LITTLE GOLD NUGGETS FOR  PENNY-WISE LIVING

    In money matters I am conservative, a true bargain hunter, and basically cheap.  I think the Lord is pleased, however, with my frugality as long as I don't demonstrate those characteristics in dealing with the needs of others.

     In earlier years these traits were developed out of absolute necessity.  Later in my life when the necessity wasn't so primary, I found it a wise way to live so that my heart, my talents, and my money could better be directed toward projects I do for the Lord.

    The ideas I had for penny-wise living became my little golden nuggets. I hope they will be helpful to you in spending your pennies instead of your dollars.

Gold Nugget Suggestions for Clothing Savings:

1.   Try to stay within your normal weight.

       Among other benefits, this will eliminate the expense of different size wardrobes.

2.    Shop used clothing stores (be discriminating, of course).                                                      

       You're sure to find one or two stores that will regularly have clothing your size and style.  Make those your headquarters.

3.    Plan regular shopping trips to your designated shop, because used merchandise arrives every day.  

4.    Get to know the sales people on a personal basis and they may even call you when clothes your size or style come in.

5.    Learn to hem your clothes.

      This is necessary, because length varies more than actual size in used clothing, and the additional cost of having your garments hemmed will lessen your savings.

6.    Learn to accessorize.   

       Just the right accessory gives you a more complete, attractive look, and if done well may fool the most discriminating tastes.

       Matching colors is essential for good accessorizing.                                                             

       Suggestion:   Try cutting small pieces of material from the inside seams of your favorite clothing items, paste those pieces on an index card, and carry it with you when you shop.  With this valuable little card, you can color coordinate with blouses, sweaters, scarves, vests and even jewelry.

7.    Complement your ensemble with jewelry.        

       Many used clothing stores carry a supply of jewelry.  Though the jewelry style may not necessarily be fashionable, much of it may be quite salvageable.  Polishing bronze, silver, and gold jewelry may bring out a whole new look to the piece.  Use a jewelry pin to twist or catch up the piece of jewelry piece for a unique and elegant style.  Jewelry interlaced through scarves can also be complementary to an outfit.

Golden Nugget Suggestions for Food Savings:   

Grocery Shopping Tips:

1.    Plan your menus ahead.

       Plan your week or two-week menus before shopping and then try to stay within that list.  Be focused on just the food items you need, trying not to succumb to the other tempting items strategically displayed throughout the store. 

2.    Know your grocery store.

      This enables you to quickly find those food items without “browsing” the aisles.  Browsing fills your shopping cart with all your wants, in addition to your needs. 

3.     Keep your sales slips. 

        Most grocery stores require the sales receipt if you return spoiled or damaged goods.  Don’t forget, you are the customer and you do not need to keep food that is not satisfactory.

Continuing the Food Smarts at Home:

1.    Buy plastic divider dishes with covers and use for freezing the dinner leftovers.  With this golden nugget idea you have delicious, ready-made dinners available in your freezer,  ready for the microwave.  It will save time and money, and eliminate wasting those savory leftovers. 

2.    Cut cakes and desserts into serving-size pieces before freezing.
       You will be able to easily access one or several pieces at a time without defrosting the whole cake.  This also removes temptation if you are dieting.

3.    Date mark your freezer items to eliminate freezer burn and spoilage.  This method is also a good plan for your refrigerator for such items as eggs, meat, and salad dressings, to name just a few.  

Golden Nugget Suggestions for Home Furnishing Savings: 

 1.   Ask  yourself if it’s really necessary to buy quality items when you can dodge some of the quality and save money.  “Buy cheap and replace when necessary,” is my slogan.  You will probably find it’s cost effective to replace cheaper items more often than to pay higher prices for the brand name pieces.  And, you might like the refreshing changes this gives you.

       Note:  If you’re purchasing brand name, more expensive pieces to pass on to your children, it’s a good idea to talk to them about it beforehand.  Their tastes may vary greatly from yours. 

 2.    Coordinate in tasteful, yet creative, "cheap."                                                                                            

        When shopping garage sales or discount stores, bring color swatches of the items you are trying to coordinate.  They are invaluable when buying pillows and accessories.  Experiment with your creativity by intertwining coordinated colored scarves or discontinued swatches of materials together with lamp shades.  You may find you have added just the right touch for a professional, coordinated look.

        Antique or discarded dolls can enhance a unique style to a bedroom with just a little effort and creativity.  You can experiment with dress styling for the doll to affect a Victorian, colonial, or more modern look, coordinating the colors and furniture in the room to carry out the desired theme.    

3.    Blend patterns of bedspreads with curtains.
      Twin bed sheets that match your particular bedspread can be utilized for window dressings, complementing the room's decor. To give a harmonious look to your bedroom, find a small chair at a garage sale, fix it up and cushion it with one of the colors in the wallpaper or bedspread.  

       A matching sheet also works well to cover an inexpensive round plywood table.  The table will blend the patterns of the room, and be functional as well. 

4.    Brass tables with glass instead of more expensive wood tables work well for additional table space in your living room.  These come in smaller utilitarian sizes and are generally quite inexpensive.  The brass can be just enough to add a touch of elegance to your room.

5.    Add green plants to each room.
       Green plants of varying sizes and shapes stimulate an air of freshness to your home.  You can assimilate the colors of your various rooms by creatively adding plastic flowers to your green plants.  A larger floor plant can effectively be used to fill a bare spot in your room.  Hanging plants add warmth, and a delicate plant peeking out from a kitchen shelf gives a special lift to the spirit on a busy day.
 
6.    Pictures are important.
      Check out "starving artists" sales, garage sales, or even discount stores for inexpensive pictures.  The colors and/or the frame may add more to your decor than the actual painting, and adds symmetry to your home.