How to squeeze a nickel

Here's hoping you find new ideas among these staff and reader tips

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in June 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Helpful hints

• Borrow books and videos from the library rather than paying at a bookstore or video store. At my library, I can sign up for just-released books.
• Don't buy liners for your wastebaskets. Just reuse plastic grocery bags.
• My sister-in-law is a hair stylist. In exchange for a free cut, I'll do a couple hours of yard work or baby-sit their youngest.
• Many plumbing fixtures have a lifetime warranty. I call and get parts sent free. (Some of my fixtures are 20 years old.)
• Use newspaper instead of paper towels to clean exterior windows and glass doors.
• Instead of throwing out the plastic from the dry cleaner, I tie a knot at the bottom to close up the hanger hole and use it as a trash-can liner.
• Failed a car emissions inspection? By law, emissions controls have an 80,000 mile/8-year warranty. Many parts might be free.
• Fix a broken umbrella rather than buying a new one by sewing the fabric back onto the metal arm. It's just attached by a thread.
• Skip the live, big-name concert and buy the concert DVD instead. They cost around $20—not $80 to $400. There's no parking charge and no guy behind you singing along.