If you live anywhere near the geographical Queendom, the word of the day is SNOW. Or maybe BLIZZARD. Or maybe Slide Off. Most Money Saving Lords and Ladies will deal with removing snow at least once or twice this winter (except for our friends to the far south). Here are a few tips for clearing out the white stuff without spending all of your green stuff.
1) Christmas Boxes, Bags, & wrapping. Need a place or to keep your footing or collect shoes at the door? Drag out the boxes, bags, and paper from your holiday celebration and step on it. Keep the mess under control without spending a dime. Break down the boxes that you spent hours dislodging toys from and let them guide your feet outside, too.
2) Alcohol in Lieu of Deicer. Don’t have a handing can/bottle of deicer at home? Use rubbing alcohol instead. It will get the job done for a fraction of the cost. Fill a spray bottle (have an old hairspray bottle?) and let it rip.
3) Don’t Be a Shovel Hero. Unless you absolutely have to, don’t endeavor to shovel unless you’re in a decent physical condition. A trip to the cardiologist or the orthopedic surgeon is much more costly than paying the kid down the street to dig you out. I know it’s counterintuitive in some ways but especially if you can work from home, keep your bottom parked at the laptop while someone else does the heavy lifting.
4) Avoid the French Toast Trap. I’m not sure what it is about this time of the year that makes everyone crash the shelves for bread, milk, and eggs. I think it’s a conspiracy of the French to get you to concoct their delicious breakfast dish. The good news is that you probably don’t need to rush to the store to get all of the above. Take a good inventory of your cabinets, pantry, fridge, and freezer before heading to the store. More than likely you have all that you need to whip up 3-4 meals without buying a single ingredient. Make your list based upon what you already have or can add 1-2 items to so that you avoid impulse buys.
5) Salt vs. Sand? It might be that sand is a better bet for your driveway rather than salt. Not only will you more than likely find it in greater supply right now (might have to head to back of the store) but it will still provide the traction that you need to get your car down the driveway.
6) Spray Your Shovel. If you are shoveling the drive, spray both sides of your shovel with cooking spray. It should keep the ice from forming and make your job easier, too.
What’s your best tip to keep things simple and costs under control when digging out from a winter storm?
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
