With prices on the rise, we all have to do what we can to save money. Some folks have to work a little harder in order to do that, so I know every little tip helps! I’ve decided to share a few of my ideas here. Check them out below, and please share in the comments a few of your money-saving ideas!

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★Purchase cloth napkins and paper towels. Why throw paper products in the trash when you can use cloth products, toss them in the wash, and use them again? You can find hand cut and sewn cloth napkins and paper towels on Etsy like I did or even buy plain white cloth washcloths to use as napkins and/or paper towels. Even if you don’t use them all the time, you can still cut down your paper usage, reduce waste, and save money.

★Purchase a vacuum sealer to preserve foods before storing in the freezer. Foods last longer and do not get that dreaded freezer burn! You’ll save money on food that would normally go bad before you use it. Using zip lock freezer bags is another way to save your foods, but be sure to squeeze all the air out of the bag before freezing!

★Sign up for Amazon Prime! If you are low income and can show proof, your Prime membership fee is just half of the regular price. Amazon Prime will save you hundreds in shipping costs if you’re making a lot of purchases.

★If you are low income and receive SNAP benefits, you can add your card number to your Amazon account and purchase eligible food items with SNAP.

★Make your own cleaning spray. 2 cups white vinegar and 1/4 cup blue Dawn dish soap makes a spray you can use on counters, in tubs and sinks, toilets, and many other surfaces. If using on surfaces that will come into contact with food, then rinse with water. Add tea tree essential oil for disinfecting or citrus essential oil for a fresh clean scent. This spray also cleans the funky discoloration in stainless steel pots and pans.

★Switch to a pre-paid cell phone service. Straight Talk offers a $45.00 monthly service with unlimited calls and texts. Straight Talk carries smart phones and are internet capable. Ditch the high monthly charges with contract phones! A pay-as-you-go service will provide you with what you need without the added costs.

★Make your own freezer meals and meal kits. There are hundreds of sites that provide recipes and tips for making tasty and quick meals. This could save you a lot of time in the kitchen and allow you to spend more time with your family at the end of a busy day. I visit Six Sisters Stuff for freezer meal ideas, crock pot and instant pot recipes and more! You’ll find plenty of ideas on You Tube as well.

★Reduce the number of times you eat out by cooking at home! Google “copycat recipes” and learn to make your family’s favorite restaurant foods at home!

★”Only Pay For What You Need” is an insurance campaign slogan that I, for one, am sick of hearing, but setting aside insurance needs, this slogan is pretty true. I’m guilty of buying more of certain items just because they’re on sale, but I’ve learned to pay more attention. Since it’s just me and Dad now, I don’t need large amounts of food items. I do purchase a few bottles of ketchup or mustard, canned goods, when there’s a sale but a large 20 lb. bag of potatoes? No. Not even if it’s on sale, because I end up throwing half the bag away! We just don’t go through that many potatoes! So, watch what you’re doing and plan your purchases! Only pay for what you need!

★Shop at The Dollar Tree! I can hear some of you already. Don’t be a snob. There are good items at The Dollar Tree! They have some name brand items you may already purchase, like Orange Crush soda, Dawn dishwashing liquid, Libbey’s canned vegetables, Healthy Choice soups, Banquet Pot Pies, Crest and Colgate toothpastes, and many other brands. I never purchase food items that come from China or are suspicious in any way, but I have no problem with products coming from Poland, India, Spain, or Italy. You’ll find school supplies, party supplies, and greeting cards at The Dollar Tree! You’re going to save money shopping there, and did I mention that everything is $1.00, unlike Dollar General? But better take advantage while you can because that dollar item may go up soon! The Dollar Tree may begin adding the $1.50 and up aisle because of rising prices!

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Being disabled and on a fixed income, I’ve had to find ways to make my life easier. Having pain and mobility issues things are difficult already, so I’m always looking for shortcuts! Then add Covid-19 to the mix and you get even more difficulty! Do you have any money-saving tips or ideas that have helped you through this Covid-19 time of our lives?