Moist Slow Cooker Meals

When you are cooking with a slow cooker, remember that cheaper cuts of
meat do much better (such as chuck roasts or chuck steaks). Very lean
cuts of beef come out very dry. Chicken legs or thighs generally will
give a more moist end result than chicken breast. If you do use chicken
breast, use the whole breasts, not the boneless skinless breasts, since
they will remain moister. Remove the bones and skin after cooking.

Also, remember to use enough liquid to cook over a long period of time.
Liquids like chicken or beef broth or cream soups diluted with water
make very good gravies in the slow cooker.
Linda

Just Right Light

Instead of using compact fluorescent lights to save on money and
energy, try using dimmers with incandescent bulbs. Dimmers can help add
interest to a room and save energy. We really don’t like the blue cast of
the CF bulbs. The dimmers have been working perfectly.
Christine

Order? On Hold

Catalogs are enticing but also budget-busting. I look through the
catalog and fill out the order form with what I think I want or need. Then I
put it away, out of sight. Usually, I forget about the “order.” When I
see the catalog again, I can look at the form, and almost always, I
think, “Why did I want or think I needed that?”
Karla

Before the Store

We always stop at a local pawnshop when considering a new tool
purchase, and more often than not, we find just what we need at a really
affordable price. The same is true with bicycles, vacuum cleaners, etc. So
far, I’ve always gotten a quality item for a fraction of the new price.
Beth H. in San Marcos, TX

Moonlighting

I moonlight at a major nationwide retailer. Not only do I get to take
advantage of the discounts to keep my growing kids clothed (as well as
my husband and myself), but also it adds more money to the monthly
budget. It also allows me to take advantage of a 10% discount at our daycare
center. Hanging on the wall of our break room is a list of benefits
from cell phones to savings accounts that employees can take advantage
of.
Stacey E.

Quick Odor Remover

To quickly get rid of odors in a room, simply put one fabric dryer
sheet on the back of a fan. The suction holds the sheet in place and
quickly makes the room smell fresh and clean.
Jeanine P.

Olive Oil Savings

Virgin olive oil is so expensive! However, it does provide an extra
olive taste, which is nice in certain recipes. Being on a budget and not
wanting to sacrifice taste too much, I have mixed (in a bottle) 1/3
extra virgin olive oil to 2/3 canola oil. It tastes great, and it’s much
more economical!
Colleen P.

Almost Empty

After changing the oil in your car, place a funnel in one of the empty
quarts. Now turn another quart upside down in the funnel and allow the
small amount left to drain into the bottom quart. Repeat with all
“empty” quarts. You may need to lean the top quart against a wall to
stabilize it. You will be surprised by how much is left in the “empties.” It
won’t be enough to save on oil changes, but it will be enough for those
small jobs, such as putting into an oil squirt can to oil lawn mower or
tractor parts.
Jean B.

Black Mold Solution

I had black mold on my bedroom ceiling and walls near the
bathroom doorway, presumably caused by the moisture from
taking showers. I cleaned it once or twice a year with a bleach/water
mixture, but it always came back. Finally I heard that borate would kill
mold and prevent it from coming back. It worked!

I used Borax detergent, which contains borate, and dissolved some in
water in a bucket. I washed the mold from the walls and ceiling using a
sponge, then wiped the area down one last time and let it air dry.
Letting the borate air dry on the surface is the trick to preventing the
mold from coming back. I’ve done this in two rooms in my house and it has
worked great. I doubt it would be a lasting solution in a shower or tub
that gets used on a regular basis.
GPW

Cooling Bills Reduced

For those who have central heating/cooling systems, make sure that your
closet doors are closed. If you have even just two walk-in closets
open, it’s like heating or cooling another room. Think of all the money
you will be saving without a loss of quality of life!
Cheryl

For the Good Driver

If you are a cautious driver and have a low-incidence of auto
accidents, it might be worthwhile to consider dropping the “rental coverage” on
your insurance plan. In our case, it had been a combined 16 years
between my husband and me since the last accident we were involved in. I had
decided to drop the “rental coverage” a while ago on our plan because
it was an expensive option.

When I was rear-ended a year ago, I did indeed need a rental car to get
around, but we had some savings that we used to pay for the rental
car. And upon talking to my adjuster, I found that if we were found to not
be at fault, the offender’s insurance would reimburse our rental
expense. I was indeed found to be innocent in the accident, and I did get
reimbursed for the $200 for the rental vehicle.
Sue T.
Gary Foreman
The Dollar Stretcher