Tips to help make ends meet
SLIDESHOW: |
Get by with one car. If public transportation is a reality in your area, use it, or if a spouse doesn't work, keep only one vehicle. That will save a car payment, gas and insurance, said Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Eat out smarter. You can still eat out if that's your preference, Cunningham said, but use restaurant coupons, eat appetizers as a meal, split a meal with your dining partner, dine at all-you-can-eat buffets, ask for a to-go box before starting to eat and take half the food home to make another meal.
Join a food co-op. A popular one is Angel Food Ministries Inc., http://www.angelfoodministries.com, (877) 366-3646. Look at the May menu and prices, place a food order and find out where to pick it up near your home. Food co-ops substantially stretch your food dollars. Anyone can join.
Plant vegetables in a community garden. Tricycle Gardens at 211 W. Seventh St. in the Old Manchester section of Richmond, (804) 231-7767, http://www.tricyclegardens.org, is involved with six gardens.
Before renting out a room in your home for extra income, run a credit report, get references, sign a month-to-month lease agreement and require a deposit, advises Carol Haley, broker/co-owner of Century 21 Signature Realty in Richmond. Also, check the sex offenders' list, screen the prospective roomer in a face-to-face interview and run an online background check.
Dial 2-1-1 if you're in dire straits. "We can link them to resources in the community," said Cora Dickerson, director of the United Way of Richmond & Petersburg's Information and Referral Center.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement