"Living Better...For Less"
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:
"The Dollar Stretcher" is a FREE weekly newsletter.
To subscribe send e-mail to gary@stretcher.com
with 'subscribe' in the subject and your e-mail
address in the body of the message.
Thanks!
PUBLICATION INFORMATION:
"The Dollar Stretcher" Copyright 1997. All
Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without
alteration electronically free of charge. "The Dollar
Stretcher" is distributed via email between 6pm each Monday
and 8am Tuesday morning United States Eastern time
zone. The newsletter runs approximately 40k in length.
All articles are printed with the author's prior
consent. It is assumed that any questions, tips or
replies to questions may be reprinted. The name and
email address of the sender will not be used unless
specifically requested.
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION is available by email to Gary@stretcher.com. The Dollar Stretcher reaches over 11,000 readers each week.
"The Dollar Stretcher" does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
In this issue:
Introduction
The Smiths Buy Carpeting
by Gary Foreman
Surviving the Crunch of College
by Geoff Walbroehl
Advice from Mom
Fifty Uses for Vinegar
by Rae Osenbaugh
Plymouth Turbo, Toyota Head Gasket
Ask Bob: The Automotive Answer Guy?
by Bob DeP
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
NEW ON THE WEB THIS WEEK:
Low Cost Draperies - Reader's Tips
Frugal Sources for Low Fat Foods - Reader's Tips
How to Save on Back to School Purchases - Reader's Tips
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Want to take the time to introduce a new writer to you. Geoff Walbroehl contributed Surviving the Crunch of College. He speaks from experience. He will have officially graduated only days before you read this.
If you like reader's tips this is a banner week. There have been so many great tips that we set up three new pages: Low Cost Draperies, Frugal Sources for Low Fat Foods, and How to Save on Back to School Purchases. A couple of letters on each subject are included in the Reader's Tips section. You'll also find the URL for each whole page there.
Let's get right to it!
All the Best!
Gary
Our Sponsor
For users of inkjet printers:
A great way to save money is to buy inkjet ink in bulk and refill your own cartridges. Instead of spending 20 or 30 dollars on a refill kit or a new cartridge, $21.95 can buy an entire pint (450 ml) of black ink, while $23.95 can buy a pint of color (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow) ink. Or get all four for $89.00.
Your savings: For the price of one cartridge, you get enough ink for a half-dozen or so refills. (You can refill some smaller cartridges over two dozen times). And refilling only takes about 15 minutes.
We also have syringe bottles and free instructions. AMEX/VISA/Mastercard accepted. Mention The Dollar Stretcher and save $5.00 on shipping and handling. We ship worldwide.
"Wow! Over nine billion dollars worth of carpeting was produced in the U.S. No wonder there's so many people trying to help us spend our money!" Mary sat at the kitchen table. On it were pamphlets and other articles she had gathered to help the Smiths make an intelligent choice on some carpeting they were planning to purchase.
John hadn't really gotten involved in this project, yet. After they decided to investigate the cost of new carpet in their living room, Mary had gone off to do the initial information gathering shopping trips and research.
"It says that we need to begin by figuring about how much carpet we'll need. To do that you multiply the length of the room by the width in feet. That gives you the number of square feet in the room. Divide by nine and you'll know how many square yards. This brochure says to add about 10% for room irregularities and depending on the pattern we may have to add another 10% for pattern matching."
Almost as if on que, John began reading from an article Mary had saved. "Before purchasing, you need to consider where and how the room is used. For little used rooms that are away from entrances, less expensive carpet will hold up well. But for rooms that have outside access and carry heavy traffic, a better grade of carpet is a better bargain." He continued. "The carpet padding plays an important part in prolonging carpet life. The right pad can add 50% to your carpet's life. It also adds comfort. But a thicker pad is not necessarily a better pad. In fact, if it's too think it can allow the carpet's backing to flex too much."
Now it was Mary's turn to take over. "Hon, we'll need to learn how to check a carpet's density. This article says that you should fold the carpet back so that the yarn is on the outside. Then look and see how much of the backing shows. The less backing that shows the denser the carpet. Another way to check is to read the face weight on the label. That measures the amount of fiber that's used in one square yard of the carpet. The more ounces of face weight, the more yarn is used on the carpet." John listened, but quickly pointed out that you couldn't use this type of guide when comparing different styles of carpet. One with half inch deep pile would naturally have more face weight than one with a quarter inch pile.
"One thing that always worried me was stains. Let's face it, we're not easy on our floors around here! There's so many choices in materials. It's hard to know where to begin. I read somewhere that no carpet is truly stain proof. The best you can get is stain resistant."
John flipped through some of the stuff he had been reading. "Just a sec. I saw that here somewhere. Oh, here it is. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, about 97% of all carpet is produced using synthetic fibers. They're designed for easy maintenance. Nylon is by far the most popular. It's resistant to soils and stains and stands up to traffic well. Polyester feels luxurious to the touch, but doesn't wear as well. Polypropylene is a good choice if moisture is a concern. In fact, it's used for stadium artificial grass. Acrylic imitates wool at a lower cost. Wool is still the luxury choice. Partially because it feels good and wears well. But it is more expensive."
While listening, Mary had gotten up and poured herself a glass of ice tea. "Looks like we'll probably end up with nylon then. One thing that surprised me was how the same carpet could cost more or less in competing stores. I found that most carpeting is made in the state of Georgia on big rolls. These rolls are too big for most houses to use all of it. So someone has to keep the rest of the roll and hope to sell it later. Sometimes I'd see one I liked at one store for $20 a yard. But it was from their sample book and they'd have to order it. Then I'd come across the same quality carpet. Sometimes even from the same manufacturer. But this store would have half a roll there and were willing to sell it for $16 a yard. In fact, I got the feeling that they might even bargain a little."
"That's neat, Hon." John was always glad when his bride found a way to save money! "One thing that occurs to me is that we'll have to make sure we understand who's doing what. I've heard horror stories about people who have paid to have a carpet installed, but no one said who was going to get rid of the old one! Another thing is the furniture. I don't mind moving it out before they come to install the new stuff, but I want to know how much I'm saving first."
Although Mary was listening, her mischievous grin betrayed the fact that she had found something interesting in the pamphlet she was reading. "Sweetheart...these people suggest that you do any preparation or painting before the new carpet is installed. That way any spills or damage will disappear with the old carpet. You know that woodwork could use some touch up. And I've been thinking. That room's been blue for a long time. Maybe it's time to consider something different..."
When John glanced up he had a distinct 'Gotcha!' look on his face. His mind played through two weekends of preparation and painting. Should have seen that one coming, he thought. But, after all, that's part of what he loved about his wife. She always found new ways to surprise him!
If you have a suggestion for a future Dollar Stretcher column send mailto:gary@stretcher.com
Hello money savers! I was just writing a quick response to a note I happened to read in a recent issue of The Dollar Stretcher. The question came from a girl in Iowa named Rebecca who was looking for some ways to save money while in (and possibly after) college. I remember compiling a list for a friend of mine; I revamped it some and divided it into sections. I hope this helps!
1. Food
This can be expensive, especially if you've seen some of the
prices on-campus eating places charge. I would recommend buying a
2-liter of soda and maybe saving some cups. That way you can cut
down having to buy drinks from the cafeteria.
Also, buying whatever the cafe counts as a "special" is usually
a pretty good deal for the money. It's being advertised by them
in the first place because they have a surplus of it or have to
get rid of it. Ironically, more healthy foods on campus (so much
for the eating habits of America) like fresh fruit, rolls, etc.
are occasionally less expensive then french fries and the like.
Finally, a hot pot or small refrigerator, (small used fridges
usually go on sale around the beginning and end of a semester)
although initially an investment can be used to cook and store
cheaper food from off-campus. You can buy a good hot pot for
around $15.00 at Wal-Mart.
2. Books and Other Supplies
If possible you may want to think about "borrowing" silverware,
cups, a plate or two (no more then this, though) from a nearby
cafeteria. Just make sure you return them by the end of the year.
Check to see if any books you need for a class are available at
the school library for free. If you know exactly what books are
being used for upcoming classes, you can check for those, as
well.
Pencils and pens are always on sale at Wal-Mart and close-out
stores (ours is called "Odd Lots".) You can buy enough supplies
to last a few years there at a good price. Laundry soap, too.
Sometimes the campus rec center has soap, etc in their locker
rooms. You can extend the life of your bathroom supplies by
having an occasional shower there.
Good Will / Salvation Army (Good Will where we are is the least
expensive) carries some pretty cool clothes pretty cheap.
3. Utilities ve on long-distance calls : Have your parents (or whomever) call you, instead of calling them. E-mail if you can. Many Universities have several computer labs, and e-mail is an invaluable free service. Living with a roommate may be less expensive as well. Although it's always nice to meet new people, try to room with someone you know, as it will be easier to tell them (for example) to please turn the music down then a total stranger.
4. Entertainment
Ah, the best part of college! Parties can be fun, but weekly
alcohol (and cigarette) purchases really add up. Quitting smoking
and reducing or eliminating drinking can free up money for
anyone, anywhere. Plus it's more healthy.
Using free on-campus programs (such as sports or the rec center)
can be a good way to spend Friday night. I myself enjoy
exercising at the rec center (for free since I am a full-time
student) on occasion. Take advantage of the "general fee"!
Also, for about a dollar, tea or coffee at a coffee shop is a
great relaxer. The local parks and museums are usually free and,
if close enough (or if you know someone who has a car), are fun,
too.
I hope that these hints help. You can just say to yourself : "Soon, I will be graduated, and none of this will matter anymore."
Take care!,
* Geoff
Geoff Walbroehl is a resident of Bowling Green, Ohio (vs. the one in Kentucky! :) ) who shares a large apartment with two friends. He recently (8/10/97) graduated with a B.A. in Sociology, and enjoys pursuing both simplicity and thriftiness. He realized during his years how little one truly needs to survive (mainly through his friends, who went through some tough times.) You can reach Geoff at : geoff@bgnet.bgsu.edu. Thanks!
I found this list of uses for vinegar on one of the discussion lists I participate in....you may recognize some of them, and others may be new to you (there were a few new ones for me!). So, break out those gallons of vinegar! (thanks for the ideas to Sarah in KY!)
1 Kill grass on walks and driveways.
2 Kill weeds. Spray full strength on growth until plants have
starved.
3 Increase soil acidity. In hard water: one gallon of tap water
for watering rhododendrums, gardenias, or azaleas.
4 Deter ants. Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along
other areas where ants are known.
5 Polish car chrome. Apply full strength.
6 Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur with full strength
vinegar; rinse.
7 Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the
cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on.
8 Keep dogs from scratching his ears. Use a clean, soft cloth
dipped in diluted vinegar.
9 Keep chickens from pecking each other. Put a little in their
drinking water.
10 Tenderize meat. Soak in vinegar over night.
11 Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in 2 cups of water
and a tablespoon of vinegar.
12 Boil better eggs. Add 2 tablespoons water before boiling eggs.
Keeps them from cracking.
13 Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Dot the irritation with
vinegar and relieve
itching.
14 Relieve sunburn. Lightly rub white vinegar; you may have to
reapply.
15 Condition hair. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to dissolve sticky
residue left
by shampoo.
16 Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons to bath water.
17 Fight dandruff. After shampooing, rinse with vinegar and 2
cups of warm water.
18 Soothe a sore throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of
water.
Gargle, then swallow.
19 Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more
vinegar to the vaporizer.
20 Feel good. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of
water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge
off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.
21 Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a
week. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.
22 Eliminate onion odor. Rub on your fingers before and after
slicing.
23 Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards. Wipe with full
strength vinegar.
24 Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.
25 Cut grease and odor on dishes. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to
hot soapy water.
26 Clean a teapot. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the
teapot.
Wipe away the grime.
27 Freshen a lunchbox. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let
it sit in the lunchbox over night.
28 Clean the refrigerator. Wash with a solution of equal parts
water and vinegar.
29 Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain
and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.
30 Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice
cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold
water through 31 Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise,
peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.
32 Clean the dishwasher. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole
cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms
and on glassware.
33 Clean stainless steel. Wipe with a vinegar dampened cloth.
34 Clean china and fine glassware. Add a cup of vinegar to a sink
of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and
let dry.
35 Get stains out of pots. Fill pot with a solution of 3
tablespoons of
vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be
washed away.
36 Clean the microwave. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar
and 1 cup
of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and
deodorize.
37 Dissolve rust from bolts and other metals. Soak in full
strength vinegar.
38 Get rid of cooking smells. Let simmer a small pot of vinegar
and
water solution.
39 Unclog steam iron. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water
into the
iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5
minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow to cool. Any
loose particles should come out when you empty the water.
40 Clean a scorched iron plate. Heat equal parts vinegar and salt
in a small pan. Rub solution on the cooled iron surface to
remove dark or burned stains.
41 Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the
rinse cycle.
42 Keep colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength
vinegar before washing.
43 Freshen up the washing machine. Periodically, pour a cup of
vinegar in the machine and let in run through a regular cycle (no
clothes added). Will dissolve soap residue.
44 Brighten fabric colors. Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse
cycle.
45 Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently
brush over grease spot.
46 Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard,
coffee, tea.
Then wash as usual.
47 Get smoke smell out of clothes. Add a cup of vinegar to a
bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.
48 Remove decals. Brush with a couple coats of vinegar. Allow to
soak in. Wash off.
49 Clean eyeglasses. Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.
50 Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon
sugar for each quart of water.
Plymouth Turbo, Toyota Head Gasket
Ask Bob: The Automotive Answer Man?
by Bob DeP
Hello Bob:
I own a '87 Plymouth Caravelle with a 2.2l turbo. I have reason to
suspect that coolant is leaking from the coolant tube assembly.
The leak itself occurs after the engine is turned off, and usually
consists of a few drops. They fall underneath the portion of the
engine where the turbocharger is located. Looking at the schematic
drawing in my bible, it appears that this tube assembly is made of
a flexible hose, and therefore can be removed. My question is
whether this is a task that a Sunday mechanic can handle, or
should I leave it to a professional mechanic?
Regards,
Phil
Phil,
Almost any repair can be done by a shadetree is you have the right
time, the right tool, and the proper amount of patience. Fist
look at the job to see if you can get to both ends of the hose
(the 'bible' can be misleading sometimes). If both ends are
accessible to you, then if you can get the correct part, I don't
see why you shouldn't be able to change it yourself. I would
suggest starting early on Saturday, but make sure that you already
have the hose, the tools, and the clamps because your car will be
incapacitated for a while. This way, if you run into troubles or
need other parts, you will have some time and all of Sunday left
to finish up. I would also suggest doing this in the shade. If
you have a driveway but no garage, then maybe set up a sheet like
a tent to shade you from the sun. The less bothered you are, the
easier the job will be. If you have to work out in the street,
then PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND WATCH OUT FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC!!
--Bob
Dear Bob,
My question is simple... can a novice backyard mechanic take on a
head gasket or head replacement themselves?
Here is the situation. My neighbor owns a 1985 Toyota pickup (4
cyl, 4 wd) with 130k miles on it. He has already replaced the
brake master cylinder, brake pads, radiator, new tires and the cab
is rust free. However, he thinks the head gasket may have blown.
There is coolant in the oil and it runs rough after it gets warm
(it runs fine when it is cool). He has offered to give the vehicle
to me for free. Right now it would be a project repair and not a
vehicle I need right away. So is it possible for a novice backyard
mechanic to tackle a job like this on the first time out?
Although I haven't worked on cars before, now that I have two
small children and less of a budget, I need to start doing my own
repairs. Is there anyway to identify if it is the head gasket or
head itself that has a problem without disassembly? What book
would you recommend to take a novice through this type of repair?
Thanks in advance.
Tom
Tom,
Since this is not your main means of transportation, then the
question is really up to you. I would suggest getting the repair
manual and read through it thoroughly. Pay special attention to
the section on motor rebuilding. Since it's not your main car,
you can take your time. If something gets a little tough, you can
stop and figure it out. You will basically have to take the whole
upper part of the engine apart and remove it just to get
clearance. You have to remove the exhaust, the intake, the
alternator and all other accessories. When it comes time to
putting it back together, make sure you have a good torque wrench
and tighten to manufactures specs. Also, I believe that it is an
aluminum block and head... you might have to get the head machined
to make sure that it is true (flat). again, read the book. It
will take some time, but if your handy and can turn a wrench, then
I think you could do it. Also remember to pay special attention
to the timing. I believe that this motor has over head cam. So
your timing marks are very critical. I would suggest that you set
the motor at top dead center on number one cylinder then remove
the battery so the engine can NOT be cranked. This way, you will
have a good point of reference when it's time to go back together.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob
The Auto Answer Guy?
Bob answers your auto questions. If you have a question for Bob just sent it to him though The Dollar Stretcher (AskBob@stretcher.com)
TIPS, QUIPS, QUOTES AND QUESTIONS
I am trying to find something to do at home. I have tried marykay
avon and amway.. I am just no good at selling. This is cause I
cant approach people. And I don't have a whole lot of money to put
into something. But I do want to work at home. But I need
something I don't have to go out and get clients.. advertise on
the web fine I got a webpage just itching to be used.. but I don't
know of anything that advertizes that way. I can do crafts, Sew,
knit, crochet. I got a BBA in accounting and I tutored in college
for years. I am working on my programming degree at home but am
not finished yet. I just want to be able to work at home with my
son and wanted to know if anyone is in a business or knows of a
business that needs home workers. Thanks.
--MC
A friend that shares my copy of your newsletter has a question.
She has a black vinyl couch that has developed a hole. Any
suggestions on how to repair it ? Nothing she's tried has worked
and she'd like to hang onto it.
Thanks,
LL for MB
Perhaps one of your readers or you can give me a bit of guidance.
I'm looking for a good source of information about the tax and
income advantages of purchasing a duplex or triplex as an
investment. Any help would be appreciated.
Bill
Our house also has all custom size windows. I made a curtain for
the french door in the bathroom using a tablecloth top I got on
sale for $5, with the lining and thread I made it for under $10.
Be creative when looking for fabric. This would have required 4
yds of fabric which I could not have gotten for $5. I shop at
discount fabric houses as well. I used inexpensive sheets and
trimmed them with a ruffle to make curtains for my daughters room.
I also made a valence for a window and will do draperies soon. I
bought two patterns when they were on sale for 99 cents for how to
instructions. However, I designed my own valence after looking at
some custom ones. Also, New York Fabrics near me has a lot of
samples on display of easy to make window coverings and
instructions. If you want more information on general sewing,
check out the newsgroup rec.crafts.textiles.sewing.
--Irene
Why use drapes at all? I have a house which gets full sun all day and no air-conditioning. I live in Lou., KY where our summers are hot and humid too. I used aluminum foil on my windows instead of the film like you did but it works quite well to reflect the sun away. Easily removed in the fall too.
As for the drapes, I bought enough backing fabric to make drape backs only. I bought blankets to use for the drapes. They come in longer lengths than most drapes. I have 7 ft windows and they fit quite well. I used the simple straight double curtain rods. Sewed a small straight hem in the backing fabric. Then made 12 button holes along the top of each. Then slipped shower curtain rings through the holes and hung them. The backing on the back rod and the blanket on the front one.
To cover up the rings and rods to make it look nicer I made a window box out of cardboard and covered it with scrap fabric which matched. The window box doesn't need to be made from anything heavy because it doesn't have to hold up any weight. I just stapled the window box to the wall. Cardboard is free so if I tire of the style, I simply get another box and make a new one in a different shape. Wash and reuse the fabric.
From across the room they look like "luxurious" type fabric drapes
with a custom box over them. Remember, the darker the room the
cooler it will be. The sun can't make it hot if it can't get in.
--Anita
Try Star Blind Co. I just finished using them to order blinds made by Hunter-Douglas (a good brand). Starblind prices are about half what I was getting quoted locally. Their number is 800-923- 7811.
Find out from Starblind what mfrs. they can order from. Then go to a store and get your order details as to fabric, style, etc.
I then looked in the phonebook and found a local installer who for
$80 came by to measure for placing the order. Then he came back
once the order arrived and installed. All for $80! Starblind is
on the net at:
http://www.neosoft.com/~starblnd/
You check out prices and styles from various manuf's. there.
Good Luck!
Phil M.
(Editor's note: If you'd like more drapery suggestions check out http://www.stretcher.com/stories/970808a.htm)
The best way is to not buy prepared or packaged convenience foods. They are hugely expensive and usually high in sugar or salt to make up for the fat.
You can adapt most baked goods by substituting something for the butter or oil called for. For example, in a sweet, such as brownie, use prune puree or mashed bananas or apple sauce instead of the fat. If the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use one cup of applesauce. You may need to play with this, but it does work. For savories, such as corn bread, etc, I use canned creamstyle corn.
You can also do without eggyolk in cooking. There are 5 grams of fat in each egg yolk! For each whole egg, use 2 egg whites instead. Or if the egg is used to bind as opposed to helping the product rise, you can use 1/4 cup soft tofu.
In recipes that call for sauteeing onions and garlic, etc, in oil before adding other ingredients, leave out the oil, you can sautee in a small amount of broth, wine, balsamic vinegar or apple juice. These liquids add wonderful flavor and no fat.
Gravies or white sauces turn out very well using skim milk or skim evaporated milk for a richer taste.
For a great bread or cracker spread, Drain one can of any white
beans (navy or northern are good) put into food processor and
blend until smooth, adding the saved liquid as required for proper
consistency. To flavor, add a few cloves of roasted garlic or a
tablespoon or horseradish. Or add your favorite herbs. Salt and
pepper to taste.
--Jan G
The way to go is vegetarian -beans, grains, veggies, fruit are
low-fat and extremely healthy. There are a number of recipe sites
and newsgroups that deal with eating lowfat veggie.
fatfree@fatfree.com has lots of recipes. Books dealing with this
are written(available in the library) by Gabe Mirkin, Dean Ornish,
Dr.MacDougall, Steve Raichlen, etc. These are healthy ways to eat
better, eat much less fat, save money and save your life.
Good Luck
Andrea K
(Editor's note: for more low fat tips visit:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/970808b.htm
)
All of the discount stores in our area are now running their back to school 'sales', but we pass them up. If you look closely at the supplies list, you will find that only a few of the items are needed at the start of school, most if not all of which you can supply from home (1 pencil, a note book, etc), as most real work doesn't start for a couple of days as they distribute books and such.
After school starts, go back to the discount stores and purchase
during the clearance sale. You might not get first choice of
colors and styles, but yellow pencils write just like florescent
ones and paper is paper.
--mg
school lunches:
1) cold cereal and a thermos of milk (this is my daughter's and
her principal's favorite; what a way to ensure that the milk will
be used). I include a plastic bowl and a spoon.
2) bagel with cream cheese/slice of cheese.
3) cut up cheese, bologna/salami/ham/turkey with crackers ( to
fend off the Lunchables' craze)
4) yogurt, with a small bag of cheerios to add on top
5) peanut butter and jelly/honey, with p.b spread thinly on both
sides of bread to prevent sogginess
6) celery/carrot/green pepper/cucumber slices with yogurt ranch
dip/thinned peanut butter dip
7) granola bar sandwich : two bars with peanut butter in between.
8) sliced hard boiled egg with crackers.
9) big apple-oatmeal muffin.
--Ann
On backpacks - I felt that my kids were just wanting to be trendy when requesting a certain brand of backpack [Jansport]. I refused to spend the $30 x 3 kids. When we moved and they had to change schools mid year I relented and bought them as a sort of consolation gift because I felt bad for them. Well, lo and behold - those backpacks take a beating!! They have been using the same ones for 2 1/2 years now. And not only for school, but for travel, sleepovers, going to the beach, etc. I've washed them in the machine, etc. and not had a problem at all. I just don't usually machine dry them. The only problems I've noticed as they get older are zipper problems. Since the packs come with a lifetime guarantee I guess I will contact the manufacturer and see how I should go about returning them for replacements if the zippers become too problematic. If you have a Costco in your area they had these packs priced at $19.99 two weeks ago! That is a 33% savings over the regular retail store price. I even offered my daughter a new one, [in a very unfrugal move]; she had written on hers and I thought it looked messy. I figured at that price, why not? But the frugality in her won out and she declined my offer. What a good kid!!
Also, this may not save during back to school season, but it will
save all year long. During the back to school sales, stock up on
supplies at very, very cheap prices. Local stores here are
offering filler paper for .38/200 sheets, 1 subject notebooks
4/$1, etc. During the school year these items must be
replenished, and you won't find yourself spending more than you
wanted to for last minute replacements when there are no longer
any sale prices.
--Stephanie
Editor's note: you can find more back to school suggestions at:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/970808c.htm
Your auto tips about cleaning the battery terminals with baking soda and water is correct but should have been more comprehensive.
While scrubbing the terminals with this mixture to remove all of the corrosion be sure to protect the battery fill holes from having any of this mixture go into the holes, it will damage the storage capacity of the battery. This can be done by placing a dam around the terminal made from an old towel. This will keep this cleaning mixture local. Flushing of the cleaned terminals can be done with clean water.
Petroleum jelly should be used sparingly as too much will tend to turn to liquid when it gets hot. Another easy on protectant is WD-40.
I've been using these methods for years and have very little
battery trouble due to bad connections.
--Rick in Houston
Subscribe to "The Dollar Stretcher" free weekly email newsletter
look through the 'by subject' index
check out Past Issues of Newsletter
drop by 'Tips, Quips & Quotes'
visit the Dollar Stretcher Resource Center
send email to the Editor of "The Dollar Stretcher"
Copyright 1997 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc.". All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Write to the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
949 E. Cypress Creek Rd.
Suite 101
Ft. Lauderdale,
FL 33334