Tag: #saving money in this economy

Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

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Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

Anna Hessel offers common sense ideas to save money in these inflationary times

Editor’s Note: Anna Hessel with a little help from hubby, Wes, have been offering up 10 tips a week on How to Stay In Style In This Economy. Thanks Anna, we need all the help we can get. Next week will be the last week of her suggestions. Watch for it next Tuesday, but right now here are their suggestions for this week.

By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

Inflation is being beaten back but basic costs are still high, and service providers are charging more, but there is hope out there. Saving money has always been a challenge but in this current economic climate saving money can be get a bit tricky,  but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want, here are today’s suggestions:

  1. Online survey sites can bring in some money. Even the legit sites sometimes have bad surveys that don’t pay, but overall, there is money to be made. You won’t get rich but a few extra dollars can add up over time.
  2. Side gigs can be fruitful but make sure to factor in things like gas and supplies to ascertain that you’re actually making a profit.
  3. Use your interests and hobbies to make money. If you bake great cookies or are a crafter, rent a table at a flea market or craft show to sell your wares, or sell to friends and co-workers. Check local ordinances before hand for any requirements.
  4. Old-fashioned side jobs like babysitting, grass mowing, car washing, errand running, etc., are not just for teens, these days.
  5. Check state treasury departments or the equivalent to find out if anyone owes you money in unclaimed property like lost accounts or credits. We found insurance and utility companies that owed us refunds…
  6. Event venues, places with concessions like pools or sports parks, and restaurants sometimes offer discount food near closing time.
  7. Summer time can bring free movies in the park, free outdoor concerts, or free splash pads for hot days…
  8. Try homemade options such as making a scrub from sugar or salt and olive oil or honey – it’s great for dry skin, cellulite, or crepe skin. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or baby lotion added to bath water can have spa-like benefits.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

  1. Many people are eligible for government-subsidized (most often free) cell phones with service and/or internet – more than you would think. See the FCC site (https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers) or other government websites for details.
  2. Apply for energy assistance if you’re at all eligible, and ask your utility companies if they have additional programs to help with your household fuel costs, such as budgeting options or discounts for using energy-efficient appliances.

10 Tips To Stay In Style In This Economy (#1)

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10 Tips To Stay In Style In This Economy (#1)

Editor’s Note: Anna Hessel with a little help from hubby, Wes, will be offering up for the next seven weeks, 10 tips a week on How to Stay In Style In This Economy. Watch for it every Tuesday. 

How to Stay in Style in this Economy…

By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

The inflation spike of the last couple years appears to be ebbing. Food costs are still high, and service providers are charging more, but there is hope out there. Save me….Saving money in this current economic climate can be a bit of a challenge, but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want, here are today’s suggestions:

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle
1. Go paperless: online invoices, email, or text notifications can save time (time is money) and postage, not to mention less paper to wind up in landfills.
2. Take extra weight out of your vehicle’s trunk or hatch area, maintain your proper tire inflation levels, and keep your vehicle tuned up to save on gas.
3. Buy in bulk if you can but only if it saves money – compare by per ounce, pound, square footage/yardage, or other unit measurement; the largest size isn’t always the best buy…
4. Try store or “clone” brands – they can offer near or equal quality for better price, but sales sometimes can flip that on their head, instead. Quality products can give you more mileage, so keep track and see which gets you more bang for your buck.
5. Make-your-own type devices such as a SodaStream, or using a juicer can make for fresher, healthier, less expensive choices.
6. Speaking of making, the Maker movement encourages going back to creating things for ourselves, instead of potentially energy consuming and pollution causing manufacturing. It also gives pride in our own work and honing manual skills. Maker spaces provide workspace, training, and resources. This could be crafts of all forms, sewing/fabric/leatherwork, woodwork/carpentry, metalwork – let your imagination run free…
7. Many print publications offer a free sample copy – just don’t forget to write cancel on the invoice when you receive the bill – or their online subscription can be significantly cheaper. Also, investigate services which can access multiple magazines online for one cost.
8. Repurpose – this prevents items from going into landfills and saves you money. A coat of paint, reupholstering, or a new creative way to use something are fun ways to give an old item, new life. DIY can be enjoyable and saves a bundle. Look online for free how-to’s and ideas. Just make sure you know what you’re doing if safety is involved. How about a brightly painted old bicycle with flowers in the basket.
9. Join Freecycle, Trash Nothing, or similar online groups, or try apps like Freebie Alerts to swap items for no cost. Also, many churches or other charitable organizations have clothing or toy exchanges that can be utilized by area residents. But do remember some things are actual trash…
10. Host a clothing and accessories swap, or start a community vegetable garden, if there aren’t ones in your area.