Laundry Tips for Saving Money

Most of us are trying to save money any way we can. One area that you may not have considered when it comes to this is your laundry. So here are some tips that may help save you some cash. It could also make the task of laundry more manageable. The first tip is to wash less. The average top-loading washing machine uses about 40 gallons of water. Even though front-loading machines use less (between 10 and 24 gallons), it is still a waste of money to put in smaller loads. You can save not only the use of your … Continue reading

Laundry Timesavers

Everyone is looking for a way to save time. In my mind time spent doing housework is wasted time. I could use that time to spend with the people I love or pursuing hobbies I enjoy. So I’m always looking for ways to streamline, to get things done. These tips may not make for perfection, but they will be good enough. I’m going to start with laundry. From the dirty clothes hamper back to the drawer or closet there are little things you can do to save time. The first thing I do is sort the laundry as I go. … Continue reading

Kotex Challenge: What Does Your Underwear Drawer Look Like?

Kotex, those wonderful makers of feminine hygiene products, is about to look into the underwear drawer of women everywhere. They are having a “Project MakeUnder”. Kotex knows that we start off with a great underwear drawer when we are young filled with matching bras and panties, silky lingerie and fun pajamas. Along the way of life, however, something went awry. Our panties lost their appeal to loose elastic and hanging threads. Our bras twirled around the clothes dryer one too many times and suffered the consequences. Our lingerie had their own set of problems. Kotex wants to give you back … Continue reading

Pile Up Your Laundry (And Save)

Do you need an excuse to let your laundry pile up until it is what is affectionately known in our house as Mount Washmore? If you would rather procrastinate until the last pair of underwear is worn and the favorite sweater hasn’t been seen for a month, then keep reading. I have a great reason for letting your laundry pile up to the ceiling. You’ll actually save money. Yes, I know that there are some of you out there who are shuddering right about now. After all, what would FlyLady say? What about those teams of certified organizers? Doing one … Continue reading

How to Save Money on Underwear

Underwear is just one of those things that I refuse to buy used. I know that some others do this quite successfully, but I just cannot get over my squeamishness about it. I am fine getting most other items of clothing used for myself and my family, but I just can’t do underwear. Because gently used clothes are one of the great ways to reduce the clothing budget, and this is not an option for underwear, I’ve come up with several other ways to save money on underwear. I hope that my tips will help you save money as well. … Continue reading

How to Save Money on Bathing Suits

The neighbors have already invited us to use their pool and with just a few weeks of school left, there is talk of making a trip to the beach. The only problem was the bathing suit situation. Here are my tips for saving money on bathing suits, or bathing costumes, as my more elegant friends call them. I am a big advocate for buying things used to save money, but I just can’t get over the ew factor when it comes to a used bathing suit. It is up there on my list with used underwear. I have a friend … Continue reading

Saving Money with a Toddler

Isn’t it amazing how little ones can cost so much. Toys, food, clothing, equipment and entertainment can all add up at the end of the year. Here are some ways to save when you have a toddler. Potty train your toddler as soon as he is ready. This can be anywhere from 18 months to 4 years old, depending on the child. Of course you don’t want to force a child to train, but many toddlers are really ready sooner than you might think. And, the sooner you train, the fewer diapers you’ll have to buy. While we are on … Continue reading

Never Buy New if Used Will Do

Repeat after me, “never buy new if used will do.” Go ahead, no matter where you are while you are reading this, repeat that mantra. Whisper it if you must, but get it ingrained in your head. It is an important bit of advice to remind yourself of, if you want to save money. You can apply this idea to practically any purchase, be it baby clothes or a small appliance. Sure there may be some things that you don’t want to buy used, food and underwear come to mind, but for the most part, anything you might buy brand … Continue reading

When A Bargain Is Not A Bargain

I love getting a bargain. My house is mostly decorated in early yard sale, late thrift store. I’m seldom opposed to buying or receiving something used. I like the character that comes with an older table or dresser. Chairs that are a different style and can be painted to fit in with my eclectic decorating style are always a favorite. As are little odds and ends that you can’t find anywhere else. No matter how much I love a bargain there are some things I will not buy used, it’s not worth the risk. When it comes to children’s safety, … Continue reading

Staying Safe on Vacation

You remembered to pack your toothbrush, wallet, passport and underwear, but before you head out on your dream vacation don’t forget to take along another travel essential: common sense. Many people get so wrapped up in the excitement of traveling abroad that they neglect to exercise basic safety precautions. In order to make your trip of a lifetime something you won’t look back upon with regret, remember these simple tips: Avoid shortcuts: If you are traveling in unfamiliar territory, don’t stray far from the beaten path. This is especially true if you are driving in a foreign country. Resist the … Continue reading