When you are in debt, you obviously need to stretch your dollar as far as you can. With the cost of living nowadays I tell you that isn’t too far. Here are some extra things I am doing to save and make money, as well as my thoughts, some helpful tidbits and anything that may be inspirational.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 – Worrying about money can be stressful and you really need to take care of your health. So I went to the health food store to get some vitamins. Normally I get a 15% discount because hey I am a good health-conscious customer. On my way out, I saw their flyer on the stand so I browsed through it to see if there was any other specials. Well lo and behold it had a 25% off coupon in it so I went back to the nice clerk who had failed to tell me about the extra discount. That additional 10% saved me $2.50 and in total with the initial 15% it worked out to $6.25 saved.

Thursday, October 8, 2009 – As I was going through my closet, I saw an old bag of clothes that I was planning to sort through to give to charity, which for months (maybe a year) I put off. I decided today is the day to be charitable and maybe one good thing would lead to another. Well it sure did, after I dropped them off, as I was walking towards my car I found a $10 bill on the ground. I couldn’t believe my luck. Unlucky for the guy who lost it but sure was lucky for me. I used that $10 to put gas in my car so I actually ended up getting free gas.

Friday, October 9, 2009 – Today I saw an ad in the paper that said “we pay top dollar for your gold, gold  jewelry, scrap gold, etc”. I looked through my jewelry box and found a few broken pieces of gold jewelry so I took those to the nearby gold-buying store. They paid me $50. I’m not sure if it was top dollar but boy was I happy to get that extra money as I needed to get some groceries and pay a bill.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 - I save money on food expenses by going to my mother’s house for supper, which is often (okay every day). On my way,  I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some chicken and vegetables. These days most of those grocery stores have club cards where you can get discounts or bonus points for products. Well the chicken was discounted with  the club card but when I went to the till somehow it was not ringing in at the discount. Good thing I noticed that and informed the grocery clerk because that was a $1 that I was saving. I imagine a lot of items get scanned at the wrong price and  people shopping need to watch because you could be out some money.

Sunday, October 11, 2009 – My sister who hangs out at the flea market every weekend, called and said she sold my old video camera bag and two perfume testers (I got as gifts) for a total of $35. I am not a big fan of flea markets and going by her overall  track record, I always wondered do people really make any money there. I guess some  must since they are there every week. She usually just covers her table cost and lunch. For her, as she says, is a place to get away from it all but I think it is to mingle and eat out.  In any case, she was happy because the deal was she gets 40% for selling them. I netted $21 and right now every little  bit helps.

Monday, October 12, 2009 – Today is Canadian Thanksgiving. I am thankful that I am not homeless (not yet anyway). I am also thankful that my cat “Kitty” survived her ordeal almost 2 years ago when she got lost & badly injured (a touching story of its own) and found her way home (3 months later).  She gives me inspiration and hope when things look bleak.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 – After a big Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, today I decided to skip one meal. Don’t worry I could afford to lose a few pounds and I drank water instead.  Skipping one meal not only saved me in food costs but it helped me realize that I am lucky that I do have food on the table, while there are unfortunate people in other parts of the world that are going hungry daily.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 – Today I entered a free contest for a 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster car. I figure if I win, I could sell it,  pay my debts and buy a cheaper car.

Thursday, October 15, 2009 – Today I groomed Kitty. I gave her a sponge bath…which is the safest way to bathe a cat…because she doesn’t like to soak in any water (like most cats) and will make like lightning to the nearest exit. So I avoid any fur flying and accidental scratching by giving her a sponge bath, brush her fur and clip her nails…while she patiently sits and purrs.  By doing her grooming myself rather than take her to some fancy pet spa (and she comes out looking like a puffball), I am saving quite a bit of money and at the same time gives me quality time bonding with my feline friend.

Friday, October 16, 2009 – I saved around $20 today by getting my friend to cut my hair. No she isn’t a professional hairdresser and nor did she ever give any proof that she could cut hair. All she said is she could cut my hair and I took her word for it. It looks fine…it’ll grow out.

Saturday, October 17, 2009 – Today I took a bunch of recyclable bottles to the nearby bottle depot. That was worth taking them in as it got me $12.75 back.

Sunday, October 18, 2009 – I read a story in the newspaper about a 97-year old woman in California, who is homeless and living in her SUV. I felt really saddened that an elderly person has to go through the last years of her life in these conditions and begging for help, while being ignored or looked down upon by some passerbyers.  I am glad to see her situation, through the media, has brought to light the conditions of homeless people. I really was moved by her story and even though I’m having my own financial problems, I am going to send a few dollars in the mail to her. Everyone needs hope when their situation seems hopeless.

Monday, October 19, 2009 – Now that I am on a tighter budget, I look more now for ways to save money. So I am doing things to help save  on energy costs, like turn off lights and wash laundry only when I have a full load.  I read somewhere of what the yearly savings on your electric bill amount to for just doing these simple things: turning lights off you are not using  $219,  washing  laundry in cold water $167, putting your computer to sleep/standby when not using $143. Every little bit helps.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 – The neighbor’s tree overhangs in my yard and some of his apples fell off and landed in my yard. Since they fell in my yard and I didn’t pick it off his tree, I figured they belonged to me. So I got some free apples and did the neighbor a favor by picking them up for him.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 – To make a dent in my debt and reduce the interest costs, I am concentrating on paying out the credit card with the highest interest rate and move down on my list. Meaning I will pay minimum payments on the rest but the one with the higher interest will get extra payments, until eliminated.

Thursday, October 22, 2009 - Today I read in the  newspaper the swine flu is spreading and they were going to give out vaccines next week. That’s all I need…worry about my debt and the swine flu too. Since I can’t afford to get the swine flu, my plan is not to get it.

Friday, October 23, 2009 – When I was shopping for toilet paper today, I chose cheaper price over comfort.  I usually now wait for a sale for brand products before I buy but I don’t stock up…because it doesn’t fit in my budget to do so.  There will always will be another sale so I don’t get why people feel they need to stock up just because they see the word “sale”.

Saturday, October 24, 2009 – To do my part for the environment, I recycle paper. That is whatever flyers, newspapers, etc I get I put it in the blue bin out for the recycle guys.  I also buy recycled paper because not only is it cheaper but again it helps the environment. So by recycling paper I end up saving money over the long run.

Sunday, October 25, 2009 – At the grocery store today, I used my points on my club card to save $.70 off cucumbers I bought. On my receipt I realized I had a lot of points that I need to start using so next time I will make sure to look at items that I can get cheaper (or free)  by using my points on my club card. As they say a penny saved is a penny earned…but I’ll need a lot more pennies to get out of debt!

Monday, October 26, 2009 - The great thing about window shopping is you can look at things you like and not having to worry about which one to buy. When you don’t have the money, it makes the decision all the more easier…buy nothing.