12/01/2024
Gertie is going off grid for awhile, but before I do, I wanted to share a few money saving tips that I have put into practice in my own life.
*I used to save all of my change throughout the year and use that to renew my license plate sticker. Illinois has increased their fee by quite a bit so the last few years I have found myself coming up short at renewal time. I have since changed to dividing the cost of the sticker by 12, and at the end of every month set aside $13. This way when my sticker is due I have the entire amount and don't have to come up with $151 at one shot.
*I have also put this method into practice when it comes to small things I want to do for fun. For example, I'm going to dinner and a play in December and decided to save up weekly. I have several weeks before the show to have the entire amount saved up. I'm making payments to myself like the old Fingerhut payment plan 😁
*For a different and unique gift idea, visit thrift bookstores, goodwill, or the library book sales and collect books to give as gifts. Peruse the dust jacket or back cover to get a synopsis and then wrap the book in plain paper, writing a few clues to pique interest. Check out the attached photo for examples.
*For Quad Cities Gertie followers, save the cans and bottles that are redeemable for 5 cent recycling redemption. It's a little bit of work but you are not only helping the environment a little, but also getting paid for your efforts! I have a tote that I throw all of my cans and bottles in and when it's full, redeem at the Devil's Glen Bettendorf Hy-Vee location. I am not sure if all of the local Iowa Hy-Vee stores offer recycling, so check before you go. I just went on a trip and used my nickel money towards souvenirs and plan on saving all of my nickel money throughout 2024 and use that toward Christmas presents next year.
See you next year! Gertie out 🙋♀️
