Reply #133: Great advice!

[Nicole]

I'm already doing many of those things & I have for years.

I only take just enough cash for groceries on my list when I'm planning to pick up a few things. If I don't have the extra cash, I can't spend it on impulse items. Of course that doesn't work too well when I'm doing my big monthly shopping trip, I use my debit card then. I'm talking about the small trips to pick up bread, milk, etc., I use cash only for those things.

I never buy anything at the grocery store other than food. Non food items can wreck your food budget.
Plastic, paper & all cleaning supplies are bought at the dollar store. Beauty & hygiene products I buy at the drug store or beauty supply store.

Choice of landscaping can really impact your utility bills. I plant evergreens on the north side of the house, they help block the cold air in winter. I plant deciduous trees & shrubs on the south side. They shade my home in summer but they let the sun in during the winter.