I've subscribed to an email newsletter called Everyday Cheapskate. It's got some really good tips and suggestions for navigating these tough financial times. You can subscribe for free at www.everydaycheapskate.com.

20 mule team I can find, but I have never seen A& H washing soap.

I've been using vinegar instead of a rinse agent for years in the dishwasher though and you guys will love that.

It not only cleans the dishes, it keeps the dishwasher clean and running smooth. My washer is 17 yrs old and counting. Still runs like a top. Knock on wood.

I found A & H Washing Soda on the same aisle as the laundry detergent.....but it's with the Borax and other laundry additives. Your store might not carry it, though. I found it at Kroger and Publix. You can always order it off the soapsgonebuy website but you'll pay more for it there than at a grocery store.

I've put vinegar in my rinse agent dispenser in the dishwasher and it seems to be working fine. Keeps the dishwasher smelling clean and my glasses don't have spots.

I was thrilled yesterday as I sat down and did my budget for the upcoming month. SSDI only comes once a month and I have to plan the best I can. It's tight but we make it. Anyhow, I realized yesterday that this month I only spent $240 in groceries. That fed all 3 of us and I still have food left. I was thrilled.

At the beginning of the month, we eat the fresh fruits and veggies and towards the end we eat the frozen. I buy only what is on sale and save on an average between $50 and $70 on my groceries. I also found that planning a "menu" based on the sales helps save so much money and time. I do not buy any type of junk food like chips, soda, cookies, etc. I do buy crackers though.

Just thought I'd share that with my thrifty friends.

Read this FAQ about the washing soda - they give you a UPC code to help locate it.
http://www.thelaundrybasket.com/Ques...per_washi.html

Also, please note that it is pure Sodium Carbonate and I know you have a pool so check out your pool chemicals because if you have a ph increaser it is probably 100% sodium carbonate. I've been looking for the washing soda, too, and I saw on a message board that a lot of people are using the pool chemical version interchangeably and cheaper than the A & H Super Washing Soda!

My local Ace Hardware carries A&H Super Washing Soda as well as the borax. I wonder if Home Depot or Lowes may have it as well.

wally world has the arm and hammer washing soda and you can also order it from the manufacture

like I said I was skeptical about the laundry soap, let me just say it works real well

I've been to two WalMarts here and neither one carries it. Now I feel ripped off. That is why I started to look into pool chemicals. They are cheaper and easier to come by.

Holly all else fails you can order it online although it was a couple bucks cheaper at the store, and they are right its not in the normal area its with the color bleacn stuff.

Anyone who eats Instant Oatmeal or has kids that do knows how expensive it can be....even the store brands.

I found a recipe for making your own "instant oatmeal" and plan to try it. Here it is for anyone who has the ingredients and wants to test it out. I need to buy quick cooking oats in order to try it.

Homemade Instant Oatmeal

3 Cups Quick Cooking Oats
Sugar (if desired)
Flavorings (if desired)

Put 1 cup oatmeal into blender or food processor and blend to a powder. You may want to do this 1/2 cup at a time.

In each of 8 zipper style baggies put 1/4 cup un-powdered oats and 2 tablespoons powdered oats.

To use, empty baggie into bowl and add 3/4 cup boiling water. For thicker oatmeal use less water...more for thinner. Let sit until it's the consistency you like.

You can add brown sugar, granulated sugar, raisins, cinnamon, dried fruit and even make a fruit and cream version by adding 1 tablespoon powdered creamer with the dried fruit. You could even use Splenda if desired...but I don't use it so we'd have to add sugar to sweeten it.

This sounds good....and you'll get less preservatives and additives by making it yourself.