“Another effective way to save is to borrow large or expensive items from friends and family or buy them together.  This can be done with everything from baby items like playpens, car seats and highchairs to snow blowers, lawn mowers or wood choppers.  Consider a similar arrangement for children's fancy clothes, especially little boy's suits.”* #savemoney #borrow

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“There are all kinds of auctions.  Real estate, art, antiques, junk, office equipment, and automobiles are auctioned on a regular basis.  School districts, police departments, cities and other government agencies hold auctions all the time.  EBay and other Internet sites are another fun way to buy or sell things…Be particularly cautious at auto auctions.  We recently attended our first one.  Some cars didn't even start and those that did were started only.  You couldn't test drive them or even see if the transmission worked.  This could result in major repair costs on your otherwise ‘great deal.’  Some were from a towing yard and had no keys.  That is an additional expense to consider.  Also be sure you know about any tax, licensing or other fees that might be added to your final purchase costs.  We recommend you go and watch the first time and take your money only if you feel comfortable.  Many times used car dealers will be bidding against you.  The prices may not be as good as you would expect.”*  #savemoney #auctions

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Cal and I owned a Goods and Services Auction business that benefited the nonprofit community.  If a charitable organization is planning an auction, you can offer to get something donated and go bid on it yourself.  Everybody wins.  The merchant gains community exposure, the nonprofit organization makes money and you'll probably make your purchase for much less than the retail price.  Sometimes, however, items do sell for more than retail because the audience is supporting the organization.  To save you money, this technique works best on unique or specialized items.  That generally reduces competition on the bidding.”* #savemoney #auctions

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at:https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“In our area swap meets have changed over the years.  They used to be like giant garage sales with almost anything you could imagine.  Now, they've become big business and are more like strip mall shopping.  The same vendors are there week after week and, though prices may be less than retail, you need to be cautious.  Unlike outlet stores, these vendors have purchased items in large quantities and they aren't always as particular about their reputations as larger retailers are.  Swap meets can be fun to attend.  Always get there early and be prepared to do lots of walking.

Many items aren't marked, so be ready to ask and bargain on everything!  Many of these vendors love the sport of the deal.  Check out each aisle before you buy.  Sometimes the same merchandise is being sold at other booths for less. ”* #swapmeets #savemoney

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Consider buying gifts…throughout the year.  This is great for gifts to be given to grown family members and friends.  Children are harder to do this with, since their likes and dislikes change so often.  I shop at sales and purchase gifts for birthdays and Christmas all year round.  This not only provides for overall savings, but it doesn't put such a burden on our holiday budget and it saves a lot of time.  By the way, I have picked up some nice quality gift wrap, bags and cards at a number of garage sales.  That saves much more than you can imagine!”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #gifts #savemoney

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“I don't buy food products at garage sales unless it's lemonade sold by entrepreneurial kids.  I may be a bargain addict; but I never buy used drugs or cosmetics.”* 

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #safety #savemoney

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“I don't buy food products at garage sales unless it's lemonade sold by entrepreneurial kids.  I may be a bargain addict; but I never buy used drugs or cosmetics.”* 

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #safety #savemoney

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Cal always used this at garage sales.  In negotiating price he started with an offer 50% less than the marked or asked for price.  Many times sellers just want to get rid of the thing so much that they agree right on the spot.  Other times, they continue the negotiation and the price comes up from there.  Sometimes they refuse to budge.  At that point you must decide how much you really want the item.  Cal's 50% Rule saved him an incredible amount of money.  He loved applying it.  Bargaining is so much fun.  This kind of negotiation and bargaining is commonplace in other countries.  Now you, too, can enjoy the sport of it without even leaving this great country of ours.”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #savemoney #negotiate

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“…Cal and I generally preferred garage sales to estate sales.  Estate sales are often conducted by a third party who will be paid a percentage of the sale.  Prices tend to be higher and may not be as negotiable, since you are not dealing with the owner and the selling agency takes a percentage of what is sold.  On the other hand, estate sales can produce some beautiful furnishings and antiques.  A lot depends upon what you are looking for.”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #savemoney #garagesales

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Cal always used this at garage sales.  In negotiating price he started with an offer 50% less than the marked or asked for price.  Many times sellers just want to get rid of the thing so much that they agree right on the spot.  Other times, they continue the negotiation and the price comes up from there.  Sometimes they refuse to budge.  At that point you must decide how much you really want the item.  Cal's 50% Rule saved him an incredible amount of money.  He loved applying it.  Bargaining is so much fun.  This kind of negotiation and bargaining is commonplace in other countries.  Now you, too, can enjoy the sport of it without even leaving this great country of ours.”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #savemoney #negotiate

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Thrift, resale and consignment…Visit on a regular basis to check out new merchandise as it comes in.  Get onto email lists, so you'll know when a sale is coming up.  Watch for broken buttons or zippers and decide if they can easily be repaired.  Pass it up, if it looks too difficult to fix.  Don't forget that items such as strollers, playpens, with car seats, toys, etc., need to be checked to be sure all the moving parts work correctly and that they meet current government safety standards.  For safety reasons purchasing new simply makes more sense, especially in car seats.  Some automotive stores and hospitals have great prices on them and don't forget to check your wholesale outlets and the Internet… 

(Cautions) If you are buying anything from a second-hand store, take the same precautions you would at a garage sale.  Unlike garage sales, consignment stores sometimes offer lay away plans.  Be sure to check it out.  Consignment shops offer an opportunity not only to purchase, but also to sell or do a little of both!...  There are tremendous bargains to be had around every corner.  You just need to know where to look. ”*  

#savemoney #thriftshop

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Look into outlet stores...do your market research shopping before venturing out.  Get an idea of the prices on similar brand name items in department stores or check prices on your phone.  Be an informed shopper at all times!  Some of the merchandise may not be first quality and your purchases might not be returnable.  Ask lots of questions, until you are satisfied that you know what you are buying.  Try everything on.  Be sure gifts won't pose a problem for the recipient, because they can't be returned or exchanged.”* 

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) #outletsavings #savemoney

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Wholesale stores like Costco or Sam's Club in our area, offer things at substantially less cost, but there is also a science to shopping wholesale stores.  Never buy more than you can use, especially in perishable goods…“Check prices, even at wholesale outlets.  Check unit pricing to be sure buying in bulk makes sense…

 …Storage of bulk purchases of even nonperishable foods may appear to be a problem at first glance, until you consider every unused space in your home.  I still use the top shelf of my linen closet for canned goods, cereals, packaged items, shampoos, etc.  Don't forget shelves in kids' closets and the space under everyone's bed.  It might even make cleaning your kids' rooms easier.  That sounds like a plan to me!  Clutter need not be a problem in your quest to save every last penny!  Pasta, rice and flour can be stored in your freezer, which also helps prevent those pesky little black bugs.  I guess they don't like the cold.”*  #savemoney #warehousesales

*From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) 

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Nursing your baby is much less expensive in addition to being healthier for the baby… Dr. Hugh Stallworth's ‘To Your Health’ column in the Orange County Register indicates that, ‘many women find breast feeding actually takes less time and allows them to rest more.’  He continues, ‘Breast milk requires no preparation; it is always at the right temperature and pure.  A mother gets to sit and rest when she nurses.  Parents who use artificial baby milk must shop for supplies, prepare formulas in bottles, store everything correctly and clean up.  Human milk is easily digested, contains antibodies that help fight infection, and has all the nutrients required for growth and development’…your milk is God's perfect food for your little baby.  He created it just for your baby.  Working moms can express their own milk for the baby, but it can become a very tiresome activity unless you can afford a breast pump.”*   

*From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) 

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“Many young families are now involved with food co-ops… An interesting twist on food co-ops is a cooking co-op.  An article I found, "How to Start a Cooking Co-op" described neighbors who got together to create a cooking co-op in their neighborhood.  This saved money for each household, because they cooked in quantity.  The result was a money saver, a time saver and each family was treated to a wide variety of great home cooked food.  This could easily be duplicated within a church.”* 

*From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) 

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“I used to stock up on cosmetics, shampoos, and over the counter medicines when they were on sale.  It is wise to try to set some extra money aside, so you can take advantage of bargain prices or great coupons to stock up for the future.  Be careful, however, not to purchase more medications than you can use before their expiration dates.”*  

*From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) 

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

 “Plan ahead. Organize your menus to make your shopping list.  Stick to the list and keep a running total as you shop. Never shop when you are hungry. Leave impulse buyers at home (sometimes this is Dad!)  It’s great to pay with cash. Avoid junk food. Go to the back of products on grocery shelves to get the farthest out dates for the freshest items… 

Order groceries online to avoid impulse buying...shop the perimeter of the store to avoid costly processed foods…  

Today, try Googling Krazy Coupon Lady and other rebate apps.”* 

*From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks) 

Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“I planned my food menu around what was on sale and items for which I had coupons or other discounts.  Today coupons and other money saving tricks are also available on the Internet…

 “If you don't have the black thumb I was born with, a recent article suggests another idea...’While many gardeners today cite great taste and avoiding chemicals as reasons to grow their own food, there is another important reason:  It's cheaper.  Even with the toil and time spent, typically five or six hours a week after the garden is planted--gardeners say they are genuinely saving money when they grow it themselves.  Keeping costs down in the garden, resulting in cheaper food than can be bought at the grocery store, is not difficult, they say.’ In the long run, your family will be healthier and you'll all spend less time in the doctor's office.  Besides, a garden can be used as an opportunity to teach science lessons.”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

”Saving money on groceries, buying second hand furniture, recycling children's clothing and purchasing other things at garage sales can help you reduce expenses…”*

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com

“…Find ways to save money... Start by living within your means, working with the money you do have. When you make your money go farther, you need less of it…Researcher, Bill Danko, doing a study on millionaires comes up with this advice:  ‘Live below your means.'  By setting aside 15% of after-tax income for savings, forgoing some luxuries and investing wisely, almost anyone can become a millionaire over the course of a working life…Learn to buy only what you absolutely need and wait for prices to come down on the other stuff!”* 

 *From Quit Your Job! You Really Can Afford Stay at Home Parenthood  (full of unique money saving hacks)

 Books Available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jeannegormick.com