Family
Smart Spending Tips Can Help Stretch a Family’s Budget
By
Aug 26, 2008, 22:26

(ARA) – There’s no doubt about it, times are tough for many Americans. With today’s record-high gas prices and an uncertain economy, families are looking for advice on how to cut unnecessary costs from their daily spending.

Family/lifestyle expert, mother of three and author of “Simplify Your Household,” Tara Aronson, has teamed up with Procter & Gamble’s Cascade brand to share tips on how to make the most of your paycheck and help save money on household essentials:

Cheaper isn’t always better

When you’re trying to stretch your dollars, it can be tempting to purchase generic or sale priced products, but you may be doing yourself a disservice as these products may not be the most effective and can result in double the work.

Find products that offer you great value like Cascade with the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn, which has the trusted power of Cascade with the grease-fighting power of Dawn. It delivers an excellent wash and cleans so well, there’s no need to prewash your dishes. A product like this helps conserve water and can save you money in the long run.

According to a study done by Procter and Gamble, it takes between 6 and 10 gallons of water to run your dishwasher compared to the 9 to 24 gallons you would consume washing them by hand.

Bulk up:

Buy your family's essentials -- paper towels, laundry detergent in bulk -- to use less packaging and help save money at the same time.

Purchase a water filter rather than bottled water: According to an AWWA Water and Wastewater Rates survey, the average price for 1,000 gallons of tap water is about $2.77. If families spend their money on a water filter they can potentially save up to $400 a year.

Clothes call:

If the label reads "Dry Clean", not "Dry Clean Only", it may be hand-washable. If the garment is simply constructed without lining or delicate trim; has no sequins or beads glued to the fabric; and is not open-weave or loosely woven, give it a try. Hand-wash only please with gentle fabric wash and follow the label instructions.

By following these simple tips and making smart decisions consumers can save money on household essentials without breaking the bank.

For more information on how to help save money and resources when washing dishes, log on to www.cascadeclean.com.

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