Your tips to stretch a buck

We asked Sun readers to give us their ideas about making ends meet. Laurel Zimmerman of Billerica e-mailed: "I was running low the other day on fabric softener sheets so I got the idea to cut them in half and ...

[Larry from Billerica]

In 2005 I forsaw the price of gas going up so in August I quit smoking 3 packs a day, and used the money saved to buy me a new scooter. I use it when ever I can to this day and in 2 1/2 years I have saved me quite a bit at a savings of 85 miles to a gallon. Since then I have seen numerous scooters on the road. I ride my scooter to and from Billerica to Lowell to work when ever weather permits.

[Bronson]

Larry, have fun with the scooter, and congrats on giving up the smokes. Lots of great ideas in this article, the best one is growing a garden. I am giving that one some serious thought.

[Debbie]

I love cooking with fresh herbs, especially basil, but it is so expensive and doesn't last long in the fridge! So I decided to buy a plant. The plant cost me $3.00 and I have already made my money back on it. Basil actually loves to be trimmed and pruned. It stimulates growth. I have also started some other herbs by seed, along with some grape tomatoes and lettuce.

Another money saver: Rain Barrels. I ordered on from New England Rain Barrel and will pick it up at the Billerica DPW on May 30th. A great money saver as well as water saver! 1/4 inch of rainfall will fill the 55 gal barrel.

[her]

Debbie wrote:

I love cooking with fresh herbs, especially basil, but it is so expensive and doesn't last long in the fridge! So I decided to buy a plant. The plant cost me $3.00 and I have already made my money back on it. Basil actually loves to be trimmed and pruned. It stimulates growth. I have also started some other herbs by seed, along with some grape tomatoes and lettuce.
Another money saver: Rain Barrels. I ordered on from New England Rain Barrel and will pick it up at the Billerica DPW on May 30th. A great money saver as well as water saver! 1/4 inch of rainfall will fill the 55 gal barrel.

Where did you get the herb plants I would love to have that on my windowsill for cooking!

[Alexandra]

What uses do use the rain barrel for? Besides the obvious for a vegetable garden.

[Debbie]

I actually picked up the basil at KMart.

[Debbie]

I thin using the rain barrel for outdoor watering is enough of a use, especially since we're paying sewer charges on water for the garden, unless you have a separate meter. Another investment I'm looking into.

I don't think 55 gals will take long to use up, especially when we're already under a water ban.

[always been frugal]

Go to the library for books, CDs, and DVDs/videos.
Buy whole chickens instead of parts. Save the bones and make soup.
Make pancakes from scratch. Cookies and cakes, too!
Buy as few boxed/processed foods as possible.
Drive the highway at 55 to 60 mph. It makes a huge difference in gas use.
Dye your own hair. Do your own nails. Wear a low maintenance hair style.
Grow a garden, even if it's just a few tomato plants in containers.
Buy second hand. Look at craigslist.org for furniture, appliances, etc.
freecycle.org has stuff people want to get rid of for free.

[George]

I've stopped donating to many,many charities,non-profits. Shop the discount stores,two-fers,dining specials,wash my own car.
Unfortunately though ,the government and big business justs keeps taking more.