In this report
Overview
Bills & saving
Helpful hints
Travel
Household items
Shopping
Food
Also in This Issue
This article was featured in the June 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

How to squeeze a nickel

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

Last reviewed: June 2009
Illustration of a man mowing a lawn as his wife shouts out encouragement
Be your own landscaper. Doing basic lawn care yourself is good for you—and for your wallet.
Illustration by Phil Marden

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

Lawn care

  • Grow annuals from seeds. It's much easier to buy flats, but seeds are very inexpensive.
  • Rather than buy plants, trade plant clippings with friends. They're free!