Tips for saving money on your household expenses

I was reading an old Awake! magazine dated April 22,1985 and found some great suggestions. Today the figures of course have changed but the principles remain the same. Great advice is still great advice no matter how old it is. So read on and see if there are any suggestions you might apply in your life today.

• Recreation and Entertainment: In the United States over 6 percent of income is spent on recreation and entertainment. This may just be too high for you. Reading, outings to the park, and so forth, are far less expensive than movies, restaurants, and sporting events.
  
• Expensive Bad Habits: Some spend $1.25 out of every $100 (U.S.) on tobacco. Gambling is another expensive vice. Would eliminating such habits strengthen your budget?
  
• Food and Drink: Alcoholic beverages are pleasurable but unnecessary. Plain foods, such as baked potatoes, are often not only cheaper but more nutritious than their fancier counterparts (such as French fries). In-season foods are also less costly. Rather than throwing out leftovers, find ways of using them, such as in stews and casseroles.
  
• Credit: Use conservatively, if at all. Money borrowed or items bought on credit may cost more because of interest.
  
• Telephone calls: If long-distance calls are creating a financial burden, consider cutting down on them. At times discounts are given for making such calls at certain hours of the day. Remember, too, people still enjoy receiving letters.(Today cell phone use should be given serious consideration.)
  
• Clothing: Do not rush to follow the latest styles. Conservatively styled clothes are often better purchases. A housewife may want to consider making clothing for herself and the children.