Saving Tips BY WILMA P

I find it very difficult to save money. Last year, I tried something new, and I am having much success. When I balance my checkbook, in the debit column, I put the exact amount of the check. But, in the total column, I round off the figure to the next highest dollar. Since March of 2000, I have managed to save over $500 by doing this. My personal checkbook and the banks don't match, but I can always check by looking in the debit column. When I look at my checkbook, it doesn't look like I have that much in there, but in truth, I have more than ever! My checkbook always says I have less than what I actually have. Out of sight, out of mind. It works for me. Also, I no longer have to pay the minimum service charge each month, because my balance stays over $500. But, I deduct it anyway, and I just save a little more.

Stretch Tinned Dog Food - BY YVETTE H

Soak any leftover, stale bread in water. Add Gravox powder and heat in microwave so water and gravy powder are easier to mix and soak into bread. Into bread mixture stir in any leftovers or tinned dog food or biscuits, let cool. Your dog will love it!

Building A Nest Egg - BY WOLVES8344

It may seem a small thing but if you will round up to the nearest dollar every time you write a check you would be pleasantly surprised just how fast you can build a nice little cushion in your checking account. If you want to take it a step further when you deposit your paycheck reduce the amount you put in your register by $25 to $50 a month. One important thing, you must keep either an up to date register that tallies with the bank or use a quicken program to keep everything straight it only takes a few minutes every month to reconcile your account to the banks records. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how fast that nest egg will grow, and another benefit no bounced checks and all the fees that entails.

$ Saving Tips BY THE SNOOKS

I knew a family with 6 children and at Christmas this became a problem. The mom decided to give coupons that said one on one time with mommy to read a book, or some ideas like hot tea and a snack after all the other kids are in bed coupon, or stay up a half hour longer on a school night coupon, things like that meant a lot to the children seeing as how they almost never had one on one time with the parents.

Photo Gift - BY DEBBIE H., OREGON

Don't know what to give that hard to shop for person in your life? Get a photo (or take one) of them, have it enlarged to a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 (print it out yourself if you have a good quality printer), then frame it with a simple wooden frame. Pictures from their youth, their relatives or friends are good choices for their photo gift.

Old Fashioned Tree Trimming - BY MICHEAL R.

Pop some popcorn and string up with thread to make an old fashioned tree garland. You can add colored beads between several popcorn or cranberries. My children have added small red and green buttons in place of the beads. Takes time to make but is much fun! Happy Holidays everyone at Pioneer Thinking!

Homemade Gift Wrap - BY CAROLINE C., - TORONTO, CANADA

Save money and the environment by making your own gift wrap. Cut open a brown paper bag and stamp designs randomly all over the paper, you can purchase ready made stamps or make your own using a potato cut in half. Carve your design in the potato then dip into paint, press onto paper. Get creative, add some green, silver or red sparkles to the wet paint for a glamorous holiday look. You can wrap smaller gifts in store bought tea towels then tied with a wide ribbon. Its like giving two gifts in one!

Send your money saving articles and tips to: editor@pioneerthinking.com