A Few More Money Saving Tips
Now is the time of the year we seem to spend more time in the car. Little league has started and there are school field trips and soon graduations and end of the year parties. We are also planning our vacations. So a few ideas….
1. Never buy individual packs of cookies or chips. Two reasons, they are much more expensive and think of all the trash! I never buy individual packs even thought there are only two of use now. If we have too many cookies they freeze well. Just divide out what you think you will use and stick the rest in the freezer. Chip, well they don’t freeze but I figure if we get through half the bag and have to throw away the rest we are still ahead money wise.
2. Never buy individual cans or boxes of soda and juices unless you are going on a trip. They are just too expensive. Instead save your bottles when you drink bottled water. Wash them out well, not in the dish washer and fill them for use in the car as you run around town or to include in lunches. fill them with juices, water, milk, even chocolate milk and the kids won’t mind taking them, neither will dad.
3. Purchase sports bottles for each family member. Children can pick out their favorite super hero or princess and everyone will be able to identify which bottle is theirs. Fill them and use those on trips around town instead of purchased bottles water. They are also great to leave in the refrigerator. When children come in from playing, even young children, can go and get their bottle out and they won’t have to constantly be asking you for a drink. And you won’t be throwing drinks away because you don’t know who they belonged to. Sports bottles are just as much fun as boxed drinks, far less mess, and will help you save money and your sanity.
4.. Always carry snacks in the car. It is much better to have a few baggies of cookies or a few granola bars in the car than to hit the drive through because everyone is starving!!! Have you heard that before? Throw in a few lollipops and you are good to go. At one time we traveled 12 miles to piano lessons and it seemed by the time we drove there sat through 2 lessons and then were on the road home, we were all starving. Get caught in a traffic jam or along doctors appointment…you are set! This is also a great plan for when the school kids get in the car with treats for a class party and the younger kids have nothing. No more tears, whip out that lollipop.
If you are planning a vacation for the summer and would like to share your money saving tips please send them in. I’ll have more on that soon so get in on the action! If you missed it go check out my vacation post.
Actually a quick comment on the chips thing…..If you have an open bag of chips, roll the bag down and put it in the freezer, they won’t get stale and will still taste great after a month or two in the freezer!