Secrets of the DebtBuster

By John Cummuta

Our grandparents knew how to stretch a dollar to ensure they would not need any advice from a Debtbuster.

 In those days, a chicken would last an entire week and would feed an entire family of four. By learning to be a creative money saver, you'll discover what they've always known: You don't have to spend a lot to be happy and you'll stay out of the clutches of the debt collectors. Follow thes rules and you are unlikely to call on the services of any  Debtbuster.

While some of the following suggestions might sound a bit extreme, these ideas reflect wisdom from years gone by.
Here are some ways your grandparents (or greatgrandparents!) learned to
save money — with a modern twist here and there from the Debtbuster.

1. Eat less food. By eating smaller meals, not only will you be healthier, you'll also save money.

2. Go vegetarian — even just twice a week. Pasta, rice, potatoes, and beans are some of the lowest-priced foods on the market.

3. Never pay full price. Wait until you can get some kind of discount and then stock up.

4. Never throw anything away that can be reused or recycled. Cash in your aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Use old sauce jars to freeze leftovers. Be creative!

5. Use a thermos to keep coffee warm instead of leaving the burner on. You can really taste the difference!

We've got to number 5 and I guess you're thinking you don't want to scrimp and save like this - but sometimes the ends are too far apart to meet so, unless you want to call on the services of the DebtBuster, you need to carry on reading and applying these common sense hints.

6. Turn off the lights. By remembering to turn off appliances and change light bulbs to lower wattage, you'll be saving money and the environment.

7. Open drapes to let in the heat. Close them to keep it cooler.

8. Feeling cold? Put on a sweater rather than turn on the heater. Better yet, go outside for a nice brisk walk or jog. You'll use your body's thermostat instead of your home's.

9. Turn off the TV if you're not watching it. TV sound is expensive company.

Listening to the radio uses a lot less electricity.

10. Wash your own car. Check your own tire pressure. Change your own oil if you can.

11. Re-evaluate your telephone needs. Cell phones can be expensive, especially if you are paying for a household of users. Get rid of the phones that aren't absolutely necessary. Look for cheaper plans. Getting rid of just one cell phone can save you $50 or more a month!

These tips are just plain good old-fashioned common sense from people who never need the services of a Debtbuster.