57 WAYS TO REDUCE HOUSING & HOME EXPENSES

1.   Consider buying an old, inexpensive house & 
     modernizing it yourself.
2.   Check firms that build the house's exterior and you 
     do the inside work.
3.   Give thought to living in a mobile home or modular 
     housing.
4.   You can save substantially by learning how to 
     conserve home energy.
5.   Insulate your home yourself & you may be entitled to 
     a large tax credit.
6.   Use solar energy in your home & reduce conventional 
     energy expenses.
7.   Pay property insurance premiums annually for 
     substantial savings.
8.   Moving costs may be tax deductible, if it was done 
     for business reasons.
9.   If necessary, add extra rooms instead of looking for 
     a larger house.
10.  Keep your home in good condition.  It will insure top 
     money when selling.

How to save on home repair bills......
11.  Practice preventable maintenance.  Take good care of 
     what you have.
12.  Get an illustrated manual & learn to repair most 
     common problems yourself.
13.  When needed, ask friends & neighbors whom they 
     recommend for repair work.
14.  Always get competitive bids for larger repair jobs.
15.  Before hiring a firm, ask for names of their 
     customers you can contact.
16.  If a loan is required for repairs, shop round for 
     lowest interest rates.
17.  Borrow money for the shortest period possible.
18.  Use reputable firms.  Check with Better Business 
     Bureau if necessary.
19.  Establish a good trusting relationship with a 
     reliable repair service.
20.  Get a signed cost estimate before repair work is 
     started.

Where to find the best home bargains.....
21.  Discount stores.  
22.  Auctions.
23.  Catalog stores.
24.  Garage sales.
25.  Flea markets.
26.  Thrift stores.
27.  Classified ads.  (You'll get a better bargain from 
     private owner, than from a store).
28.  Sales and clearances of reputable stores.
29.  Look for "floor samples" and "demonstrator's models
30.  Shop for discontinued models and "slightly damaged" 
     merchandise.
31.  Buy "unclaimed" and "repossessed" furniture at 
     warehouse sales.
32.  Buy unpainted furniture and finish it yourself.
33.  Try to buy wholesale.  Some manufacturers have 
     "wholesale outlets".
34.  Consider working a swap with friends, relatives, 
     neighbors.

How to buy furniture, appliances, furnishings 
intelligently........
35.  Before you buy, ask yourself, "Do I really need it?"
36.  Shop around before you decide.  Become an expert 
     comparison shopper.
37.  Ask around.  Talk to others and ask their  
     experiences, suggestions.
38.  Go to the local library and read.  Check out recent 
     articles on the subject.
39.  Is the merchant reliable in case you have any 
     problems later?
40.  Never sign contracts or agreements until you know 
     what you are signing.
41.  If you buy on credit, keep a written record of your 
     spending in your wallet.
42.  Use charge cards only if you pay bills before 
     interest is added.
43.  Buy only low-energy, high efficiency appliances.
44.  See if you can "make do" with what you have.
45.  When ordering carpeting, ask for broadloom remnants 
     and save about half.
46.  Make some items yourself, such as curtains, 
     draperies, bedspreads, etc.
47.  Buy radios and TV's during January & May sales.
48.  February & June are good times to buy bedding, floor 
     covering, furniture.
49.  Shop March & July for good buys on washers and 
     dryers.
50.  Buy rugs during August and October sales.
51.  Stock up on household linens during the months of 
     January, May & August.
52.  March is a good month to buy a house, right after 
     school vacation starts.
53.  Buy a kitchen range, paint & wallpaper during April 
     sales.
54.  March is a good month to select a new air 
     conditioner.
55.  January sales are good for buying small appliances, 
     blankets, quilts.
56.  Buy housewares in Feb., Sept.; china & glassware in 
     March & Sept.
57.  Buy fabrics in Jan. & October; storm windows in June 
     & July.