Five Minute Financials

[jeffrey]

What things can you in a short period of time (5 to 15 minutes) that can save you money? Would love to see your lists...

[LuxLiving]

In 15 minutes time I can list 8-12 books for sale on Amazon. Wait that is making money not saving it.

Hmmm...back to the thinktank!

[cicy33]

Caulk around windows
Wash a few dishes instead of using the dishwasher. (would not work if you had a huge family but the average time actually washing dishes is about 15 minutes)
Turn off extra lights and unplug unused appliances, cell phones, etc.
Organize an area (this saves money cuz sometimes you don't realize the things you already have and can use without buying more things)

[LuxLiving]

*In less than five minutes I can throw together the dough for a pan of hot rolls that is less expensive & better tasting than you can get at the store.

*Put the car keys back on the keyrack and stay home out of the malls, drive thru lanes and restaraunts.

*Send my kids into the grocery with the correct change to buy the fill-in bread & milk needs for the family and keep myself out of temptation to add other things to the cart.

*Pre-plan my routes to run errands so that I don't waste gas.

*Forecast needs so I can better budget for them.

*Make out a menu-plan and grocery list.

*Research & price-compare upcoming purchases on-line at my leisure.

*In less than a minute I can slamdunk some water, dried pinto beans & leftover frozen hamchunks into the crockpot and in the remaining four minutes later in the day mix up some Jiffy cornbread and make a decent, inexpensive meal for my family.

[scfr]

"Preventative Maintenance" ... big payoffs down the road:

Floss your teeth to reduce future dental bills
Take a short walk (take the dog if you have one) to reduce future doctor & vet bills
Give your honey a smooch to prevent future divorce lawyer bills

[tinapbeana]

check the pantry, fridge, and/or freezer for items needed on the next shopping trip, rather than guessing about it when i'm at the store.

file my receipts to be entered into the computer at the end of the week.

pay my bills online, saving 10+ stamps and envelopes every month.

[jodi]

Originally Posted by scfr

"Preventative Maintenance" ... big payoffs down the road:

Floss your teeth to reduce future dental bills
Take a short walk (take the dog if you have one) to reduce future doctor & vet bills
Give your honey a smooch to prevent future divorce lawyer bills

#3 is taken care of (and the hubby thanks you). I'll work on #1 and #2.

[jodi]

Making a double batch of granola takes me less then 10 minutes (excluding baking time). Throwing the ingredients in the bread machine takes 5 - for pizza dough, rolls, etc.

It only takes a few minutes to clean out near-empty jars (i.e. mayo, ketchup, shampoo), but I am still amazed that my DH would rather toss them!

Instead of tossing used papers, we add them to a pile under the computer to reuse the other side when we are printing recipes, e-mails, etc...nothing important.

[Ima saver]

Turn off the hot water
Turn the heat down a few degrees
Turn off the lights

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by scfr

"Preventative Maintenance" ... big payoffs down the road:


Give your honey a smooch to prevent future divorce lawyer bills

Love it!

[Snoopy2645]

In five minutes I can go get things out of the garage that would save me money meaning like hand me downs from the older girls to my youngest instead of going to a store. I can turn off the lights & make malts or orange julius's for about $1.50 for the whole family instead of running to the DQ or dig threw coupons for things I always seem to need anyways.

[thebetterlifenow]

Make my lunch for tomorrow instead of going out to eat.

[krayziebone33]

In five minutes or less, I can plan my upcoming week's budget and find ways to even reduce the cost of whatever I put on the list.

[nanamom]

5 minutes huh,
How about read a post on Savings Advice!

[aurielle]

This morning it took less than 5 minutes to initiate a transfer from my checking to my online savings account. It's not getting spent, and I'm going to earn 5% on it.

[Aleta]

Checking through the newspaper for special sales on food, clothing, etc.
Paying bills online and knowing they're paid and didn't get lost in the mail.
Compare grocery store ads and list what I want from each and then checking my coupon box for the appropriate coupon.
I have a list on one of my inner cabinet doors that anyone can list what they are running out of. It's a great saver. I also will list something wnen I know that I'm down to my last one.
I make my own special coffee drinks with expresso coffee, scalded milk, whipping cream, a dusting of cinnamon and chocolate.
I can also read in 15 minute increments financial books which will save me money.
I can read articles that I've saved and cut out on finances.
Calling the phone company and dropping an unneeded service such as inside wiring on your telelphone bill.
When making one meal, make enough for future meals to freeze. It should take you less than 5 minutes to seal a meal.
Check through the vegetables in your drawer. Flash freeze them and put them in a plastic bag. Green peppers are great for this. They don't have to go bad and they're great for dishes that don't require the crispiness.

[Fern]

When grocery shopping, take the time to look at the unit price as well as the actual (product) price.

It's an easy way to save $$ without getting tripped up by a product that appears to cost less, but also contains less volume.

[Snoopy2645]

Funny about this I been waiting to share at the store the other night 100 oz of tide was $5.96 the 200 oz was 12.97 HMM I guess the store thinks I wasnt paying attention in math class LOL

So I agree try to look at the qty vs prices

[beebop25blue25]

Hmmmmm, very interesting Snoopy!!

[Aleta]

I've noticed that larger sizes aren't always cheaper. It's better to wait for the sales for the common sizes. They are usually cheaper and you can use more coupons as well because you can buy 2 boxes instead of 1.