Cutting Even More Corners To Save Money

Times have become extremely hard in some areas of the country for many people. Without a job, no income and children to feed, it is becoming a time of panic for many. Winter will soon be here and the cold will find it’s way inside and you will lose warmth due to lack of heating.

It is time to cut even more corners to save or find money anywhere you can when everyone is just as broke as you are. Below are a few suggestions for stretching the ever disappearing dollar.

1. Ignore calls for past due bills threatening collections. If you do not have a job, they cannot collect the money. You may feel bad or you may worry, but it will change nothing. So relax and use the energy to find solutions to problems that can be changed.

2. Check with you local grocery store or discount store for Mapline or maple favoring. You can use this combination along with sugar and water to create a great tasting syrup for pancakes. It is cheap, good tasting and when served hot it helps to warm a cold morning.

3. Start asking for extra blankets now. Gather all you can and wash them clean. During the colder months you can use them as wraps, to create coats or trade for food when you run low.

4. Gather and dry fruit and vegetables now. If the power is shut off, you can still store these items along with can goods to get you through some tough times. When you visit the food banks, get whatever fruits and vegetables are available for drying and storing.

5. Go through your closets and pull out clothes you will need for this winter. If you have double of certain items, use them to trade for what you need. Ask about extra tooth paste, shampoo, laundry soap or even Christmas gift items for the coming season.

6. Learn to live on less sugar. For everything you make that requires sugar, cut the amount in half. Sugar can be expensive when you eat a lot, so learn to eat less. It still taste great, but you will save a lot over time from your spending budget.

7. Learn to ask for what you need. Make a list each week and ask around for the items. Deal with a group of people that may have what you need or are willing to exchange for what they need. Work together and let pride not stand in your way.

8. Learn to live in one room. Heat only one room and let the rest sit for the winter. It will save on cost and bring the family closer together. Consider living without telephone service, electricity if you have a wood stove and stay home for entertainment.

9. Cut all sodas from your family’s diet and learn to make desserts from scratch. Ice water, hot tea and juice can replace a lot of the drinks you normally invest in. Check your cupboards for canned fruit and pour it minus the juice on the bottom of a greased cake pan. Pour prepared cake mix over the top and you will increase the size of a great tasting dessert while saving on the cost of sugar.

10. Get out that crock pot and use it! Just about any kind of meat can be cooked in it. Once the meat is part way done, add potatoes, carrots, corn or whatever vegetable is available in any amount. Throw in noodles, rice, beans or dry peas. All your leftovers will only add to the flavor. You will have a large meal from small pieces used to increase the size.