How to Keep More Money in Your Pocket

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Henry David Thoreau said, “That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.” While saving by not splurging on extravagances is a good method, so is saving by doing little daily tasks differently. Everyone likes having a little spare money at the end of the day, so read up on household savings tips from The 2010 Old Farmer’s Almanac below.

How to Keep More Money in Your Pocket

  • Have a spa day at home. Here are two facials that smooth wrinkles:
  • Whip the white of an egg until it’s stiff and rub it over your face and neck. Allow it to dry, and then rinse away with warm water.
  • Mix cornstarch and evaporated milk together to make a thick paste. Apply it to your face and allow it to dry, and then rinse away with cold water.
  • To wipe up spills, use rags made from old clothing instead of paper towels. Wash the rags as needed.
  • Instead of letting the cold water that precedes hot water out of the faucet run down the drain, capture it in a pot or kettle for later use.
  • Fill a plastic bag with dryer lint and use it as padding for a package.
  • Reuse dishpan or bathtub water on garden beds. Leave the dishpan under the faucets to catch water whenever you rinse your hands or sponge off the countertop.
  • Making a cake? Use the oven’s heat to bake potatoes or other foods at the same time. When you turn off the oven, leave the door ajar to dissipate the heat in the room.
  • Out of croutons for the salad or soup? Popcorn is a good substitute.
  • Periodically remove and dust the light bulbs in your home. They will be 40 percent more efficient.
  • Use vegetable scraps (broccoli stalks, celery greens, cauliflower centers, and the like) to make vegetable stock for soups. Freeze the stock until you are ready to use it.
  • Reduce the wear on your socks by “switching feet” when you wear them for a second consecutive time.
  • Unravel an outgrown wool sweater (or one purchased at a thrift shop) and use the yarn to make something else—mittens, a scarf, or another sweater.
  • Remove the covers (or fronts) of old greeting cards, cut them into fanciful shapes, and use them as gift tags. 
About The Author

Heidi Stonehill

Heidi Stonehill is the executive editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, where she focuses much of her time on managing content development for the Almanac’s line of calendars. Read More from Heidi Stonehill
 

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