Update--Doing the Wash

I'm going to using one of the tips mention in this article--Frugal Laundry / Clothing Care

"...you don't have to buy dryer sheets. I bought a huge bottle of the cheapest fabric softener I could find about 2 years ago (less than $2 for the bottle) I bought some sponges from the dollar store (4 per pkg) and cut two of them up into 8 pieces each. I soak the pieces of sponge in a mixture of about 1 part softener to 8 parts water...

Today I purchased a 30 fl oz Ultra Downy @ $4.50 it is said to do 35 loads. I also purchased a 4-pk of O-celo sponges @ $2 which I cut into 16 pieces; total cost $6.50. I then measured out a single load amount of approximately 1/4 cup of fabric softener and added 1 c. of water and added the sponge pieces. They are now soaking and awaiting the dyer.

Al tho the original article used an 8:1 ratio I am starting with a 4:1 and will see how that works. I will then try a 6:1 ratio and then 8:1. So for less than 2 pennies/load I'm am figuring a 7 cent savings (35 loads/bottle x 16 sponge pieces = 560 loads--$6.50 cost/560 = .012 cents). The only variables in my equation would be the final ratio I use and how many loads I get out of each batch.

I will be keeping track of both variables to see what the actual cost may be al tho the final cost will be well below a penny in my estimation.

**Ultra Downy may be a bit pricey but it's the only fabric softener my partner and I both really like. Personally I don't mind the generic/store brands but my partner doesn't like them . With this new approach it should alleviate that difference of opinion.

I Found this Article Fascinating

Budgets are great, they keep you in line and they help you reach the goals that you’ve set for yourself and your family. The thing is, there’s a point when the budget stops being a means to an end and they start dominating your life… and that’s when you start tracking things to the penny. Listen, if you’re going to budget, experts advise that you track everything but I’m going to give you a few reasons why you should track to the dollar and not down to every last cent.

Don’t Budget To the Penny

Key points to keep in mind:

1] If It’s Hard, You’re Less Likely To Keep It Up--
2] That Level of Visibility Not Necessary or Useful--
3] That’s Not The Point--

I would have to say I fall in the middle on this issue. Our monthly bills are fairly stable from month to month which makes for easier planning. But when I first tracked out expenses I found that going to the penny was more appropriate.

Our biggest problem has been not saving what we don't need to spend. (And that issue is very complex and gets into messy family dynamics.) One thing I am trying currently is eliminate access to unused income by no longer keeping checks on hand, and not carry my debit card with me thereby using a cash only method of purchase. I am hoping that this will help eliminate spree spending (for lack of better word).

Only time will tell how this will work. Staying motivated will be the biggest issue but I believe that once I actually see some progress in paying off old debts will help keep us on track. It will definitely be and issue to keep tabs on.

I'm Glad I'm Not the Only One to do This

Today I picked up a dime...

Not only dimes but pennies too. I look at it this way, every little thing will help in the long run. I also pick up soda/beer cans to recycle. PA doesn't have a can/bottle deposit program but we can take them to recycle centers. In the last year I've return about $80 worth of cans.