No Brainer Savers

1. Use less laundry detergent. Though you obviously need to use enough to actually

get your laundry clean, you probably are using more than you really need. In fact, if anyone in your family has sensitive skin, they'll thank you for it!

2. Use white washcloths for household cleaning. By only using the white washcloths

for chores, you'll easily know which to use in the shower and which to use on the shower! They're easily bleached for thorough cleaning and can be used for anything from simple dusting to scrubbing floors. They'll save you a ton of money that you'd otherwise spend on paper towels or expensive pre-moistened cleaning wipes.

3. Do you have little kiddos in your family? Then you know the kinds of great

messes these little creatures are capable of making! Keep a small basket or container in the kitchen to store baby washcloths in. By keeping them in the kitchen, they'll be just as convenient to use as paper towels but much less costly and far less wasteful.

4. Simplify your beauty routine. If you're willing, there's a ton of money to be saved

here. The amount of savings is only limited to what you're willing to give up. Small changes may include cutting back on haircuts or color treatments or even purchasing a less expensive shampoo. Larger changes may include finding a salon that offers cheaper services. If you're brave and willing (as I am), go where you have a coupon for!

5. Pay your bills online. Many banks now offer free money management services

such as online bill pay. It gives you more control over payments than do automatic deductions by the given companies because you can login to your bank account and view or change all your scheduled payments at one time. Over time, you'll not only save money on stamps, but you'll save time as well. You can schedule payments to be made from your account during various days of the month, but sit down to do bills only once a month!

6. Check the back of your grocery store receipt! Many stores now does actually

lease out advertising space on the back of their receipt tape! Not only can you find valuable coupons for a variety services, but you're practically guaranteed that they'll be coupons for businesses within your neighborhood.

7. Find a friend to go shopping with - to the warehouse club that is! Many of us love

the savings that these warehouses offer but don't have the unlimited storage space to be able to take advantage of them! Go with a friend and split the food and groceries and eat only half the cost!

8. Maximize your tax refund! Save all your receipts for doctor visit copays,

prescriptions and over-the-counter drug purchases as well as paystubs to document any deducted healthcare premiums. It's true that you can only deduct healthcare costs if they compromise a certain percentage of your earnings, but how will you ever know unless you start saving these receipts?

9. Take advantage of the time you spend waiting in line at the grocery store by

reading some of articles that catch your eye in the magazines you'd ordinarily be tempted to buy.

10. If you're paying by check, partially fill out your check before getting to the store.

Having the check already written - with the exception of the dollar amount, obviously - will enable you to focus on the price of items as they're rung up at the register. It's easier to have the price corrected then and there rather than adjusted later!

11. During the cold months, take advantage of the residual heat leftover inside the

oven after cooking by leaving it open just a crack.

12. Don't pay for check printing! Find a bank that will provide you with printed

checks for free. If no such banks exist in your area, then order checks more cheaply through a printing company specializing in checks.

13. Enjoy getting professional pictures taken, but don't enjoy the hefty price tag?

Don't get suckered into purchasing a big photo package from the portrait studio. Buy one or two of your favorite poses in the largest size possible and take the portraits to the digital photo kiosk located in both grocery stores and discount department stores throughout the country to duplicate and resize for cheap! (Remember, though, it's better to start off with a larger picture and shrink it then vice versa!)

14. Shop for future necessities today. If you have kids, you can appreciate that they

don't stay in one size too long. So when you see clothing that you know you'll need to buy shortly in the future anyway and a great price - pick it up and store it away until needed. Just don't forget you have it tucked away.

15. Compound your "shop-for-the-future-today" savings by doing your shopping at

thrift stores. Yes, it takes time and you can't always find exactly what you need when you need it, but if you truly adopt this practice of anticipating needs you'll not only have the time to actually wait and find a great item at a fantastic price, but you'll avoid having to pay top dollar simply because your need is immediate. Think of time spent in thrift shops hunting for such future necessities as a treasure hunt!

16. Do not purchase anything online from any company without first checking for

online discount codes or electronic coupons. Simply open up another browser window, open up your search engine and type the name of the website you're ordering from and the words "discount code" or "online coupons." You'll soon find that deep discounts can be as simple as entering a provided five digit code!

17. Keep a piece of paper taped to the refrigerator door with a pen or pencil handy.

Encourage family members to jot down items that are needed as they run out. Then when it's time to go grocery shopping, simply use this paper as the start of your list for that shopping trip. It will also provide you a list of what to look for in the weekly sales ads.

18. Don't be suckered into a supposedly great sale price! Always double check

whether or not the sale price is truly a good deal or not by looking at the unit price. The unit price is usually listed in the bottom left hand corner in very small print on the shelf tags and labels. This price will tell you exactly how much you're paying per item or per unit of weight. This dollar amount is a better indication of whether or not you're truly getting a good deal.

19. Try to keep your freezer as well stocked as possible. Not only will this habit allow

you to always have food on hand, but it will make your freezer less expensive to run as it will retain the cold temperature more easily and will use less energy.

20. Use generic brand paper napkins in the microwave instead of paper towels.

21. Help keep yourself on a budget by keeping track of funds in two check registers.

Allocate deposits into each check register according to a set budget. One register for set, ongoing costs such as monthly bills. The other register for fluctuating costs that you have control over such as groceries, gas and family needs like clothing and entertainment. The goal behind this process is to ensure you always have enough to cover all the bills that must be paid (thereby avoiding costly late fees and penalties) and you'll have the incentive of saving on groceries and other necessities that you have some control over in order to be able to afford other things that you may want versus really need.

22. Find the largest jar or clear container you can find. (Big pickle jars a great for

this!) Set a goal of filling it up in a set amount of time with spare change and found coins. Get everyone involved and make it a family goal. Use the money for something the entire family can enjoy like a movie or a board game.

23. When the doctor is writing you out a prescription, don't forget to ask if samples

are available of the drug. If you feel funny asking, don't. Doctors get free samples of medications from pharmaceutical companies and the worst thing that can happen is he or she says no. If no is the answer, all is not lost, ask the doctor to prescribe the generic equivalent so that you can at least save some money at the pharmacy.

24. If your family rents a lot of movies, consider joining an online movie rental

program. With one set monthly membership fee, your family can enjoy movies mailed to you within just a few days and you simply mail the movies back in postage paid envelopes when you're through. No late fees and no driving to and from the rental store.

25. If you end up spending a lot of money on long distance calls and you already pay

for cable Internet access, consider signing up for VOIP (voice over Internet phone). Instead of voice calls going through your phone line, they're channeled through your cable Internet connection. Not only is domestic long distance completely free, some VOIP companies offer free international calling as well. You can often keep your same phone number and all the bells and whistles (call waiting, voice messaging, caller ID, etc.) are included in a set price.

26. Going somewhere? IF you'll be traveling or visiting an attraction, always check

web first! Often times you can visit your destination's website and simply print out money saving coupons.

27. Addicted to buying convenient, yet costly single-serving packages? Purchase

snacks in bulk and snack-size baggies and make your own convenience foods for lunches and munchies.

28. Looking for a spice or an ingredient you don't use regularly but need for a special

recipe? Visit the bulk section of the grocery store and by only the amount you need. You'll spend less money up front and you won't end up wasting what would ordinarily be leftover unused.

29. Are you prone to long showers? Do you have a teenager that dawdles? Set an egg

timer in the bathroom and aim to be done before it goes off. Even if you don't beat the clock, it will serve as a reminder to finish up. You'll save gallons of water and money on heating it up.

30. Often a little kids grow out of clothes before they're able to wear them out. Either

sell the clothes on Ebay in lots of size or make an itemized list of the clothing along with their values and donate to charity. Ask for a tax receipt and keep your itemized list for tax time.

31. Buy products that multitask. This tip alone will help you save space, time and

money. Many cleaners can be used for cleaning counters, stovetops, tile and floors. Purchase such a cleaner in bulk and put into smaller, easier to use containers. "Oxygen-powered" cleaners are a great example. They not only remove stains from clothing, but they're great to use on carpets as well!

32. Enter and subtract checks and debit amounts as you spend the money. This will

not only help you spend less by seeing the dollar amount left in your register go down, but it will lessen the likelihood of becoming overdrawn and paying overdraft and/or bounced check fees.

33. If you use any kind of bar soap, take it out of the package and let it sit out for a

few days before using. This will draw some of the moisture out of the soap and make it last longer. Make sure, too, that you store the soap in such a way that it is able to dry out between uses.

34. When shopping, ask to have your purchases double-bagged. You'll have twice as

many bags to use later on for household usage and you'll lessen the chance of a bag breaking and loosing groceries when carrying them into the house.

35. Visit thrift stores early in the week for the most variety and best finds. People use

the weekends for cleaning house and clearing closets and often make donates during this time. Not to mention, stuff that didn't sell at garage sales during Saturday and Sunday often finds its way to the thrift stores by Monday!

36. If you're planning a trip through a drive-thru fast food restaurant, visit the grocery

store first and purchase your beverages there. Whether it be soda pop, juice, milk or bottled water, you'll save big over the cost of the drive-thru and you'll actually get more to drink, too.

37. Avoid the cost of a locksmith! Consider giving a trustworthy family member

(who doesn't live with you) or a friend a duplicate set of your car and house keys. That way, in the event that you accidentally lock yourself out, a simple phone call can get you back in for free!

38. Do not throw away free money. A stamped envelope, your receipt, a barcode and

a little time filling out a brief form is often all that is needed to make a few bucks off a rebate. Many companies offer these savings banking on the fact that many people simply don't submit the rebates correctly or at all. Don't let them pocket your savings!

39. Stock up on school supplies that your kids will need throughout the school year at

the end of the summer when you can get them at a significant savings. Items such as notebook paper, pencils, crayons and glue aren't perishable and can easily be stored under the bed in a plastic container or in the back of a coats closet.

40. Consider unconventional, unique gifts for children like a wardrobe for a favorite

doll comprised of baby clothes purchased at the thrift store and laundered, an art kit made of art supplies you purchased during back-to-school sales, a craft kit with some glue and a hodge-podge of miscellaneous craft supplies or a "publish a book" kit with paper and pens for writing and editing and a hardbound composition book and markers for "publishing." Often these gifts can cost quite a bit less than simply buying a toy, but the payoff to the child is so much more rewarding!

41. This may sound redundant, but it bears repeating: Don't pay full price if you can

avoid it! Many store sales follow patterns. Pay attention and you'll soon learn the patterns your particular favorite store. For example, if you know your local store runs a sale on antiperspirant regularly, plan to purchase a number of them at that time in order to avoid paying full price when they're not on sale. The same holds true for many canned goods and paper items.

42. Don't limit yourself to shopping in person. Check your grocery store's website as

well. Many stores offer special online savings both in the form of printable coupons or specific savings only redeemable by ordering groceries online. Just be mindful that your savings are more than the cost of any applicable delivery charge. (Often these can be avoided by ordering the set minimum dollar amount.)

43. Though things such as bed linens should be washed in hot water to sanitize, the

majority of laundry can be adequately cleaned in cold water. Washing in cold water the majority of the time can save you significant money over time.

44. Invest some money in saving money by purchasing energy efficient appliances as

they need replacing. Also, paying a bit more money upfront for long-lasting, energy efficient light bulbs will not only spare your energy bill, but you won't be trekking to the store to buy more bulbs any time soon! Many of these energy efficient bulbs are built to last years!

45. Keep a few tricks up your sleeve to make staying in and doing something as much

fun as going out! Microwave popcorn and a sleeping bag on the floor can make watching a movie at home something special. If you have a fireplace, pretend to be around a campfire and make s'mores in the living room. Heck, make cleaning the house a treasure hunt by hiding a few coins around the room and make cleaning up a game as everyone races to find the hidden booty.

46. What often starts as a small cosmetic problem can become a huge, costly repair. If

you see a chip the tub, buy the tiny tube of enamel to fix it. If you see a chip of paint near the opening of the washer, paint it appropriately to head off rust accumulation and thereby avoiding staining your clothes! Procrastination can end up costing you big bucks in the long run!

47. When containers start to get low in the shower or the fridge, store them (tightly

shut) upside down. This way the next time you go to use them, the contents will be ready to flow and you'll be more apt to use it all before throwing it out.

48. Instead of buying CDs that may only have a few songs on them you really enjoy,

consider buying purchasing the songs individually by paying per download. There are a number of websites devoted to this and even some discount retailers offer this service on their website.

49. Need a number? Don't pay for the information! Get it free by doing a search

online or by calling 1-800-FREE-411.

50. All things being equal - including price - always purchase the item that comes in

a reusable container. Whether it can be used to store leftovers or organize odds and ends, if the item comes with something you can use besides what's inside, it's always a better value!

51. Be mindful of your family's trends. Track how many minutes you really use on

your cell phone and switch the appropriate - not excessive - plan. If you pay for extended cable, does your family really watch those extra channels? How many miles do you really put on your car, are you overpaying on your car insurance due to an overestimated yearly mileage amount?

52. Is it easy to pay your electricity bill in the summer, but excruciating to pay it in

the winter? If you've lived in the same home for at least a year, ask your power company if they offer a "budget plan." Such a payment plan will take your power usage for a year and find the average monthly usage/cost. You'll pay a set amount each month throughout the year building a reserve of funds in the summer months to help make those otherwise costly winter months more manageable.

53. Like the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To cut

back on your time and energy spent on cleaning and the purchase of cleaning products and supplies, consider purchasing preventative cleaning measures. Use bleach tablets in the toilet tank (just remember to keep the lid down to keep thirsty pets and curious kids out!). This will sanitize your toilet with each flush and minimize needed scrubbing later on. Use an after-shower cleaning spray on the shower walls and bath tub after each use in order to keep the surfaces clean without scrubbing.

54. Commit to buying refills rather than individual items whenever possible. Similar

to simply purchasing in bulk, you can purchase large refill sizes for everything from hand soap to baby wipes to dishwashing detergent. When you purchase refills, you save the manufacturer money on packaging and that savings is passed along to you in the form of a discount.

55. Remember where things are. This may sound deceptively simple, but everyone at

one time or another has purchased something either because they couldn't find it at home or forgot they had it in the first place! If you can't remember, than keep a little list of where things are stashed and stored around the house.

56. Enjoy the eclectic! There's freedom in not requiring everything to match and

money to be made in being open to such diversity! Who said you have to buy sheets in sets? Purchase sheets and pillow cases separately on clearance or at thrift stores. Need a new bed? Be open to buying a mixed set and you'll save big!

57. Moving? Don't pay for padding materials. Use clothes to wrap your plates and

mugs in. Use toilet paper rolls to pad the corners of boxes. Wrap fragile lamps and decorations in bath towels.

58. Sentiments are nice, but can be costly! Purchase nice, but generic blank cards in

sets and personalize them to the occasion with your own greetings as needed.

59. If you have a deep pantry or cabinet that you keep groceries in, consider using

transparent plastic bins and shoe boxes to store items in. They'll allow you see and use what's on hand more easily because you can slide them in and out like drawers allowing you to make better use of your space as well.

60. Give the gift of an experience! Yes, it's more economical than actually

purchasing a gift, but it's also more personable. Wrap up an extravagantly decorated invite to scones and or give a coupon promising dinner and a movie - all within the comfortable atmosphere of your home!

61. Don't fall into the trap of feeling guilty for not being able to give your child(ren)

everything they want. You're teaching them the real life lesson that you don't get something for nothing. If you really want to treat your child to something special, give them more of your time or a special experience they can share.

62. Likewise, don't try to buy a child's compliance by promising to buy him or her

special treat if they behave. Instead, keep the element of surprise on your side and unexpectedly gift them with a treat now and then when their behavior is exemplary but it wasn't requested. This will not only spare you the expense of purchasing something every time you expect their best behavior, but will teach your child that hard work and effort does get rewarded.

63. Unless you absolutely can't stand going without the tactile experience of holding

newsprint, cancel your subscription to the newspaper and get your news (and coupons) online!

64. Stock your medicine cabinet with generic brand pain relievers and supplies

purchased from warehouse club stores. Not only will you save by purchasing in bulk, but you'll get the added savings of purchasing their brand.

65. Planning on taking advantage of a sale only to find the store out? Don't miss out!

Ask if there's a store substitution available or request a rain check. Remember, too, that you can often request multiple items at the sale price with a rain check. Take advantage of this if you were planning on buying more than one.

66. Shop store end caps and lower shelves. End caps, the displays at the end of the

aisles, are usually reserved for clearance and/or special sale items. More expensive, heavily advertised items are placed at eye level on store shelves whereas generic brand, less expensive items are placed lower requiring a bit more effort on your part to find them.

67. After the holidays, buy gift wrap on clearance to use throughout the year. You can

often find great kiddy wrapping paper featuring favorite characters and pretty foil wrap that's appropriate for all sorts of occasions for a mere fraction of the cost. Take advantage of stocking up on ribbon as well!

68. Clothes can often be worn more than once before laundering. Washing the clothes

after wearing twice instead of once will lessen your amount of laundry and will make your clothes last longer.

69. Don't overload your dryer. Not only can it wear down your dryer prematurely, it

will take twice as long to dry the load anyway. And, in the long run, add to cost of your electric bill.

70. If you haven't already, trade in your traditional camera for a digital one. Store

pictures on CDs, DVDs or your computer's hard drive for future viewing. You won't have the cost of purchasing film or developing. Not to mention, you won't ever have to pay for pictures that didn't turn out anyway.

71. Want to send holiday cards, but think it's a bit too costly? Be unique! Create

holiday postcards on your computer! Keep size in mind: 4.25" by 5.5" (a letter-sized piece of paper quartered) or 4" by 6" both work well and will enable you to save money on postage.

72. Make it a habit to cook with wooden utensils and high-temperature silicone.

These types of utensils are easier on your cookware and will lengthen their lives! Not to mention, you can't get more economical than a wooden spoon and silicone spatulas are great at helping you scrap every last drop out of a pot!

73. Some electric companies offer a discount on energy used at non-peak times.

Consider running your dishwasher or doing laundry at night instead of during the day. This may help you save quite a bit of money over time as you change your habits.

74. As everyone knows, warm air rises. During the cold months, keep the flue closed

so that warm air doesn't escape and cold air enter. Of course, these is also the time you'll be using your fireplace the most, so don't forget to open it back up when lighting up!

75. Be open to looking in the men's department for your own needs! Things such as

great basic t-shirts and shoes can be found in the men's department and are often less expensive and, quite frankly, made to last longer.

76. Make your own bottled water. Yes, it's convenient to just be able to buy a bottle

and go. But you can save so much money, and quite frankly drink water that's actually better for you, by making your own. Simply buy a reusable bottle with a large opening and removable cap (in order to allow good cleaning!) and fill with your own filtered water at home (or at the office). Even if you only buy one bottle a day at a buck a bottle, you'll save at least $30 a month!

77. Make sure you have the right towel for the right job to avoid using paper towels

when you can. Invest in a few flour sack towels for jobs such as hand drying cookware and produce and microfiber clothes for cleaning windows and mirrors.

78. Keep family hairstyles and cuts as simple as possible in order to keep costs low.

For the men in the family, invest in a good, electric hair clipper set. Many not only come with the various attachments that enable you to easily cut a variety of lengths easily, but also come with a cape for the person receiving the trimming to wear! For the ladies, invest in pretty hair accessories to help "dress up" an otherwise plain, but easy to maintain hair cut and style.

79. Prevent spills and help keep food fresher longer. Use inexpensive binder clips to

keep opened bags closed throughout the kitchen. Tightly fold over and cinch with a clip bags of chips, crackers, bagged produce, nuts, etc.

80. If you want to save money and help lower your family's fat and cholesterol

intake, switch to an egg-white only product instead of using eggs. These kinds of products, however, need to be used within seven days of opening. So, if you buy in bulk or what to save what you won't use, pour the egg whites into ice cube trays, freeze and store in freezer bags. Then, pull out only what you need and thaw either in the microwave or let them sit in the fridge in a cup or bowl overnight.

81. Do you or anyone in your family take prescription drugs regularly? Check the

manufacturer's website. Often you can sign up for or request coupons to use towards filling your prescriptions and lower the costs of your copay amount.

82. Avoid paying ATM fees. Anticipate your need for cash and next time you debit

any necessary purchase, simply get cash back during that transaction.

83. Retrain everyone in the family to wash their hair no more often than every other

day. Not only will this save money on shampoo and conditioner, but hair will always be easier to style on the next day!

84. Make casseroles and soups that are easy on the pocketbook yummier and more

attractive by topping with an "extra." Bake casseroles that have a yummy topping in a shallower dish to ensure that every serving (including leftovers) are equally as tasty. Serve soups and stews in individual mugs with a biscuit, cornbread or toasted croutons on top. It will not only make the liquid dinner more attractive and yummy to eat, it will make it much more filling and stretch it farther.

85. Is your troop hard on clothing? Reinforce the knees of pants with iron-on patches

from the inside. Seams starting to fray or pull apart? Rescue the clothing by sewing a quick running stitch - by hand or by machine - along side the original seam and finish with either a machine zigzag stitch or a bit of anti-fray liquid.

86. Appreciate and enjoy the elegance of simplicity. When purchasing anything from

clothing to furniture, look for items that are basic and versatile but easily jazzed up with accessories. A basic outfit can be dressed up with a different jacket. A simple but sturdy couch can be revived with a slipcover or even a colorful blanket thrown across the back.

87. Get creative and mix the old with the new. Instead of replacing something

entirely, look for ways to only purchase a partial replacement. Need a new table lamp? Look for a lamp base at a thrift store for cheap and purchase only the shade new. Need a new table or dresser? Find it used and give it new life with a paint job or a new finish.

88. Protect what you already have. Like the look of your wood dining table, but hate

the beating it's taking? Buy clear vinyl by the yard to cover and protect the surface.

89. Less expensive shoes are great; however, often the insole wears out long before

the outside of the shoe. Purchase inexpensive inserts to get even more wear and value out of your reasonably priced shoes.

90. Don't sacrifice cleanliness when trying to save money on sponges. Sanitize

kitchen sponges by rinsing it water and zapping it in the microwave for a few seconds (until it gets hot to the touch), but be sure to be careful not to burn yourself removing it. Sponges can also be thrown in the top rack of a dishwasher for a really thorough cleaning.

91. Meet two needs at once! If you're little artists at home are bored, put them to

work! Commission your kids to create greeting cards for you. Give them a list of the various cards you will need in the near future along with any art supplies you have on hand. Not only will your budding designers feel great when they see you giving out their creations, you'll save money on greeting cards and the people receiving the cards will feel special having received a handmade sentiment.

92. If you have kids, you have a boundless amount of crayons and probably a bunch

of broken ones, too. Don't throw those stubby seemingly useless pieces away. Throw the pieces inside a muffin pan and slowly melt at a low temperature in the oven. Allow to cool until hard. You can either mix crayon pieces or isolate the colors to create huge, palm-sized crayon "cakes" great for making all sorts of texture rubbings!

93. There's nothing quite as exciting as a blank canvas to an aspiring artist. Get a

variety of great paper scraps by calling or visiting a local printery or copy center. Often they have scrap paper that would ordinarily be thrown in the trash or recycled. Ask if you may take the scraps home to allow your little artists to "recycle" the paper in their own way!

94. Don't pay for gift boxes! Whenever you make clothing or linen purchases at

department stores throughout the year, always ask for a gift box. Because they fold flat, they're easy to store and pull out to use whenever you need them.

95. Mix the expensive with the cheap! Buy your kids' favorite - and often expensive,

sugary - breakfast cereal. But buy it on sale and mix it with a cheaper, less sugary alternative. Not only will they appreciate getting their favorites, you can feel better about making the more expensive version stretch farther for cheaper and you'll be cutting their sugar and calorie intake significantly.

96. When purchasing milk, select the milk in an opaque container when possible. By

keeping more light out, the milk will retain it's nutrients longer and keep longer as well.

97. When smaller packages of items go on sale making the unit price the same as

purchasing in bulk, always purchase the item in smaller packages. This way you'll only open what you'll use preserving the remainder in the original packaging and thereby prolonging the product's shelf life.

98. Keep over the door hangers on the inside of your bathroom door. Clothes need

ironing? Steam them by hanging them in the bathroom during your shower. Bath towels do not need to be washed after one use. Hang them up to dry for one or two more uses before laundering.

99. Your opinion counts! If you don't like a product, let it be known either at the

grocery store or tell the manufacturer directly. The store will often either offer to replace the item or issue a refund. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are eager to get your feedback. Chances you'll either be offered a full refund and/or money saving coupons!

100. Don't pay for what you don't have to. Find and bank with a financial

institution that offers the most services you use for free. Sign up for free promotional samples offered by manufacturers. (You can often sign up for such offers quickly and easily online.) Every year or so, make sure you're getting the best deal on insurance by investing a few minutes and calling for quotes from other companies. Accept offers of help from friends and family graciously for services you'd ordinarily have to pay for like fixing a car or plumbing problem. Repay such acts of kindness with your own special skills.