9 Extreme Ways to Save

No Spending = Recession and Depression

I am all for this no spending stuff myself because I am broke.

But in reality, what we are doing to our country is going to lead to a severe recession and even a depression if we keep saying "DON'T SPEND" and "let's save!" and push further past the already "green" environmental awareness stuff we are trying to do.

If we stop spending to get off of credit card debt, then our economy gets flushed down the drain which will lead to more unemployment which equals DEPRESSION.

If we as a nation want to go back to a 3rd world country or even becoming primative, go for it!

Just be aware!

Stephanie of PA @ Nov 10, 2008 10:55:29 AM

cookies = evil

Cookies = $ spent on ingredients, extra toothpaste, dental bills, sit-ups or bigger clothes. Lets not start the health conversation. Choose half of a dark choclate bar if you have to have sweets. Cocao has some of the same properties as Prozac.

diane of GA @ Oct 22, 2008 07:03:41 AM

Buy at Cost

I became a member of DirectBuy in the Los Angeles area a few months back when I needed to replace a few appliances. I saved $1,000 on my first purchase through them. Now this is a very different way of buying but once you get into it it works very well. Direct Buy offers me a way to buy direct from the manufacture which is the same cost a store pays. So what I pay as a member is the same a store pays before they make their profit. Think of it as an investment. Because of the confidential pricing you have to make an appointment to get in. The quickest way for me was through their website http://www.directbuylosangeles.com

Rob Selisenger of CA @ Oct 07, 2008 01:36:41 AM

Baking cookies in the car

is not that extreme. You can create a solar oven that will do the same thing - cardboard and tin-foil, mostly - if you want to bake cookies on a hot day without increasing the strain on your AC.

Not just cookies, either. The car is just a modified hot-box, and there's really no reason to let that heat go to waste. If you want "extreme," build a still in your back yard to get drinking water...or build a solar toilet...build an energy efficient house using old tires and tin cans...

Lauren of @ Sep 29, 2008 11:35:46 AM

Baking cookies in the car?

It will have to get pretty bad before I bake cookies in the car. Whoever thought of that one needs to audition for the reality show Survivor.

of MN @ Sep 29, 2008 11:21:24 AM

Forego the Dryer

Quit using the clothes dryer. Hang wet clothes on hangers (you'll have to do it anyway) and purchase drying racks for other items. It doesn't take that long to hang them up.

There's an additional advantage on dry days, especially in the winter time... it adds humidity to the room. You won't need a humidifier!

If you just can't give up fluffy towels, hang-dry until almost completely dry, then pop them in the dryer for five minutes, or less.

Do all this with a cousin, a friend, a spouse, or a willing child and it can actually be a really pleasant little activity!

TheSmallThingsInLife of @ Sep 27, 2008 14:51:50 PM

And...

Adding to Darlene's tip about thift stores and garage sales: supplementing your clothes (and shoes) closet this way is an outstanding way to save bucks, definitely. Designer brands are commonly available in the up-scale neighborhoods! (yes, those folks have garage sales, too)

This is also an excellent way to buy small appliances (toaster ovens, coffee pots, etc.), sheets and towels, deco items, Xmas decorations - all for nickels on the dollar!

Happy shopping!

Ultimate Bargain Shopper of TX @ Sep 17, 2008 09:59:18 AM

Car

Please don't follow the foolish instruction to turn off the car. This can work with a basic car without any electronic equipment, not in todays american cars. a lot of things , including your steering wheel can get jammed.

emmarcee of NY @ Sep 16, 2008 13:39:26 PM