A couple things I'm not sure if they've been mentioned.

When I cook I always put whatever I'm cooking in before the oven is pre heated...of course depends on what you are cooking as to whether you can do this or not. I also turn the oven off during the last few minutes of cooking, I figure there's still enough heat in there to keep it cooking.

Easy entertainment for the kids and free, we have friends spend the night or over to play all the time, they keep each other busy and entertained for hours and no cost. From the time my kids turned 8 birthdays have been sleepovers, with homemade pizza and treats, not big extravagant parties that cost 100's.

A couple of ideas are to put out the word to neighbors and friends who have kids slightly bigger and older than yours that you would be willing to buy their used or outgrown clothes. Even if you just use them as play clothes you save money and who knows you may end up with some great items that your kids love.I did this recently with two older neighbor girls who wore a name brand my daughter loves that is too pricey for me. She ended up with several nice shirts and shorts as well as some shoes and the only cost to me was a couple of ice creams from the ice cream truck (I did offer to pay but was refused-I think their moms had something to do with that because who ever heard of kids refusing money?So I told them I would buy them an ice cream.) . Definitely saved a bundle. Also, if you have neighbors with kids close in age have a toy swap, movie swap or clothes swap. If you don't want to actually lose your items just have a toy, clothes or movie trade where you each borrow for a set time limit. For instance, I have a little one who is currently into Barney. My next door neighbor has a lot of the newest Barney DVD's so we borrow from her for a few days at a time. Offer services or trade whenever you deal with neighbors or friends. For instance, I borrowed a tool from a neighbor in exchange for a plate of cookies. I love to bake and sew so I often trade those services.

what is the January Challenge

Cloth feminine products?? I've never heard of this!! I'm using cloth diapers anyway, and staying at home most of the time, so that may be a great idea for me! Where do you get them? If you have to make your own, what materials do you use?

I also use both sides. I have also sprayed it with windex to get more use out of it. I found a great off brand when I was in Indiana with family. It's working well, but unfortunately, I threw the pkging away, so I don't remember the name . I found it at Wal-mart super center.

I also think the empty boxes that they come in, make great organizey containers. I have one that is holding tealights and floating candles right now. I can't wait to use up my next box. I am planning to use it for scrapbooking supplies.

We had a problem with sticking to a budget for Coffee drinks.. It was hard to keep track when we were paying with the debit card (my husband is terrible at saving receipts). So at the beginning of the month we put a set amount of CASH in an envelope for each of us and we need to make it last the rest of the month. If we run out no more coffee to go. It is much easier to keep track of how much we are spending when you are dealing with actual cash.

We Love going out to a movie, but after the cost of popcorn and soda it ends up being a very expensive evening. However, something new.. at least in Illinois.. is that it is now legal to bring in outside food and beverage to the theaters everywhere! new law my husband discovered! So now we bring our own and do not have to be sneaky about it. I must admit it feels slightly rebellious walking into a movie theater carrying our coffee mugs in plain sight. but no one will stop you!

I really liked the idea with rounding up when I heard BOA was doing that however, I heard on the Clark Howard show today that BOA is changing the way they do some things. They are going to start cashing larger checks first so that they can charge you a large ($45, I think) fee should the money not be in the account as BOA will let you overspend. Also, for the clients that have a credit card with BOA, they are getting ready to lower all of the limits and hit everyone with an overage fee.

We have our business account with BOA and I am in the process of cancelling that once all of my obligations are cleared. I know Clark Howard has an issue with BOA and those of you that listen to him, I'm sure have heard him talk about them so I am a little leary of him just being biased, however, I have had BOA do some shady things to me and allowing me to overspend, especially on a business account where employees have access to my cards, is ridiculous to me. I spend more money in overage charges than I do actually buying some items.

I know it was a little off topic, but thought I would mention that about BOA.

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Holly Drake
Wife to William
Mom to Brittany
Step-mom to Elizabeth

Another way to save when it comes to coffee, mainly for the starbuck junkies is get a regular cup of coffee (way cheaper than others) and then ask for a shot of latte or whatever your fancy is. They will sell you the shot cheaper than buying the bells and whistles of a latte and you still get your caffiene rush.

I'm not a coffee drinker however in one of my frugal newsletters, it stated that you can save $2-$3 per cup by doing this.

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Holly Drake
Wife to William
Mom to Brittany
Step-mom to Elizabeth

Good idea! I am becoming more of a second hander. I wish my dh was the same. He seems to spend sometimes faster than it comes in. If he has cash its gone!