Highlights in this issue:

• Tired of replacing your must-haves at every turn... try these tips to make them last longer…
  
• The number one reason why you always replace your socks…
  
• Get Eskom back with this money-saving cheat… and more…

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From the pen of Karin Iten

Dear Investment Academy Reader,

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but over the past few months things have really gotten expensive. First food goes up and now, every time I go to the shops, I notice that something else has increased in price too. Take toilet paper for example. The price of a few 2ply rolls has increased R3 since I bought them last month. That’s ridiculous. If everything keeps going up like that, I’ll have to cut back even more.

It’s frustrating really – there are just some things you can’t go without! And that’s exactly why I’ve been searching for tips on how to make things last longer. This way, although I won’t be able to cut the cost of buying the item every now and again, I can save money because I won’t be buying it as often. And today, I’ve decided to share some of the best tips with you.

Tips for clothing:
The culprits responsible for your clothes’ wear and tear, according to wisegeek.com, are drying (even at low heat) and washing. “Since fabric can’t regenerate, the constant whirl and tumble experienced by clothing in cleaning machines will gradually erode fabric.”

Think about it… How often do you find a hole in a sock when you’re folding it warm from the tumble dryer? Now add this to the fact that every wash leeches colour and fibres from your clothing and you can see where I’m going with this. Instead of bleaching or buying expensive products like Vanish, use baking soda and hot water to brighten white clothes.

And remember: “There’s not much you can do to get around this one, unless you want to alienate everyone around you with smell. But you can wash your clothes in cold water. And wash them on the gentle cycle with mild detergent or wear them more than once before washing,” says wisegeek.

Tips for food:
Most food spoilage comes from incorrect storage. So try these four storage techniques next time you’re putting food away:

*** Store fruits and vegetables separately to slow down the “ripening” process.
*** Store food at proper temperatures.
*** Vacuum seal food in zip lock bags to help preserve them better.
*** Store leftovers in airtight food containers.

Tips for toiletries:
Toiletries cost a fortune – and, have you ever noticed how they always run out at the same time? The other day, I spent almost R200 on the essentials – shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc. And while I know I’m not about to go without any of these items, here are a few ways to make them last longer.

*** Shampoo and conditioner:
We’ve all experienced that annoying problem when you’re sure there just has to be something left in the bottle, but you just can’t seem to get it out. Well, tip site frugal living suggests you store bottles upside down from the get go. This way, you’ll prevent liquids from getting stuck at the bottom of the bottle long before this becomes a problem. Also, consider diluting your shampoo – a ratio of one part water to two parts shampoo should do the trick.

Not only will diluted shampoo cover your hair more easily, it’ll lather up quicker than undiluted shampoo and you’ll use less. And remember, because shampoo and conditioner can build up in your roots, causing your hair to look greasy, there is such a thing as too much. Suppliers recommend a walnut-sized amount for people with short to medium length hair, while those with long hair should use less than a teaspoon.

*** Soap:
Whether you’re using a liquid soap or bar, there are ways to extend how long they last. For example, you can use a loofah. Just a small amount of soap will be enough to soap your whole body – especially if you’re using shower gel.

If you prefer to use liquid hand soap as opposed to a bar of soap, try this: Put a rubber band around the base of the pump and loop it tightly. This will prevent the pump from going down all the way, but should still cause it to pump out an adequate amount of soap. And it should make the soap last longer.

So why not try out a few of these tips and let us here at the Investment Academy know what other great tricks you’re using to help save you money.

Till next week, here’s to your financial freedom!

Karin Iten
For the Investment Academy

PS: Don’t forget to look for us on twitter to discover what’s got us talking here at the Investment Academy.

PPS: Did you know that placing candles in the freezer for a few hours before you use them will cause them to burn slower and more evenly? Doing this will help save you money next time Eskom puts the lights out.