Save on household products, How to buy products, Household tips

WHICH CANDIDATE DID A MAJOR SENIOR GROUP ENDORSE? AND WHY?

"You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy." ~Eric Hoffer

Buy, maintain, and save money on anything inside or outside the home.

Saving on the house and household items does not involve one magic silver bullet. It comes as the result of doing many things a little better. Here are some senior suggestions.

1. More money-saving household tips found at money, utilities, food, computers, transportation.

2. If you live in an older house where windows tend to be drafty, get a brand name product called "Moretite". It comes in rolls and is similar to caulking, but not as sticky. You apply it easily by hand to all the cracks between your windows and their frames to keep out the air. In the spring, just pill it off and trash it. I do it. It works.

3. Interior insulated window panels. I just discovered a company that makes custom double-panel interior inserts for your windows. Better insulators than storm windows, and looks easy to install. There may be other companies doing this, but this one looks very interesting. http://www.windotherm.com/

4. Join freecycle .org (free to join, is worldwide, but local to your area) and get anything you need free!! Really!!! You can even ask for a specific item you need for free. Last week I got a free Mac Computer.

5. If you're buying an airline ticket, booking a hotel room, picking out a computer or even shopping for an unusual book, something small and obvious sounding may surprise you. Try the manufacturer. Article

6. Tender loving care beats costly home repairs USA Today 1-19-2006. Very valuable article. Lists 6 preventative maintenance items you can do to avert much larger repair bills in the future. Also lists a month-by-month list of things that need attention in your home.

7.Save your leftover coffee. Freeze it in ice cube trays, and when you don’t want to make an entire pot, you can get your cubes out of the freezer and heat them in the microwave.

8. Get one of those insulated pots to put coffee in. Fill it as soon as brewed, and it will taste like fresh brewed coffee all day. If you are the only one drinking coffee, this will also enable you to make a full pot, and only use some of it.

9.A great place to begin is dealtime.com . This site compares prices from many different sources for the identical product. I go there every time I want to purchase something.

10. Extend the life of your refrigerator compressor, and save electricity, by keeping the "coils" free of dust, and allowing some space for air to flow. As air is constantly sucked over those fins for cooling, they act as dust filters and become plugged. If you have a lot of dust or pet hair, this could result in a ruined refrigerator. On some refrigerators these coils are on the entire back. On some they are under the unit. The ones on the bottom are usually accessed by removing the small lower panel and then "carefully" sucking out the dust from the coil fins with a skinny vacuum cleaner attachment. It is very important not to bend the fins, as this will restrict air flow and defeat the very thing you are trying to accomplish.

11. To keep your dishwasher working properly, and prevent damage from occurring, you need to check the filters at the inside bottom of your tub for debris. Just open the door, and very carefully run your hand around the mesh under the lower wash arm. I checked mine the other day and found broken glass, fish bones, and would you believe a small stone? How's that for restricting water flow. Be careful not to get cut by something sharp.

12. Are you checking the filters on your vacuum cleaner when you change bags? You will dramatically increase the suction of the cleaner, and extend the life of the motor if you check this regularly.

13. During heating and cooling seasons your furnace filter should be replaced monthly. This makes your air flow more even, keeps your air cleaner, and saves utility money. Consider a better filter than the 99 cent blue things you see. White, pleated, fine material filters do a better job removing smaller particles and other assorted tiny things that float around the house. Hepa filters are the best, if available. I am able to place two filters on my furnace. I arrange it so the air goes through the blue one first, followed by the white pleated. That way, pet hair and other larger particles are caught on the coarse one first, saving the finer filter for much smaller goodies.

14. Turn off the "heat dry" option on your dishwasher. Your dishwasher uses only hot water, and when completed, the dishes are so hot they will air dry without extra heat. Open the dishwasher during the drying cycle, and you will see the moisture quickly dissolve into the air.

15. When you have the exterior of your house painted, make sure you ask for special attention to the flashing and caulking to be included in the estimate. This is critical to keeping water from penetrating the house, and by asking you put your contractor on notice that you will be noticing.

16. When selecting service people, ask as many neighbors as possible about which ones they have used, and what luck did they have.

17.Home Depot Value Center HD Value. Bought great gas logs for my fireplace, at 1/3 the original price.

18. A lot of the air that comes into a house from the exterior actually seeps in between the glass and the window frame. Glass comes loose. It may need caulking or glazing, or if you have a good painter, he can add a "weather seal" when he is painting windows. This is nothing more than a very small overlap of paint from the wood --over the glass. If done neatly, it actually looks better than having no paint on the glass at all, and it will help seal out air.

19. Ventilate your attic. This is important in the summer for both cooling and extending the life of your shingles. It is important in the winter to deal with any moisture accumulation. A "ridge vent" can be added if you are reshingling. Or as a second best choice, you can easily have side louvers added. Also, did you know that light colored shingles remain cooler and tend to outlast dark colored ones. (Heat reflection) They also keep the attic cooler.

20. A whole-house-fan, installed in the hall ceiling of the top lived-in floor, is another money saving addition. On summer evenings when the outside air cools more quickly than inside, a short period of time with this fan running will cool off the entire house. You may also want to use it briefly during cooler weather to heat your home if the outside temperature is higher than the inside. This can happen early in the morning or upon returning from a trip.

21. Once a year attach a hose to the faucet on your hot water tank and run to a laundry tub or drain. Turn the gas low to avoid waste, and run the water at full force for about 15 minutes. This clears the sediment from the bottom of the tank, making recovery time quicker, and saving you utility money. When finished, turn the gas up to the lowest reasonable temperature setting and remove the hose. Some tank manufacturers like Kenmore are including something call a "rotoswirl" feature to their tanks. This swirls the water on the bottom of the tank every time you use hot water, and discharges any sediment with the water used.

22. Have a furnace company check your furnace and hot water tank at the beginning of every heating season. They should lubricate the motor and any other moving part, check any belts, and test for carbon monoxide leaks.

23. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. Once when daylight savings time begins, and again when it ends. This is a good way to remember. Read the statistics on how many people are killed and had no working smoke detectors. Do you know that your fire department will come and tell you where smoke detectors should be installed? If you burn a fossil fuel for heat or cooking ( wood, gas, oil) , also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector: cost--$39 -$55. Cheap compared to the value of your life.

24. The lighter (in color) your shingles are, the longer their life. Shingles are partially destroyed by the sun's heat, and this is magnified by dark colors and bad ventilation.

25. See the utilities tip section on this Senior ARK site for money saving ideas, including using screw-in fluorescent bulbs.

26. 10 USES FOR NEWSPAPER, from http://www.realsimple.com/ , Written by Rachel Hardage

1. Deodorize food containers. Stuff a balled-up piece of newspaper into a lunch box or thermos, seal it, and let sit overnight. 2. Ripen tomatoes. Wrap them individually and leave them out at room temperature. 3. Pack delicate items. Wrap frames and figurines with several pieces of newspaper, then crumple the remaining sections to fill extra space in the box. 4. Wipe away tough streaks on glass. Use newspaper with cleaning fluid to clean mirrors and windows.

5. Preserve antique glass. Some older frames have finishes on the glass that can be damaged by cleaning solutions. Remove smudges by rubbing with newspaper dipped in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Let air-dry. 6. Dry shoes. Place crumpled paper in them overnight. 7. Wrap gifts. Use the comics to wrap a child’s birthday gift, or try the wedding announcements for an engagement gift. 8. Create a home for slushy snow boots. During the winter, keep a pile of newspaper near the entryway. When your little snowmen and -women come home, they can toss their winter wear onto the newspaper instead of creating puddles on the floor. 9. Prepare a garden. In the fall, mow a patch of lawn to make room for a dedicated bed. Cover it with four layers of newspaper, then a four-inch layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch. Hose it down. Come spring, the compost blanket will have smothered the grass roots, and the bed will be primed for planting. 10. Keep the refrigerator vegetable drawer dry and free of smells. Line the bottom with newspaper.

27. When you think the 'sunblock', squeeze-out container is empty-keep cap attached and cut it circumferentially in half. I discovered approx. one week of use inside. Store on the shelf upside down (on the cap end). CAUTION: Not applicable to all types of containers. Carl S.

28. Radio Shack is currently closing 480 stores across the country. If one of the locations is near you, there may be a real bargain waiting for you, but don't delay!

29. Insurance adjusters report that homeowners have great difficulty remembering their possessions in the event of a fire, flood, tornado etc. How many dresses, pairs of shoes, books, pictures do you have? How about those collectables? Take pictures of every room and closet from different angles. If you have paper pictures, put them in a bank safe deposit box. If your pictures are digital, either burn them to a disk, or send them to a couple of your children or friends to store on THEIR computer. Your computer may be destroyed. This could mean thousands of $$ to you. Think about what else should be in that safe deposit box, like wills, insurance policies, deeds, surveys, tax returns, divorce papers and on and on.

30. BEWARE of thrift stores!

Many so-called thrift stores are looking to get free goods from you and then turn them into sheer profit. There is an organization locally which, I have been informed, pleads for the sake of veterans and then sells the items for a profit--and NONE of the money reaches any veterans. Don't fall for the emotional hype. Be aware of who you're donating those useful items to. It's sad, but there are so many who scam us by playing on our feelings of patriotism and loyalty.

Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't shop at thrift stores! Just be aware of who's pocketing the money. Rivahcat - Virginia (Senior Ark note: Rivacat's comment that we should be aware of who we are donating to is certainly valid. There are legitimate thrift type operations where money does go to the implied target.)

31. Get an idea of what is ailing that range or refrigerator. It might be a simple fix that you can tackle, but my well require a professional. I recently used this site to diagnose a gas range problem. It told me what the problem was, and the part I needed to replace. The cost for the part would be $53 if I ordered it there. But I called a professional, because I didn't want to fool around with gas. He made the same diagnosis and told me the part would cost $70. I said "Oh, I'll show you where we can get it for $53." He took a second look at his books and said he had misread $53 as $70. Right! Diagnose Your Appliance Problems

32. Vinegar can help in several areas of your home with mineral deposits.(1) Fill your drip coffee maker with white vinegar every few months, and run it through a complete cycle (of course, do not add coffee, and do not drink the brew

) Then run clear water for another complete cycle. Done. (2) Soak a cloth or paper towel with vinegar and place over mineral buildup, like around faucets or sink and tub drains. Should remove deposits more easily after an hour.(3) Your dishwasher can build up mineral and soap deposits. Add a cup of clear vinegar to a load once a month to minimize this.

33. Consumer Reports’ Amanda Walker says a smart gardener can take advantage of seasonal sales. Many nurseries put their perennials on sale in the late summer and fall, so you can stock up on plants that should come back year after year. Trees can be another money saving investment this time of year. Many nurseries discount their trees by as much as 75 percent in the fall.

You can plant bulbs in the fall that can save you money, too. “If you buy bulbs that divide on their own underground, you'll get more plants every year without spending a dime.” Examples of self dividing bulbs include daffodils and blue grape hyacinth.

34. Save money by using an inexpensive household product to do 131 things! 131 Uses for Vinegar

35. Have you ever noticed that when you are buying a product online, and you reach the checkout line, it asks for a "promotional code"? These codes save you money when you get your final total. Well, believe it or not, there are websites that exist to collect known codes and publish them for your use. Sometimes the retailer even wants you to see the code on these sites, because it may bring you to their product. But you will save money. One caution is that sometimes if you use a code for saving money, it negates a free shipping offer, so assess that for yourself. Some places to look for these promo codes include Coupon Cabin, Coupon Craze, Current Codes, CoolSavings, and KeyCode

36. Very similar to #35 above. So you are shopping online for some kind of product. Before you go to the checkout page, or before you physically get in your car and go to a store, go to a search engine (MSN Yahoo, Google, Ask, etc) and type in the name of the store or business, followed by the word "coupon". In other words, if I needed something at Home Depot, I would type in HOME DEPOT COUPON. Check a few of the results you get to see what is available. You would be surprised at how many companies make coupons available at various places online as a way to attract extra customers. We are talking some big bucks savings here.

37.Try the Frugal Shopper for some deals www.thefrugalshopper.com

38. Check your hot water tank setting. Are you "boiling" water for a once or twice a day use? Set it to low, and live with that fir a day. If too low, then increase it slightly, and live with that for a day. Stop when the setting seems to meet your temperature needs for a complete day. This method will save you $$$ and will help to prevent scalding under water that is too hot.

39. Dry Mustard will remove onion odors from your hands or cutting board. Rub in, then rinse off with water.

40. In 2005, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel concluded that there is “no added benefit” from using antimicrobial products over plain soap and water. If you choose “antibacterial” products because you trust them to kill germs, you might want to reconsider. According to recent studies, antiseptic ingredients added to numerous products are not effective and may actually be harmful. Introducing an antimicrobial into the environment in this way also has the unwanted effect of increasing pathogens’ resistance to clinically important antibiotics. Read more

41. Keep your fine glassware and dishes from streaking. Add two tablespoons of vinegar (I use white vinegar) to your detergent before starting the dishwasher. You will be amazed. Gail W., FL

42.Double the life of bottled hand soap. You will find that if you add an equal amount of water to the liquid soap, it will work just as well, and last much longer.

43. Never use chemical cleaners in your microwave again. Place a bowl of water on the turntable and set the microwave so the water will come to a boil. Very shortly thereafter, turn off the microwave, but keep the door closed for 5 or 10 minutes. The moisture from the steam should soften all the hardened particles in the microwave, and they will now wipe off easily with a paper towel or cloth. When you remove the bowl of water, be very careful not to get burned.

44. A MUST-DO PROJECT FOR ANY MONTH This is a project every homeowner and renter should do at least once a year, so why not do it in January. After all, you may be in a cold climate where you can't even watch the grass grow. Or do it in the summer. JUST DO IT !

45. Find ways to save and find quality on a broad range of food and products. Very interesting reading. http://tags.consumerist.com/

46. Are you an avid reader? Here is an interesting page on 10 ways to save money on books.

47. A cheap and easy way to clean your mirrors is to use newspaper and alcohol. Just fill a spray bottle with 1/2 alcohol and 1/2 water. Spray them mirror then wipe with the newspaper. You will have shiny, clean mirrors.

48. Writer, Donna Freedman says, " I'll be living on just over $1,000 a month this year. That doesn't sound like much -- and it isn't -- yet I plan not just to live on it, but to build a savings account" You may find frugal inspiration in her article: "Surviving (and thriving) on $12,000 a year"

49. "TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham points out various ways to use cola around the home. --Substitute cola for water in a cake recipe and in the icing.
--Need a quick and easy marinade? Soak a ham overnight in cola. This will leave the meat nice and tender.
--Make a cola fruit salad. Fill a bowl with citrus fruit and pour cola over it.
--Use cola as a substitute for one cup water in gelatin mixes. Make cherry cola-flavored gelatin by mixing cola with cherry gelatin.
--Fill a spray bottle with cola, and spray on a window or mirror to remove grease buildup.
--Crumple a piece of aluminum foil and dip it in cola. Rub the foil on chrome to remove rust spots.
--Loosen a rusted bolt with the help of cola. Soak a rag in it, then apply to the bolt. It should loosen in just minutes." --source: HGTV

50. Scratch and dent stores sell large appliances that may have a bit of cosmetic damage. The outside of a range, for example, may have a scratch in the surface of the paint, or a refrigerator may have a dent in its side where someone banged it into a wall. Otherwise, the appliances are in perfect working order and come complete with all of the warranties and service contracts they would have if they were sold in pristine condition. Do an internet search, look in the phone book or ask at Sears, which often has their own scratch and dent store. After all, if the right side of your refrigerator has a dent, and it faces the wall--who cares?

51. Clear out the congested areas of your home, and make extra cash at the same time. Here is an article that will show you one way to do this. Do you have one of these drop-off points in your tow?

52. Did you know: Americans throw away enough wood and paper each year to heat five million homes for 200 years? Reuse! Recycle! Jean P, San Antonio

53. Some frugal ways to clean carpet;

- For deodorizing: sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on carpet, using about 1 cup per medium sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
- For deodorizing: mix two parts cornmeal with one part borax; sprinkle liberally, leave for one hour, then vacuum.
- To soak up big spills: dump cornmeal on the spill; after 5-15 minutes, sweep into a dustpan, then vacuum.
- Put 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent in the blender with 1/3 cup water. Blend until foamy. Use this to clean spots on the carpet, then rinse with vinegar. Pat McD. NY, NY

54. 10 Things You Should NEVER Buy New

Books, books, books.

DVDs and CDs.
Little kids' toys.

Jewelry.

Sports equipment.

Timeshares.

Cars.

Software and console games.

Office furniture.

Hand tools.

For details and some exceptions read complete article

55. So you need to go FRUGAL? Read: Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living

56. The FleaMarketGuide is a popular resource for treasure hunters, bargain shoppers, and organized bus tours! Here you will find them all... from the smallest to the very largest, indoor and/or outdoor, rural and urban, all organized by state. http://fleamarketguide.com/

57. Gift cards: If you know that you will be shopping regularly at Wal-Mart, or another retailer, restaurant, gas station, then you can save a few extra percentage points on your goods by purchasing gift cards on the secondary market. Gift cards are sold at a discount on sites like eBay, because the person who received them wants cash instead of store credit. If you check for gift cards being sold on the secondary market on a regular basis, you should be able to knock an additional 5 percent or more off the cost of your purchases.

58. Found on a frugal blog: "When we retire in a couple of years, our frugal ways will continue so that we can live better on less. It's amazing to me how much fun we have with our limited resources. We'd rather spend our time valuing people and establishing lasting relationships than live a highly consumptive and materialistic life. It just feels good."

59. Here is a handy chart from the National Association of Home Builders to give you an idea of the expected life of the components that make up your home.

60. Purpose of this Website: The primary objective of this website is to help other camera hobbyists keep the older "classic" 35mm cameras alive and clicking. www.lensinc.net

60. Links to 10 Frugal Living Blogs

61. Need frugal gift ideas with that personal touch? Here are 30.

62. This may seem like a delicate issue to discuss, (no pun intended) but I have a suggestion on toilet paper. Our toilet and pipes under the basement floor kept plugging. The plumber who snaked it out, for $140, for the second time, told us we were using too much toilet paper. Say what?? How much less can we use?? We were using the two-ply very soft type of paper. We switched to the Scotts single-ply, septic-tank-safe type, and neither the toilet, nor the drain, have plugged in months. We do not have a septic tank, but this works on whatever. K.B., San Antonio

63. Thousands of products are sold every day with substantial rebates available. Rebates come and go so frequently that salespeople cannot keep up with all of them. If you are about to but, or have just bought, a product, (1) ask the salesperson to check on rebates (2) go to the retailer's web site to check on rebates, (3) go to the manufacturers web site and check for rebates. You could save hundreds of dollars here.

64. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers. Sometimes their BEST offers are online only. Last week I saw the best offer I have ever seen from Sears. My email alert offered to discount 25% from any 4 appliances purchased that night---online only---priced $399 or over. That included anything priced $399.01 an up. For someone needing a couple kitchen appliances and maybe a washer and dryer--this was a steal. And it included free delivery. This was an online offer only. I also get updates from Home Depot, Tiger Direct, Lowes, and several others. It only takes a second to delete an update if you don't need a product. But you could save hundreds or thousands.

65, We recently saw a question on the web site "Frugal Village". The author was asked, "Are there any frugal things you won’t do?" Answer: "I’m not in guerilla-frugality mode, so I’ve become a bit more selective in what I will and won’t do. I won’t use toilet paper substitutes, sacrifice nutrition, give up my high-speed Internet or buy used underwear." We chuckled.

66. We saw a statement online where a couple said they are saving on furniture and new tires just by offering to pay with cash. The savings seem pretty darn good too–$75 for the new tires and $65 for a dresser marked $175. Hmm, I doubt this would work in chain stores, though, since they probably don’t have the authority to adjust prices like this. But it’s definitely worth trying in smaller stores. I’ll definitely keep this tip in mind. Bear in mind that many credit cards will back you up if you have a dispute with the merchant. With cash, this benefit is lost. So many choices!!

67. When companies redesign logos or containers, they mark up the price to cover the cost of this redesign and the old packages are picked up by the dollar store people. This is helpful to those of us looking for a bargain. A monthly stop at the local dollar store, where you can stock up on cleaning supplies and shampoo, soap, toothpaste and other personal products, is a real money saver. And you can also buy greeting cards, really a good selection and quality, at two for a dollar. Compare that with the $3.99 and more for cards elsewhere. Gail, NY

68. If you’re in a town that has a discount bread store, be sure to pay it a visit. Sometimes the stores have special discount days for senior citizens. Always check the “best if purchased by” date on the wrapper. These stores often have other products at a bargain price including condiments, cookies and pasta products. Gail, NY

69. It's frustrating when you purchase something for full price and then a few days later it goes on sale. In most cases, you have 30 days from when you bought the item to the get the sale price. The problem is, who wants to go from store to store just to see if it's on sale? We found a great Web site that will do the work for you. At www.priceprotectr.com you can register the item you purchased and if it goes on sale, you'll be notified. There are hundreds of participating stores on the website including Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

70. Sales are great, but getting something free is even better. If you love to sample new products, try www.todaysfreebies.com. The website has coupons and hundreds of free samples. The free samples include medicines, cereal, hair products and make-up. All you have to do is answer a few questions, type in your address and then wait. Most samples are mailed to your home within 4 to 6 weeks. It's a great way to try something without paying a lot for it.

71. Laundry-I've been using half the detergent advised for a load (smells and looks as clean), and spray-then dry-a rag with softener for homemade dryer sheets. Heavy sweatshirts only get dried part way then are taken out and hung up to finish drying. J.G., Michigan

72. My glass cleaner recipe isn't much different than the others listed. It is 45% water, 45% rubbing alcohol and 10% ammonia. This keeps me in window cleaner for a long time and it is cheap.

73. Although we traditionally think of spring as the season for home maintenance, there are steps you should take in the fall and winter to make sure that your home is ready for the winter months. By performing these common maintenance tips each autumn, you can help protect your home's value and prevent major repairs.

74. Many Seniors are struggling to sell their homes right now. Homeowners make the mistake believing they are selling "their home," but once on the market your home is actually a product. You need to create an environment the buyer can't resist. In other words, do everything you can to make the home so attractive, charming, cozy, inviting, comfortable and exciting that a buyer will want to buy that lifestyle for himself.

75. Genuine bargains can be found at the regular Goodwill stores. Brand names, many nearly new, fill a real need for thousands on limited budgets. But have you heard about the Goodwill OUTLETS? These are even greater bargains than the regular Goodwill. Merchandise is sold by the pound. To locate a Goodwill Retail Store near you, go to http://locator.goodwill.org/. We are unable to find a central Outlet locator, but know the Outlets exist in Washington, Oregon, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Your regular Goodwill store should know if there is an Outlet near you.

76. We recently saw this excerpt online, and decided to print it as a healthy attitude for frugal living:

"Michelle McKay likens herself to a hunter, only what she stalks, tracks and brings home are free or nearly free home furnishings and appliances. Washing machine, NordicTrack, antique armoire: free, free, free.

McKay throws her arms open wide in the middle of her Phoenix home and says: "This stuff is my horns on the wall."

McKay is a modern-day deal huntress, trading, bartering and swooping up for free or at deep discounts about 90 percent of her home's contents. Her kitchen shelves, too, are so stocked with items snatched up during killer sales or at bargain stores that the room resembles a soup kitchen."

77. In spite of its strong odor, white vinegar makes an excellent room deodorizer, for pennies instead of dollars spent for chemicals that only mask with stronger odors. Place a few saucers of vinegar around the room, and odors from paint, pets and cigarettes will disappear. Or boil a half-cup in a cup of water and let the pot steam.

78. Are you ready for Digital TV conversion?

79. Even the inside of your dishwasher accumulates dirt and gunk. Inspect the bottom reservoir and drain hose, where grease and food particles could get trapped. Push a wad of paper towels or a large sponge into the bottom to absorb any of this stuff. Then pour several cups of household vinegar into the bottom and run a cycle.

80. Ten Frugal as well as Eco-Friendly ideas.

81. Get the latest discount coupons from over 13,000 stores: http://www.retailmenot.com/

82. MSN Money:7 radical ways to save money To help curb the consumer in you, we've come up with a few of admittedly drastic savings strategies, along with some ballpark figures of their savings potential. If you're really ambitious and follow all the above tips, you could be looking at savings of nearly $12,000 a year. Figuring you can invest it at the historical rate of return at 10% your savings will start to compound nicely -- and rapidly.

83. SeniorArk came across a site offering waterless toilets. called the "envirolet". SeniorArk knows nothing about it, so investigate for yourself.

84. Have found a nifty way to place my reading glasses down so that they don’t get damaged or dirty. I use a tin can (vegetable size) and put inside a pretty cotton sock with the end stuffed inside the can. I have these in all the rooms by the beds so people can safely leave their eyeglasses. Easy and really keeps them clean as well. Thanks to Claudia

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