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Dollar Stretcher Tips for May 28, 2009

Written by Gary Foreman

Dollar Stretcher ideas on making a little extra money and staying in shape at the same time, keeping necklaces tangle free, improving gas mileage, and more.

A Real 'Power Walk'

Rather than pay for a gym membership, my husband and I deliver the paper. We get paid to walk everyday instead of paying to go to a gym. Both of us are getting in shape and making a few bucks as well.
Gayle P.

A Cooler Kitchen

I have a hint to keep your kitchen cooler in the summer. Take your slow cooker out of the kitchen to cook. Plug it in an outlet in the garage, on a porch, etc. You can cook a lot of food at one time, and your kitchen won't be hot. We are always looking for ways to stay cool in Alabama!
RVF

Tangled Necklaces?

I purchased several clear plastic fishing lure holders (the kind with the dividers). I store my necklaces in them. They are very inexpensive and I never have tangled necklace chains. Each necklace fits in its own compartment and they stack and store nicely in my bathroom drawer.
Laura H.

Keeping Hanging Plants Watered

When potting your hanging baskets, put a new Depends (cut to fit the size of the bottom of the pot) in the bottom and it will help hold the moisture in your plants. I buy them at garage sales for 25 to 50 cents per package. When you cut them down to size, you'll have enough for two large pots or three smaller ones.
Georgia

Flavored Water for Less

I have a tip for those who are not fond of plain water but recognize the importance of staying hydrated. I am trying to eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet, but I really like the fruit flavored waters. I fill a water bottle about a quarter full of juice and the rest of the way with water. It tastes remarkably similar to the fruit flavored water and I no longer have to worry about artificial sweetener. Best of all, I can choose the flavor that I desire.
Kris H.

Foiled Again

While the price of the flimsy foil may be lower, my mother taught me to buy the heavy-duty strength. After most uses, I'm able to wash and dry it and reuse it two or three times. Certainly this doesn't work when it's been used to line a roasting pan to catch greasy drippings, but so many other times it's still in great shape!
Sue S. in Harlingen, TX

Pigeon Patrol

We have a large pigeon population here and they wreak havoc with small ponds and water fountains. To combat the problem, I hang old software CDs (like those from AOL) on a fishing line so they can twirl in the breeze. The movement keeps the pigeons at bay, leaving the ponds and fountains free from droppings, etc. The CDs don't scare smaller birds, so they can still drink and bathe. The CDs add a sparkler of whimsy as they twirl similar to more expensive garden ornaments. They can also be hung in nooks and crannies to keep the pigeons from nesting around eaves, etc.
David D.

Can Small Store Match?

I like to get my prescriptions at a small pharmacy chain. They offer better service and are friendlier than the huge stores that offer $4 prescriptions. My insurance company co-pay for generic medication is $10. I was contemplating changing pharmacies based on the fact I get six generic prescriptions for my family and the switch would save me $36 a month. I spoke with the pharmacist and told him of my situation. He arranged for me to stay at his pharmacy and pay the $4 fee instead of my $10 co-pay. I am glad I said something instead of assuming they couldn't do anything and making the change. Now we are both happy!
Chrislyn in Washington, NC

Improve Your Gas Mileage

One of the best ways to save gas is to take your foot off of the pedal early when you need to stop or slow down. See a red light ahead? A backup? Or coming up to a turn? Then try timing it so that you can slow down or come to that stop without having to use the brakes! I've never understood why people keep the speed up until just before they need to slow down. Brakes essentially waste power. You spend gas building up the momentum of your car. Use up that stored energy by letting up on the gas rather than using the brakes. It doesn't have to be only gas or brakes. Try coasting!
D.

Looking for Day Trips?

See if a local museum has one or two days per month where they allow visitors in for free. In Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits does this for its visitors. Visit a local nature center or animal reserve park where admission is free.

Also, check the city's monthly magazine for "what's going on" in and around town. You may find free summer concerts at parks and free tickets to activities in town.
Linda

Making the Most of Restaurant Meals

Get more from restaurant carry out. You can easily expand the portion (and thus decrease the cost per portion) by either adding additional ingredients to your carry out dish or by using the sauce in the dish to make another dish. For example, if I'm ordering a Chinese chicken dish, I can easily cook and add some additional chicken breast to the dish to expand the portion size for a relatively low cost.

If I finish the dish but there's still sauce left, I can use that sauce and add it to a chicken breast that I cook up. It'll almost taste like the original dish. Also, if you're eating at the restaurant, consider taking home any leftover sauce to make a new dish at home!
DM