Mom's Gadgets

I got tagged by Carrie (who was tagged by Tiffany) to complete this meme. I love tags so here goes my list of 15 things we do to save money.

1. I try to use OpenSource software wherever I can.
2. I don’t drive fast or floor the gas pedal every time the light turns green. It pays in more ways than one to drive safely.
3. I save all plastic tubs and containers and use them to pack lunch for school or save left overs. Love those ice cream tubs too. You can store lots of stuff in those.
4. I use PaperBackSwap to trade books I’ve read and request those I want. Love this site. Of course, some books you’re on a really long waiting list but that’s OK. I also like that I get rid of some the clutter on my book shelf this way. They also have Swap A CD site. I also read a lot of free fiction ebooks on my PDA.
5. To save a receipt online or any important page, instead of printing to paper, I print to PDF instead. It retains all the original information on the page and even has a timestamp so I can back it up if need to. If I must print, I use ClickBook to print 4 pages on one sheet. Two pages on each side.
6. Turn off the lights when not in the room, don’t keep the water running when brushing my teeth. Now, if I can only get that SkyStream windmill to generate my own power ;)!
7. I buy store brands. This it not a rule though, some store brand items you end up using more so you don’t really save. But if they work fine, tastes good, smells decent it’s store brands all the way.
8. I believe in natural beauty minimal make up. If I wear anything it’s usually just lipstick. Don’t do nails either. Even when I did, I always did them myself.
9. We’ve always used fluorescent bulbs in our house.
10. We don’t decline any hand me downs. We just got a super huge bag from my sister in law. Just in time for school. They were beautiful, quality clothes too.
11. I save & re-use all those pretty gift bags and even the tissue. Used to save wrapping paper too but many of them are so thin these days they get ripped easy.
12. I work from home! Yes! Love this one. No extra clothing to buy, no outside lunches that cost a ton.
13. I record all the kid movies on local TV and make them into DVD’s for the kiddos. Those DVD’s cost way too much.
14. We only use pre-paid cell phones. With our call volume, we just can’t justify another monthly bill.
15. I use Skype for all long distance! Can’t beat $30/year.

Okay, it’s your turn. What do you do? I’ll also keep the ball rolling by tagging three friends and the lucky ones are…

Carin, Hooi Imm and Nish

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