7 Strange Ways to Save Money

We’re all trying to stretch a buck these days and it seems we’ve got less and less of them to stretch. When that happens, it’s time to get creative. Here are 7 strange ways to save money.

1. Soda, So Good

There’s very little that baking soda can’t be used to clean. So you can stop buying those expensive cleaners they keep pushing on you every time you favorite show goes to commercial. It can be used all over the house on everything from cleaning surfaces, removing stains and odors, even in the laundry. The possibilities are endless here.

2. Forget Mr. Clean, Meet Mr. Coke!

It’s cheaper than beer. It can be used to keep garden pests away and can help fertilize plants that thrive in acidic soil. It removes rust around the house. You can use it in baking as well and it can even be used on tough laundry stains. There’s never been a better reason to have a Coke and a smile.

3. Fun With Toilet Paper

It always amazes me when I see folks buying toilet paper, paper towels and napkins. Why not just by one of these? Your best bet is to use paper towels exclusively as these are cheapest but if you’ve got to have toilet paper for those personal moments, then buy it in bulk and also use it for napkins and for those messy spills. Why buy 3 papers to do the same job?

4. A Clean Shave With… Crest?

Believe it or not this works. A small amount of toothpaste goes a long way and gives you a close shave. So if money’s a little tight then next time you’re in the pharmacy for toothpaste and shaving cream, pick up only one of these and you’ll double your fun. Go with the toothpaste though. I don’t recommend brushing your teeth with shaving cream.

5. Bulk Up

Sending letters will cost you more than $0.50 a pop these days so if you’ve got family or friends you correspond with regularly, then why not send stuff out in bulk? Don’t mail a letter then a day later ship out that book/sweater/gift you need to send to this person. Do it all at once. Time it right and you can include birthday/Christmas gifts as well.

6. Cut Your Hair

Believe it or not, if you’re a little short, then having your hair follow suit will save you money. Switching to a shorter hair style, you’ll use less shampoo, less electricity blow drying, less styling products, making what you have last all the longer.

7. Wake Up And Smell The 21st Century

It’s been difficult for some folks to embrace computers and all the strange things they can do. But if you’re wallet is a wasteland these days, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. And you can save a bundle on postage by paying your bills online. Also, you can send e-greetings for those special occasions. You can even pay back loans from your friends and family with electronic checks. When it comes to saving money the computer can be your best friend.

This is a guest article by Andrew Salmon. He writes about debt and finance topics like the IVA process in the UK.