determinewhatshotsareactuallynecessaryforthelifeyourpetleads, and if they need to be applied yearly. For example, some types of rabies vaccination are needed only every three years, and may be completelyunnecessaryinareasofthecountrywhererabiesisnon-existent.
BOTTOMLINE:Bylimitingvaccinationstotherequirednumber,
youcouldsaveabout$50eachyear.
5.KeepmedicalaccessorieslikeElizabethancollars. Manydogsand cats come home from surgery with medical devices like a $50
Elizabethan collar to prevent them from licking surgical areas. Pet medicaldevicescanbeexpensive,andtossingtheseaccessoriesmay
proveacostlymistakeifyourpeteverneedsoneagainorifyouhave
anotherpetofasimilarsizelateron.Youcanalsousecollarstohelp preventsmallscratchesfrombecomingvet-worthyproblemsthrough
scratchingandlicking,savingthecostofavetvisit.Afteruse,keep
petmedicaldevicescleanbywipingwithalightbleachsolution.
BOTTOM LINE: Save at least $50 by not having to replace
Elizabethancollarsandotherpetmedicalaccessories.
6. Shop around for a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians charge the same rates, nor do they all provide the same level of service. When lookingforaveterinarian,trytomeetwithatleastthreeinyourarea.
Don’t be afraid to ask for regular checkup prices and for other care costssuchasovernighthospitalstays.Askneighboursandfriendsin
your area which vets they use, what they think of the vet and how much the vet charges. Doing your research before your pet needs
medicalattentionisthebestwaytopreventsurpriseslaterwhenyou getthebill.BOTTOMLINE:Doyourresearchandfindaveterinarian
youcantrusttoprovideyouranimalwiththeutmostcare,whilenot
overchargingyou.Youmaysaveyourselfthousandsinpetcarecosts
byfindingtherightvetforyourpetandpocketbook.
7.Groomyourpetathome. Withsomesimpleandinexpensivetools you can groom your pet at home, keeping her healthy and well
maintained.Bathingyourdoginthetubusinganunscentedno-name
babyshampoosavesyou$20onadoggieblow-dry—justputatowel
onthebottomofthetubfirsttoavoidscratches.Homehaircutsarea
greatwaytosavemoneyifyouandyourpethavethepatiencetoget
through them. Regular brushing and nail trimming is easy to do yourself,andhelpsyoukeepacloseeyeonyourpet’shealth.
BOTTOMLINE:Foraone-timeexpenseof$30,youcanbuyaset
ofcombsandscissorsthatwillsaveyouatleast$50everyfew
months if you groom your dog at home. For a deluxe version, pickupasetofclippersstartingatabout$100—they’llpayfor
themselvesinafewmonths.
8.Avoiddoggiedress-uporfelinefashion. Yourpetdoesn’tneedto lookrunwayreadyorhaveaHalloweencostumetobelovedbyyou.
While the odd outfit or protective winter wear is fine, the vast majority of pet fashions are a waste of money. If your pet needs something special, consider going to the dollar store for fabrics like fleeceandsewsomethingupyourself.
BOTTOM LINE: The occasional outfit or protective wear is fine, butdowatchthehighcostsassociatedwithbuyingclothingfor
catsanddogs.
9. Protect those paws. The Canadian winter can be cruel to a pet’s tendertootsies.Workingdogsthatspendhoursoutdoorsmayrequire
quality booties ranging from $30 to $50, but dogs that spend more timeinsidecouldwalkforlessbywearinggenericballoonsontheir
feet—justcutthetopsoff.Savesomeseriouscashonpawointments
bypurchasingacanofBagBalmforunder$15atyourlocalpharmacy
orfeedstoreandgenerouslyapplyingitbetweenyourpet’stoes.
BOTTOM LINE: Avoid spending unnecessary money on boots or
shoesifyourpetismostlyanindoorpet.
10.Giveyourpetatoy. Whileafewtoysaregreatfunforbothpetand owner,animalsdon’trequirelotsoftoyloottobehappy.Adogwill
bejustasthrilledchasinganoldtennisballaswithapileofdesigner Frisbees.Catsloveanicehelpingofcatnippresentedinanoldsock
anddon’tmindnothavingthehigh-endplushtoy.
BOTTOMLINE:Pettoyscanbeexpensive,rangingupto$50,and
are marketed to humans, not pets. So be mindful of toy prices, andconsidermakingyourownforlesstosavemoney.
11. Pet insurance probably isn’t worth it. Insuring your cat or dog againstaccidentsorillnessisbecomingpopular.Planscanrangefrom
$10 per month for limited accident coverage to $50 per month
coveringillnessesandaccidents.Butit’softenmorecosteffectiveto
savethepremiummoneyinahigh-interestsavingsaccount.Over10
years, paying $40 per month in premiums adds up to $4,800.
Compounded over 10 years at 3.5%, this same $40 would come to $5,754.03inahigh-interestsavingsaccount.Overa10-yearspan,vet
bills for things covered by insurance generally total an average of $3,000 to $4,000. Assuming a $100 deductible and 10 claims, this leaves$2,500to$3,500actualpayoutfromtheinsurance.Compared
with an investment of $4,800 in premiums, it makes more financial sensetosavethemoneyinahigh-interestsavingsaccountearmarked
forpetmedicalbills.
BOTTOMLINE:Beforespendingmoneyonpetinsurance,runthe
numberstoseeifyourpet’sinsurancepremiumwouldbebetter
offinvestedinahigh-interestsavingsaccount.
5Easy,HealthyFamilyDinnersfor$5
What’sfordinner?Theanswerissimple.It’sgottobequick,healthy,
deliciousandaffordable.Tohelpyouinyourquest,I’veputtogethera guidetofivefamilymealsfor$5.
1.SimplyElegantVeggieWraporPitaPocket
Get wrapped in whole wheat goodness with these easy-to-make and quick-to-serve wraps or pita pockets. Since kids love bread without crusts, why not get them rolled up with these frugal and healthy sandwiches?
Ingredients
1cup(250mL)driedbeans(mungbeans,chickpeasorkidneybeans)
3tbsp(45mL)mustardorItaliansaladdressing
4wholewheatwrapsorpitapockets
1headlettuce,shredded
2tomatoes,dicedSaltandpepper
Preparation
•Soakdriedbeansovernight,rinsewell,thencoverincoldwaterand
simmeruntiltender,aboutanhour.Drain.
•Mixbeanswithyourchoiceofdressingormustard.
•Onawholewheatwrap,placebeans,lettuceandtomatoes.Addsalt
andpeppertotaste.Roll.
TotalCost:$4.92
EmbellishIt:Addsomecottagecheeseorshreddedmozzarella.
2.SpaghettiwithSneakyBlack-EyedPeaSauce
Spin into some spaghetti with sneaky black-eyed pea sauce for some
frugalfamilyfun.Byforgoinggroundbeefandfeastingonbeans,you’ll getanamazingmealthat’spackedwithproteinandkindtoyourwallet.
Ingredients
11/2cups(375mL)driedblack-eyedpeas
1lb(500g)wholewheatspaghetti(buyinbulk)
1tbsp(15mL)oliveoil
1mediumonion,diced
24 oz (700 mL) tomato-based pasta sauce, preferably spicy 2 cups (500 mL) chopped green vegetable of choice—try something in
season1tbsp(1
5mL)driedbasil
Preparation
•Soakblack-eyedpeasovernight,rinsewell,thencoverwithwaterand
simmeruntiltender,about30minutes.Drain.
•Inalarge,heavysaucepan,heatoilovermediumheat.Cookonion
untiltender,about5minutes.
•Addpastasauce,cookedbeans,greenvegetablesandbasil.Simmer
for10minutes,stirringoften.
•Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in rapidly boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
•Servesauceoverhotpasta.
TotalCost:$5.21
EmbellishIt:Findgroundbeefonsale.Thenskipthebeansandbrown some beef. Also, serve pasta sprinkled with parmesan cheese or
mozzarella.
3.EasyBeanyQuesadillas
Quesadillasareaneasyandquicktreattoserveinasnap.Filledwith
bean-healthfulgoodness,thesewonderfulwedgescanbesplitbetween
three family members for a fun meal. If appetites run large in your family,thismodestmealcanbeservedwithsoup,chiliorsaladonthe
side.
Ingredients
11/2cups(375mL)driedchickpeas,kidneybeansormixedbeans2
tbsp(25mL)chilipowder1tomato,diced
1cup(250mL)choppedbroccoli
4largewholewheattortillawraps
2cups(500mL)spinach
1/4cup(60mL)shreddedmozzarella
1tbsp(15mL)oliveoil
Preparation
•Soak dried beans overnight, then cover in cold water and simmer untiltender,aboutanhour.Drain.
•Inalargebowltossbeanswithchilipowder,tomatoandbroccoli.
•On2tortillas,spreadspinachandthenevenlydistributebeanfilling.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover each quesadilla with a second tortilla.
•Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in skillet and cook for 3 minutes or until bottom is toasted. Flip over and toast the other side for 3 minutes. Repeat withremainingquesadilla.
•Placeeachquesadillaonacuttingboardandcutintowedges.
TotalCost:$5.11
EmbellishIt:Addmorecheesetomakewedgesevencheesier!
4.HeartyPotato,ChickpeaandTomatoStewwithBasil
This hearty stew recipe may just surprise you with how quickly and simplyyoucansimmerupapotofsoul-warmingfamilysupperinabout
30minutes.
Ingredients
11/2cups(375mL)driedchickpeas
1tbsp(15mL)oliveoil
1mediumonion,chopped
2largeclovesgarlic,minced
1/2tsp(2mL)paprika
1/2tsp(2mL)driedbasil
1/2tsp(2mL)driedoregano
1 can tomatoes (28 oz/796 mL), undrained and coarsely chopped 2
mediumpotatoes,peeledanddiced
1cup(250mL)waterorvegetablestock
Saltandpepper
Preparation
•Soakdriedchickpeasovernight,thencoverincoldwaterandsimmer
untiltender,aboutanhour.Drain.
•Inalarge,heavysaucepan,heatoilovermediumheat.Cookonion
untiltender,about5minutes.
•Add garlic, paprika, basil, oregano and about 2 of the canned tomatoes.Simmer,stirringoften,for5minutes.
•Add potatoes and water. Cover and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•Add chickpeas. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until
potatoesaretender.
•Stirinremainingtomatoesandsaltandpeppertotaste.Heatfor1
minuteandthenserve.
TotalCost:$5.14
EmbellishIt:Sprinklewithfreshparsleyandgratedcheese.
5.RotiniwithVeggiesandHummusSauce
Whole wheat rotini pasta bought in bulk is affordable and tasty. Add somechickpeahummussauceandservewithcolourfulveggiestobring
thiscreamydishtoperfection.
Ingredients
3 cups (750 mL) whole wheat rotini 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 1
zucchini,diced
2tomatoes,diced
1tbsp(15mL)driedbasilPinchcayennepepper
2cups (500mL) homemade authenticor low-fathummus (see page
256)1/2cup(125mL)water
Preparation
•Cookrotiniinrapidlyboilingsaltedwateruntil aldente. Drain.
•Meanwhile,heatoliveoilinamediumsaucepanoverlowheat.Add
zucchiniandcookfor1to2minutes.
•Stirintomatoes,basilandcayenne.Cookfor1minute.
•Stirinhummusandwater.Simmerverygentlyfor2minutes.
•Servehummussauceoverhotpasta.
TotalCost:$5.03
EmbellishIt:Sprinkleeachservingwithadashofparmesancheese.
MakeYourOwnHummus
One of the tricks to making gob-smacking hummus is using fresh ingredients. You can use either canned or dried chickpeas (also called garbanzobeans).
AuthenticHummus
Hummusisgreatasadip,inpastaoronsandwiches.
Ingredients
1can(19oz/540mL)chickpeas,drainedandrinsedOR6oz(175g)
dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, simmered until tender and
drained1/4cup(50mL)lemonjuice1/4cup(50mL)oliveoil2
tbsp(25mL)tahini
2clovesgarlic,chopped
1/2tsp(2mL)groundcumin
1/4tsp(1mL)eachsaltandpepper
3tbsp(45mL)water(ifdesired)
Preparation
•Inafoodprocessor,blendchickpeasuntilsmooth.
•Add lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
Processuntilcombined.
•Addalittlewatertothin,ifdesired.
•Scrapeintoaservingbowl.Coverandrefrigerateforupto3days.
Tip:Tahiniisasesameseedpaste(orspread)foundingroceryorethnic specialtystores.Tahiniaddsafewextracaloriestothehummus,butit’s thebestforanauthenticrecipe.Foralighterhummus,feelfreetoomit thetahini.
Low-FatVeganHummus
Wanttogolowfat?Trythishumblehummusrecipe.
Ingredients
1can(19oz/540mL)chickpeas,drainedandrinsedOR6oz(175g)
dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, simmered until tender and
drained2tbsp(25mL)lemonjuice
1tbsp(15mL)oliveoil(optional)
2clovesgarlic,chopped
1/2tsp(2mL)groundcumin
1/4tsp(1mL)eachsaltandpepper
3tbsp(45mL)water(ifdesired)
Preparation
•Infoodprocessor,blendchickpeas,lemonjuice,oliveoil(ifusing),
garlic,cumin,saltandpepperuntilsmooth.
•Addwatertothin,ifdesired.
•Scrapeintoaservingbowl.Coverandrefrigerateforupto3days.
Month-by-MonthMaintenanceChecklist
Settingasidealittletimeeachmonthforsometasksaroundthehouse
can result in huge savings. There’s no need to follow this schedule exactly—some jobs can be done at any time of year. If you’re feeling energeticonemonth,gocrazysoyou’reaheadofthegamethenext.
January
Cleanfurnacefilters.
Checkwateranddrainpipesforleaks.
Make your fridge and freezer as efficient and airtight as possible by inspectingthedoorseals.
February
Cleanfurnacefilters.
Replace damaged, cracked or frayed
electrical cords throughout the house.
March
Cleanfurnacefilters.
Vacuumheatingventsandradiators.
Haveafridgeandfreezerday.Pullthefridgeoutandvacuumaround
thecoilstokeepitrunningefficiently.Doaninventoryandreorganize bydate.Useupanythinginthefreezerthat’sindangerofbeinglostto
freezerburn.Defrostifnecessary.
Have a fire safety day. Replace batteries in all carbon monoxide detectorsandsmokealarms.Checkpressureinfireextinguishersand
schedulearechargeifnecessary.Firedepartmentsoftenrecommend
thatyouchangeyourbatterieswhenyouchangeyourclocks.
April
Cleanfurnacefilters.
UncovertheACunitandcleardebrisfromthecoolingcoils.
Installandinspectyouroutdoorclothesline.There’snoneedtoruna
dryerwhenit’sniceout.
Cleanthewintermuckoffthewindowstomaximizenaturallightall
summer.You’llfeellikeyouliveinabrand-newplace.
Sharpenthelawnmowerbladesformaximumefficiencyandminimum
gasuse.Setthebladeshigherfortallergrasssoyourlawnwon’tneed
asmuchwater.
Start your vegetable garden. It can be hugely rewarding—for your psycheandyourpocketbook.Putanyseedsyouharvestedattheend
oflastsummertogoodworkhere.
May
Cleanfurnacefilters.
Examinewindowscreensandreplaceanydamagedones.
Pulloutyoursummerclothesandputawaythewinterones.Makesure
the wool is stored safely away from moths! This is a great time to checkwhetheranyitemsneedmending.
Setupacompostingbintomakeyourownsoilandfertilizerandcut
down on kitchen waste. If you’re already composting, now’s a good timetorefreshthebintokeepitefficient:leavingalittlebehindasa
“starter,” empty out the bin and spread the soil throughout your garden.
Place rain barrels under downspouts to collect free water for
gardening.
June
Cleancentralairconditioningfilters.
Havechimneysprofessionallysweptandinspected.
Checkexternaldryerventtomakesureit’sventingefficiently.
397 Ways to Save Money: Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less - PDFDrive.com Page 20