Saving Money: The Thin Dime Just Shy of a Nickel

That dime is losing faster and faster each day. Now it's time to really start to tighten the budget belt and prepare for more layoffs, cut backs and price increases.

1. Learn to change your own oil. There are books and volunteer teachers in your world willing to help you learn this simple process. Each time you change your own oil you will save about $30.00. Each time you change someone else's you can make about $20.00 or trade for something more useful to you than to them.

2. Recycle all aluminum cans and products you can find. Get the family to help gather the goods from every where they go and bring back home for the larder of aluminum. If you follow this rule you can redeem enough each month to purchase groceries for one week more.

3. Learn to cook out doors. This will save energy and money during the summer months when the weather is great. Your home won't become over heated from using the stove and your power bill will be lower. You can choose to barbeque or even learn to use a Dutch oven. It only involves a small hole in the ground and some hot coals. What you cook is your own choice.

4. Eat some form of chicken soup once a week. No one is really sure if it helps to fight colds and other virus's, but when you do get sick it seems to be the standard all time cure and feel good food. So prepare for wellness before flu and cold season. You will save on medical bills and it's an inexpensive meal.

5. Find a non electric project to fill your time. Leave the TV off and entertain yourself with something constructive and non electric. You can garden, work on wood projects, paint, sew, exercise, plan budgets and help neighbors in need. Find something to do and save yourself money.

6. Before you buy check if it's possible to rent or borrow what you need. You will save money and so will everyone around you. Keep a list of who has what you need or who has borrowed what you have. You will learn within a very short time you are going into debt a lot less than before you started your own need it library.

7. If you can play a musical instrument than consider giving lesson's for a minimum price. You will be providing a service, making a little cash for your own pockets and providing knowledge for others on a budget they can afford. Once you have enough gentle talent in the neighborhood give a recital or show for donations and a potluck. Everyone will have a great time and spend little money for an event enjoyed.