Twelve Dollar Saving Ideas

Times are hard and saving a dollar or two here and there is not a luxury any more. It is a necessity for most families who are just struggling to make ends meet. Here are twelve dollar saving ideas, of which some are environmentally friendly as well.



1. Plant fast growing shade trees on the south side of your home and turn your thermostat up to 75 -78 degrees. This will save you a few dollars every month on electricity.

2. When you turn on the oven to cook something, fill all the racks and freeze any excess for later use. If you are baking a chicken pot pie, bake some cornbread or a cake on the other rack.

3. String a clothesline instead of using the dryer all the time. Your clothes will be fresher, you’ll get some sunshine, and your electric bill will be lower.

4. Turn down the water heater thermostat a few degrees and you could save several dollars on your monthly electric bill. Most are preset at about 125°, so you could adjust it ten to twenty-five degrees and save a few dollars there too.

5. Reduce water flow to toilets and sinks by turning the shut-off valve located near them to lessen the flow. This especially helps when you have toilets that won’t stop filling.

6. Clean household surfaces with a solution of vinegar, salt, and water instead of expensive cleansers. Use 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water and add ¼ cup salt to the final solution, mixing well.

7. Do as many of your own household chores as you are able, such as cleaning, mowing, pet grooming, and hair care to save on excess spending.

8. Grow your own food to save on groceries and to have a more healthful diet. If you don’t have garden space, you can still grow a pot garden on the patio with salad fixings and herbs. You can even use cut off soda bottles and milk jugs to plant in or even large vegetable cans.

9. Shop garage sales, consignment shops, Salvation Army type thrift stores, etc. for good used clothing at a fraction of the price you would pay at the mall.

10. Save a dollar- When you get change back from larger bills, save all your ones. Stash them somewhere safe and deposit them when you get enough or every couple of weeks or so. You can probably save $20-$50 dollars a month this way if you use cash to make purchases.

11. Barter services with friends and neighbors that you trust. Use your talents to benefit others and let them do the same for you. Mow an elderly neighbor’s yard in exchange for babysitting services, etc.

12. Share things and swap things with friends and neighbors you trust. This can save quite a bit on expenses.