Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/756327
Moneymaynotgrow on trees, but we can help it grow in our wallets. Recently, I asked a group of people to tell us how they make sav- ing $50 (or more!) pretty much a no- brainer. Jennifer L. doesn't spend any $5 bill that comes into her possession. "My husband laughed at me, but I did this for five months leading up to a va- cation and saved $485," says Jennifer. "And I didn't have to let go of any fa- vorite luxuries like man- icures, pedicures or Star- bucks." Lydie T. has found a way to make credit card com- panies pay her. "I pay for every purchase (groceries, books, gifts) with a Visa card that gives me one re- ward point for every dol- lar I spend," says Lydie. "I pay the balance in full at the end of the month, so I don't pay any interest. Last summer, I saved $1,000 by using the points to buy my husband's ticket to Europe to see our family." Instead of searching her purse for the exact change, Lori G. makes sure she re- ceives change. "Every few days, I put my change in a container. I average $10 a week. It's so fast and easy and adds up to $50 in no time." Eleanor C. does com- parison shopping on the spot. "When I'm in a store, I use my smartphone's web connection to check if what I want is available for less from an online re- tailer. Sometimes my lo- cal store will match the best online price," says El- eanor. "Standing in line at Staples to pay for a cam- era, I checked prices on- line. Staples was charg- ing $449, but it was avail- able online for $368 with free shipping. I saved more than $80." Energy efficiency helped Kristen and Jamie S. save $60 in just two months. "We unplugged our second computer, microwave, ra- dio, shredder, spare phone, toaster oven, second TV and numerous other ap- pliances that we don't use daily. We plug them in when we need them," says Kristen. Monica T. and her hus- band ditched their pre- mium cable movie chan- nels. Instead, they wait until the entire season of a show is on DVD and rent it. Savings: $50 in the first three months, $227 in a year (or $211 after renting the DVDs). Michele H. shops off- season and buys in bulk. "Last year, children's win- ter coats were on sale at J.C. Penney for $12 (orig- inally $65). I bought one for each of my kids to use this year — and two coats a size larger for next year." Her savings? More than $200. Angie A. frequently calls her service providers to make sure she's getting the best deal. "Many will match new-customer of- fers if you have the ad and ask for that rate. I have lowered my satellite TV, high-speed internet and cellphone bills, usually by $15 to $20 a month per provider. That's $5 to $60," says Angie. A year ago, Judy G. started taking advantage of her employer's offer of a free bus pass. The admin- istrative worker at a local university estimates that leaving her car at home has saved her $40 to $60 a month in gas alone. It also inspired her to walk more and stay healthy. Diana R. switched to free computer-to-com- puter calling with Skype to cut high long-distance costs. "With in-laws in In- dia, our long-distance bill was pretty high," says Di- ana. "We save about $50 a month now." Wouldyouliketosend a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. EVERYDAYCHEAPSKATE Painlesswaysto save $50 or more Mary Hunt Thank you! PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. A Shasta-Trinity Na- tional Forest crew Nov. 23 cleaned up another large garbage dump site on the Shasta-McCloud Manage- ment Unit, the day after being notified of the prob- lem by a concerned resi- dent. In all, it took five peo- ple half of a day to gather and haul off six truckloads of trash. "This is an ongoing problem," said Fire Battal- ion Chief Drew Graham. "It not only costs the agency a lot of money in dump fees, but it takes away our re- sources from other pro- gram areas. We still have a ways to go this year with more sites to tackle." Dump sites contain a wide variety of trash and garbage, from common household goods, to bed- ding, clothes, unidentified chemicals, used hypoder- mic needles and bio-waste. Of particular concern were numerous containers and a five gallon bucket of hu- man feces. An article recently in the Mt. Shasta Her- ald highlighted a recent cleanup event at Ney Springs that removed four truckloads of trash and in- volved volunteers from the community as well as an update on the removal of abandoned vehicles off public lands. Since then, other volun- teers have contacted the ranger station who are in- terested in participating in future cleanups. "We have had dozens of reports all season of aban- doned vehicles and illegal dump sites throughout the forest," said Forest Service employee Anna Wright. "Even though we have lim- ited resources, we are sys- tematically addressing as many sites as possible be- fore the winter weather sets in and compounds the problem. If you see some- thing, say something." To report incidents or to sign up as a volunteer, call the Mt. Shasta Ranger Sta- tion at 926-4511. Forest cleanup continues with dump site The following Alta- cal Audubon activities are scheduled for Decem- ber. All programs and ac- tivities are free unless oth- erwise indicated and open to the public. Program Chico Creek Nature Cen- ter Members' Slide Show: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 — See what Altacal mem- bers and friends have been up to as they show off their photos for the annual Members' Slide Show, a fa- vorite program for many. There are always some great new, and some- times old, pictures to see and tales to hear. Join in and bring a few of your own photos of birds, wild- life and nature on disk or memory stick. There will be plenty of time for all who want to participate. At this program mem- bers will hear about plans for the annual Chico and Oroville Christmas Bird Counts taking place over the following weekends. RSVP to Jennifer Pat- ten, 345-9356 or jpchico@ sbcglobal.net. Field trip Raptor Run: Saturday, Dec. 10 Join in the search for raptors in Butte County. Members will be traveling by car to Cottonwood Road and Nelson Avenue to view the returning hawks, ea- gles, falcons and owls. Cottonwood Road boasts one of the best land- scapes in Northern Cali- fornia for raptors. Ferru- ginous and Rough-legged Hawks are regular visitors. Peregrine and Prairie Fal- cons can be seen perched on the surrounding power poles. While viewing a soaring Golden Eagle last year, a beautiful Mountain Blue- bird that flew within 20 feet. Memberswillthentravel to Richvale and check out the fields for swans, geese, ducks and Trumpeter Swans. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, water, walking shoes and proper clothing for the expected weather conditions. Light rain will not cancel. Meet at 8 a.m. at the first parking area at the Chico Park & Ride. The trip will be 5-6 hours. RSVP to Matthew For- ster, findforster@yahoo. com or 619-347-2269. ALTACAL Au du bo n ev en ts s ch ed ul ed f orDe ce mb er CONTRIBUTED A dump site in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that was cleaned up Nov. 23. SHASTA-TRINITY COOK Kitchen Boutique Kitchen Tools Cooking Classes Beer & Wine Gift Cards • • • • LOCAL FOOD 643 Main St., Red Bluff, CA (530) 690-2374 www.cookredbluff.com Salads, Kombucha, Meats, Eggs, Cheese, Sauerkraut, Olive Oil, Jam Raley's Shopping Center, Red Bluff 530-727-9560 Coming January 2017! AllAbout Seniors 1155WalnutStreet,RedBluff P: (530) 529-4595 • F: (530) 529-4544 CA Lic# 525002150 ACOMPASSIONATECAREFACILITY CALLOR VISIT TOURS DAILY ♥ The Salvation Army Red Bluff Corps 2016 Christmas Red Kettles Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed! Please consider becoming a part of TheSalvationArmy historic Christmas Tradition by volunteering you time to help us in the collection of money which allows us to provide clothing, food, and other badly needed items for the poor within Tehama County. Kettles are operated Monday-Saturdays November 21st-December 24th To volunteer contact: Gregory - Kettle Coordinator Kettles - 530-567-1456 or Office 530-527-8530 940 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 All funds raised in Tehama County STAY in Tehama County and are used to meet needs in our community. 592AntelopeBlvd.RedBluff• (530)528-0799 Friday's3pm-6pm Whole Tri-Tips $20.00 2 Bud's BBQ (Whilesupplieslast) TheSophisticates Red Bluff CA AWomen'sNetworkingOrganization Comeshareyourbusinesswithus, we meet 4 th Tuesday of each month @ 5:30pm ContactAraceliGutierreztoRSVP 530 366-6195 or araceli.mboa@gmail.com "Motivating, uplifting, inspiring and empowering women of all walks of life." Dec.8,9&10,2016 Thurs, Fri, & Sat. 9:30am-6:00pm For custom orders or pre orders 824-5014 or 385-1328 ALL FRESH WREATHS, ARRANGEMENTS, HOME MADE CANDY, CANDLES & COOKIES MANY GIFTS AND IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS ProceedsForHighSchoolScholarships 238 Main Street, Red Bluff (across the street from Tractor Supply) Holiday Scholarship Boutique Red Bluff Garden Club's Juli Foster Exclusive Agent 250 Walnut Street Red Bluff, CA 96080 Office 530-527-5534 Cell 530-339-1595 Fax 530-527-4808 julifoster@allstate.com CA Insurance License Number OD41159 24-Hour Customer Service The Saturday Market SlowFood Shasta Cascade ® 9-12:30, every Saturday Home Depot parking lot Your community YEAR-ROUND Certified Farmers & Artisan Market Sponsoredby NEW VENDORS Comeseewhat's FRESH! 21 st Century Entertainment Callforinformation and pricing 530-527-3456 Processdonelocal Convert your VHS to DVD Other Media & Digitizing available LIFESTYLES » redbluffdailynews.com Tuesday, November 29, 2016 » MORE ATFACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS A5