Here’s What to Do When the Power Goes Out in Your Home

 

Photo source:  Readers Digest

"How ready are you for the next power outage? With causes ranging from thunderstorms to natural disasters to electrical grid issues, power outages are common around the country, and they go on far longer than you might think. If it happens to you, and it will eventually, you need to know what to do when the electricity goes out." Comment from Readers Digest

Those of us living in hurricane territory are mostly aware of power outages, however, everyone should know what to do.

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article to find out.

How to tell if your phone is hacked

 

Photo source:  Readers Digest

"Could cybercriminals be infiltrating your bank account or stealing your identity right now? Here’s how to find out if your phone is under attack."  Comment from Readers Digest

I've often wondered about how to check my phone.  Now I know.  Check out the article if you want to know too.

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Grocery Store Items with the Highest Markups

 

Photo source:  Readers Digest

"If you’re trying to figure out how to save money on groceries, you need to shop smart. Start by avoiding shrinkflation—when product sizes decrease, but their prices don’t—a sneaky tactic brands hope you don’t notice. You can avoid shrinkflation with the help of websites like Mouse Print, that advocate for consumers. Get familiar with grocery store secrets and supermarket tricks to conserve cash. And finally, save up to half off your total bill by simply avoiding the steep markup on certain items, including the ones listed below."  Comment from Readers Digest

I need to pay more attention to this article because I am doing everything wrong.  Not a good frugalista thing to do!

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple UPDATE

 

Photo Source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever tossed out milk the second it hit its “Sell By” date, only to later wonder if you just poured money down the drain? You’re not alone. Food expiration date labels are confusing on purpose (well, almost). The truth is, most dates are about quality, not safety. And knowing the difference between “Best By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By” can save you a small fortune over time. Let’s decode the mystery so you can waste less, save more, and maybe even brag about your grocery smarts."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

That is exactly what I was thinking yesterday when I threw away almost a full bottle of milk.  I'd love to get educated on this since I throw away so much.  Could this be a food industry ploy to get you to spend more money?

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

And here is another article . . .

What Best-By Dates Really Mean, According to Food Scientists 
Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

12 Foods You Must Toss After Their Expiration Date

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Things You Should Always Wash In Cold Water

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"On laundry day, it may be tempting to lump whites and darks into two big piles to make quick work of the overwhelming mound of dirty clothes in your laundry room. But besides color and fabric type, the temperature of the water you wash your laundry in matters too. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics like wool or silk, or cause them to shrink. Your new satin blouse may be clean, but you don’t want it to come out of the washing machine a size smaller. Cold water is safer for washing these items. Before you separate your laundry, check this list for things to always wash in cold water."  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article and learn how to prevent having to spend money on more clothes by taking proper care of what you have.

Tricks For Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink You Need To Know

 

Photo source:  Chowhound.com

"When it comes to kitchen maintenance issues, nothing is quite as frustrating as a blocked kitchen sink. But before you go calling a plumber at those expensive premiums, there are many ways you can try solving this issue yourself. Whether it's a combination of the best natural ingredients, a heavy-duty chemical solution, or another hack for clearing a drain, there are many ways to resolve a stubborn clog."  Comment from chowhound.com 

I've used some of these tricks and they do work.

Click here to go to the Chowhound.com article. 

Appliance Maintenance

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"It was Christmas Eve, and our refrigerator decided to play the ultimate prank by hitting 70°F. With guests due any minute, I was in full-on panic mode. That’s when I discovered the lifesaving power of DIY appliance service. A little quick maintenance, and we narrowly avoided a holiday disaster. This experience drove home the importance of regular appliance upkeep—something that can save you a lot of headaches and money down the road."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Be prepared to take of these appliance maintenance tasks and save a lot of money.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

Safely Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"The dreaded "dry clean only" tag may have you skipping over that boutique item even though it would make a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe. But is there a way to wash dry-clean-only items at home? 

Below, garment care experts and laundry professionals share how to wash dry-clean-only clothes at home—and when a professional dry cleaner is absolutely necessary."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Back in my working days, I would go to the dry cleaners once a week and spent way too much money.  Not now!

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article and find out how you can save money on dry cleaning.

Easy Ways to Make Your Jeans Last Much Longer

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever feel like your jeans give up on you way too soon? Turns out, most of us are literally washing them to death. The fix is surprisingly simple and it doesn’t require fancy detergents or expensive denim care kits. A few small changes to your laundry routine can keep your jeans looking brand-new for years."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Since I have made some of these changes, I have noticed a big difference.  With the price of jeans these, I really appreciate all that I have learned.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

The Frugal Habits That Never Go Out of Style

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Anyone who’s spent real time testing what actually saves money knows the truth: It’s not the flashy stuff. It’s the quiet, repeatable habits, the ones that work whether the economy is booming, sputtering, or doing something in between."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

I've written about some of my frugal habits.  They are little things that adapt to my lifestyle.  If you are serious about being sensible with your spending habits, you will find a way since you know your needs.  Check out Mary's article and it may inspire ways that will conform with your routine.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article for some inspiration.