Not-So-Obvious Ways To Save Money

source: Mother Earth News

We've all heard of the typical ways to save money - don't buy things you don't need, search for the best deal, wait for a sale...in general, spend less money. Most folks try REALLY hard to abide by these rules and, of those that do, most do a good job of following them.

There are, however, plenty of off-the-beaten-path ways to save money. Now, this isn't, by any means, an all-inclusive listing, but I guarantee there will be at least one action listed here you could put into full-swing rather easily and quickly.

Raise Your Own Chickens

Whether you're concerned about the quality of your chicken meat or how far away your eggs are coming from, raising your own chickens is not that far-fetched an idea...nor is it that difficult. Check out Backyard Chickens for plenty of help or Wikihow's How to Keep Chickens in a City.

Paint Your Roof White

A recent study found that "a 1,000-square-foot roof -- the average size on an American home -- offsets 10 metric tons of planet-heating carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere if dark-colored shingles or coatings are replaced with white material." - possibly translating into a 10-15% drop in your air conditioning bill.

Make Your Own Soda

If you buy soda and other carbonated drinks, a cheaper alternative may be to purchase a Sodastream. The Sodastream allows you to make your own flavored soda at home with water straight from the tap.

Ditch the Expensive Cleaning Supplies

Many of the cleaning products we purchase are truly unnecessary...and expensive. Why not go for these cheaper (and often more environmentally-friendly) alternatives?

• Clean windows, countertops, stovetops, floors and more with vinegar and a dish towel. You can also use vinegar as a natural fabric softener (helps families with sensitive skin) - add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• Dissolve soap scum and hard water spots, clean and shine brass and copper, scrub dishes, and polish your furniture - all with lemon. Lemon juice mixed with vinegar and/or baking soda makes a great cleaning paste, and 1 cup of olive oil mixed with 1/2 cup of lemon juice will polish any hardwood furniture.
• Deodorize and scrub with baking soda - it works just like any commercial abrasive cleaner. You could also "splurge" and use Comet powdered cleanser for most of your abrasive cleaner needs - $1 at most stores.
• Invest in some washable micro-fiber cloths - find them at a dollar store - to replace those disposable dusters and mops.
• Opt for an old t-shirt and some spray cleaner instead of pre-moisten cleaning wipes.

Learn How to Barter

Bartering is the act of trading something you own, or a service you do, for some other service or goods someone else has. Check out your city's Craigslist site and look under the For Sale header - there's usually a "barter" section.

(Better Yet) Get It For Free

Check out Freecycle.org - a "grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills." Another option is, again, on your city's Craigslist site under the For Sale header - look for the "free" section.

Extra: Coupons and Freebies!

• Coupons.com - Coupons galore! Just download their coupon printer software, which will allow you to print your coupons, clip and save!
• StartSampling.com - Fill out a short survey and they'll automatically mail you samples that suit your profile.