101 Ways To Save

1. Set your thermostat to 64 and turn it down to 60 at night.
2. Use the phone book instead of directory assistance.
3. Use coupons at the grocery store.
4. Carpool.
5. Ask for generic prescriptions instead of brand name.
6. Do your own nails.
7. Rent out a room or garage.
8. Replace 100 watt bulbs with 60 watt.
9. Make long distance calls at night and on weekends, instead of mid-day, mid-week.
10. Throw pocket change in a jar and take it to the bank when it’s full.

11. Always grocery shop with a list. Shoppong with a list will save you money on your grocery shopping, as long as you stick to what's on the list. Another way to say it, "Don't buy on impulse.
12. Buy spare parts for your car at a junkyard.
13. Go to museums on free days.
14. Quit smoking.
15. Get hand-me-down clothes and toys for your kids from family and friends.
16. Switch to water when dining out.
Restaurants make a killing on drinks. Getting water instead, is not only healthier, but at free, much cheaper.
17. Brew your own Coffee, rather than buying it on the run.
If you have two cups a day at $1.50 each workday, that’s $60 over a month. You can buy a decent coffee maker, really good bean or ground coffee, and a Stanley stainless steel insulated thermos for about $45 and come out $15 ahead just the first month!

18. Take a shorter shower.
19. Write letters instead of calling.
20. Brown bag your lunch.
21. Make your own baby food, when I was a teenager and my parents had an another kid, I remember mom doing this. It was a simple as putting the peas (or whatever vegetable) in the blender.
22. Use public transportation.
23. Drop duplicate medical insurance.
24. Buy old furniture at yard sales and refinish it yourself.
25. Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
26. Exercise for free walk, jog, bike, or get exercise videos from the library.
27. Form a baby-sitting cooperative with friends and neighbors.
28. Buy your clothes off season.
29. Go to a matinee instead of an evening show.
30. Share housing with a friend or family member.
31. Hang clothes out to dry.
32. Do not use your calling card.
33. Volunteer two hours a month for reduced cost food through the Share Program.
34. Change the oil in your car yourself regularly.
35. Get pre-approval from your medical insurance company before undergoing any procedures or tests.
36. Buy "no frills" vitamins.
37. Take a date for a walk along the beach or in the woods.
38. Make cards and gifts for friends.

39. Shop thrift stores.
People give away some really nice things! I recently picked up a College shirt, that I have really been wanting for $2, that at the University Bookstore sells for about $30.
40. Have your water company do an audit so you are not charged sewage fees for water used in your garden.
41. Refinance your mortgage.
42. Grocery shop on double coupon days.
43. Trade down your car for a less expensive, lower maintenance one.
44. Convert your cash value life insurance to term.
45. Shop around for eyeglasses.
46. Do not be shy about pulling something you like out of the trash.
With a little refurbishing, it could be as good as new for a few more years.
47. Recycle.
48. Move to a less expensive place to live.
49. Use low flush toilets or water saving devices in the tank.
50. Drop unneeded telephone services like call forwarding or caller ID.
51. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.

52. Avoid using your ATM card at machines that charge a fee. Paying fees 0f $1,$1.50 or more at ATM machines can add up quickly. Remember, when you use another banks ATM, the charge isn't just from that ban, but yours as well so the charge can be double what you agree to at the ATM.

53. Bicycle to work. Using leg pwer, instead of gasoline, can save hundreds of dollars each year.
54. Shop around for auto insurance discounts for multiple drivers, seniors, good driving records, etc.
55. Ask your doctor for samples of prescriptions.
56. Borrow a dress for a big night out. or go to a consignment shop.
57. When you buy a home negotiate the sales price and closing costs.
58. Turn the hot water heater down and wrap it with insulation.
59. Never grocery shop hungry.
60. If you qualify, file for Earned Income Credit.
61. Shop around for prescriptions including mail order companies (Medi-Mail 800-331-1458, Action Mail Order Drugs 800-452-1976, and AARP 800-456-2277).
62. If you pay for childcare, make use of the dependent care tax credit or your employer’s dependent care flexible spending account.
63. Buy, sell, and trade clothes at consignment shops.
64. Shop around for the lowest banking fees.
65. Caulk windows and doors.
66. Iron your own shirts.
67. Plan your weekly food menu before shopping.
68. Buy a good used car instead of a new model car.
69. Purchase all of your insurance from the same company to get a discount.
70. Cut your cable television down to basic.
71. Go to an optometrist for routine vision tests or to change an eyeglass prescription.
72. Buy pre-owned toys and children’s books at garage sales.
73. Have potluck dinners with friends and family instead of going out. I think I like this one best. What a great way to have a "dinner party" and save money as well. The only problem might be, where to have it.
74. Use the library for books, video tapes, and music.
75. Inspect clothing carefully before purchasing it.
76. Don’t use your dishwasher dry cycle; open the door and let them air dry all night.
77. At the grocery store, comparison shop by looking at the unit price.
78. Make your own coffee.
79. Use old newspapers for cat litter.
80. Shop at discount clothing stores.
81. Skip annual full mouth x-rays unless there is a problem; the ADA recommends x-rays every 3 years.
82. Water your garden at night or early in the morning.
83. Shop around for long distance rates.
84. Hand wash instead of dry cleaning.
85. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.

86. Buy generics, when grocery shopping.
If you can get past the preconceived notion, that generic is a lesser quality, you will find many of these items are just as good. In addition, if you don't think so, many stores guarantee their quality. Granted there are about 5 items I wont buy generic, but most things I will.
87. Donate time instead of money to religious organizations and charities.
88. If you are leaving a room for more than five minutes, turn off the light.
89. Shop at auctions or pawn shops for jewelry and antiques.
90. Keep your car properly tuned.
91. Request lower interest rates from your creditors.
92. Trade in old books, records, and CDs at book and record exchanges.
93. Pay bills the day they arrive; many credit card companies charge interest based on your average daily balance.
94. Buy software at computer fairs.
95. Search the Internet for freebies. but not for free software - free software is loaded with adware and spyware, that's why it is free.
96. Compost to make your own fertilizer.
97.If your car has very little value, you probably only need liability insurance.
98. Cut the kids hair yourself.
99. Increase your insurance deductible.
100. Buy in bulk food warehouses.
101. If your income is low, contact utility companies about reduced rates.

Great Mural Wall of Topeka: Meeting Minutes: 9/28/06

I took the bottom one straight on, but the flash reflected and blocked out part of it, so I took the top one at an angle. between the two you should be able to read everything but I think you can still read everything . Roy O'Neil

Individuals attending the meeting were Larry Wilson, Shirley Tibbits, Edna Beaty, Kevin Surbaugh, Mike Jackson, Tom Benaka, David Loewenstein, and Roy O’Neil.

The first mural will be on the East side and the south side of the wall. On the East side the theme will relate to the past and on the South it will relate to things happening now or today.
Think of one story or myth of Topeka, Chesney Neighborhood, WU or Expo Centre that we can illustrate for Saturday’s meeting.
Materials and sources include photos, magazines, pictures, and articles, Etc. Be sure to bring these ideas to the meeting Saturday.


Slides of murals were looked at.
Themes or general ideas for our 60 feet mural included;
Nature-----plants----animals----kids----Chesney Park
State---- Kansas’s icons
Topeka----the arts---- celebration of the arts----myths or legends
Historical Events
Well known people
Fair----Arch at 17th and Topeka day and night
Archways----fair----dirt track racing----railroad
Chesney Park----kids----ethnic diversity----multi cultures
Industry
Native Agriculture
Americans
A second list included the following themes:
Nature plants and animals
Chesney Park pool, bandstand, ponies
Kansas flower and birds
Arts celebration of myths and legends
Events inventions, railroad
Well-known figures
Fairgrounds Arch
Sky, day, night
Park
Welcome to Chesney Park
Architecture
Cultures, ethnic diversity
Agriculture
Industry
Economy
Native Americans
Sense of humor
Washburn girls win National Championship
Friends/family

Next meeting: 1pm Saturday Sept. 30

October 1st Update

Okay, so I know this is a day early, but I was able to get all my figures in and figured, so here is my budget update for the month of September.
With the help of an unexpected $1000, I was able to get rid of some medical bills that were not figured in my debts chart. In addition, I was able to get paid far enough ahead on my car loan, that I can now pay it weekly and not get behind by the due date. This will help save me countless dollars in future interest.
Over all I seen my debt chart reduce by $803 dollars leaving a balance still owing of $16,524 (or 15.65% paid).

Pictures of 9/23/06 Planninng Meeting

Thanks to Roy O'neal who has been taking pictures of this project as it has been progress. Here are some the pictures from our meeting Sat. Sept. 23, 2006. Along with some notes from Tom.

The next Mural Team meeting will be 1pm Saturday September 30

Bring pictures, illustrations, photograph's etc. of Chesney Park Neighborhood, WU, Expo Centre and Topeka.

Think of or ask others for story or tale about Chesney Park Neighborhood, WU. or Topeka that can be illustrated.

Tom said the minutes of Thursdays meeting will be posted Friday or Saturday.










Top right: The Mural Committee Meets


Center & Bottom left: The Committee chooses the spot


Center Right: Shirley Tibbits discusses the mural with Charlotte Noland.

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It is my hope that when this project is complete over the next few years that "the Great Mural Wall of Topeka" will rival "the Great Wall of Los Angeles."
- Kevin S.

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In the picture at the left the Mural Committee looked over the wall for a possible starting point with the first mural section.

Great Mural Wall of Topeka:Planning Meeting: 9/23/06

In attendance : Shirley Tibbits, Betty Bond, Mike Jackson, Charlotte Noland,

Margaret Venable, Debra Guerra, Kevin Surbaugh, Edna Beatty, Roy O'neil,

Rachel Donaldson, Mark Benaka, Larry Wilson, John Casson, Joe Marshall,

Linnzi Fusco, Tom Benaka, David Loewenstein
Introductions of group members

Noted that leader of our mural is David Loewenstein.

Business-picking themes for mural, painting section of wall, (w/good weather)*can work on mural in shifts or in studio depending on working capabilities.

Questions-allotting wall space to schools- David is not sure but plenty of space for everyone to use.

Weather cancellations- Will be sent via email, if no email will call, if you have questions 's Please call frank 235-6344 or 231-8046.

Meeting times-Must be at least 50 degrees in order to paint, design needs to meet 2x's a wk. Not required to attend each meeting, but encouraged. Times are: Saturdays @ 1 pm and Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm.*Mural painting is every day starting@ 10 am till dark. This needs to be done by the beginning of November. All meetings will be 2hrs. long.

Timeline of project: Meet 5x's before work can be compiled. Drawings, collage, photographs will all be compiled.

Next meeting: Themes of our section of wall, ideas *Meets Tuesday @ 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. Want to be painting by mid October, due to weather conditions (fall coming, colder weather). Paint will not adhere under 50 degrees!

Idea sheets were passed out from 1st brainstorming meeting 1 mo. ½ ago, and photos of wall areas of interest, 1st section is 60 feet X 11 feet.

-Slides were presented by David, he explained how he got into mural painting. David talked about his new book “Kansas Murals.” Showed slides of other murals in Kansas and other places he has worked on murals, and the history / back ground of their subject. He also showed slides of other murals throughout the world by other artists.

*We want mural to be visible and meaningful.

-Release forms were passed out for group members.

-Group took a walk to see actual wall area. NE end, or 30 feet on opposite sides of corner, middle of E wall (Expo. Cntr. exposure). Want to put history on this area (middle E section) of “Free Fair.” (Pictures on top right)

-Was decided that section overlapping S and E corner would be the starting point of mural project (corner of 20th & Western).

David Loewenstein's phone # 785-550-8531.

-Next meeting bring any ideas, art supplies you want to use (if you like, David will provide some media) and be ready to design!

We still need about $5,000, so if you know any contributors….please send them our way!!! (Pictures on Right)

Heartland Share Day

Today is Heartland Share Day.
What is Heartland Share?
Topeka-based Let's Help Inc. launched Heartland SHARE in November 1991. Heartland SHARE is modeled after a program established several years earlier in California that gives participants the opportunity to purchase a box of groceries at a reduced price, provided they have given two hours of volunteer time in their community. Over the years, the Heartland SHARE program grew to include local distribution sites throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Heartland SHARE offers a great-tasting, nutritious grocery package at up to half the retail cost in exchange for 2 hours of volunteer service in your community.

IE: A fantastic way to save on you grocery bill. Pacakage pick-up is between 8:30am and 9:30 am today.

Anyone can participate in Heartland SHARE because everyone has something to contribute.

There are several programs simaler to Heartland Share, but none of them are the size and scope of the Topeka, KS based Heartland Share that covers Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas.

One "share" costs only $18 + 2 hours of volunteer time. A person can buy as many shares as they want. While this is my first time buying a share, it is certainly not the first time I have heard of them. Infact, a former President of the board ran for the state senate a few years back, and I went down to their warehouse for a commercial to be used by his campaign. I along with others were in the background moving food around.

This months share (menu) includes:

2 lbs. lightly breaded chicken breast bites

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts (Individually Quick Frozen)

.75 lbs. cubed sirloin beef tips

.5 lb. Meatballs

.75 lb. chub pure pork sausage

(2) 1/2 lb. ground beef patties

6 potatoes

3 onions

1 sleeve celery

(1) 1 lb. bag slaw mix

5 Gala apples

5 oranges

5 plums

(1) 1 lb. bag red grapes

(1) 5.5 oz. package spiral macaroni and cheese

All for the low price of $18 plus a $1 handling fee and 2 hours of volunteer service. A $2 transportation fee will be added in some locations.

Other Programs I found in Yahoo Search:
Wisconsin Share
Toronto Canada
Iowa
Share Colorado

and there are others all over the USA and Canada, but the one right here in Topeka is the one the feds want to see copied.

You should deffinatly find your communities "share" program," it is a great way to save on your grocery bill.

****UPDATE*****
Heartland Share ran into financial troubles and merged with another program. Their new address is:
http://sharecolorado.com/

Fianlly Got Started on Ebay

Well, I finally, received the pictures that I had taken a few weeks ago, and am now begining to get my ebay items up for sale. The first grouping went up tonight. Now if I can just make a few hundred dollars from all the items listed.