How do you save money!

[Ascot]

I will readily admit that I am fairly lousy when it comes to saving money on my own. I've tried different things over the years without much success, so I finally bit the bullet and opened a Roth into which I funnel $500 a month. As things stand now, the maximum contribution allowed annually is $5000, so for two months I don't do that and put that money into what I have labeled my fun fund. I have taken to viewing my Roth as a lock box to which I don't have a key.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by Ascot

I will readily admit that I am fairly lousy when it comes to saving money on my own. I've tried different things over the years without much success, so I finally bit the bullet and opened a Roth into which I funnel $500 a month. As things stand now, the maximum contribution allowed annually is $5000, so for two months I don't do that and put that money into what I have labeled my fun fund. I have taken to viewing my Roth as a lock box to which I don't have a key.

Hey Ascot, sounds like you're doing great. In 2015 it got bumped to $5500 and if you're over 50 (I have no idea how old you are) that goes to $6500. Viewing it as a lock box is smart.

My weak spot was in not taking advantage of opening an HSA/health savings account earlier. I'm starting this year, it maxes out at $3500 per year unless you are over 55 (which I will be this year), then it goes to $4500 so that I can "catch up" Oy!

[Orema]

Originally Posted by Gayandgray

Oh cool! Let me know how it turns out!!!! I just may have to try it out.

It came out well. I got the ingredients from Home Depot, Walmart, and Amazon.com. Here's the recipe ...

==========Directions from kind Jesse======

Liquid Laundry Soap

• ¾ cup Castile Soap (You can use the peppermint, lavender, and citrus varieties even though in this case, the smell does not linger in your clothes)
• ½ cup Super Washing Soda
• ½ cup 20 Mule Team Borax OR substitute with Baking Soda (See below)
• ¼ cup of fine sea salt
• ½ cup of citric acid

Instructions
1. Take your two-gallon bucket and pour hot water in the bottom of it, about an inch high of water.
2. Add the dry powders (baking soda, super washing soda, borax (if using borax)
3. Add a little more water if necessary to cover the powders then take your hand mixer or immersion blender and blend the powders for a few minutes, or until it is fully blended and there are no clumps.
4. Fill your two-gallon bucket up almost all the way with unheated water.
5. Add the castile soap (this helps it not to bubble up), and stir with a long-handled spoon.
6. Using the funnel, pour into your containers.
7. Use 1/3 cup for regular to large loads, and a little extra for extra-large loads.

You can use baking soda in place of Borax because Borax can cause skin irritation & organ problems, and it is hard on clothing. I left it on there, so you can decide for yourself, which you prefer to use. Some people generally double this and make it in a 5-gallon bucket, so that you only have to make it every few months. The salt serves as a water softener, you can leave it out if you do not have hard water. Castile soap is available in a bar as well as liquid either is fine to use. Some prefer the bar because it is cheaper, even though it does require grating prior to making this recipe. This soap will look somewhat watery after sitting for a while. You can keep a ladle in or near the bucket for stirring it before use. It really is not as difficult to make as it may seem when reading these directions, and it does clean as well if not better than store bought top brands and for much less.

For softening, you can add ½ cup of plain white vinegar to the final rinse cycle instead of using dryer sheets, which have been linked to all sorts of fun illnesses.

For stain removal, peroxide and baking soda worked into a paste and rubbed into the fabric works pretty well.

=====Notes======

It was really easy and I'm glad I made it.

I used Baking Soda and kosher salt.

There aren't instructions on when to add the citric acid. I added all the powders at once—including the citric acid (last ingredient). The acid started bubbling. The soap hardened after it stopped bubbling and I just used the emulsion blender to break it up and it worked well. Next time I'll add the citric acid after blending the other powders, I think.

I also used pure liquid Castille soap (Dr. Bonnners). I don't want to spend time grating soap.

I made two gallons and it's plenty for me. I put it in two containers and I gently shake the container before using.

Next time I'll get a scent-free liquid Castille soap so that I can add my own essential oils.

I know how to make bar soap. Next I want to learn how to make liquid soap for the body and hair.

Good luck, Gayandgray. It's cheaper than store bought and it's easy to make.

And thanks, Jesse!

[Gayandgray]

Well I don't have the chest freezer yet but the clothes line is finally being put up tomorrow morning!! That will save a lot on my dryer, especially when I wash the bed sheets and comforters. Our four dogs sleep with us, so I'm always having to wash bed linens and the comforters take forever to dry!! I'm really excited because tomorrow is my first day back to the dog kennel, which I'm going to use the extra paycheck toward paying off pet credit card, and when I get home around noonish there will be our new clothesline

[Jess]

stay single

[Gemme]

I don't leave the house.

[Kelt]

The single biggest thing for me has been to figure out how to eliminate or reduce every expense I had that could be considered "reoccurring". Whether it be taxes, haircuts, housing, or electricity. They all add up over time.

[MysticOceansFL]

Pay bills on time

Pay bills off on car

Don't make huge spending from your wallet or credit make sure you live within your means of living even if your above middle class if you stick with a budget that you can live with do it. Just on special occasions treat yourself or you and spouse or girlfriend ( what ever the case might be in your present situation.)