One of the best ways to #save on #gasoline is to ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently, says MoneyFit. Check the tire pressure monthly and keep them inflated to the PSI level recommended listed inside the driver-side door. If you have extra #junk in the trunk, remove it to save on weight. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce drag. And finally, follow the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, replacing air filters and changing oil on time to keep the engine running smoothly. Prices at the pump will still hurt, but you’ll be maximizing your miles per gallon. #SaveOnGas
Tag: thrift
Pick a Pump to Beat High Gasoline Prices
The average price of #gasoline fell 10.7 cents last week to $3.94 per gallon of unleaded regular, according to GasBuddy, 85.6 cents per gallon higher than one year ago. But that sub-$4 price is unlikely to last for long. If you must drive, you can spend somewhat less by using warehouse club discounts or joining a chain’s loyalty program, CNN reports. For example, Walmart+ members can #save 10 cents per gallon at more than 13,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations nationwide, and major chains such as Circle K and BP/Amoco offer discounts for frequent customers. #SaveOnGas
Check the Thrift for Gardening Supplies
If you plan to establish a #flower or #vegetable #garden this spring, first make sure your tools are in good working condition. Sharpen pruners, clean rakes and tillers, and inspect planters and garden infrastructure for damage. If you need any tools, seeds, planters, pots or decorative items, check the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org first. They are a great source of lightly used #gardening equipment and supplies, and buying #secondhand can #save money over buying new at a big-box store or garden center. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
The Holidays Are Coming in Hot
It happens every year — no sooner do the leaves start to turn and suddenly, it’s the #holiday season. This year, however, the #holidays are coming in particularly hot, so you can strap in for a wild couple of months of entertaining, socializing and shopping.
If you think that calendar “creep” is getting worse, you aren’t imagining it. “‘Summerween’ became a July phenom, pumpkin spice lattés launched at Starbucks in August, and Hallmark kicked off its Christmas movie hype in September,” says the advertising blog Muse by Clios.
With the economy on shaky ground and inflation on the rise, advertisers are focusing on value. You may have less money, time and energy to spread around during the season, not to mention fewer days to shop after a late Thanksgiving. How will you handle the season without succumbing to stress?
First, manage expectations of yourself, says UC Davis Health. Don’t overschedule. Calendar events and list your responsibilities. Simplify travel plans to reduce the time spent in cars and airports. Take a break when you fell stressed from #shopping, #cooking and #cleaning.
To stay within budget, manage your gift-giving. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have or give every single person you know a gift. You may be able to make some of the gifts you give or #thrift a few items at a discount. Crafting or baking homemade goods might even become a holiday tradition!
Make a list and check it twice, says the American Bankers Association. Note the people for whom you plan to buy, what your price range is and a few ideas for gifts. Look for bargains on the targeted gifts and (try to) resist impulse buying onscreen and in stores.
The holidays are also a season for giving to charity. About 1 million #veterans nationwide rely on SNAP benefits, which were recently interrupted; you can #donate to the local food bank to help solve some of that food insecurity at least temporarily.
You can also schedule a #donation #pickup at ClothingDonations.org to benefit #veterans at any time of year. Your lightly used #clothing and #household goods will be resold to fund programs that target food and housing insecurity, veteran health care, and more.
We’re in the thick of the holiday season already, but don’t stress. Get #organized — sort out what you need to do and tackle those essential tasks one by one. Then, kick back and enjoy!
Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?
You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.
Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.
“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”
The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.
Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.
Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.
You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.
Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.