More ideas from Dollar Stretcher

Technology Meets the Envelope System

When setting a budget, some people don't like to carry their spending cash around with them, but that's the easiest way to keep track of what you spend and what you have left. My suggestion is to get reloadable gift cards. At the beginning of the month, put your spending money on the card. Put the money you have budgeted for fun, for take out, for morning coffees, etc. Pay for all these extras with the gift card, and when used up, it's gone until the next time you are scheduled to reload it. Remember to get a gift card that has no fees!

Using the gift card for all the non-essential purchases is a convenient way to realize what you spend money on and where you go overboard. In fact, you could have a separate gift card for each account in your budget. That way, you couldn't overspend any of them.
DeAnna D.

Lampshades

I use a lint roller to clean my lampshades. It's very sticky, so it works great! And it's very easy! Aubrey E. in Hays, KS

Sweet Smelling Slippers

My husband's slippers always smell like, well, feet! So we put a used dryer sheet in each slipper and now they don't smell anymore! Wendy D. in Boston, MA

Soak the Dirt Away

If you have a load of laundry that doesn't fade, after the washer has filled and agitated to get the soap mixed in, turn the machine off and let the clothes soak for a short time. The dirt flows out and the clothes will last longer as well as the machine parts because of less agitation. Then just turn the machine back on and over to the rinse cycle to complete the wash. Renee P. in Smithville, TN

Video: New Credit Card Rules from the Fed
Some consumer "unfriendly" credit card practices may soon be changed by the Federal Reserve.

Cash Crunch?
6 ways to get liquid in a hurry If your expenses are rising,
your income is falling, and your credit is cut, here's how to
improve the cash flow.

Qualifying for Unemployment
In a recession, more jobless people claim unemployment, but
whether you get it can depend on state rules.

Haggling With Your Credit Card Company
How to get your interest rate lowered.

"Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light."

--Marvin J. Ashton, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 1986, 66

Have a great week everyone!