The irritating thing is you don’t need any of these harsh cleaners to get your floors, countertops, appliances, clothing, sinks, toilets and other household gear clean. Just take a peek in your kitchen pantry and I bet you’ll find some of the best (and cheapest) chemical-free cleaners on the planet.

Frugal Cleaning Kit: The apple and banana are my Spring Cleaning snacks — scrubbing with a little elbow grease makes me hungry.

By cutting harsh chemical cleaners from your grocery shopping list and switching to these eco-friendly alternatives, it’s possible to save hundreds of dollars each year on cleaning your home. Don’t believe me? I braved the brand name cleaning aisle at a big box grocery chain to tally the toxic prices and calculate my clean savings — my homemade cleaners win every time. So before stocking up on supplies for this year’s spring cleaning adventure, try these five DIY cleaning solutions around your home and save big.

Caution, Irritant: The photo quality in this article stinks ’cause I stealthfully used my dang cell phone to capture the store prices. Setting up my camera gear (tripod and lighting) in the middle of the cleaning aisle would have caused a stink and gotten my frugal a$$ kicked out of the store. Heck, this post may be banned in a week, so enjoy my dirty pictures while they last.

1. Homemade Glass and Window Cleaner

Is your glass cleaner giving you the blues? The original Windex formulation contains ammonia and some sort of blue stuff. The label says “keep out of reach of children” and “do not mix with other household cleaners”. At $3.77 for a 765mL bottle of blue, I’ll take a shining to my pet friendly, child friendly, and wallet friendly alternative any day of the cleaning week.

Homemade Glass and Window Cleaner Recipe:

1. Mix one part hot water with one part vinegar in a reusable spray bottle.
2. Got More Grime: Add a drop or two of dishwashing liquid to the mix for tougher grease. If the soap streaks, use fewer suds.
3. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid paper waste.

Cleaning Cost: Generic white vinegar is $2.57 for a 4L container with a unit cost of $0.064 per 100mL. A 765mL bottle of Windex cleans your bank balance at $3.77 with a unit cost of $0.493 per 100mL.

The thing is, I use only half to 1 cup of white vinegar to clean my mirrors each year — I need a full bottle of Windex to get the same job done. The winner is vinegar for pennies spent per year. Bonus: Vinegar tastes great on fries — Windex, not so much.

2. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

If you love to spray, you’ll have to pay! Ever notice that all-purpose cleaners marketed in spray bottles cost bank? Maybe its ’cause they’re fun to use and there’s nothing easier than aiming at a mess and spraying it into oblivion. Cut this dirty cost by making your own cleaner, and reuse an old spray bottle.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe:

1. Mix a cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid and 2 cups water in a spray bottle.
2. Got More Grime: Mix a paste of baking soda and water to gently scrub grimy counter tops and stained sinks.
3. Use an old toothbrush to clean corners and cracks and a generic Magic Eraser or microfiber cloth to wipe clean.

Pennies for Paste: Use baking soda to gently scrub sinks and remove stains.

Tip: Don’t let a spill sit and become a stain. Aim to wipe and clean fresh messes to avoid needing the chemical cleaners designed for caked on dirt.

Cleaning Cost: A bottle of Fantastik all-purpose cleaner (with bleach) costs $3.47 for a 650mL bottle — a unit cost of $0.534 per 100mL. A bottle of Dawn dishwashing liquid soap costs $0.99 per 561mL bottle — a unit price of $0.18 per 100mL. The homemade brew costs just pennies per bottle.

3. Homemade Oven Cleaner

Baking soda is one of those ingredients that simply boggles my brain. After reading Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought Of I was still boggled. So I went and cleaned my oven.

Homemade Oven Cleaner Recipe:

1. Make a thick paste by mixing 1 part baking soda to 3 parts hot water.
2. Coat the oven surface with the paste, let sit overnight.
3. Use a plastic spatula (metal will scratch) to remove your greasy oven grime.

Tip: Line your oven bottom with a spilmat oven liner to prevent future buildup. Be sure to wipe the oven clean after each splatter, spill, or bubble-over.

Cleaning Cost: The best deals on baking soda can be found at animal feed stores, where a 10kg bag sells for $0.50 cents per kilogram. Feed store baking soda is not food quality and is coarser than retail brands, but the price for cleaning cannot be beat when compared to grocery store brands selling for $5 per kilogram.

4. Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner

A while ago I shared my favorite floor mop hack in 4 Swiffer Cleaning Hacks for Cheaper Dust-Free Living.

But a simple sweep doesn’t deal with very dirty dog grime or kid mess, so you have to wash the floors eventually. Let’s mop the mess up!

Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner Recipe:

1. Use a damp sponge or microfiber mop to wash wood floors with warm water.
2. Got More Grime: Mix 1/8 cup liquid dishwashing soap with 1/8 cup white vinegar in a 4L (1 gallon) bucket of warm water.

Cleaning Cost: I’ve noted the prices for dishwashing soap and vinegar previously — yeah, it’s cheap at pennies per cleaning.

A big 4.2L jug of Pine-sol floor cleaner will run you $11.99. This stuff can’t be used on some floor surfaces, so be careful!

5. Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Some people like dirty toilet humor. Personally, I find nothing funny about cleaning the can. So I’m not going to kid around here — to get the job over with quickly it helps to have a brand name cleaner. But try this DIY recipe first to see if you can avoid flushing your hard-earned cash down the crapper.

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe:

1. Swish 1/2 cup white vinegar around the toilet bowl. Let stand a few minutes, scrub, and flush.
2. Wipe toilet with homemade all-purpose cleaner and a damp microfiber cloth.
3. Got More Grime: To remove stains, add 1/2 cup Borax to toilet bowl water and let it soak overnight.

Cleaning Cost: You can buy a 76Oz box of Borax for under $15 and use it for a myriad of cleaning tasks including: boosting your laundry detergent, cleaning baby diapers, and as an all-purpose household cleaner. Buy a bottle of generic toilet bowl cleaner for around $3 and you get to clean your can. I’ll take the multi-use Borax and soak my laundry in it. See How to save money on laundry for more dirty tips and tricks.

Your Turn: What’s your best frugal spring cleaning tip?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

The problem with most holiday crackers sold today is they are stuffed with cheap toys and crappy prizes. A decent set can cost you over $50 for 8 crackers, and the gifts inside are still throw-away trinkets.

It’s a snap to make your own crackers, and filling them with personalized messages, thoughtful gifts, and festive paper hats is easy — you probably have many of the materials at home already.

Stuff you’ll need:

• Festive paper
• Toilet paper tubes (1 per cracker)
• Cracker snaps (1 per cracker)
• Ribbon
• Tape, glue gun, or glue stick
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Tissue paper (for paper hats)
• Joke, quote, or riddle
• Present or prize
• Candy (yum)

Total Cost: I’m a sneaky sneaker, so I reused most of my gear from last year. Cracker snaps cost around $5 (or less) at craft stores for a package of 25 snaps. Small quality gifts can be purchased anywhere (even at dollar stores), and crackers used as presents can cost whatever your heart desires. Stick a diamond ring in there for a ‘pop the question’ proposal cracker, and we’re talking thousands. Or add a homemade ornament to each cracker and the cost is only your time.

The trick with homemade crackers is they can be used for a variety of occasions: birthdays, weddings, New Year’s Eve, and even as present toppers or festive table decorations. If Christmas isn’t your thing, then get cracking with other ways to make this fun and frugal project a part of your next party.

Here’s how to make your own party crackers:

Step One: Cut your cracker paper

Your choice of paper can make or break your cracker budget. Thick and opulent papers cost more, while thinner, less fancy wrapping papers cost less. Reusing last year’s unwrinkled gift wrap is free.

The size of your paper depends on the length and width of three toilet paper tubes. Classy, I know.

Lay three tubes side-by-side and measure. My tubes measure 12″ x 6″ (~30.5cm x 15cm) — enough paper for a little overlap when wrapped. Cut as many cracker sheets as you have guests.

Tip: Be sure to use cracker snaps measuring the same length as your toilet paper tubes. If your snaps are too short, it’s hard for your guests to grab a snapper end and achieve a pop.

Step Two: Roll your party cracker

Tape or glue your cracker snap into the central tube.

On the wrong side of your cracker paper, place a piece of tape along the outside of your center tube. If your paper is thick, you may need to use a crafting glue gun to properly seal your cracker. Press taped/glued edge of tube neatly down along the paper.

Align two more tubes on either end of the center tube with the snap neatly placed inside. These extra tubes help you roll a neat and pretty party cracker.

Glue, or stick three pieces of tape along the opposite edge of the wrapping paper. Roll the tubes, and seal it shut to the paper.

Tip: Do not tape or glue your end tubes to your cracker paper. The outside tubes are used to keep your cracker ends looking perfect, and will be removed later.

Step Three: Make a paper hat (optional)

Christmas crackers traditionally contain a colorful paper crown or hat. Making a paper hat is simple, you need: tissue paper, a pair of scissors, and some tape.

How to make a paper hat:

1. Cut a strip of tissue paper to measure 3 1/2″ x 24″ (9cm x 60cm).
2. Tape short edges together with double-sided tape.
3. Fold in half, create a solid crease.
4. Fold in half a second time, create a solid crease.
5. Fold in half a third time, crease it again.
6. Using scissors, cut one edge at an angle.
7. Open to inspect paper crown.
8. Repeat for each party cracker.

Step Four: Fill your crackers

We’ll get to the gift ideas in a sec, but first you’ll need to close one end of your cracker to keep the goodies inside.

How to close a cracker end:

1. Slide out one end tube to create a small 1/4″ gap between it and the center tube.
2. Use your fingers to make a neat crease in the gap.
3. Wrap a piece of ribbon or string around the gap. Tie a bow or use your preferred decorative flourish to finish the ribbon.

Tip: Do not remove the end tube, yet. Keep the tube in place to keep your cracker paper uncreased.

Create cracker jokes:

Cracker jokes are a big part of the fun. Most jokes are terrible groaners, but they can make for a great dinner icebreaker while giving your guests a good laugh. Find your Christmas cracker jokes here, print or write them out, and then cut them to a small size.

Find frugal cracker gifts:

Fold a tiny origami ornament, insert a tiny toy, or add a tasty homemade treat to sweeten the deal. Other frugal gifts ideas include: re-gifting items you won’t use, quality dollar store finds (I found a camera tripod), and homemade crafts, delicious teas, toys, or games. A tiny deck of cards is always fun for kids to play with after dessert is served.

Or make the cracker the gift itself by adding a piece of jewelry, a gift card, or a gift certificate from a favorite store. Want to propose this holiday season? Make a romantic wedding cracker.

Fill the open cracker end with a gift, a paper hat (crown), candy, and a joke.

This is the fun part, so use your creativity to customize each cracker for a specific guest. I’m putting a Bear Safety Hiking Bell in Carl’s cracker this year — we have a bear den near our home.

Step Five: Decorate your party cracker

Close the final cracker end using the tips from Step Four. Use crafting stamps, stickers, or a width of gift wrap to add a few finishing touches to your cracker.

Carefully remove the cracker end tubes. Be careful not to remove your cracker snap.

Put your festive holiday crackers on presents or set them at the dinner table for decoration, and watch the frugal holiday fun unfold.

More Holiday Fun:

• 8 Homemade Gifts in a Jar
• Gift Ideas: Books about Money, Honey!
• 11 Ways to Wrap Gifts without Wrapping Paper
• Printable Sewing Patterns: Softie Christmas Tree
• 6 Printable Holiday Gift Tags and Cards
• 5 Ways to Decorate Your Holiday Table on a Budget

Squawkback: Are party crackers a part of your family tradition?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Your holiday dinner table isn’t immune from the marketing craziness either. There must be a million different ways to spend money on a dang holiday centerpiece. Then there are Christmas table linens, nativity napkin rings, holiday-themed dinnerware, quilted Christmas table runners, table top Christmas trees, poinsettia placemats, Christmas candlesticks, snowflake dining chair covers, and even reindeer stemware. It’s a lot of stuff to store in the basement for just one day’s use, and you don’t need any of it.

I want to prove that you don’t need to deck the halls with boughs of money to give your home a holiday feel. So I set myself a fun little frugal challenge after spying the seasonal decorating holiday blitz in stores right now.

Holiday Decorating Challenge: Can you decorate your table for Christmas dinner using only the stuff in your house today?

The Rules:

• No shopping allowed.
• Must use everyday items found around the home.
• Can use holiday items from last year.
• Can look outside for decorating ideas.
• Can make a shopping list for needed items.

Sounds hard, right? But it’s not. To make the most of this challenge, I used a few classic decorating tips I’ve tricked out over the years. These could work for your budget too.

10 Frugal Holiday Decorating Tips

1. Start Neutral: Take a neutral dining room, add in a few basic furnishings (white, beige, or wooden tables and chairs), and take this room to holiday levels by layering in bright accents, textured accessories, and various textiles from around your home.

2. Classic White Dishes: Invest in quality white dinnerware and elevate these everyday basic whites for the holiday.

3. Skip the Silverware: Use everyday flatware to save money, storage space, and endless hours spent polishing silver.

4. Use Mismatched Items: Set your table with some warmth and charm by using mismatched knives, forks, and dinner plates. One-of-a-kind pieces are conversation starters which make your table look original, not store-bought.

5. Embrace Vintage Pieces: If you have Grandma’s wedding china or an assortment of flea market finds, go ahead and embrace these vintage pieces. A pop of color from a vintage plate can make a stunning and inexpensive centerpiece.

6. Add Silver and Gold: Silver and gold touches from ribbons add shimmer and sparkle to your holiday table for little cash. Metallic shades can heighten drama and turn basic whites into a glamorous statement.

7. Go Outside: Grab some greenery from the great outdoors (pine cones, evergreen branches, flowers) and turn them into Christmas decorations with a little wire and ribbon. Easy to make Christmas decorations from nature can bring a fresh, organic vibe to your dinner table.

8. Use Ornaments: Add some sparkle to your table with a few well-chosen ornaments. Colorful baubles and glass Christmas tree decorations can have a place at your table. Pick a single color to add class and a touch of drama.

9. Use Pillows and Throws: Check your linen closet for forgotten sofa pillows and seasonal blankets or throws. It’s easy to add some holiday cheer by switching out your everyday style for a few warm blankets and plush pillows to get that holiday glow.

10. Skip the Kitsch: Save your money by not spending it on cheap plastic Santa stuff. Opting for classic, quality holiday pieces over plastic kitsch will save you money today and stand the test of time.

Here’s how I used these tips and tricks to create three very different holiday table settings for that special dinner.

Step One: Look around your home.

Don’t look past your everyday home furnishings when decorating for the holidays. A simple white table with slip-covered white chairs can be dressed up for any big event.

Ikea shoppers will instantly recognize my set of Henriksdal dining room chairs (bought used on Craigslist) and my Ikea Docksta tulip table. I would love a real Saarinen table one day (sigh), but for now my tulip table copy fits my budget.

Once you’ve chosen your table and chairs, it’s time to open your kitchen cabinets, peek into the pantry, and rummage through the basement for your holiday baubles and Christmas decorations.

To the skeptic’s eye my holiday cheer may look a little depressed. White plates and a white table cloth? But don’t despair, simple classic pieces like white dishes, clear glass vases, and mismatched flatware can be used daily and then glammed up for big events using shimmering ornaments, festive ribbons, and even Grandma’s table china.

Now that you’ve got your holiday goods, it’s time to turn them into something special.

Step Two: Pick a nontraditional color.

Sticking to a strict color palette is not only an inexpensive way to decorate, but a single color applied to your dining room table can look clean, classy, and very elegant when done right. And you don’t need to stick to classic Christmas greens, reds, and poinsettia flowers either. I dare you to look past these so-called traditional holiday trappings by exploring your home for colorful everyday pieces that can be spun into a festive feel.

For example, if you found plates, pillows, placemats, or ribbons boasting a particular hue of yellow, shade of blue, or shock of pink, then go ahead and use these everyday items for the holiday. Not only will you save money and space by reusing your stuff, but you’ll enjoy the evening more by not fretting about getting knife marks on expensive designer dishes.

My home is filled with the color blue. It’s a comprise I made with Carl years ago when we combined our belongings. He brought blue towels, blue pillows, and even a dang blue sofa into our relationship. The only blue things I own are my Grandmother’s tea party plates.

Nothing says Christmas like a set of blue Grandma plates, right? Well think again. Inspired by these gold-flecked vintage dishes, I added some holiday sparkle with gold ornaments, matching blue ribbon, and a highlight of golden fabric.

Tip: It’s super easy to go overboard and get tacky with golden hits of glitz. If you’re going for gold, keep everything else on your table (dishes, placemats, and centerpieces) clean and simple to avoid a kitschy Christmas.

I don’t own placemats or table runners, so I used simple strips of ribbon under classic white plates to add a hint of blue and to ground each setting. The table centerpiece is an inexpensive blue vase from Ikea filled with a bamboo shoot, and set atop the most ornate of my Grandmother’s plates. This is an inexpensive centerpiece idea since everything is reused from around my home.

To give the white Ikea chairs a little blue sparkle, I grabbed my sofa pillows and placed them at the dinner table. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you may recall my living room canvas wall art project mimics the pattern from these pillows.

In keeping with the challenge, the only store-bought holiday decorations are a few leftover blue Christmas crackers, some small gold ornaments, and several white tea candles.

If I went shopping: A little bit of blue goes a long way, so I’d take a pass on more blue home decor and opt for a few tall white candles to give this table setting additional height and fullness. I’d add a few fresh flowers to the mix too.

Not convinced by a nontraditional color palette? Check out designer Kelly Wearstler’s book Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style for some single color inspiration. Stunning book.

Step Three: Go green, go outside.

Don’t be afraid to go on a nature hike to find fresh inspiration for your holiday table. During the season, many big stores charge a small fortune for evergreen wreaths, pine cone centerpieces, and lush decorations. By going outside to find these green elements for free, you’ll save some cash while adding organics to enhance the festivities.

Sticking with a single color theme again — this time green — I sent Carl outside to find some green sprigs and evergreen twigs.

Add a little bit of fishing line to hold the greenery together and you’ve got an instant table wreath. Place on a white plate, stick a glass vase in the center, and scatter a few ornaments into the mix and you have another inexpensive table centerpiece to dine around.

Since I don’t have any candles or flowers in my home, I filled the vase with shimmery white ribbon and highly textured ornaments to create some sparkle when the lights are dimmed and the tea lights are lit.

I searched high and low for classic and elegant placemats, but there were none to be found in my home. So I used my ribbon trick again to ground simple white dishes on top of an everyday white tablecloth.

By matching gold fabric with the flecks of gold in the ornaments, I’ve reused many of the elements from the previous blue dinner table theme. To bring more green into this setting, I glued a piece of green ribbon to the gold fabric.

Kermit the Frog said “It’s not easy being green” (YouTube video)– but I think it is. By wrapping white cloth napkins in green ribbon (I don’t own napkin rings), adding a few sprigs of evergreen greenery to the centerpiece, using last year’s green Christmas crackers, and creating sparkle with golden ornaments, this green theme is not only frugal, it’s pretty darn festive. Oh, and those green and golden pillows were pinched from my linen cabinet — I forgot I had them.

If I went shopping: I’d buy tall white candles and a few white flowers for the centerpiece.

Step Four: Add layers of color and texture.

A single color themed holiday table can be tasteful and full of drama. But for maximum impact, why not layer in another shade to seal the holiday deal?

Using everything from the green theme, I included a few hits of red to help convey the look of a traditional Christmas dinner party, without the cost.

I added a few homemade Christmas crackers (I’ll show you how to make these in a later post), filled my tea light candle holders with red candy (I would prefer red candles), and filled the white glass vase with a red ribbon.

As you can see, a little bit of red goes a very long way to steal the show.

I love how the red Christmas crackers and candies draw the eye to the barely-there red stripes in the green pillows. Notice how my green dining chair pillows don’t match? The variety of colors and textures in the pillows brings some warmth and magic to this table setting.

If I went shopping: I’d replace the red ribbon in the centerpiece with red vivid flowers. I’d also eat the red candy and put some red candles in their places. The gold ornaments in the wine glasses must go and make way for some sumptuous red wine.

Step Five: Make a holiday shopping list.

Knowing what you already have for this holiday season makes it a lot easier to know what you need to buy. And once you identify your holiday decoration needs — for me that’s candles, placemats, and flowers — it’s easier to make a shopping list and stick with it. Go ahead and use my Holiday Expense Tracking Spreadsheet to tally your costs, needs, and holiday purchases. My Gift Giving Worksheet will also keep you on Santa’s good list while balancing your budget.

I must admit, my Holiday Decorating Challenge took a lot of thought and effort to get from my linen closet to my dining room table. So I hope you feel inspired to save some money on your own Christmas table decorations by looking around and attempting to make use of your existing home decor and holiday decorations. With the right attitude, it’s easy to stick to a budget and still dine in style this holiday season.

More Holiday Fun:

• 8 Homemade Gifts in a Jar
• Gift Ideas: Books about Money, Honey!
• 11 Ways to Wrap Gifts without Wrapping Paper
• Printable Sewing Patterns: Softie Christmas Tree
• 6 Printable Holiday Gift Tags and Cards

Squawkback: What’s your frugal holiday table decorating tip? Got any ideas for inexpensive centerpieces?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Anysoldclunker, there comes a time when we all need to sell our well-loved automobiles. When the rubber hits the road, most of us would like to sell sooner rather than later, and at minimal cost. Besides, keeping lots of cash tied up in a clunker isn’t exactly a fun ride for anyone’s wallet.

To help you get your motor running and your car off the lot, I’ve put together this little 5-Step Guide to help you sell your car sooner and still score some cash from the deal. (For buyers, see How To Buy a Used Car.) Here’s how to sell your used auto using free online car classifieds:

1. Get Your Facts Right

I’ve bought a few used cars in my lifetime, and what turns me off faster than a dead battery is when the owner doesn’t know squat about the car they’re selling.

What’s the mileage? How often was the oil changed? Did your kid ever pee in the back seat?

This is all important stuff to know. And you’d better get your facts straight and your battery recharged before inviting prospective buyers over to take your ride for a spin. Knowing your vehicle inside and out is a sure-fire way to instill confidence in a buyer and entice them to drive away with your deal.

Here’s a list of features to know:

• year, make, model, trim level
• mileage on vehicle
• average gas mileage (see Gas Mileage Calculator for help)
• maintenance records
• mechanic’s contact number
• accident history
• power features (windows, locks, mirrors)
• tire wear, winter tires, rims
• air conditioning, heating features
• transmission (auto, manual)
• fuel type (gas, diesel)
• air bags
• stereo system features
• sunroof, moon roof
• interior/exterior condition
• VIN number (buyers may want to run a CARFAX)

Tip: If you’re not sure about your car’s features, then take a look at the owner’s manual. Chances are all the marketable features are listed in the index. Big love to all technical writers.

Check out the Gas Efficient Car Calculator to see if your current used car measures up to a newer model or cut your fuel consumption using these 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas.

Also, think about your ideal buyer — who is most likely to buy such a car? A new driver, a family, a single person, or a senior? Get your facts right to market your ride to the ideal buyer and watch them drive away with a smile.

2. Price Your Car Right

Yes, you probably love your car and have had some good times driving it around town. Butt (with two t’s) sentimental value doesn’t translate into a sale. Cars are not priced based on your emotional attachment, they are priced based on value to the buyer.

So how do you set the price right to get your car to move? Easy. Grab your used car feature list and surf on over to a bevy of beautiful internet web sites. Online classified sites like Kelley Blue Book, Craigslist, Kijiji, and even Ebay can give you some serious insight into the going rates on comparable vehicles.

Doing your homework by researching both the online and local newspaper classifieds is the way to roll before pricing your ride. When you’ve found the right price range for your car’s make, model, and year, be sure to factor these features into your selling price:

• Mileage: less distance equals more dollars.
• Condition: is the interior clean or stained and is the roof rusted?
• Special features: dog fur is not a special feature, but heated seats are a win for winter climates.

Other important factors that determine your car’s selling price are: gas mileage (how much does it cost to fill the tank and how far can you go?), vehicle location (a winter-driven car may not last as long), and who the driver was. Lady driven vehicles seem to market well, but it could also mean that the clutch is kaput. Yep, I’m a lady driver and I’ve killed a clutch. Expensive lesson learned.

Before settling on your selling price, make note of any mechanical or cosmetic upgrades and raise your price realistically. Is your vehicle still under warranty, does it come with upgraded rims, a rebuilt engine, a new transmission, a snazzy paint job, custom heated seats, or is the interior freshly detailed? Always keep this paperwork handy with all receipts and show all prospective buyers the goods.

Lastly, once you’ve found a fair price, go ahead and boost it by a hundred or two. Giving your buyers some negotiating room makes everyone feel good.

3. Write a Killer Online Classified

A well written advertisement has the power to sell your car, fast. Zoom! Plus, crafting a great classified the first time will help you target prospective buyers, saving you time by dealing with only relevant callers and emailers. A poorly written online classified won’t compete well with similarly listed vehicles.

5 Used Car Classifieds Do’s:

Write your classified ad right to sell your used auto fast.

1. Get the title right. Put your car’s make, model, year, price, and mileage in the title. Get qualified interest from the start.
2. List the selling features. Remember that list of features from earlier? Include these selling points in your classified ad.
3. Put your buyer in the driver’s seat. Describe who the perfect driver is for your used car. For example: A real gas miser of a car, perfect for a budget conscious driver or a student. Four wheel drive keeps you going in the cold, snowy winter months.
4. Set negotiating terms. If the price is firm, then say so. Used car classifieds often use these terms to describe pricing: firm, obo (or best offer), negotiable, and must sell.
5. Post a pretty photo. Classified ads with photos help buyers connect to the car. Take clear shots of the exterior and interior to show the goods. And only post clear shots. Photos snapped on a cloudy day have less glare.

5 Used Car Classifieds Don’ts:

Watch out for these big mistakes when writing auto classifieds.

1. Don’t list multiple ads with different prices. Want to weaken the sale, undermine trust, and confuse the heck out of shoppers? Then list multiple ads across many used car classified sites and ask for different prices.
2. Don’t photograph a messy car. Mess happens, but don’t post a photo if your car is dirty, filled with crap, or covered in dog hair. Get your car detailed or clean the car yourself.
3. Don’t lie. Don’t waste buyer’s time by trying to hide minor accidents, mechanical failures, or baby barf. If buyer’s take a whiff of a stinky CARFAX report, your deal is done. Misrepresenting the truth hurts your credibility.
4. Don’t overprice or change the price frequently. Buyers watch online classifieds for competing deals — so don’t go switching your price every few days to gauge interest. You won’t look legitimate.
5. Don’t ignore phone calls or emails. If you don’t have time to answer calls or reply to emails, then don’t list your car in multiple classified ads. A prompt reply shows buyers you value their interest.

Here’s the online classified for my little used car.

How could I have improved it? Easy. Posting a few photos of the clean interior would have enticed more interest, but since the car was priced right it sold in three days.

4. Advertise Your Car

I sold my 18-year-old Subaru Justy using free online classifieds. Here are the most popular options:

• Online auto classifieds: There are a number of online classified sites that allow car owners to sell their used car for free. Your country, state, province, or region may have a specific site tailored for your market — so ask your friends or query Facebook for the classified site nearest you. The most popular free online auto classified sites are: Craigslist, Autotrader, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace.
• Local newspaper classifieds: A printed ad will cost you a few bucks, so be sure to target your car correctly by getting the listing under the right make, model, and year.
• Tweet on Twitter: If you’re into tweeting on Twitter, then go ahead and broadcast the sale to your followers. If your ad has a bit of humor, you may just get retweeted. See 5 Ways Twitter Can Make You Rich for some helpful tweeting tips or follow @Squawkfox.
• Add a For Sale sign: If you’re still driving your well-loved auto, then post a FOR SALE sign on the rear window. Be sure to write your contact information clearly.

These are just a few ideas. Do you have a favorite online classified site to share?

5. Close the Deal

Know how you would like to receive payment before showing your used car to online buyers. Knowing your payment terms in advance can help defray any uncomfortable moments during the sale. Payment options include: personal check, cash, PayPal, or even via credit card.

This is also the time to stand firm on your price. If you’ve left yourself some wiggle room on your asking price, then go ahead and let your buyer knock you down a few bucks. During my car sale the buyer wanted to go lower than $1,600, but I didn’t budge on my price. I had a number of interested parties and I knew that my asking price was priced below other similarly listed vehicles in my area. So I stood my ground citing that the car was already priced for a fast sale.

If your buyer makes a reasonable offer, be prepared to say yes. Should a buyer offer a ridiculous amount, then don’t be afraid to decline the offer. Thank them for their time and move along to you next appointment, but be sure to leave them with your contact information in case they change their mind. It happens all the time after a “cooling off” period.

Lastly, be aware of your region’s paperwork requirements. Get copies of title transfer documents and environmental certifications to help close the deal on the spot.

Squawkback: Got any tips for selling a used car?

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• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
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Since I love fresh herbs in the summer and dried herbs in the winter, I’ve taken to growing basil, parsley, coriander, chamomile, mint, lemon verbena, and chives for soups (Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup), stews (Recipes: Easy Crock Pot Meals), and homemade herbal teas.

Anyfrugalspiceoflife, I’d love to share an easy way to dry herbs and spices. I tend to do most of my fruit and herb drying with an inexpensive Nesco Food Dehydrator. I also make frugal snacks using this handy device, like these Easy and Healthy Granola Bars or No Bake Cookies.

1. Getting Started: Growing Herbs

Before you can dry herbs and spices, you’ll need to start a little garden. If you’re tight on space, then consider growing herbs in a container or pot, like what I did in Going to Pot with Container Gardening.

Our little recession garden filled with fresh organic herbs and vegetables.

For those with backyard spaces, Getting Dirty with Square Foot Gardening should be super simple. Both square foot and container gardens are great options for those into building a frugal recession garden.

2. Harvesting Herbs

When your fresh herbs have grown, it’s time to get harvesting! Pay close attention to the types of herbs you’ve grown, since the seeds, flowers, leaves, and stems of many herbs can be gathered, dried, and saved for seasoning. Here are a few harvesting herb tips:

Morning harvest: Leaves and stems should be harvested early in the morning, well before the sun’s heat dissipates the herb and spice oils.

Mint leaves almost ripe for an early morning harvest.

Snip at base: Gently snip stems at base, leaving plenty of foliage for the plant to continue growing. The newest leaves at the tip of the plant have the strongest flavor.

Basil leaves are snipped at the freshest point.

Harvest leaves before flowering: Leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers and while the leaves are still tender. A bitter taste can develop when a plant begins to flower, leaving your herbs less herbilicious. .

Lemon Verbena getting lemony for medicinal herbal teas.

Harvest flowers when freshly open: If you’re into medicinal herbs for herbal teas (like Chamomile), you’ll make the best teas from freshly opened buds that are just starting to blossom.

3. Preparing Herbs for Drying

Once you’ve picked, plucked, and harvested your herbs, it’s time to prep them for drying. Here are a few simple steps:

1. Wash gently: Chances are your freshly harvested herbs are a little dingy from your garden. Dirt happens. So gently wash all leaves, flowers, and stems under cool water to remove any dirt or insects. Nobody wants a dried bug in their soup.

2. Weed out the weird ones: Remove and compost all blemished, discolored, or dead herb pieces. Learn how to compost without raising a stink!

3. Prepare large herb leaves: Big leafy herbs like basil and sage need a little help to shorten the drying process. I cut my basil into pieces by removing the leaves from the stem and cutting them in half. Place prepared herbs on a dehydrator tray.

4. Dry flowers whole: Tiny petals can easily blow away in a dehydrator. So when drying flowers, just wash and separate the petals, removing the unsavory ones.

4. Testing Herbs for Dryness

Drying herbs can take from a few hours up to a full day. Bigger herb leaves like basil can take up to 24 hours, while smaller leaves from thyme can take only an hour to dry.

Whatever your herb of choice, it’s always a good idea to test your leaves and stems before packaging them for the winter using this crumble test:

Crumble Test: Herbs are generally dry when they snap and crumble with ease. Stems should be brittle and break when bent. If your herbs don’t crumble under pressure, then keep drying.

If you’re uncertain about the crumble factor, then stick your herbs in an airtight container for a few days. If condensation develops on the inside of the container, your herbs require more drying.

5. Packing and Storing Herbs

Now that all the work is done, it’s time to seal in all herby freshness by
packing and storing your herbs wisely. Nobody wants decayed or stale herbs, do they?

• Packing dried herbs: Air and light are not your friends when it comes to freshly sealing your herbs. Both of these menaces can result in flavor loss, and even insect infestation. Nothing says yummy herbs like an army of ants marching off with your aniseed. To prevent this herb hardship, find yourself a dark jar with an airtight lid — they don’t allow light in! I’ve been using Zip lock freezer baggies for a few years with decent results, but this year I’m trying the jars.

• Storing dried herbs: Dried herbs, flowers, and spices can last 6-12 months when stored correctly. Store in a cool place, below 60F or 15C to keep flavor freshest. Never crush or grind herbs until ready to use. Crushing exposes more surface area to air and light, leaving you with less flavor.

5. Using Dried Herbs

The best part about having organic herbs on hand is using them in your soups, stews, and various other frugal recipes. The trick to cooking with dried herbs is remembering they can be up to 4X stronger than the fresh.

Most fresh herbs contain around 85% water. So 7.5 ounces of dried herbs may yield only one ounce dried — so be careful when adding that dried basil to your spaghetti sauce.

Recipes using fresh or dried herbs:

• Tomato Basil Soup
• Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes: Soup, Stew, and Chili
• Slow Cooker Recipes: Pot Roast and Southwestern Chicken Soup
• 4 Cheap and Healthy Rapini Recipes
• 3 Recipes for Summer Sweet and Fresh Tomatoes

More great gardening stories:

• DIY: Getting Dirty with Square Foot Gardening
• Container Gardening: 11 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot
• How to Save Heirloom Tomato Seeds
• How To Compost Without Raising a Stink
• 10 Ways to Grow Grass and Cut Lawn Care Costs

Your Two Cents: Do you grow herbs? How much money do you save?

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• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Simply, a diverse portfolio reduces the risk of a single investment being wiped out by market fluctuations while a diverse ecosystem can survive in the face of unexpected disease epidemics and extreme weather fluctuations. You don’t want your retirement funds to become extinct and you don’t want your food supply to be wiped out either.

So what about heirloom tomatoes and seeds? Since I’m all about finding ways to save money while being an environmental steward, I’ve discovered that saving heirloom seeds meets both the money and environmental mark.

A heirloom tomato (called a heritage tomato in the UK) is an open-pollinated (non-hybrid) cultivated variety of tomato that can be grown from seed. Conventional hybrid tomatoes bought from your local grocery store, however, cannot be grown from the seeds you would save from them.

I figure, what’s the point of paying for and supporting parts of the food chain that are not self sustainable? Besides, heirloom tomatoes are very tasty fruits that are easy to grow and it’s free to save the seeds for the next growing season.

Choosing the Right Heirloom Tomato Seeds

When saving heirloom tomato seeds there are three simple rules you should follow for success!

1. Save seeds from only open-pollinated heirloom varieties.

Saving heirloom tomato seeds is easy, but you must choose seeds from only open-pollinated varieties. Here are a few heirloom tomato seeds I have successfully saved!

• Brandywine
• Black Krim
• Cherokee Purple
• And many more!

2. Save seeds from fully ripe heirloom tomatoes.

Do yourself a solid and save your seeds from fully ripe, but not over-ripe heirloom tomatoes.

I know the green tomatoes need love too, but the best seeds for growing are from the fully ripe heirloom tomato fruits.

3. Save seeds from your best looking heirloom tomatoes.

There’s a reason the ladies all love Brad Pitt right? It’s ’cause he’s one hot specimen of a man. Well, you want to use the same logic when saving seeds — choose seeds from the best looking and tasting plants to ensure you grow the best tomatoes.

How to Save Your Heirloom Tomato Seeds

All you need is a sharp knife, a container, some water, a paper plate, and a few heirloom tomatoes to get going on this fun frugal task. Ready?

1. Choose a ripe, gorgeous heirloom tomato. You want to breed only the best.

2. Using a knife, slice across the equator of the tomato. Cutting the tomato in this way easily exposes the seeds.

3. Squeeze the seeds, gel, and juice out into a small container. No need to separate the seeds at this point.

4. Cover the seeds and tomato guts with an inch of water. The water helps to grow mold and separates the seeds from the gel.

5. Label your container so you don’t forget the tomato variety. It’s hard to tell seeds apart without labels.

6. Put the contrainer in an out of sight spot and wait for mold to grow. Unless you enjoy watching mold grow.

7. After 3 to 5 days white mold will grow on the surface of the tomato water. This mold dissolves the gel coating from the seeds. When you see mold (don’t scream), just plug your nose and drain the water. Yes, it’s a little stinky. Be sure to keep only the seeds at the bottom of the container and discard all floating seeds. The floaters will not germinate.

8. Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the remaining gel from your seeds. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to get those seeds clean.

9. Place your rinsed seeds in a single layer on a paper plate. The paper plate wicks the water away and will not stick to the seeds. The idea is to dry the seeds fast and prevent them from going moldy. Be sure to label your plate. Set the seeds aside for a few days until fully dry.

10. Place your dry heirloom seeds into a labelled baggie. Store in a cool, dry place. Heirloom tomato seeds keep well and germinate for years if stored correctly. I keep mine in the refrigerator. Just don’t let your spouse use them in a salad.

So there you have it! Saving heirloom tomato seeds is a simple way to stash some cash, get involved with biodiversity, and eat healthfully for less.

More great gardening stories:

• DIY: Getting Dirty with Square Foot Gardening
• Container Gardening: 11 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot
• How to grow and dry tasty herbs
• How To Compost Without Raising a Stink
• 10 Ways to Grow Grass and Cut Lawn Care Costs

Your Thoughts: Got any tips for saving seeds? Do you save your heirloom tomato seeds? Share your seedy skills!

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

As a top-ranked Girl Guide with all the badges I knew that being prepared for a myriad of emergency events was money (or badges) in the bank. But later in life I never thought that being prepared could save me both from nature and from financial ruin — until now.

View of the BC Terrace Mountain Fire from Okanagan Lake

A water bomber helicopter works to contain the BC forest fires.

After taking the time to reflect, I’d like to share what I did to be financially prepared for a natural disaster. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather some emergency preparedness (and common sense) steps you can take today to help ease your financial losses if a natural disaster happens to you.

1. Do a Home Inventory

You count your money, right? Well it’s time to count all those pairs of shoes you own. Creating a home inventory is free and can help you strengthen an insurance claim in case of fire, robbery, or a natural disaster. It just makes good financial sense to have a record of your stuff so it can be replaced after the dust has settled. Download these free Home Inventory Worksheets to get you started.

Download:
15 Free Home Inventory Worksheets

I’ve kept a home inventory ever since being robbed decades ago. So when the fires in BC sparked, I was relieved to know that all of my belongings were cataloged on a CD and stored in a safe deposit box far away from my home. If you need some help putting together a home inventory, check out How to Make a Home Inventory to get started. It’s kinda fun, promise.

2. Update Your Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Policy

Now that you’ve created a home inventory, it’s easy to call up your insurer and update your policy to reflect the value of your belongings. Besides, reviewing your policy every year is an excellent way to make changes to your coverage if you buy or sell some big ticket items. Be sure to get insurance for those natural disaster dangers in your area too. If you live in a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire zone then get some level of coverage to protect yourself from a catastrophic loss.

If you’re currently without homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, consider getting yourself insured. Spending a few hundred bucks a year is well worth the expense if it means protecting yourself against losing everything. Here are 5 ways to cut your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance costs:

• Raise your deductible. A deductible is the amount of money you pay before the insurance company pays up. If you increase your deductible from a standard $250 to $500 or even $1,000, you could save up to 15% on your insurance premium.
• Get group coverage. If you work at a large company, have an alumni association through college or university, or are a member of a business association, then there are discounts to be had through group insurance plans. Just call up your group to discover your preferred rate and get a quote.
• Get a senior’s discount. Going gray has it’s privileges, and a discounted insurance premium is one of them. If you’re at least 55 years young or retired, you may qualify for an easy 10% discount.
• Get home and auto insurance from the same company. Depending on your country, state, or province of residence, many insurance companies offer a discount if you get both home and auto insurance with them. I’ve saved hundreds of bucks by bundling my policies while living in Ontario — but living in BC with public insurance I’m outta luck.
• Ask for a discount. Asking for a better deal is free. Just open your mouth and say, “Is this is the best rate you can offer me?” Be polite and you just may be surprised to save a few bucks on coverage.

3. Get a Safe Deposit Box

Opening a safe deposit box at your local bank is an inexpensive way to protect valuable documents (like stock or bond certificates), jewelry, your home inventory, and other non-replaceable items threatened by fire, water, or theft in your home. Smaller safe deposit boxes can cost around $50 per year while larger ones can set you back hundreds. Regardless of this fee, keeping certain items off-site and out of your home can prove to be priceless if you’re struck by a natural disaster. I’ve kept an updated home inventory CD in a safe deposit box for the last few years just in case.

If you live in the USA or Canada, you may be able to claim your safe deposit box fee as a tax deduction. Check out Overlooked Tax Credits for US Residents and Tips on Safe Deposit Boxes for Canadians to get all the details.

4. Check Emergency Preparedness Checklists

The type of natural disaster you should be prepared for depends on where you live. Those who live along the Cascadia Subduction Zone are more prone to earthquakes and tsunamis while those living in forested areas should be aware of wildfires or forest fires. If you live in a region prone to flash floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes, then you have concerns and emergency preparedness procedures unlike those who live in the Arctic.

To help you prepare for a natural disaster, it’s best to find an emergency supply or preparedness checklist specific to your region. These lists are also valuable to help your family plan an evacuation if required. Saving your finances is one thing, but saving lives and being in the know is golden. I’ve listed a few general emergency preparedness checklists and online sources to find one close to your home below.

United States

• FEMA | Emergency Preparedness Checklist
• California Emergency Services | Emergency Supplies Checklist

Canada

• Government of Canada | Emergency Preparedness at Home (for all provinces and territories)
• Emergency Management B.C. | Family Emergency Supplies Detailed Checklist

United Kingdom

• Directgov UK | Preparing for Emergencies
• Britsh Red Cross

World

• Google Listing | Emergency Preparedness Global Search

Not every area will face a Hurricane Katrina, California wildfires, or BC forest fires so get to know your region and find an emergency preparedness checklist that’s right for you. Just download and print.

5. Pack a Ready Bag

A Ready Bag is a fancy name for a knapsack or bag that contains your essential emergency items. It can be kept in a designated public shelter or taken along during an emergency evacuation. It sounds dire, but it’s a good idea to pack a Ready Bag during the high season for natural disasters in your area.

During the months of July and August I prepared my own Ready Bag and filled it with non-perishable food, warm clothing, toiletries, a blanket, and a few valuables. It’s doesn’t cost a cent to prepare a Ready Bag and it could help protect you from the weather elements if you’re stuck outside or waiting to find shelter. I also packed my pocket-sized SAS Survival Guide since it’s small and contains A LOT of handy and practical tips.

Ready Bag Essentials

• Phone Numbers: emergency and personal contacts
• Cash
• Flashlight
• Spare batteries
• Copies of important documents (passport, driver’s license)
• Essential medications or prescriptions
• First-aid kit
• Child care items
• Bottled water
• Energy bars or non-perishable foods
• Blanket
• Sleeping bag
• A set of spare clothing
• Favorite survival gear
• Small valuables (engagement ring)
• SAS Survival Guide Handbook (pocket Gem format)

Most of the items listed are compact and easy to carry. While it is tempting to pack cherished items like Grandma’s antique china, it’s probably a good idea to leave bulky things behind. Stuff that slows you down won’t keep you safe in times of danger. So stick to the essentials in your Ready Bag and keep yourself safe.

Bonus: Keep Your Car Fueled

Depending on where you live, it’s a good idea to keep your car fueled and ready to flee. I must admit that my dear hubby Carl was a little obsessive about checking the car over and keeping the tank full. Since we live on the outskirts of nowhere, it was imperative for us to get to a safe zone out of harm’s way if or when the forest fire blew our way. Knowing that our tires were pumped, the engine was checked, and our tank was full kept us a little bit safer.

It’s been a few weeks since the BC forest fires were contained in our area keeping us safe in our home. It’s a scary situation to face losing everything you own due to a natural disaster — but planning ahead and being prepared is sometimes the most sane thing to do to keep yourself and your finances as safe as possible. Scout’s honor!

Are you prepared if a disaster strikes your area? Been through an evacuation? Got something to add?

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Various zones around the world are experiencing a heat wave of sorts this summer. My home province, British Columbia, is currently roasting at 38 degrees Celsius, that’s just over 100F. I’m sure my American friends in Texas and Las Vegas are thinking me a lightweight. But if you’re not acclimatized to dang hot weather and don’t have air conditioning, then coming home after work feels like getting out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Since I’d rather be as cool as a cucumber at night, I’ve found some hot ways to stay cool on the cheap. These DIY cooling tactics won’t replace central air or an air conditioner, but you just might feel more comfortable in the heat. Here are 6 cheap ways to stay cool without air conditioning:

1. Get a Fan

I’m not talking about becoming a Squawkfox fan on Facebook, but rather investing a little cold cash into a simple fan. There are many types of fans on the market these days and they vary in cost, power usage, and placement. Here are a few of the more popular types:

• Ceiling Fan: Classic ceiling fans are a frugal way to put the freeze on the summer heat. Ceiling fans are amazing for moving air in a larger room and can circulate the stuffy out of any situation. They start around $40 and can go up to hundreds of dollars depending on size, power, blade number, and style. Standard 30-inch 6-blade ceiling fans are best suited for medium-sized rooms up to 8 x 10, such as a small kitchen or bedroom. If your room is bigger, then you’ll need a larger fan to fit.

• Tower Fan: A tower fan is a large upright fan that uses an internally rotating cylinder to move lots of air quickly and efficiently. Many tower fans also contain an air filter so they’ll clean and freshen the air as it circulates. They cost around $30 for a small unit and up to $120 for bigger towers. If you’re into using remote controls to cool your environment and have allergies, then a tower fan just may be your best friend.

• Window Fan: A window fan is great if you’re short on space, have a low ceiling, or just want your fan out of sight. Window fans keep you cool by mounting directly into a window and can easily be moved to any room with a window view – so you can stay cool in your living room in the evening and then chill out in your bedroom at night. Many window fans do double duty since they can be used to draw in fresh, cool air from outside or to exhaust stale, hot air from the inside. They cost around $40 and are easily stored in a closet until they are needed next.

2. Turn ON The Blower

Running the blower (or fan) for your centreal heating system will move air around your home and give you some heat relief. Turning on the blower won’t keep you chilled like air conditioning, but you’ll take the stuffy out of upper floors and move stale air from main floors. The blower will also move cool air from the basement to the rest of the house.

3. Move Into Your Basement

If your home is blazing hot and you can’t handle the heat upstairs, try sleeping in the basement to cool your costs. Setting up a bed and sleeping below ground is free and can help you catch some ZZZs when the weather is unbearable. I’ve spent most of this summer slumbering in my basement and I think it’s an awesome use for an often unloved space. If you’ve got kiddlets then make it a game and lay out some sleeping bags and pretend you’re camping. You may just have some frugal fun while you’re at it.

4. Plant a Tree

Planting trees on the south side of your home can help reduce summer cooling costs. Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, provide ample shade in the summer, keeping your home cooler while letting more warming light through in the winter. Planting trees around your home can have the added bonus of increasing your property value too. A smaller deciduous tree costs around $50 and can pay for itself in energy savings and increased property value.

5. Close Drapes and Blinds

Your existing drapes and blinds can be closed to shut out the heat during the day and opened to keep you cooler at night. Drapes tend to shield you from sizzling summer heat by shading your home from the hot afternoon sunlight. So don’t forget to shut the blinds before heading for work and open them at night to chill a room out.

6. Find a Friend

Finding a friend with air conditioning may be a cool move if you’re living without drapes, don’t have a basement, or prefer to live fan-free. Cool friends boasting a place to “chill-out” might just prove golden for the hottest of summer nights. So if you can’t handle the heat, then be sure to bring your besty a bottle of summer spirits for helping you out in a hot situation. ‘Cause that’s what friends are for.

Got any cool tips for keeping your place chill in the hot summer months? Share away!

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Getting us to spend big bucks on refills is a nice gig for cleaning companies looking to make ongoing cash. So I’m putting an end to endless refills, taming the dust mites, dealing with allergies, and sweeping up pet hair all with a swish of my Swiffer hacked broom.

So if you’re allergic to paying for expensive and environmentally unfriendly dusters and sweepers, then try these 4 frugal home cleaning tips for a cleaner home at less cost.

1. Use Microfiber Cloths or Towels

Go ahead and turn your Swiffer into a microfiber mop by passing on refills altogether. Microfiber fabrics are woven from very fine synthetic fibers and are perfect for lots of home cleaning activities, including: mopping, dusting, polishing, and wiping.

These soft and reusable cloths save you money because they are effective at cleaning delicate surfaces like computer monitors, are machine washable, and don’t require costly cleaning solutions to remove grime. Microfiber cloths come in a range of sizes and weights with varying loop sizes and you can buy a package of 12 Microfiber Cleaning Towels for around $10. That’s less than $1 a towel!

I’ve used microfiber cloths on my Swiffer Sweeper for over a year now with excellent results. Microfiber fabric is durable and when the cloth is dirty I just clean it with my laundry.

To turn your Swiffer Sweeper into a microfiber mop:

1. Apply microfiber cloth to the Swiffer Sweeper in the same way as a refill.

2. If the cloth is too long or wide, use clasps to tighten cloth over the Swiffer.

3. Sweep away all your dust bunnies and pet hair!

I love using microfiber cloths over refills because they are a greener alternative, they are reusable for many years, and they cost far less over time. Besides, throwing away Swiffer mop pads and dusters needlessly adds to our landfills and I feel better about not contributing to our environmental debt.

2. Get with it and flip it!

When the dust settles and you think your Swiffer mop sheet has bitten the dust, go ahead and flip it to push forward and continue gathering dust! By fliping these seemingly one-sided Swiffer mop sheets you save 50% on your home cleaning costs by using both sides.

You may need to dust the one side off with a little vaccuming power, but I assure you both sides work equally well for removing the grime from your flooring.

3. Wash and Reuse

Don’t chuck your Swiffer sheets and dusters just yet! If you’ve got some mesh laundry bags and a load of wash ready to rumble, then extend the use of these handy electrostatic dusting and floor mopping tools by washing your dusters and mop heads.

Did you know they can last for several cleanings? Well, they can. Not only do these refillables stay electrostatic after washing but you will reduce the garbage created and save big.

4. Buy Generic Refills

With the popularity of Swiffer refillables, many companies have moved into this dusty market to capture your home cleaning dollars. Many generic refillables cost 10-60% less than the cost of the Swiffer brand. I’ve purcased the Swiffer Duster refills as generics and they hold up nicely for several uses AND can be washed many times to keep costs down.

So if you’re ready to leave your Swiffer sheets and mops in the dust then do try these home cleaning hacks to save some dough. I promise, when the dust settles you’re gonna love the savings.

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

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• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
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• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Yeah, this post is about container gardening. Container gardens are the perfect solution for those who don’t have the space or time to build larger square foot gardens. Container gardens are small and perfect for those renting apartments or living in condos – and they’re lots of fun!

I first learned about container gardening years ago while living in an apartment building in downtown Ottawa. My neighbors one balcony over were container growing experts and often shared their extra green beans, tomaotes, and strawberries with me. Since that time I’ve been a huge fan of growing vegetables in a pot and have saved hundreds on fresh produce all while having fun.

If you’re limited on space but would still love to grow your own food then give these 11 fruits or vegetables a green thumbs up and don’t be afraid to throw them into a pot!

Stuff You’ll Need:

• Planter pots: A 10-inch diameter clay pot costs about $5. Plastic containers cost 50% less.
• Soil: Untreated potting soil costs about $2 to $3 per bag, enough for several pots. Or make your own compost for free!
• String or Twine: Use to string up beans, tomatoes, or peas.
• Watering can: A small bucket works fine but a spouted can costing $5 to $10 makes watering a lot easier.
• Seeds or plants: Growing from seeds is less expensive than potting plants but takes a while longer.

11 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot!

This list of fruits, vegetables, and herbs all grow well together, so feel free to plant several herbs together in a single pot to save some cash. The only way to fail with container gardening is to not water! You can also pay a little more for special containers though and I know some people who will only grow strawberries in strawberry pots. But I’ve grown plenty of berries in just regualar flower pots. So go find some terra cotta or plastic containers, add some soil, plant and few seeds and let’s get growing!

1. Grow Strawberries in a Pot

Who doesn’t love summer sweet strawberries in a yummy strawberry crisp? Anysweettooth, the two best types of strawberry plants for containers are the ever-bearing and the day-neutral varieties. These strawberry plants tend to yield a regular harvest from late spring until early fall. Ask your local garden shop for the best strawberries for your area and be sure to mention you’re growing strawberry plants in pots.

2. Plant a Potted Herb Garden

Fresh herbs bought from the grocery store are expensive. Starting a small herb garden in a pot can provide you with fresh herbs all summer long. Rosemary, basil, thyme and sage can all be planted together in a single container.

3. Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Can I grow cherry tomatoes in a container? The answer is YES! I’m currently growing some outstanding cherry and heirloom tomaotes in containers. While many garden varieties of tomatoes require a large area to plant and grow, there are plenty of newer varieties that thrive in a pot. Ask at your garden centre for “patio tomatoes” and consider planting smaller tomato varieties. Growing tomatoes in pots is pretty easy but you’ll probably have to string them up for some support.

4. String Up Snap Peas, Snow Peas, or Beans in a Pot

Planting snow peas in a container is fun. Over the years I’ve had excellent success with a variety of snap peas, green beans, and yellow beans. Just run some strings up your balcony and get vertical to get some fresh peas and beans growning in a pot and onto your dinner plate.

5. Get Rad with Radishes in a Pot

Radishes are quick and easy to grow in a pot and don’t take much space. Radishes are yummy in salads, are fabulous with hummus dips, and add some bite in the hot summer heat. They’re also a great way to spice up a budget family meal!

6. Sling Fresh Summer Salads into a Container

Get a head’s-up by passing on traditional lettuce heads and opt for spring mix varieties to gets some green into your fresh summer salads. Spring mix varieties grow in less space and can be harvested frequently while heads of lettuce take up a lot of space.

7. Beat It with Beets in a Pot

Beets grow easily in a container and are a part of my container gardening strategy. Just be sure to use a large enough pot to allow for your beeters to root deep and delicious.

8. Get Slawed with Container Cabbage

Container cabbage takes a little bit of work. When the cabbage head is first forming on your plant, slice the top part of it into quarters (when looking down) to grow four smaller heads instead of one large one.

9. Ward off Vampires with Garlic in a Pot

A smaller rectangular planter can grow enough garlic to last you a long time. It’s easy to grow, and if you dry it after harvesting it could last you well into the winter.

10. Get Spicy with Hot Peppers in a Pot

If you live in a warmer climate, hot peppers such as jalapenos are simple to grow in a pot. They can be used as attractive ornamentals while providing some home-grown heat for your sassy salsa or your homemade chili.

11. Get Cool with Container Cucumbers

Cucumbers are great for cooling sore, puffy eyes and taste great in a summer salad. Just don’t plant the massive field cucumber varieties in your container garden since these require a lot of space. Small pickling varieties grow well in a pot and taste great both fresh and pickled.

Growing vegetables in containers is a fun and frugal way to get some seasonal produce onto your dinner plate for less. If you’ve got a patio, a front door landing, or some modest space for hanging pots then don’t be afraid to get vertical and have some fun with container gardening. You might just find that you’ll love going to pot!

More great gardening stories:

• DIY: Getting Dirty with Square Foot Gardening
• How to grow and dry tasty herbs
• How to Save Heirloom Tomato Seeds
• How To Compost Without Raising a Stink
• 10 Ways to Grow Grass and Cut Lawn Care Costs

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