- Rather than an expensive security system for your home, buy a big, beautiful, scary-looking, deep-voiced dog (you'll also get a warm friend!). They don't even have to be trained as an attack or guard dog. Just post a sign that says, "Beware! Attack dog on premises!" Burglars don't have to know that they'll probably be attacked by a drooling tongue and wagging tail.
- Learn to do simple household repairs yourself. Check your local library for how-to books or pick up a cheap set at Goodwill or a used bookstore.
- Look in the classified ads for any furniture needs that you have.
- Check at furnitute stores to see if they have a back room of scratched or dented merchandise. These items often have only minor damage and are sold very inexpensively.
- Rather than purchasing new couches and upholstered chairs, look into the price of slipcovers. These are usually a fraction of the cost of new furniture, and the latest slipcovers look great!
- If you rent your home, be a good tenant. Water the lawn, weed the garden, treat it like it's your "home" (which it is, even if it's not your "house"). Often landlords will be so thrilled to find reliable tenants who take good care of their property, they may hesitate to raise your rent since they don't want to lose you. Sometimes you may even end up paying below market rental prices if your landlord values you highly enough.
- If you use fabric softening sheets, after purchasing the dryer sheets, cut them in half and replace them in the box. Half a sheet works just as well as full ones.
- Use charcoal briquettes as refrigerator fresheners.
- Use briquettes as air fresheners in the bathroom. Hide them behind the toilet or under the sink.
- Vinegar works as a room deodorizer. Place a small cupful in any room that needs freshening. Works especially well on kitchen odors.
- Use white vinegar as a water softener in your automatic dishwasher, or add half a cup full of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your clothes washing machine to act as a fabric softener.
- If your freezer is not full of bread or other frozen foods, fill clean milk jugs with water and put them in the freezer. They will keep your freezer running more efficiently as well as keep the food frozen longer during a power outage. You can also use these for emergency drinking water.
- If you have access to free wood, heat your house with a wood stove or a fireplace insert.
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