Identify 10 new ways for me to save money.

Most of the big “money saving” packages at Costco are too big for my little apartment. I do not want a year’s worth of toilet paper.

However, if I get together with friends on this sort of purchase, we can all save money. And if we go to the store in one car, so much the better!

I am very good about comparison shopping, etc, when I make a purchase, but not always as good about staying on top of decisions as time goes by. For instance, I can save money if I review things like cell phone contracts when it is renewal time—is there a better deal out there? Same with insurance, interest rates, and any purchase that has periodic renewals.

Do I have any skills or products that I can barter for the skills or products of others?

When my children were at the age where I needed babysitters, I had a couple of friends with whom I sometimes traded babysitting hours. “Free” babysitting for both of us!

Time and money are often tradeoffs.

I can sometimes give a gift of time that is much more effective than the price of any object.

If I think of time and money as a tradeoff, then I can make rational decisions about both.

—Turn off lights I am not using.
—Turn the thermostat up or down, depending.
—Use less hot water.
—Combine trips in the car.
—Drive with a “light foot” on the accelerator.
—Walk more.
—Use public transit.
—Cook more “one pot” meals.
—Wear a sweater when it’s chilly.
—Any other small changes that will shift my power bill downwards.

I am not a very “crafty” person. BUT I can make certificates for friends:

—3 hours free babysitting
—1 pot of soup delivered to your home
—1 free backrub

Another idea, for children, is to make up a story for and about the child. Even if it isn’t a fancy “book” but a story typed up on paper and illuminated with clip art and felt pens, it can be very precious.

I’m a student, and there is a ridiculous amount of paper in my life. I scribble, I take notes, I think on paper. Trees probably cry when they see me coming. And it is expensive!

I don’t put paper in the recycle bin until I’ve used both sides of it. I have a box where I put paper that’s been used on one side—it is now officially “scrap” paper. Then, after it has been used again, I pitch it for good.

I like coffee with a lot of milk in it. If I’m willing to drink coffee with milk, instead of espresso with steamed milk, the money adds up fast. If I bring the coffee from home, it adds up faster.

It is ok to need things. It is ok to want things. However, it is important to know the difference between “need” and “want.”

It is ok to go on wanting some things.

This has to do with eating out less, but also with using fewer convenience foods.

Also make in quantity, and make and freeze my own “TV Dinners.”