Thing$ You Can Paint Instead of Replace to $ave Money

7 Things You Can Paint Instead of Replace to Save Money

You know a fresh coat of paint can give any room a quick and inexpensive facelift. But did you know that a little paint can also perk up carpets, appliances, and even vinyl floors?

Basically, if it doesn’t move, you can paint it. But only after you’ve paid special attention to prep — cleaning, patching, and sanding (generally) the area.

Painting isn’t brain surgery, but it’s not a breeze, either. Here are some rules of thumb:

• Prime before painting. Primer will allow the paint to adhere better.

• Most hard surfaces will take primer better if they’re roughed up a little with fine-grade sandpaper.

• When using spray paint, multiple, thin layers are better than one, thick coat. Ease up on your trigger finger, and spray in short bursts.

• Wait for the previous coat of paint or primer to dry completely before adding another coat.

With proper prep, you can paint just about anything. Here are seven of our favorite ideas:

1. Door, Drawer, and Cabinet Hardware

Spray paint can turn builder-grade brass locks and hinges into fashion-forward hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, or stainless look.

Prep:

1. Clean hardware with a fine steel wool to remove grease and grime.
2. Rough up the surface with fine-grain sandpaper.
3. Before you paint, insert a tiny strip of painter’s tape into the keyhole to make sure paint doesn’t gunk it up.
4. Prime with a metallic primer, then paint with metallic spray paint.

Tip:

• Insert the door lock’s spindle into a square of Styrofoam, which will hold it upright while you spray around the knob.

2. Brick Fireplace

When you paint your red brick fireplace, you transform the entire room. But beware! Once you paint brick, it’s nearly impossible to return it to the original brick color.

You can paint brick a single color, or achieve some variation — like the variations in real brick — by sponging on slightly lighter and darker hues.

Prep:

1. Lightly sand away any loose bits of brick or mortar with 120-grit sandpaper.
2. Clean dirt and soot with a wire brush and heavy-duty cleanser.
3. Allow to dry completely before applying an oil-based, stain-blocking primer.
4. Paint with a semigloss latex.

Tips:

• Never paint the firebox.

• Brick is porous and drinks paint, so buy twice what you think you’ll need.

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning anything with a metal brush.

3. Ceramic Tile

Imagine how sweet it is to update ceramic tile without having to bust up and cart away tons of old tile.

Play it safe and avoid painting tiles in high-traffic and high-moisture areas. Some good places are laundry room floors, backsplashes under cabinets (but not above ranges where pasta sauce splatters), and walls around tubs you rarely use.

Prep:

1. Repair cracked or chipped tile with caulk or grout before painting.
2. Give patching material ample time to dry, then lightly sand before applying an epoxy or urethane bonding primer.
3. Sand after priming and between each coat of quality latex paint.
4. Wait several days for the paint to cure completely, then seal with two or three coats of clear, water-based polyurethane.

Tips:

• To get a smooth look, apply paint in zigzags, then roll down in one, smooth motion.

• Use 240-grit wet/dry sandpaper for prep and between coats.

• Don’t forget safety goggles and masks when sanding tiles.

Be$t Value Food$

Grocery purchases comprise about 7% of my  income so I am always looking to stretch my food dollars.  With the recent news that food prices are expected to rise 25% (and with no foreseeable raise in our incomes) the need to be smart is even more crucial.  

Some of the most obvious ways to save are in coupon-ing, both paper and digital which are loaded on your loyalty shopping card or smart phones.  Don't forget that many stores allow you to combine MANUFACTURER coupons with STORE coupons to increase your savings.  You can check with your favorite stores to understand their policies as I find that the associates at check out don't always know the rules of their place of employment when it comes to coupon-ing.  

Buy on sale.  I stock up when my favorite marinara sauce is $1.25 a jar instead of $1.66.  Just a week ago I bought 10 cans of chicken broth, leftovers from the holidays but with a use by date of 2015.  I also bought brown and confectionery sugar for $0.25 a 2 pound bag.  DEALS!

But what foods are the most economical to feed a hungry family?  Pair these foods with the strategies above for a bigger savings.  

While grains breads and pastas take longer to digest so you'll feel full longer and they have more nutrients.  Look for labels that indicate "100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat".  

Beans and lentils are high protein foods and are typically less than $2.00 a pound.  A steaming pot of bean soup is a satisfying meal after a long day.  I prepare soups over the weekend and they are ready to reheat one night during the week.  I then store the "leftovers" in a gallon zip-lock bag (lay flat to freeze and they stack nicely in the freezer) for a meal later in the winter.  My family doesn't really enjoy the same meal more than once or twice in the same week.  

Believe it or not, frozen seafood like shrimp and fish is a good value.  Canned tuna in water makes a convenient low cost lunch.  

Frozen fruits and vegetables can offset the cost of out of season fruits.  Frozen fruits are processed at their peak of ripeness and freshness which saves the nutritional value.  Choose veggies without sauces for the best value,

$hopping Walmart this Chri$tma$ $ea$on

Walmart, the world's largest retailer announced a new holiday policy price-matching strategy.  They'll guarantee the lowest price of any competitor, no matter when you buy during the season. 

Here is how it works
Make a purchase at Walmart November 1-December 25
Save your receipts
If you see an identical item for less at any store, bring the flyer AND your original receipt to Walmart and you'll be issued a gift card for the difference in price.
NO gift cards will be issued after December 25th!

Internet retailers are excluded from this offer.

Driving Mi$takes that can Co$t you

Here are some common driving mistakes
1)  Distracted driving:  talking on your cell phone, listening to your I-pod with headphones can endanger your life, result in tickets and missed exits

2)  Not regularly checking your tire pressure:  Low tire pressure uses up more gas.  Tires that don't have the correct air pressure make that vehicle harder to maneuver in emergency situations

3)  Driving too fast on wet roadways:  The first 10 minutes of rain are the most dangerous because the oil on the roads creates a slick surface

4)  Your car isn't properly adjusted to your body:  Adjustable  mirrors, headrests, seat distances and steering mechanisms should be adjusted for each driver before putting the car in drive to assure the safest, most comfortable ride.

$tay out of Hot Water

Did you know that in many homes the cost of heating water is the third largest energy expense?
To reduce your water heater's consumption of energy try the following:

1) Turn the water heater thermostat down to 115-120 degrees (or between low and medium)
2) Fix leaky faucets promptly. One drop of water per second adds up to 250 gallons of water a month
3) Baths use more water than showers, if you limit your shower time. Try setting an audible timer til you pare your routine down to a reasonable time (really useful for teenage girls!)

Overlooked items on your Honey Do List$

Weekly
Clean the Dryer Lint Trap
Vacuum high traffic areas to preserve the life of your carpeting
Check your Carbon Monoxide detector (especially during cold weather months)

Monthly
Clean the refrigerator door seal with warm soapy water
Eliminate odors and gnats in the drain by running 1/2 bleach down the drain followed by a gallon of water
Run a half a lemon or lime through the garbage disposal to keep it sweet smelling
Replace your furnace filters

Twice a Year
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, vacuum out any dust that may have accumulated
Inspect your homes foundation for cracks
Clean exterior light fixtures (I do this at the same time I clean the exterior windows)
Clean out your gutters
Vacuum the coils on the back of the refrigerator
Wipe down the baseboards with a lint free cloth, vacuum air exchange vents
Use up whatever is in your pantry and freezer
Have your carpets professionally cleaned to extend their life

Annually
Inspect your washing machine hoses and replace if brittle or cracked
Inspect the wood trip or siding on your home for termite or wood wasp damage and treat as necessary

Tried and True Tip$

I am naturally frugal by nature and often complain that there are NO new frugal tips and hints. These are not new or difficult ideas BUT they do work for me and are tried and true ways to save money! I posted this on a frugal website and won $20 for my ideas! I will be at work camp with our Senior High students next week so will not be able to post any new tips until I return!

Laundry Room
• Re-use dryer sheets, cut in half OR dampen a washcloth with liquid fabric softener.
• Pre-treat stains caused by cooking oils with dish washing liquid. This gets even the WORST grease stain out of fabrics.
• Pre-treat stains as soon as you notice them.
• Do not dry garment that is still stained, re-treat and wash again.
• Use a cold water rinse in your washing machine.
• Use the lowest amount of water and detergent for each load.
• Don't overload the washing machine. Clothes need to be able to agitate to get their cleanest.
Bathrooms
• Re-use bath towels. Our family uses 2 towels a week per person, changing them out on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Purchase the best quality bath towels you can afford. I have towels from Land End that are 20 years old that are still not frayed on the edges.
• I like to use facial cleansing cloths-they are not cheap so I cut them into quarters and don' feel so bad about this purchase.
• Use showerheads that use a lesser amount of water but feel like a full blast.
• Use drain cleaner as necessary to avoid costly plumber bills.
Kitchen and Pantry
• Use a micro fiber cloth to clean glass top tables, stainless steel sinks and range tops-no chemicals and they sparkle, no chemicals to purchase.
• Use your waffle iron as a panini or quesadilla maker.
• Don't purchase the latest gadgets. If you MUST have, try to get it used at a yard sale.
• Learn to cook! Teach your kids to prepare some basics like mac and cheese, grilled cheese or omelets to help out when you are bushed or time doesn't allow you to prepare a meal and you are tempted to order takeout.
• Keep FROZEN pizzas on hand for that quick meal at the end of a busy day.
• Use as little prepared food as possible. Wash and then tear up the head of lettuce when you get home from the grocery store so it will be available when you need it.
• Purchase in bulk ONLY when you will use the items before it expires. Check the price to be sure the large size REALLY is more economical.
• Make a large batch of meatballs at one sitting, make 2 meatloaves and freeze one, etc.
• Keep your pantry well organized-it is easier to see what you have and use what you have.
• Know the prices of items you purchase regularly so you can stock up WHEN you find a really good deal.
• Check with your grocery's meat department to see if they will sharpen your knives for free.
• Use your coupons. Combine store with manufacture coupons if your grocery permits.
• In the grocery store be sure to watch prices as they scan your purchases. Many times, items do not ring up at the advertised price (some stores then give you this item for free).
• Know you stores Buy One Get One (BOGO) Free policy. Do you have to purchase 2 items to get the better price or do pay half-price for the first item?
• Buy the store brand or generic-many stores allow you to return it (or the empty packaging) and get a FREE replacement of the National brand if you don't like the store brand of the product.
• Plan a weekly menu and try to use the items that you have on hand as the basis for several meals. This is especially important when you have fresh produce that will otherwise go to waste.
• Use local produce, meats and cheeses. Do you REALLY know how much it costs to eat strawberries out of season that have been transported (using fossil fuels) thousands of miles? Read Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable Miracle: A Year of Food Life." It was a very interesting read!
• Brown bag your lunch.
• Eat your leftovers!
Bedrooms or Living Areas
• Redecorate your room in the spring and fall by changing out your comforter and throw pillows. I have done this for about 8 years now and am still using the same ones. I get to "redecorate" and no money is spent. Plus, it extends the life of my items.
• Use 3 way bulbs in the lamps so you'll have the option of brighter lights when needed.
• Buy the highest quality sheets, furniture, etc. you can afford. They will last for years.
• Rotate accessories for a fresh look. Just changing the flowers or color candles in your holders will give you a seasonal look.
• Turn off the TV when not in use.
Entertainment
• Set a weekly entertainment budget. Put CASH in an envelope and use it to pay for movie tickets and dining out. When the money is gone you have to do FREE things or stay at home.
• Volunteer at museums or theatres for free viewings of plays or events.
• Be a Docent at the Zoo.
• Take a stay-cation in your home town. Sleep late, see local sights, eat out but try to limit your expenses. It's fun planning that kind of "trip" and your children can really get involved in the research of this.
• Have a technology free day once a week-no TV, computer, cell phone, I-pods, etc. Play board games, read, walk. Spend time with your family. We host a family game night once a month and all the aunts, uncles and cousins get together. The kids love it and they range from 4-24 years old! Everyone brings a snack to share! YUM!
• Use your library for books, movies, music and books on tape. Saves the rental and late fees, improves your vocabulary and helps the environment!
• Host a book club, Bible study or weekly coffee or play date at the park to stay connected to friends.
• Exercise with friends, take walks or ride your bikes.
Shopping
• Make a list for everything you need to purchase: I have a grocery list, wholesale club list and need to purchase this week lists. I carry them with me.
• Match your coupons up with the lists.
• Use sales flyer's to find the best prices OR use self control and wait to purchase an item until it comes on sale.
• I organize my coupons and carry them with me at all times just in case I need to make an unexpected purchase.
• Set a little aside for unexpected purchases each week.
• Pay in cash. Using your credit card or debit card generally adds an additional 15% to your purchase price.
• Don't grocery shop when hungry. Leave the kids home if possible. Shop early in the morning if you are able to do so. You are fresh and the shelves are stocked.
• Get rain checks when the store is out of a featured product.
• If you fail to redeem a coupon take it and your receipt to the service desk on your return visit and ask them if they will honor it.
• Organize your errands to avoid backpacking and to use the least amount of gas.
• Keep receipts in order to return items when necessary.
• Obtain gift receipts and include with gifts (tape to the lids of the gift box).
• Be aware of time limits on receipts. Often you can only return for a store credit after a designated period of time.
Clothing
• Consign clothing and toys your children have outgrown. Our church hosts a consignment sale 2x a year and I make 60% of the purchase price plus a tax receipt for any donated items after the sale.
• For items that are not eligible for sale (too old and worn or out of style), clip off buttons, buckles, appliques, etc for future craft or repair projects.
• If you are crafty, recycle your clothing into a new garment (men's ties into a skirt or handbag, favorite t-shirts into a quilt, etc.).
• Host a clothing or accessory exchange party among your friends. Select a party night set out a few munchies and invite your friends to bring their unwanted accessories, shoes or clothing items for exchange. Even if you have to take it all to the goodwill afterwards, you've had a good time with your friends for very little cost!
• Learn to make minor repair to garments, sew on a button or tack up a hem.
• Have your shoes resoled or re-heeled instead of buying a new pair.
• Put on a sweater when you are cold.
• Limit purchase of items that require dry cleaning.
• Learn to iron your husband's dress shirts! Better yet, teach HIM to iron!
• Use things until they are worn out.
• Do not purchase trendy clothing items. Stick to the basics and limit your trendy purchases to accessories.
Holidays
• Host a potluck party, dinner or progressive dinner to lessen the expense associated with parties.
• Make some of your holiday gifts. Do you knit, paint, craft?
• Give the same gift to several people.
• Give gifts of your time (Take a child to the park and out for an ice-cream, clean your grandmothers' kitchen and then make her lunch, surprise your spouse with a picnic). You'll be surprised how appreciated and meaningful these gifts are to both you and the recipient.
• Buy items on sale AFTER the holidays whether it is household decorating items, paper products or stocking stuffer, sprinkles for cooking, linens or costumes.
• Purchase items for gifts all year long (record in a spreadsheet and store in a box under your bed so you'll have them when the birthday or holiday rolls around).
• Return unwanted items and purchase something you'll REALLY use.
Crafting
• Make mittens out of 100% WOOL sweaters you've purchased from the Goodwill.
• Knit scarves form yarn scraps. These are some of the MOST beautiful I have created.
• Glue buttons, belt buckles, seashells or bottle caps onto old frames for an unusual gift.
• Create a scrapbook using only papers you have in your stash-combine for unusual color combos. Scrapbooks make great gifts.
• Buy old necklaces at a yard sale for beading crafts.
• Vow to finish the many projects you have on hand before purchasing the next one!
• Use old Christmas cards to create greeting cards or gift tags. Use greeting cards to decorate gift bags.
• Use your clean jars to make gifts in a jar (cookie, soup, or beauty items etc.) Find gift in a jar recipes on line.
• Use the library's craft books and magazine subscriptions instead of purchasing your own.
• Host a craft swap with other creative friends for gifts or your own use
• Attend craft fairs and browse for ideas you can make yourself. Purchase a sample, never steal an artist's idea!
• Save your scraps and combine for interesting projects.
Miscellaneous
• Borrow items from friends and neighbors that will be used infrequently like a roto-tiller.
• Consider renting an item for a repair or yard project instead of purchasing.
• Clean your own carpets with a rented or borrowed machine.
• Perform routine maintenance on your appliances (lubricate, vacuum, clean or replace filters or replace hoses, etc to keep them running in top condition).
• Read the owners manual prior to calling the repair man.
• Turn your thermostat up or down 2 degrees and put on a sweater.
• Use your crock-pot in the summer to keep the kitchen cooler.
• Do without! See how many days you can go without making a purchase. Or swear off purchasing (the latte', lunch or craft supply).
• Save more than you spend.
• Save for Christmas every week. Even if it is only $10, you'll have saved $520 dollars in one year.
• Plan for the unexpected emergency and have some money in the bank to cover it so you don't have to use your credit cards.
• Pledge to use what you have on hand for one week (each month) whether it is for dinner, a craft .or entertainment (re-watch that old movie sitting on your shelf).
• Color your own hair, use a cosmetology school for haircuts on children.
• Wash the dog in the backyard.
• Walk, ride your bike, exercise to videos instead of joining pricey clubs. An added benefit is the time spent with friends and family!
I hope a few of these work for you and help you save some of your hard earned money!

Re$taurant $avings

I just snagged a great deal at Restaurants.com purchasing $175 in restaurant gift certificates for $15.80 using the promotional code FUN. These certificates DO NOT EXPIRE as they have in the past. Some restrictions apply (such as location, day of the week and minimum purchase) but are well worth the price...even if you fail to use one of them.

You select the location by state or zip code and then click on the coupons you wish to purchase. Each restaurants restrictions are clearly visible prior to purchasing. Enter the code as soon as you enter the shopping cart area after making your fist selection. These make great gifts (Think Christmas!) even at the regular price (purchase a $25 certificate for usually $10)

If you enjoy eating out, this is a great way to save a few bucks! Restaurants are local and several are upscale (no chains)! Enjoy the savings with a nice dinner out!

$imple Energy $avings

1) Educate yourself to understand your utility bills and each line item and charge included in your bill. Knowledge can save you money!

2) Review your monthly bills carefully. Look for unexpected increases in your usage. This could signal a larger problem (water leak, decaying caulk around windows, etc)

3) Raise your thermostat 2 degrees in the summer and lower it 2 degrees in the winter. Wear a sweater when you're cold

4) Take advantage of ON-DEMAND conservation if your utility companies offer it. Mine credits my bill $5 during the warmest months ($20 annually) by switching on and off my units with no adverse effect to my homes cooling

5) UNPLUG anything plugged into an electrical outlet pulls current even when it is turned off. Unplug anything you can when it is not in use!

6) Yes, your father was right! TURN OFF THE LIGHT when you leave a room. This goes for computers too.

7) Pay your bill automatically via your checking account. You'll save the price of a stamp each month and never make a late payment. Plus, this is a free service

8) Take advantage of energy audits if offered by your utility company. They'll suggest ways to reduce your energy consumption. They are generally free

9) Use high efficiency lighting by replacing your incandescent bulbs with CFL light bulbs

10) Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce super heating your home. This works well in the winter months to keep out the cold at night!

11) When replacing appliances, purchase the most energy efficient you can afford.

12) Showers use less water than baths

13) Collect water in a container to water your plants while waiting for the water to heat up for your shower.

14) Install low flow showerheads.

15) Employ a timer when taking a shower to reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain.

16) Reduce the water in your washing machine to match the size of the load. Wash only full loads. Wash in cold water whenever possible.

17) When possible, allow clothes to air or line dry.

18) Sign up for the budget plan if your utility company offers it. The budget plans, bills you a set amount for a set period of time (usually 6 months) calculated from your previous utilization. This helps you avoid a nasty $400 bill when you least expect it. It's easier to budget your energy costs.

These savings tips are not painful and will help your pocketbook while helping the environment.

OOP$ Wa$te not...

Get in the habit of assigning a dollar value to every food item you toss in the garbage. That half a loaf of bread equals $1, that leftover casserole you meant to eat for lunch -$2, that spoiled onion -$0.50. Seeing several dollars worth of wasted food going in the trash on a weekly basis is enough to get you to change your shopping, eating and storage habits. Try this for a week and you'll be amazed and disgusted at how much you actually throw away.

Have you gotten into the pantry and found that your potatoes have started to sprout eyes or an onion has gone soft, threatening the quality of the entire bag of produce? Is the celery going limp, the bananas brown or the pepper less than perky?

DON'T throw out that produce. Instead, "process it" for later use:
Dice or slice potatoes and freeze in a zip lock bag for hash browns or soups and casserole which calls for potatoes
Dice or mince peppers, garlic, celery, etc. and freeze in snack bags (or single recipe size containers) for use in casseroles, soups, quiches and sauces
Remove the skins from bananas and store in a snack bag for use in breads and muffins
Dice (or grate) stale bread and use as bread crumbs
Hard cheeses can be grated and frozen too
Store all these mini containers in a small plastic "shoebox" in your freezer. This box is easy to remove, keeps small containers from straying in the far recesses of your freezer and keeps these items available for use.

I also employ this when I only use half the FRESH VEGETABLE such as a head of cabbage, green pepper or other suitable vegetable.

Waste Not, Want Not!