To Save on Car Repair:  “Act quickly if your car begins to make any strange noises or a warning light appears.  This can prevent further damage and expense.  If something goes wrong with the car, start by looking beyond the obvious.  Ask yourself logically, why this or that doesn't work.  Sometimes the car won't start because the battery contacts are corroded or a wire has come unsoldered.  I don't want to be accused of sexism, but it really is better to have a man take your car in to the mechanic.  There is a higher respect level among men and their mechanics.  It's just one of those guy things!  

 For whoever takes it in, it is extremely helpful if you can identify the problem before seeing the mechanic.  The mechanic will think you know something about it, even if you don't and might be less likely to take advantage of you.  So act smart even if you haven't much of a clue. Getting a meter that allows you to diagnose your car’s computer is invaluable! Maybe you or your husband can take a course in auto mechanics.  It is well worth the time and money even if you never do any of the work yourself.”*

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

 “Simple maintenance can really save money.  Become knowledgeable about the basics -- tune-ups, oil changes, and, especially, proper maintenance. Think about getting a "how-to" manual for your particular make and model. 

 It's always cheaper to maintain a vehicle than purchase another one.”*

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

 “Cal learned exactly how to eliminate used cars from consideration and he knew what it would take to bring them up to peak condition…

 Be sure to get a good idea ahead of time of which cars are definite lemons.  They should be avoided no matter what their price.  They could end up costing you a lot in repair bills…

Avoid any cars that are no longer in production.  It can become very difficult to get replacement parts for them…In checking over a used car, always ask if it has been in any accidents and then, regardless of their answer, check for yourself.  The car may look fine, but by checking under the hood and inside the doors you may discover telltale signs that the car has been repaired and repainted.  Question the seller about anything you notice.  If you believe they are not being totally truthful, you may want to simply walk away.  If they are lying about one thing, they may be less than truthful on another.  Watch from the back while the car is being driven to be sure that the alignment on the car is OK.  A car that has been in a major accident may have a damaged frame.  This could even be a dangerous car to drive.  If you have any negative feelings about the car, walk away or check it out on CarFax.”* 

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

“Two researchers, Tom Stanley and Bill Danko, are leading experts on how to become rich.  In a recent study of millionaires they ‘...found that 37% of millionaires buy used cars...They let somebody else swallow the depreciation of a new car, then they drive it for years.’

 Eric Tyson, author of Personal Finance for Dummies  insists that the best way to buy a car is to pay cash.  By holding onto existing cars for as long as possible, he suggests that consumers can take the money they would have used to make payments and put it into savings until they have enough cash for another car…  Sometimes you may have to lease or purchase a late model car for business.  Cal had to do that, but the family car was always a used car.”*

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

“…Don't forget bartering.  Though there are official bartering clubs, informal bartering often takes place in churches and other groups.  We used to have a baby-sitting co-op.  That's a form of bartering and saved lots in baby-sitting money...If you know someone who can repair appliances and your husband is a plumber, you might suggest a trade.  Everybody wins.  Cal purchased some lights for one of his projects by helping a guy repair his car.  Cal knows about cars, but he wasn’t a mechanic.  Bartering works!”* #barter #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

This hack can save you a lot of money.

“Our kids were in a co-op, parent participation preschool.  It costs less than a regular preschool and kids work in school with their parents.  I suppose it is a bit like home schooling.  Since the moms (and one Dad, I might add) only worked at school occasionally, it helped me have time to handle some of my other pursuits without little ones in tow.”*

NOTE: In my area I hear about annual school discounts on the local Christian radio station for real savings at local Christian schools.

 #preschool #savemoney #school

 *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

“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