One of the first songs children learn is the “ABC” song. They learn quickly and enjoy repeating it with someone. Unfortunately, when comes to saving time and money, we often don’t learn quickly. These A to Z suggestions may help you. You may even want to share with someone and have them repeat with you!
A Consult food Ads for BOGOs, and double and triple coupons. Make a list with a friend and exchange coupons and share the BOGO. You will be shopping at half-price.
B. Be creative: use colorful fabric to cover a stained tablecloth for an accent; trade babysitting with a friend to save costs.
C. Check for recreational places that have reduced or free admissions.
D. Cook Doubles. Freeze one meal for later or have available to send to a family with a need.
E. Enjoy reduced breads as toasted sandwiches, French toast, bread pudding or stuffing.
F. Bake double recipes of Christmas cookies with a Friend and then divide between you. Making 5 double recipes is easier than ten single batches.
G. For a decorative accent, frame a Greeting card you received
H Have bottled water and snacks in the car when you and your children are hungry and thirsty. Pass the fast food places and save money.
I Use the Internet to send a greeting card and read an on-line newspaper instead of home delivery. The internet is also a great source of printable coupons.
J Join with friends and share. Buy foods together in bulk. You can even trade the days you shop and cut your gas money in half by taking turns. Exchange books you’ve read. Can you also trade children’s outgrown clothing or personal fashion accessories that you no longer wear?
K Keep a stash of gifts you have bought at reduced prices, such as post-Christmas at 75% off for later gift-giving.
L Get a library card and withdraw books and videos instead of buying or renting them
M Manage the loose change in your purse and pockets by placing it in a container at the end of the week. Count it at the end of six months. How can you use the “extra” change in the best way?
N Never shop for food when you are hungry.
O Operate with a budget, knowing that it is a plan based on your income that includes saving.
P Plan your menus for the month so that you resist eating out and shop around coupons and sales.
Q Ask yourself Questions when you are shopping: Do I really need it? Can I find it elsewhere for less money? Can I afford it—do I have the money?
R Re-gift if you received a gift you don’t need or isn’t your personal taste.
S Spray paint picture frames and furniture for new looks.
T Go home and Think about a big purchase for 24-48 hours before you buy.
U Think multiple-uses such as cloth napkins as placemats, old sheer curtains as a Christmas tree skirt, an old teapot without a lid as a flower container, tying books with ribbon as an accent in your home, a snow shovel or broom tied with a bow for a porch decoration.
V Be versatile. Take mini-vacations in your own community: a picnic in the park or free movies or lectures at museums and libraries.
W Wrap children’s gifts with the Sunday comics, or a loaf of bread with a new dishtowel as part of a gift.
X Comparison shop and research rates on insurance, cell phones, etc. Your rate may be excessive compared to what is currently available. Research big ticket items such as furniture before you buy.
Y Have a Yard sale to purge your closets of things that you don’t use or need and share the cost of the ad with a friend.
Z Know your temptation Zone to spend money: Distinguish between wants and needs, buying too many convenience foods, eating out instead of at home, not having a spending plan for gifts, or trying to “keep up with the Joneses”.
Singing the “ABCs” is a simple way for children to recite the alphabet. Choosing from A to Z can also help when it comes to reducing our spending and saving time.
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