How readers are saving money
Readers have been sharing their money-saving ideas. Fiona Gierzynski said her kids can live without air conditioning, and the family doesn't use chemicals on the lawn or water it. Here are some reader responses:
Congratulations to Paul and Fiona. You will raise responsible children that understand the value of money. Our parents did not pay for AC. We were told to go to the mall or a movie if we were too hot. Of course there were fans. Also, congratulations on being kinder to the environment. Summer is only 4 months in Chicago. Let's enjoy it.
one chicago woman
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I bet her neighbors who DO weed their yards really get annoyed at seeds from Fiona's yard blowing into theirs. . . . I garden to save money on groceries. It's good exercise, great for the environment, and I spend far less on food. For less than $35 I bought: 2 types of lettuce, spinach, garlic cloves, 4 types of tomatoes, banana peppers, basil, regular chives, and peppermint. I'm already eating off the basil, chives, garlic chives, lettuce, spinach, and peppermint. And soon the peppers and tomatoes will come in and then I will make all kinds of things with them and freeze them for use in the winter. I don't use chemical fertilizers, I compost. Because of all of the rain we've had so far this summer, I've only watered a couple of times.
st reader
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I agree with Fiona and Paul on many of their thoughts. I love dandelions, what a gift: free flowers, nectar for the bees, and salad greens and even wine (if you know how to ferment it). My favorite plant to have your kids get in touch with nature is the TickleMe Plant [Mimosa pudica]. It will close its leaves and lower its branches when tickled. How cool is that (no air conditioning needed).
kidsgardener
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When my husband and I moved downtown (to Marina City) I was shocked at the cost of having a car in the city. So we found I-Go Cars, Chicagoland's first and only not-for-profit car sharing program. Now we save more than $1,000/month b/c we don't pay for a car payment, insurance, parking, gas, state license plates, city stickers or maintenance. And for every hour you volunteer for I-Go you get an hour of driving credit.
We use the CTA and Metra to do most of our traveling around town and to visit friends, but I-Go is the perfect supplement to public transport. I understand they are introducing a bike sharing program soon.
Lynn Neils
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(Regarding Bridgette Powell who said she'd lost a job and was cutting back on spending):
I work for the City Colleges of Chicago and she should go online at www.ccc.edu and check the positions. She may qualify for a position in one of the colleges.
Juanita A. Williams