TODAY’S TIPS: Elaine Harris of Oswayo passes along some helpful
ways to get through out trying economic times.

She writes, “Having had to live on half the income we had
previously enjoyed, in the years 1961-67, I learned how to meet our
budget in several ways.” She included a list of methods she
employed to make ends meet.

Meal planning. After checking the fridge for leftovers and food
which will not keep very long, also checking food in storage
cabinets, plan a complete menu for every day for the coming week
using food which you already have. List all the food items which
you will need to complete your week of menus to use for your
grocery shopping trip. Buy nothing else. Make sure entrees are not
prepared food since it is less costly to purchase ingredients and
prepare dishes yourself. Many times, it is less expensive to buy
fresh fruit and vegetables rather than frozen or canned.

Plant vegetables, tomatoes, etc., in a garden, or, if this is
not possible, plant a few in large pots to supplement food needs.
Can or freeze large quantities of food when it is in season and the
prices are lowest.

Cut costs in baking by omitting the extras such as nuts,
chocolate chips, icing which are listed in recipes.

Bake your own bread. A basic bread recipe calls for yeast, salt,
sugar, warm water and flour being baked 31-40 minutes. It can be
baked for about 60 cents a loaf.

Fuel for your car. Plan ahead, checking your calendar of events
for possible needs coming up soon – medical needs, toiletries,
paper products, gifts, etc. Keep a running shopping list and try to
purchase everything during one trip out to shop.

Clothing. Seek an arrangement with family or friends who have
children close to your own children’s ages for exchanging clothing
as it is outgrown, so more use can be had from clothing, and costs
for clothing are less. Also take advantage of lawn sales and thrift
shops, as the opportunity arises.

Elaine concludes, “The challenge of cutting the cost of living
can be a delightful and exciting experience as well as lessening
the stress of having less to live on. We can help one another
through this time of economical crises by sharing ways to overcome
our concerns through new ways and methods of everyday life.”