Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Things to do before cold weather gets here

1. Check insulation in your home and caulk around windows and wherever it's needed.

2. Get your car serviced to make sure the antifreeze and tires are up to par, especially. Get a tune up if needed.

3. Check the coat closet to make sure everyone has enough cold weather gear. Jackets, coats, snow shoes, mittens and hats need to be in good condition.

4. Have your furnace checked or your chimney cleaned or whatever you use to heat your home, serviced and ready to go. This includes filters and thermostats.

5. Bring in plants that need to winter over in the house. Mulch over other plants that need it and clean up the garden.

Enjoy the weather right now! It will soon enough be cold!

Monday, September 8, 2014

My Personal Favorite Frugal Resources

True frugality ranges all the way from quick actions that save a few pennies to more complex activities that save dollars and to even more complex concepts that help us use/keep/invest/grow those pennies and dollars saved.

The first one is Amy Dacycyzn's "Tightwad Gazette." That series is the backbone of saving pennies every day and in many different ways. They add up; she proved that. If you don't know, read her story.

Another good classic is "Miserly Moms" by Jonni McCoy. She tells her story and shares what she discovered about saving as much as she was making in a career.

Beyond that, The Simple Dollar is a blog about money, frugality and common sense that has gone beyond just being a blog. Trent has taken it to a whole new level.

Dave Ramsey's book "The Total Money Makeover" has changed many people's financial lives completely. It's definitely worth reading for anyone.

If you're looking for inspiration, for specific tips or for a good overall look at the frugal lifestyle, these four resources will help!

Monday, September 1, 2014

The Loss of Natural Resources

I'm not talking about clean water, clean air or original stands of forest. I'm talking about resources that frugal and crafty folks rely on to save money, to make things for the home and for gifts and to keep the kids occupied.

I can see the handwriting on the wall. Plastic grocery bags have been under attack for some time now, and every so often, we hear a warning that "next year" all of those freebie garbage bags, wet clothing bags and barf bags will be gone.

Another resource that's under attack is those cardboard tubes they put in toilet tissue. What will we use to corral electric cords or start seeds in?

We better start hoarding junk mail and cardboard boxes. I'm serious. Kind of, anyway. ;)