SOME FRUGAL TIPS FOR YOU

Here are some frugal tips for you to consider:

*Cut out all those expensive sodas and drink water. It is healthier for you.

*Use Public Transportation as much as possible. I know that when I briefly lived in Atlanta I used what they call the "Marta" and saved big time. Think of the gas money you will be keeping in your wallet.

*Shop for clothes on the clearance racks or if you have a great thrift store in your town go there for shopping.

*Check out your movies from the library instead of renting them.

*When you need big ticket items check your local For Sale classifieds. For example, A year ago I needed a new fridge and I started looking at fridges at the appliance stores and noticed that the cheapest deal was for $500. I then looked in the classifieds and found one that looked brand new and absolutely perfect for $200 (it was even bigger than the one at the stores). I happy to report that my fridge is still working great and I was happy to save $300 on my purchase.

*Don't buy books, check them out at the library.

*Collect all extra change in a piggy bank and cash it in after it gets full. I have done this several times and one time I had $200.

* Cut down on the loads of laundry by declaring one or two days "laundry days" and make your family stick to it. You can save money by using less detergent and water by combining loads of clothes. I have a friend that has 8 in the house counting her and her husband and they started doing this laundry system and was surprised at how much they saved on detergent by combining loads.

*For cleaning products you can buy store brands or make your own.

*Cut, sort, and use coupons that come in the newspaper every Sunday.

*Plan meals before you go to the grocery store and make a specific list for the items needed. Watch your sale ads for any great deals.

*A lot of oil change places have what is known as "Ladies Day", for which they offer discounted services.