily.
• Schedule time for filing. In order for the filing system to work for you, you have to keep on top of it. Schedule time every day or week for doing your filing. Purge your files every six to twelve months to keep them from getting too big.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Organizing Your Files--Part Two
Writer Wednesday
The most important thing to remember when setting up a file system is being able to find what you filed. There are several guidelines to keep in mind to make your filing system work for you.
• Create an interior folder for every hanging file folder you have. Label them the same. This will make the files more portable, and easier to return to their proper place when you are done with them.
• Place a sticky note on any empty hanging file folder with the date and place of the file. For instance, if you are giving a workshop and want to bring some research files with you, write up a sticky note with the date and "Workshop". If you need those files before your workshop, you'll know where they are.
• Return all files to their folders/drawers immediately after using them. Don't let them pile up on the floor or desk. The higher the pile gets, the less likely you are to put them away.
• Purge your files on a regular basis. Every six to twelve months, look through your files to see if everything is still relevant.
• If a document can be recreated easily, you don't need to keep a hard copy. Keep only the electronic file.
The most important thing to remember when setting up a file system is being able to find what you filed. There are several guidelines to keep in mind to make your filing system work for you.
• Create an interior folder for every hanging file folder you have. Label them the same. This will make the files more portable, and easier to return to their proper place when you are done with them.
• Place a sticky note on any empty hanging file folder with the date and place of the file. For instance, if you are giving a workshop and want to bring some research files with you, write up a sticky note with the date and "Workshop". If you need those files before your workshop, you'll know where they are.
• Return all files to their folders/drawers immediately after using them. Don't let them pile up on the floor or desk. The higher the pile gets, the less likely you are to put them away.
• Purge your files on a regular basis. Every six to twelve months, look through your files to see if everything is still relevant.
• If a document can be recreated easily, you don't need to keep a hard copy. Keep only the electronic file.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Store Items Where You Use Them--Garage and Yard
Tips for Tuesday
Although this makes perfect sense, many people, for whatever reason, don't store items near where they use them. Maybe whoever helped them move in decided where things should go. Maybe the space is better designed elsewhere for what you want to store. Maybe you were pressed for time and just put things wherever they would fit. However, your life will run more smoothly if you follow this simple rule--store items near where you use them. Here are some tips for the garage and yard:
• Store children's toys near the front of the garage for easy access.
• Store paper goods and other household items near the adjoining door to the house.
• If you have a shed, keep all your gardening and lawn care equipment there.
• Keep pool toys and equipment in a closed container on the patio or deck.
• Keep tools on shelving and in storage containers near the tool bench.
• Store non-seasonal items (snowblower, shovels, picnic baskets) in the back of the garage, then rotate them forward as the seasons change.
• If you have room, keep bikes near the garage door. Otherwise, hang them from the garage ceiling.
There are no hard and fast rules here. If something is more functional in a different area, then by all means, store it there.
Although this makes perfect sense, many people, for whatever reason, don't store items near where they use them. Maybe whoever helped them move in decided where things should go. Maybe the space is better designed elsewhere for what you want to store. Maybe you were pressed for time and just put things wherever they would fit. However, your life will run more smoothly if you follow this simple rule--store items near where you use them. Here are some tips for the garage and yard:
• Store children's toys near the front of the garage for easy access.
• Store paper goods and other household items near the adjoining door to the house.
• If you have a shed, keep all your gardening and lawn care equipment there.
• Keep pool toys and equipment in a closed container on the patio or deck.
• Keep tools on shelving and in storage containers near the tool bench.
• Store non-seasonal items (snowblower, shovels, picnic baskets) in the back of the garage, then rotate them forward as the seasons change.
• If you have room, keep bikes near the garage door. Otherwise, hang them from the garage ceiling.
There are no hard and fast rules here. If something is more functional in a different area, then by all means, store it there.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Selling Your Home--Curb Appeal
Moving on Monday
When buyers are looking for a home, they start their search with certain criteria, then look at photos of homes that fit that criteria. There are many houses on the market, so unless your house looks its best, you will not get many buyers to visit your home. Therefore, your home must look its best from the outside as well as the inside.
What impression does your house give to someone driving past?
• Is the lawn looking healthy?
• Are the bushes and trees trimmed?
• Are the gardens weeded and watered?
• Is the address readily visible from the street?
• Are lights working?
• Are the gutters and roof in good repair?
• Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?
• Are the shutters hanging straight?
• Is the paint peeling?
• Is the siding clean and in good condition?
• Does the mailbox need to be replaced or repaired?
Front door— Buyers will stand at your front door an average of 15 seconds while the realtor unlocks it.
• Is the paint chipped?
• Are windows clean?
• Is the stoop swept or shoveled?
• Is the welcome mat clean?
• Are lights working?
• Is the lock easy to open?
• Is the hardware clean and polished?
The Yard
• Are the garbage cans somewhere discreet?
• Are lawns clear of debris and construction material?
• Is the patio/deck in good condition?
• Is the patio furniture clean or rusty and broken?
• Is the yard cleaned up from pets?
• Is the fence straight, painted?
• Is the pool clean?
• Is the hot tub in working order?
When buyers are looking for a home, they start their search with certain criteria, then look at photos of homes that fit that criteria. There are many houses on the market, so unless your house looks its best, you will not get many buyers to visit your home. Therefore, your home must look its best from the outside as well as the inside.
What impression does your house give to someone driving past?
• Is the lawn looking healthy?
• Are the bushes and trees trimmed?
• Are the gardens weeded and watered?
• Is the address readily visible from the street?
• Are lights working?
• Are the gutters and roof in good repair?
• Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?
• Are the shutters hanging straight?
• Is the paint peeling?
• Is the siding clean and in good condition?
• Does the mailbox need to be replaced or repaired?
Front door— Buyers will stand at your front door an average of 15 seconds while the realtor unlocks it.
• Is the paint chipped?
• Are windows clean?
• Is the stoop swept or shoveled?
• Is the welcome mat clean?
• Are lights working?
• Is the lock easy to open?
• Is the hardware clean and polished?
The Yard
• Are the garbage cans somewhere discreet?
• Are lawns clear of debris and construction material?
• Is the patio/deck in good condition?
• Is the patio furniture clean or rusty and broken?
• Is the yard cleaned up from pets?
• Is the fence straight, painted?
• Is the pool clean?
• Is the hot tub in working order?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Frugal Tips for the Kitchen--Stale Bread
Frugal Friday
With the rising prices of groceries, it's more important than ever to not waste any food that we buy. In addition to making smart purchases, try to find uses for old food that isn't spoiled. One of these staples is bread. If it doesn't mold, it dries out. We all know about making bread crumbs in the blender, but what other uses are there for stale bread?
• If it's not too stale, place it in a 300 degree oven for ten minutes to freshen it.
• Day-old bread makes better toast than fresh bread because there is less moisture in it.
• Cut the bread into small circles and freeze. When you need an appetizer, toast the rounds and use them as you would crackers.
• Make croutons for your salad. Cube them, sprinkle with olive oil, season to taste, then bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. These are best used the same day.
• Make bread pudding.
Here are some uses for bread crumbs:
• Sprinkle over baked macaroni and cheese.
• Mix with ground beef for meatloaf or meatballs.
• Add seasonings for breading meat or eggplant.
• Make a crust for your quiche.
What do you do with your stale bread?
With the rising prices of groceries, it's more important than ever to not waste any food that we buy. In addition to making smart purchases, try to find uses for old food that isn't spoiled. One of these staples is bread. If it doesn't mold, it dries out. We all know about making bread crumbs in the blender, but what other uses are there for stale bread?
• If it's not too stale, place it in a 300 degree oven for ten minutes to freshen it.
• Day-old bread makes better toast than fresh bread because there is less moisture in it.
• Cut the bread into small circles and freeze. When you need an appetizer, toast the rounds and use them as you would crackers.
• Make croutons for your salad. Cube them, sprinkle with olive oil, season to taste, then bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. These are best used the same day.
• Make bread pudding.
Here are some uses for bread crumbs:
• Sprinkle over baked macaroni and cheese.
• Mix with ground beef for meatloaf or meatballs.
• Add seasonings for breading meat or eggplant.
• Make a crust for your quiche.
What do you do with your stale bread?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Limit What Comes Into Your Home
Senior Thursday
When you downsize, your space is limited. Even though you have pared down your belongings to fit into your new home, it is still important to control what comes into the home so it doesn't get over stuffed. There are steps you can take to ensure your house stays clean and uncluttered.
• For every new item that comes into your home, get rid of one. This may be a piece of clothing, a kitchen appliance or a book. Keeping to this habit will ensure that you will never have more books than your bookshelf can hold, more appliances than your pantry can handle, or more sweaters than can possibly fit into your closet.
• If you don't need it, don't buy it. Yes, there are many things that we want--pretty things to make us happy. Maybe it's a new pair of shoes, or a knick-knack for the bookshelf, or a picture for the wall. But before you buy it, ask yourself--do I WANT it, or do I NEED it? If you only want it, seriously ask yourself it there is space in your home for it. If you purchase it, make sure something else leaves the home.
• Repurpose what you already own. Before purchasing anything new, think if there is something in your home that will serve the same purpose. For example, you need a place to store beach towels and summer toys for the grandchildren. You are thinking of buying a small cabinet for the back hallway. But then you remember that old television stand in the garage that is waiting to go to charity. It has doors, and is still in good condition. So why not use it for the towels? Re-use what you already have, rather than buying something new.
When you downsize, your space is limited. Even though you have pared down your belongings to fit into your new home, it is still important to control what comes into the home so it doesn't get over stuffed. There are steps you can take to ensure your house stays clean and uncluttered.
• For every new item that comes into your home, get rid of one. This may be a piece of clothing, a kitchen appliance or a book. Keeping to this habit will ensure that you will never have more books than your bookshelf can hold, more appliances than your pantry can handle, or more sweaters than can possibly fit into your closet.
• If you don't need it, don't buy it. Yes, there are many things that we want--pretty things to make us happy. Maybe it's a new pair of shoes, or a knick-knack for the bookshelf, or a picture for the wall. But before you buy it, ask yourself--do I WANT it, or do I NEED it? If you only want it, seriously ask yourself it there is space in your home for it. If you purchase it, make sure something else leaves the home.
• Repurpose what you already own. Before purchasing anything new, think if there is something in your home that will serve the same purpose. For example, you need a place to store beach towels and summer toys for the grandchildren. You are thinking of buying a small cabinet for the back hallway. But then you remember that old television stand in the garage that is waiting to go to charity. It has doors, and is still in good condition. So why not use it for the towels? Re-use what you already have, rather than buying something new.
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