More from Dollar Stretcher.....

Auto Air Filters

We purchase our own auto air filters and cabin air filters at discount stores and replace them ourselves. If the auto dealership or repair shop replaces these items, you, the consumer, will pay cost plus a hefty markup and labor to do so. We purchase our filters at a chain discount store for about $6.44 each and save a lot of money replacing them ourselves. Denise O. in Beemer, NE

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DIY Coupons

Recently, I have been identifying brands of food that we use most often that I rarely find coupons for. Mostly these include organic or earth-friendly products that also don't often go on sale. I made a list, took it to the computer, looked up each company website, located their "contact us" link, and sent them all an e-mail complementing them on their product and asking if they would mail me a coupon. All of them responded to my e-mail and I have received several coupons in the mail as a result of my e-mails. One company even sent me a coupon for one free product from their brand. It was well worth my time and effort. Eve C.

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Little Luxury: Lunch & a Show

When I treat myself to a movie and lunch, I find that "lunch" costs more than the movie. I have done various things to save money and also keep down my weight. The latest is that I go to a supermarket nearby and buy a boxed salad and a take-out
coffee. All the cinemas have an eating area where I can sit and enjoy my frugal lunch before the film. It used to cost at least $10 by the time I paid tax and tip for the cheapest item on the menu, but now I enjoy a nice large salad and coffee for
about $5. It sure helps me enjoy my outing more without breaking my budget. Trudy

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Selling a Few Shares

I had a brokerage account and decided to transfer my shares back to the company to start a DRIP account, which would save on brokerage fees. After the transfer, there we some half shares that didn't transfer, and I was stuck with about $40 in half shares that would have cost me more in transaction fees to sell than the shares were worth. I went to a search engine, typed in the name of the company, and "promotion," and up came codes for free trades! I was able to submit four promotion codes, sell the half shares, and get the $40 without having to shell out more money!
Natalie B. in Phoenix, AZ

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Local Trip Planning

When you know you are going to run errands or that you will be passing the dry cleaners, always be certain to have your "To Do" list and the things in the car you need to take care of. If you need to put clothes in the dry cleaner, have the
clothes in the backseat or trunk. Many people end up having to "run" back to the house when they are out doing errands just to get the laundry. Even when shopping for groceries, it's a good idea to make a list. You can save gas, time, and money
just by making an errand list for your family! J.

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Preventing a Plumbing Problem

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to use a crochet hook to stick down sink drains to pull out hair. It works equally well on shower or bathtub drains. This is particularly effective if you have someone with long hair that is shampooing her hair several times a week. It works best to twist it and pull. Mary Jane F.

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Note from Lucy: Love the idea of the Crochet hook down the drain.... lol Have a great week everyone....