10 on Tuesday

This week's ten on Tuesday: 10 Ways You Can Save Money.

Here's my list, although I don't necessarily follow it to a tee (but I do try):

1. Borrow books from the library. Also magazines, CDs, DVDs, movies for kids, special order books...
2. If you must buy books, check out the used book stores first. They usually have a huge selection at about a quarter of the original price.
3. Gas prices got you down? Ride a bike or walk. Better for you, your wallet, and the environment.
4. Obviously, turn the lights and electronics off when you're not in the room.
5. Turn the heat down at night, or when you leave your home for an expended period. I turn ours down to 10 degrees Celsius, and have extra blankets on the beds. Plus the cats tend to snuggle more!
6. When shopping, make a list and stick to it.
7. Brew your own coffee at home. Good quality coffee is still less expensive if you brew it at home than if you buy it from a coffee shop. And there is no paper or styrofoam cup to throw away.
8. High-speed Internet too expensive? Surf the web at a C @ P station. You may have to book your time slot in advance.
9. Borrow a cookbook from the library and create a special meal at home, instead of eating out. You're bound to learn a new cooking technique, feed a family for the price of one restaurant meal, and don't have to wait in line for your table to be ready. Bonus: enjoy that glass or two of wine without needing a designated driver.
10. Shovel your snow. Forget the air-polluting snow blower. Get some exercise and fresh air at the same time. But don't wait until the snow stops falling: that's just asking for trouble. Shovel every couple of hours to save your back.