Proper Disposal of Used Credit Cards?
I also cut them up in small pieces. However, I cut across through my name and the account number, then I throw them out but split the pieces over a couple of garbage cans in the house.
Financial Power of Attorney Responsibilities?
I would check with a elder care lawyer to see if this is true. I became POA when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers and my brother, who lived with her, died ( (FYI, it is only in effect while the person is alive, once they die, the POA ceases immediately...
Carbon Minoxide/Smoke Detector Beeping?
It is possible you may need to replace your detectors. If changing batteries doesnt work and they are more than a few years old, they need to be replaced.
A Tribute To My Mom
My mom just passed away two days ago on October 31, 2012. She had Alzheimers and was 93 1/2. Your tribute is beautiful and I think of what my mom taught me. I love to crochet, she taught me when I was a preteen since I used to follow her around and want to...
Understanding Alzheimer Disease
My mom is an Alzheimers resident in an Alzheimers wing in an assisted living facility. I attend support group meetings and it is always stressed not to argue but to tactfully agree with what they say and to answer accordingly. Today I was visiting my mom and...
"Soft Wrap" Presents For A Green Christmas
In the past, I have done the same thing. If I didnt have boxes, I would wrap gifts just in tissue and wrapping paper. If I did have boxes, I would recycle them for the next gift. If I had to buy boxes, I would wait till the best clearance prices (like four...
Walking for Exercise
I have been walking for about 10 years, do approximately 6 to 12 miles a day. Often I incorporate shopping in my walks and carry home items. I walk to the libraries, stores, doctors office, malls, etc. If I can walk there, I go. I have gotten to be known by...
Throw Pillows, Not Money
I did the same thing but used pillows that I had replaced and didnt want to throw out yet. Since I had crocheted the pillows and made my own liner, this was a great way to get them to fit the size I needed.
2010 Phone Scam Warning
Definitely, it is sad that there are people in this world who will try anything to scam people and have no conscience at all. What scares me is that there are people who will unknowingly give out information (like those with the beginning of dementia and Alzheimers...
No Toys As Gifts For The Holidays
While I realize that Christmas is a religious holiday and not really meant for lavish and over priced gifts, there can be guidelines for lack of a better word for gift giving. I agree with Teresa Kay, go through their old toys with them and donate them to those...
"PayPall" Phishing Warning
I have gotten emails supposedly from Paypal, eBay, Wells Fargo, and different banks that I do not have accounts with and not ones I recognize, even one claiming to be from my own bank. You name it, we all get them. I will go to the real website, get their fraud...
Fluorescent Light With New Bulbs Does Not Turn On?
Something similar happend to my fluorescent light when I bought my house and it was the ballast that needed to be replaced. Not sure if it is the same as a starter but once it was replaced, never had a problem again.
Cleaning Out the Medicine Chest
In my area, there are certain days that expired and unused medications will be collected to be disposed of properly. This Sat. Oct. 16, my town is having a disposal day. If you flush them or even dispose of them in the garbage, it eventually will contaminate...
Cereal Bags for Kitchen Chores
I also use them as mini garbage bags, for instance, when I skin chicken and dont use the skin, or have anything that I dont want to smell in the garbage can, which is a small roll out one under my sink. I just dump it in the bag and throw it out. Makes it a...
Avoid Rust Rings from Shaving Cream Cans
I use plastic lids from bread crumb containers, marjarine containers, any lid actually, which is large enough to fit the bottom of the can. They can be rinsed out when soiled and reused. LI Roe
Get Books From The Library
I also am an avid reader and frequent my libraries constantly. In my area (probably like alot of others), my card gives me access to all the Nassau County Libraries. There are three within walking distance from me (I love to walk, drive when absolutely necessary...
Prevent Identity Theft Via Phishing
I also get similar e mails, one was claiming to be from my own bank, which I knew it wasnt because of the content of the email. Whenever I receive anything like that, I go into the real website and look for their email that is for their bogus e mails and I...
How Long to Save Medical Insurance Documents?
I was told by my late husbands insurance company that I should hold on to his records for 10 years. He now is deceased for 10 1/2 years and I still have his records. I have a filing cabinet in my basement which holds those type of records as well as my own...
Cell Phone Tips
I always keep my cell phone turned off, unless I have told someone to call me. I do carry two pagers and if needed, (and I am very careful who gets both pager numbers and cell phone number), I am paged first, then I call back. My cell phone is used mainly for...
Drive Less For Low Mileage Insurance Discount
I also get a low mileage discount since I am retired for over 10 years. Also, if people are still working and take a train to work, ask your insurance company if you qualify for lower rates. Mine did, when I was temporarily loaned to the city and had to take...
Stretch Liquid Fabric Softener
When I fill up the fabric softener dispenser, I use the cap from the bottle. I fill it up just over halfway with water, then add the softener. It fills up the dispenser perfectly. Once the bottle is half full, then I also add water to make it full. I use vinegar...
Discouraging Door to Door Solicitors
?
My town actually has printed stickers that are sent to residents at their request that say NO SOLICITING and any one coming around door to door should have a town issued photo identification badge, if they dont have one, we are told (and it is on the town website...
Don't Bring Junk Mail in Your House
Depending on where you live (in US or outside), there is a website that you can register for free to eliminate catalogs. I send them back, marked return to sender when I receive stuff, until they eliminate my name (I also call the toll free number). My town...
Use Less Than the Recommended Laundry Detergent
I have been doing that for a while now and it has been effective. I also use less than the suggested amount for liquid fabric softener and that works just as well too. And it is only me in my household so it lasts even longer. LI Roe
Have a No Drive Day Each Week
I have been walking for several years, started a little after I retired. And since I have gone back to two cars (got rid of my husbands, kept mine after hubby died, then took over my brothers SUV after he died) and have to keep two (due to my moms illness, long...
Use an Indoor Clothes Line
I have been line drying my laundry for many years. I live on Long Island, NY and our electric rates are one of the highest in the country. So when we bought our house in 1991, I started to hang up the laundry, either in the basement when I cant hang them outside...
Pay Off Your House
When my husband and I bought our house in 1991, the price was reasonable (for Long Island, NY) and so was the interest rate. Then in 1998 we refinanced to a lower rate but continued to add extra money toward the principal as we had been doing since we bought...
Identifying Phishing Emails?
I send any suspicious e mails directly to my internet provider using their specific fraud/abuse e mail address. I also forward it to any government addresses I have and if it is from any bank that I do or do not deal with, I go to the correct bank website, find...
Avoid Holiday Spending With Envelopes
I find the envelope method good for regular savings too. When I worked, I used to lahel different envelopes vacation, taxes, emergency, Christmas, etc. And each week after putting the amounts for bills in both our joint checking accounts (my husband was alive...
Using Pencil in Address Books
I no longer use an address book. I use a recipe box and index cards to fit the box, each under the appropriate letter tag. Each card has the name, address, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, e mail, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This way if something changes...
Check the Dollar Store for Holiday Supplies
I agree. There are several Dollar Trees within a four mile radius from my home and I have picked up items that I couldnt find anywhere else. I have resin pink flamingos in my front yard and the Dollar Tree had small wreaths that were the perfect size to hang...
Using Up Potato Chip Crumbs?
This isnt really a real recipe but one of my aunts used potato chips mixed in coffee ice cream. Unless the crumbs are way too small, believe it or not, it is delicious. Sweet and salty at the same time. LI Roe
Reuse Plastic Bags for Smelly Garbage
I do the same thing with any plastic bags I get. And I dont have any pets. But I use them for coffee grinds (when I am not putting them into the garden). Also, when I have chicken and take off the skin or any thing that may have an odor, that goes into a plastic...
Safe Candles for Power Outages?
I have flashlights and a supply of batteries, both rechargable flashlights and regular ones. I also have a small battery powered lantern that I have used with power outages. Even though I have tons of scented candles that I use almost every day, I have found...
Preventing Rust Rings
I use the plastic lids from things like oatmeal containers, bread crumbs, etc on my bathtub ledge for my shaving cream cans or whatever else I need. It is hidden behind the shower curtain so it cant be seen. When the rust sticks to the plastic lid, I throw...
Keeping Track of Logins, Websites and Phone Numbers
I use a flat roladex for all my logins, websites, etc. This way each is also alphabetical and I can discard one if I need to change the user id and password. Also the back of each little card can be used to write the answers to the questions many sites now...
Buy Birthday Gifts Throughout The Year
I have two boxes in my basement, one is marked Christmas, the other marked All Occasion. They are for gifts that I either buy during the year or make myself. I tag each item with the receipients name, if it is for a certain person and the occasion (birthday...
Hand Wash Stained Coffee Carafe With Dishwasher Detergent
I also use dishwasher detergent in my Farberware perculator coffee pot. About twice a month, I fill it with water to the maxinum cup limit, add the detergent and let it perk away. Comes out nice and clean. I rinse it well and have never had a problem. LI Roe
Watch Out For Registration Tags Stolen Off Your Car
I live in New York and our state has the same thing where our inspection and registration stickers are placed inside the window and they do get destroyed when you take them off to put the new ones on. I just wish someone could come up with an idea to keep the...
Watch Out for CD Maturity Dates
My bank sends me a notice when my cd is due to expire and that the rate may change to a bit lower if I do not respond. So I wait till the day they indicate, walk the five blocks to the bank and in five minutes or less, have the better rate. LI Roe
Free Wallpaper Sample Books?
I have gotten them from Home Depot and also from my local paint and hardware store. And the hardware store guys were even nice enough to carry them out to the car for me. LI Roe
Don't Reuse Ziploc Bags Containing Meat
I reuse my zip locks depending on what was in them. When it comes to meat, though, I do reuse, but only to dispose of coffee grinds if I have too much for the garden or anything wet that I dont want to just dump in the garbage can. LI Roe
Baked Chicken in Italian Dressing
I have also used Italian Dressing on my chicken when I barbeque it. I just marinate it for several hours. Yum-o!! LI Roe
Cleaning Chemicals Burnt Into Microwave?
I recently burnt microwave popcorn in my microwave and I used white vinegar (heated it up in a glass bowl for a few minutes) and let it sit, then wiped down the sides and the underside on top using the vinegar. I was surprised at the grime that came off the...
How Has the Cost of Gasoline and Oil Affected Your Life?
I have been retired for nearly nine years and starting walking daily and found it cut my gasoline costs sharply and that was when gas was a normal price. As a widow also with no kids, I live alone in my own house and try to keep my heating bills low by keeping...
Keep Last Bit Of Laundry Detergent Upside Down
I do the same thing also, when it is getting low in the container (and I only use liquid detergent), I add a bit of water and mix it up, then let it sit till the next wash needs to be done. I also do the same with liquid fabric softener (very rarely use my...
Always Live Beneath Your Means
I definitely agree. My motto is to get the most I can for the least amount of money and I do very well. I watch sales, use coupons, walk instead of drive most of the time and just use plain old common sense when it comes to money. My parents taught me the value...
Saving On Electricity In The Summer
I have hung my laundry either in the basement during the winter and outside in the nicer months since we bought our house back in 1991 and my electric bill (which is one of the highest in the country) was cut almost in half. Ill have to try the distilled water...
Ignore Fashion, Buy What You Like
I am the same way. I buy what I like, one of my favorite purchases were high wedged sneakers that I bought about three years ago in Payless. Even found similar ones that same year in Mandees. Anyway, whenever I wear them, I get more compliments on them. I bought...
Enhancing Canned Lentil Soup?
I always make my own lentil soup and use carrots, onions and celery which I saute in a little olive oil, then add the rest of the ingredients. You can also try that with canned soup if there arent enough veggies for your taste. I sometimes add sliced franks...
Cooking When the Power Goes Out?
My house is also all electric and I agree with using a gas grill, only outside, if power goes out. I have a roofed over patio and it is at the end of it by the side garden so it is safe and have even used it during the winter, even if my power isnt out. Nice...
Poll: Do you have a guilty pleasure or something you splurge on?
Ah, where do I begin?? LOL. I splurge on spike heels, dressy spikey boots, clothes, yarn, crochet books and patterns (just to start the list) but since I am a retired widow, I splurge when they are on sale. And I dont do badly either. My motto is to get the...
Poll: Do you hang dry your clothing?
I had a clothesline installed in my backyard, complete with pulley (which I dont use, just walk along and hang my laundry up). I hang it outside during the good weather but even in the winter, I hang my laundry in the basement. Very, very rarely do I ever use...
Poll: Does your home have an air conditioner?
I have two wall air conditioners, one in my bedroom and one in the den. I can deal with the heat during the day but I need coolness to sleep at night. LI Roe
Poll: How much do you spend on internet access?
I pay yearly so I receive a $2 a month discount. It comes to $19.95 monthly as opposed to $21.95 a month. Also, my ISP gives the same discount of $2 if you are an AARP member. I like the yearly billing since I am very satisfied with my ISP and dont have to...
Cooking for One Without Waste?
I also live alone now and make different dishes which can be divided into individual portions and frozen. Some of the things I like are chili, lentil soup, chicken caccatorie, baked macaroni (what most people call baked ziti). Some I make in the crockpot, some...
Poll: Do you make any freezer meals?
I live alone now and do make a lot of different dishes (soups, pasta dishes, stews to name a few) and freeze them in individual portions. I make sauce, meatballs also and do the same thing. This way I have an easy, healthy and inexpensive but good meal to pop...
Poll: Do you have health insurance?
I have health insurance through my company that continued after I retired over 7 years ago. So far, retirees do not have to pay anything toward their insurance costs (same thing when I worked, we didnt have to pay). Not sure how long that will last though, when...
Poll: Do you shred credit card offers?
I shred any credit card offers and if there is a toll free number on the offer, I also call and ask to be removed from their list. I remember even opting out of offers, I believe I had to call the credit reporting companies and followed their instructions. Also...
Poll: Do you have a hard time sticking to a budget?
I have always stuck to a budget. At one point, years ago, I used to have envelopes for special items (vacations, larger purchases, even for possible tax payments at income tax time, if I didnt have to pay, it went into the other envelopes). One of my friends...
Poll: Do you pay any bills online?
After much thought, I decided to do online bill pay through my banks website last year. I just wish I had done it sooner. I receive e mail notifications from many of my bill companies. I then go into the bank site and arrange for payment. My bank not only will...
Poll: Do you use coupons?
I always use coupons, carry them with me all the time. I also walk daily and often I am by the stores that I have coupons for and will check to see what I need. I also have found that some stores, like my craft store and also the bath, kitchen and bedding stores...
Poll: Do you grow any of your own fruits and vegetables?
I only do veggies and herbs. I plant in container pots. Grow tomatoes (plum, cherry and beefsteak), peppers (bell and cubanelle) and parsley and basil. This year, may try other herbs. One year I grew lima beans and string beans. There is nothing like a real...
Opening Jars with Arthritic Hands
I dont know if this will help you but I have found that an old fashioned can opener (the ones with the pointy end) work well to help open jars. I pop it under the lid at a couple of places and you can hear it pop a little, like a vacuum packed item. Then it...
Poll: How much credit card debt do you have?
Ever since Ronald Reagan eliminated the deduction you were able to declare on your income tax for finance charges paid (one of the dumbest things he ever did, in my opinion), I havent carried a balance on any of my credit cards. They are paid in full every...
Make A Tube for Storing Christmas Lights
Another alternative is to use the empty gift wrap rolls. I cut a slit on each opening to slip the beginning of the light strand in and at the end of it also. LI Roe
Pump Your Own Gas
I live on Long Island, NY and we still have full service gas stations. Id be in big trouble if they ever went to self-serve only because I cannot self serve. I know it sounds crazy but no matter how many times people have tried to teach me, I am kind of afraid...
Not Going Into Debt for a Nice Christmas
I make a lot of my gifts (both for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions) and do it all during the year also. I also check out sales and pick up other things that go in the appropriate boxes I keep in the basement (one is labelled Christmas Box, the other...
Puzzles as Wall Decorations
Ive bought fabric to match the color of my walls and repainted frames the same color as my trim and framed the fabric. Even used wooden embroidery hoops, painted them again to match the trim and framed fabric also. LI Roe
Wrapping Your Hot Water Heater?
I dont know about wrapping with blankets but I have foam insulation tubes that you can buy at a hardware or home improvement store to wrap around the pipes.They come in different diameters to fit the size pipes you have and are not that expensive. A friend...
Mail Order Prescriptions
My mail order prescription plan has a website that will e mail me when my prescription is due for a refill. Then I go online and not only order it but can bill it directly to a credit card. Makes life a lot easier. But I used to do the same thing and mark it...
Where's the Baby?
What a little sweetheart!!!! I never would have thought they could find room under a couch but they are so inquisitive. Thanks for sharing. LI Roe
Walk to the Store
I live in an area where the gas prices average several cents above the national average. For the three and a half years, in order to maintain my 50 lb weight loss, I started walking every day, no matter how cold or hot it is. You learn to adjust to the temps...
Auto Insurance Discounts
Hi. When I worked and temporarily had to take the railroad to work (was loaned into the city) I asked my insurance agent if I was entitled to a discount because I wasnt driving to work. Sure enough, I was entitled to a discount while I was using the railroad...
Hanging Clothes in the Winter
I live in a county where we have one of the highest electric rates around so I have hung up my clothes ever since we bought our house in 1991. My dryer has very little usage. There was a small line in the basement already so I use that as well as small plastic...
Use a Timer for Christmas Tree Lighting
Hi. I do the same thing. Even have the lighted wreath (that I made myself) in the dining room window on a timer. Its even nicer when you are out and come home to a brightly lit house. Even my outside front light is on a timer. And I have an artificial tree...
Thinking Ahead - Save Money Next Christmas
Hi. I do the same thing, during the year I buy or make gifts for different occasions. I have two marked boxes in my basement, one is marked Christmas, the other is marked All Occasion. Then as I accumulate the items, they go into the appropriate box. Sometimes...
