We had some great comments from readers in April.
What Don’t You Do with Your Money
Cheryl emailed:
“This one really hit home…we think the same way as you…we are frugal in some areas so we can do other things that we like to do. We recycle a lot of things; save them and then reuse; like door knobs, drawer pulls, mini blinds etc. We reuse what our parents and grandparents used…no need to buy new; ie: garden tools, kitchen appliances and kitchen utensils. My husband uses old tools, (old but well made and efficient); He will put a new handle on, sharpen blades and so on. Our wood curtain rods with decorative end caps were also my grandmother’s that had been saved by my parents. Thank heavens they had a large attic!!
Today I pulled my grandmothers wooden wheelbarrow out to work in the garden!!!”
I love it, Cheryl. If the old tool still works and is in good shape, why replace it! I can understand replacing prominent appliances if they don’t match this decade’s styles, but most tools pop in and out of the closet as needed. And, you’re lucky to have access to grandma’s attic for those lovely curtain rods!
“What systems do you use to organize your finances, so that your bills are paid on time?” (Facebook)
On Facebook, Vicki Heise wrote:
Hi Jill! I use a single sheet of paper that lists bills in due date order to make sure I don’t miss anything. It has columns for accounts, amount due, bill received, due date, amount due, how to pay, and online usernames and passwords. Most of the info is pre-filled so it’s easy to check if any bills are missing and see if the info is correct. Recently I added incoming monies to the list so I can see the cash flow too. It’s made paying bills and handling the $$$ so much easier!
I love it, Vicki! Whether you use paper or a software spreadsheet, there’s something to be said for seeing your payment and income schedule all on one page!
And Amy J. R. wrote:
I pay bills once a month through bill pay directly from checking account. It works great because I can see everything so nothing is missed and it’s quick and easy. Some bills are withdrawn automatically every month. I save the bills as they come in the mail throughout the month and check them before I pay just to be sure I have the amount correct.
You’re brilliant, Amy! Not only are you keeping track but you’re double checking to make sure you’re being charged the right amount.
“How do you find extra money to put into savings each month?” (Facebook)
On Facebook, Amy J.R. wrote:
We use ING savings accounts where a set amount is automatically withdrawn each month from our checking and put into various individual accounts.
Automatic withdrawals are the way to go! I love that you have individual savings accounts for different purposes.
Which bills or services have you eliminated in an effort to balance your household budget?
On Facebook, Whitney B. wrote:
Unused memberships, subscriptions and cut back on cell phones and cable services.
And Jennifer C. wrote:
Have not eliminated but renegotiated fees etc.
Renegotiating what you do use and cutting back on what you don’t use. These are great ways to save money without giving anything up!
Thank you for your sharing your wisdom in April everyone!
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