Getting Cash

One way to make some quick easy money is to sell or trade in your used books. There a many great websites you can use that are easy, don’t require a paypal account, and allow you to print the shipping label right at home (with free shipping).


Websites I’ve used recently to sell/trade in textbooks and books we didn’t want any more:

Amazon.com (for trade-ins ->textbooks and movies)
Cash4books.net
Booksintocash.com

All you will need is the ISBN # located on the back of the book (around the UPC code).
So schedule a day of cleaning and organizing, get all the books you don’t read anymore together, and see how much money you can put back in your wallet.

This month I did put $130 back in my wallet from book sales!

Also coming this week.... How to save on your electric bill using all the new tips and a couple more quick tips so don't forget to check back often!

Quick Tip: Dryer Sheets

Cut your dryer sheets in half and the box will last twice as long.  The empty dryer sheet boxes can be used to hold coupons, buttons, batteries, lose nails/screws, pens and pencils, pretty much whatever you want! In the summer (if it is humid in your area) try to go without dryer sheets for a couple months.

Tomorrow I will be posting all the tricks to save on your electric bill, so make sure you check back as you won't want to miss this post!

Making Your Own Cleaning Solutions

While you’re working through those bills here is a great money saving tip: Making your own cleaning solutions at home. Most cleaning supplies can be costly and can also contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous for little ones and animals. (Always test cleaners or new ideas to small less trafficked areas). So here are a few to get you started:


Carpet Freshener: All you have to do is use good ole baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda directly onto your dry carpet and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming.

Glass Cleaner: Mix all ingredients into spray bottle and switch out that windex

• 1 part water
• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part alcohol

Drain Clearing Solution: Pour all ingredients into drain and let sit 5-10 minutes then run hot water. (This can be repeated if needed).

• 1 ½ cups vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda

This mix can also be used as toilet bowl cleaner: Pour vinegar into toilet bowl let stand about 20 minutes then pour baking soda over scrub brush and clean.

• 1 cup vinegar
• ½ cup baking soda

I will randomly be posting other at home cleaning recipes so keep checking back :)

Lets Get Started

Before you can start to save you must take a moment to look over your current expenses/bills. Are you paying for services that you really don’t need or can do without? Have you shopped around for better deals for your cable, internet, phone, and cell phone plans? This weekend I challenge you to compare prices for other service providers, call around and ask for any special offers or promotions. Make sure you also ask what the rates will be after the promotional rate. I found that most companies want your business and if you express your hardships they will try to work a plan that fits your budget. All you have to do is ask! And cut those unneeded services.  If you are serious about saving, you can do without them (at least for a while).
You don't want to be caught.... throwing your money away!

To get started we did a complete overhaul of our bills. We found many places we could start off our savings. Here are just a few changes we've made.  We were spending money on a lawn service, exterminator, and for the daily newspaper. We cut the lawn service, we are buying our own home defense bug spray (and spraying all around the outside and inside of the house just like the “bug” guy did, and using coupons for it!), and since we were really only interested in the Sunday paper we cancelled our service and we now buy the paper at the local dollar store when interested (otherwise most information can be found on the internet). These three changes have not only added to our bank account, but has helped our overall health. We are outside more actively working on our yard, enjoying the sunshine and burning off some unwanted calories.

What changes can/will you make?

Next week we will explore unique ways to save on that never ending electric bill. Come prepared with pen and paper, you will want to write this information down!