A load of dishes or a postaga stamp? Which is cheaper??

I just read a "Dishwasher Tips" article put out by the good people from Cascade. I was interested in their statement that said there is no need to over load a dishwasher because even running the dishwasher for small loads is still more energy efficient than doing dishes by hand in the sink. According to Cascade, it takes between 6 and 10 gallons of water to run your disdhwasher compared to 9 to 24 gallons if washing dishes by hand. It also stated that on average, you can wash a load of dishes in your dishwasher for less than the cost of a postabge stamp. At the rate the cost of postage is going up, I wonder how long this will be true!! In case you haven't heard, stamps are going up (again) in May. Don't forget to stock up on "Forever" stamps before then.

What's In YOUR Sock Drawer?

ATM fees can add up! Why not make your sock drawer or any hidden space your own personal ATM? Instead of paying ATM fees weekly, figure out your monthly expenses and put that much cash in a drawer the first of every month. As you need cash, take out what you need at the time. If you keep only $20.00 or $30.00 in your wallet/purse, you’ll be much less likely to spend a dollar here and a dollar there. By keeping a small amount in your pocket, you will be more careful with your money and less likely to spend as much.

Are you a tax “Do-it-Yourselfer?

Are you a tax “Do-it-Yourselfer”? Many people overpay on their taxes every year, on average $1,000 because they try to do fill out their own taxes. It may be worth it to pay a tax professional to make sure that you’re getting all the proper deductions.

Are You A Conscious Spender?

You might be a conscious spender if:

If you always know how much you have charged on your credit card.
If you say no to things you really want because you don’t think you will have the money.
If you always use the things you buy.
If you have money in your checking account and don’t spend it.
If you know how much money you spend in a year on lunches or manicures.
If you get a raise and don’t upgrade your lifestyle.
If you save for retirement.
If you can clearly list what has “value” for you in life.

Stale Crackers?

I am always surprised at how fast crackers turn stale! I refuse to eat stale crackers so instead of throwing them away I throw them in the food processor, add a few herbs, mix and use as a coating for baked chicken, as a topping for casseroles or mix in with meat loaf. Use the same idea for stale bread. Make croutons by cutting it up in cubes, coat it with olive oil, and bake in a 350 oven until they become dry.

Smart Snacks

When your after school activities turn into a marathon driving kids from school to soccer practice to piano lessons and back to the gym for play practice, it’s tempting to go through a fast food drive through for a few snacks. Instead, plan ahead and pack a cooler with healthy snacks and bottles of water. Try vegetables, yogurt, bananas, nuts, cheese and other fresh fruits. This will save you time and $$$ not to mention the health benifits!

Smart Ways To Spend Your Rebate!

Washington is working on an economic stimulus plan. Sooner or later 116 million households are likely to see a check in their mail box. When you receive your check will you stimulate the economy or will you stash your rebate away? If you spend it, will you spend it at Wal-Mart? Remember, Wal-Mart buys most of their items from China, do you want to stimulate China's economy and fatten Wal-Mart’s wallet?
Blow it or keep it? My first impulse would be to blow it of course!! However, once the pragmatic side of "Me" rears its ugly head, the smart thing to do is to be selfish. Yes, put the money where it will do the most good for YOU!

Smart ways to spend your rebate:
Save it! Everyone needs at least$1000.00 in the bank. If you've got nothing between your regular paycheck and the bill collectors, now's the time to take action.
Consider starting a savings account. Online banks pay several percentage points more than most brick-and-mortar operations, check them out.
Do you have a retirement account? Start a 401(k) plan or a 457 account. Most employers will match 50% of your contributions into a retirement account up to a certain point.

Are you carrying a balance on your credit cards? Credit cards are expensive; use this money to pay off your high interest credit cards. Wouldn’t it be nice not to have that minimum payment each month?

Make an extra mortgage payment. $1,000 today on a 30-year, 7% mortgage would save you $4,000 over the life of the loan.