Cheapskate Choices
Updated March 2003
7677 Oakport St. Ste. 210 Oakland, CA 94621 1-800-501- SAVE www.cccsebay.org
OUR MISSION Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the East Bay's mission is to provide a nonprofit community service dedicated to delivering professional consumer education, confidential financial and housing counseling and debt reduction programs to all segments of our community. CCCS of the East Bay has offices located throughout Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties providing a variety of free and low cost services designed to help all segments to our community to take control of their finances and achieve financial peace of mind.
Call us today for counseling appointment!
800-501-SAVE
www.cccsebay.org
SOME BASIC SAVINGS INFORMATION TO REALLY MAKE YOU THINK… There are thousands of ways to pinch your pennies until you scream. Many ideas are good old tried and true adages you may have heard for years, and they are still applicable today. As Ben Franklin said ―A penny saved is a penny earned.‖ Ben would be proud of the professional cheapskates at CCCS. We have included our favorite penny pinching ideas in this booklet of tips, ideas, and resources, which we have accumulated in over 30 years of counseling experience. Thanks to our many clients and friends for giving us many of these ideas. First the most useful tip CCCS can offer: Know where your money goes! Have a spending plan in place before you begin to make changes. If you don’t know where your money goes, begin by writing down everything you spend for at least one month, from snacks to gasoline. Until you know where your money has been going, it is virtually impossible to utilize these tips effectively for significant annual savings. After tracking your spending, establish a spending plan that takes into account not only your needs (rent, food, utilities, debt obligations) but also your wants (a new dress or new TV) and your dreams (your first house, children going to college). Analyze your spending, are you using your money to make those dreams come true or spending it on immediate gratification with no long term impact. Write down your financial goals. By planning to save a specific amount each month for your dreams, you will more likely realize your dreams. Now, use the Cheapskate Choices that follow to realize those dreams. When you find a savings opportunity, put that savings into paying off your debt or saving for your dreams. If you would like to learn more about budgeting and how to improve your money management skills, take one or all of CCCS of the East Bay‘s Money Management Skills workshop. You can find the workshop calendar at www.cccsebay.org.
CCCS of the East Bay
3
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS SOME BASIC SAVINGS INFORMATION The Home Front HOME ENERGY-SAVING PRACTICES HOUSE HEATING AND COOLING WATER HEATING APPLIANCES AND LIGHTING HOUSING CLEANING PHONE TRASH POOL CARE FOOD EATING OUT IS EXPENSIVE Family CLOTHING MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS PERSONAL ITEMS/CARE CHILD CARE PETS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE & SUCH INSURANCE BANKING OTHER NECESSITIES & EXPENSES SAVINGS & MONEY MAKING TIPS MONEY & CHILDREN TIME GIFT GUIDE FUN STUFF VACATIONS ENTERTAINMENT PARKS & RECREATION MUSEUMS TOURS & OTHER ATTACTIONS FUN FOR KIDS
CCCS of the East Bay
4
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
CONSUMER CREDIT RESOURCE REFERRALS
CCCS of the East Bay
5
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Cheapskate Choices was developed to help you save small amounts, which will add up to real savings. The comparison table below shows how reexamining spending in just a few areas result in large savings. By looking at areas you can reduce with little difficulty, you avoid feelings of deprivation that can be a pitfall for the ―new‖ budgeter. Each time you opt for a cheapskate spending choice, you opt to make your money work harder for you. Average Bay Area Consumer buys per year: Buy 1 soda each workday @ 75cents = $180.00 Have nail appointment 2x/month @ $15.00 = $360.00 Buy 1 newspaper each workday @ 35 cents = $84.00 Buy lunch each workday @ $5.00 = $1,200.00 Buy 1 speciality coffee each workday @ $3.00 = $720.00 Buy 1 quart of spring water each workday @ $1.00 = $240.00 ANNUAL TOTAL: $2,784.00 VS. Money-Smart Alternatives Total Annual $ Savings
Buy a 6 pack of soda/week @ $1.75 = $84.00 Do own nails 2x/month = $ 50.00 Borrow a co-worker’s or office copy @ $0.00 Bring lunch from home @ $2.00 = $480.00 Buy 1 regular coffee each work day @1.00 = $240.00 Fill own container with tap water = $3.00 ANNUAL TOTAL: $857.00
$96.00 $310.00 $84.00 $720.00 $ 480.00 $ 237.00
SAVINGS: $1,927.00
Number of workdays per year estimated at 240 (5 days per week X 48 working weeks – 2 week vacation & 10 holidays)
Add Your Own Saving Ideas:
CCCS of the East Bay
6
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
The Home Front
HOME ENERGY-SAVING PRACTICES
Just call your local PG&E office at 1-800-743-5000 and ask about any of the following programs. 1. Balance Payment Program (BPP) - Spread your total annual energy cost more equally over 12 balanced payments and avoid sudden bill increases due to seasonal fluctuations. 2. Automatic Payment Service (APS) – Arrange to have your financial institution automatically pay your energy bill with funds from your account—no more stamps, no more payments to mail. 3. Care Rate – discount to low income individuals. Call the Smarter Energy Line at PG&E (1-800-933-9555) for the services below and to find other ways to save. 1. Residential Conservation Services Audit – A PG&E auditor will come to your home, free of charge, to evaluate your energy use and suggest how you can conserve. 2. Cash Back – Will give you cash rebates (instead of interest-free financing) for installing weatherization measure listed under ZIP. 3. Community Services – Community outreach activities and special energy conservation programs are available for low-income, senior and non-English speaking customers, as well as renters and owners of rental properties. 4. Direct Weatherization/Project Help – Free weatherization and minor home structural repairs are offered to qualified low-income and elderly homeowners. 5. Appliance Efficiency Programs – If you replace older, inefficient appliances with more energyefficient models when purchasing new appliances, you may be eligible for a cash rebate. PG&E also offers furnace filter coupons, plus rebates for donating extra refrigerators to participating agencies.
HOUSE HEATING AND COOLING
1. In the heating season, set your thermostat at 68° or lower during the day. 2. In the heating season, set your thermostat back to 55° before you go to bed at night or when you will be away from home for more than 4 hours. 3. In the cooling season, set your thermostat at 78° or higher when you are at home. 4. Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted. Replace filter regularly. 5. Turn off your furnace pilot light during the non-heating season. 6. Use clear plastic sheets to insulate windows during the heating season. 7. Use insulating shutters or drapes and keep them closed during winter nights and summer days. 8. Use exterior shading devices or deciduous plants to shade your home and windows. 9. Provide shading for your air conditioning condenser. 10. Turn your heater(s) down when you are using your fireplace. Close the damper when you are not using the fireplace. 11. Close off heating or cooling to rooms and areas that don’t need it, if your home has zoned or individual controls. 12. In the winter, open drapes on sunny days to warm rooms. Close drapes during the day on hot summer days. 13. Install a programmable thermostat to prevent unnecessary heating and cooling. 14. Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected periodically to prevent fires. Savings 5–10% 6-10% 10-20% up to 5% 3-9% 2-7% 8-15% up to 8% 5-11% 2-8% up to 10%
CCCS of the East Bay
7
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
15. In the summer, try a window fan instead of an air conditioner. Consider installing ceiling fans, this can dramatically reduce heating/cooling costs. 16. Bring the insulation in your house up to standard. 17. Caulk windows, doors, pipes – anywhere air leaks in or out. Use weather stripping around windows and doors. Plug gaps around pipes, fans and vents that go through the walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces. 18. Plant deciduous trees on the east, west and south sides of your house for summer shade. 19. Try down comforter or wool blankets instead of electric blankets. 20. Make sure your thermostat is not located where it is subject to drafts, like near an outside door. This can cause the furnace to work unnecessarily.
WATER HEATING
1. Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. If you have a dishwasher set it at 140 degrees. 2. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets or flow restrictors. Try to reduce your hot water use in other ways, too. 3. When you will be away for more than 2 days, turn your electric water heater to ―off‖ or your gas water heater to ―pilot only.‖ 4. Insulate your water heater and the pipes leading to it. 5. Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. Savings 7-11% 5-10%
APPLIANCES AND LIGHTING
Follow these tips for major appliances and see a savings of 5-10%: 1. Washer: use cold water when possible; wash full loads 2. Dryer: line dry clothes (especially towels) whenever you can; when you use your dryer, dry full loads and clean the lint trap after every load. 3. Refrigerator/Freezer: open doors only when necessary and keep the coils (on the back or bottom of the appliance) clean. When buying, ask if extra options are worth the cost; ice makers and such may just be energy-wasters. 4. Dishwasher: always wash full loads and air-dry dishes on the ―energy saver‖ setting. 5. Select the most energy-efficient model when buying a new appliance. Savings of 5-25% 6. Remove operating second refrigerators or freezers. Savings of up to 30% 7. Use major appliances during ―off-peak‖ hours (summer: noon–6 PM; winter: 5–9pm) 8. Use dimmer switches and/or timers on lights. Savings 7–10% 9. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps. Savings outlast initial cost: 30-38% 10. Turn off lights, TVs, computer monitors and printers whenever they are not needed. 11. Research major purchases. Use Consumer Reports from Library. Consider reliability, maintenance, as well as cost. 12. Use motion sensors for indoor and outdoor lighting. 13. Re-read the owners manuals for large appliances after you have owned them a while. Chances are that they have energy saving features that you’re not aware of. 14. Use a microwave instead of stovetop burners as often as possible. 15. Cover pots when you’re cooking. 16. Keep heated coffee in a thermos instead of keeping the coffee maker running. 17. Let foods cool down a little before you put them in the refrigerator or freezer.
CCCS of the East Bay
8
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
HOUSING
1. Plan thoroughly and carefully as the first step of economical decorating. 2. Buy furniture and appliances on sale or at an auction, garage sale or second-hand shop. 3. Learn how to refinish and reupholster furniture. 4. Use foam pads and side installation on waterbeds, and turn the heater down. 5. Practice water conservation in your home and garden. 6. Choose equipment with a high-energy efficiency rating. 7. Rent or share household equipment and tools used infrequently. 8. Buy items that require as little maintenance as possible. 9. Buy household equipment that the entire family can operate and care for. 10. Learn how to clean, repair and restore household items. 11. Cancel any service you can do yourself, such as, maid, yard, pest, etc. 12. Maintain your home. Make minor repairs before they become major ones. 13. Consider remodeling, rather than buying a new home. 14. Wash walls instead of painting. 15. Increase your deductible on homeowners insurance. 16. Move to a cheaper location; take into consideration moving costs and deposits. 17. If you are able, refinance your home using a no-points loan. 18. Rent out a room, garage, or garden space for additional income. 19. Get a roommate. 20. Have a yard sale to raise money and get rid of unwanted items.
PHONE
1. Call your phone carrier and ask to have your bill analyzed to make sure you have the most money saving calling plans. Remove or cancel all unnecessary extra phone features. 2. Put a timer next to the phone when making calls to help you keep them short. 3. Research long distant carriers to get the cheapest rates you can, or eliminate long distance service and buy a phone card each month in a budgeted amount. 4. Write letters instead of making long distant phone calls – cheaper and personalized. 5. Let family and friends call you first. 6. Eliminate collect calls and calling cards. They are one of the greatest expenses. 7. If other people using your phone for calls are a problem, consider getting the phone service allowing you to receive calls but not make them. 8. If you replace your cordless phone with a phone that has a short cord, you won’t talk as long. 9. If you can live with the inconvenience, consider canceling your phone service. 10. SBC Pacific Bell – Universal Lifeline Phone Service Plans – for low income customers who qualify. Qualification is based on household’s gross income and number of people in the household. Contact SBC Pacific Bell to see if you qualify and get details about the plan.
CCCS of the East Bay
9
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
CLEANING
1. Remove spots on clothes immediately before they set. To remove stains from white fabric: ¼ cup automatic dishwasher soap, ¼ cup liquid bleach and one gallon hot water. Soak for an hour and launder as usual. 2. Cut down on cleaning supplies. Buy products that can be used for more than one purpose. 3. There are many old fashion (cheaper) alternatives to expensive cleaning products. a. Use windshield washer fluid to clean the windows in your home, or 1 tbsp corn to 1 qt hot water. b. For automatic dishwasher powder: equal parts baking soda and borax. c. For laundry pre-treating: equal amounts sudsy ammonia, liquid dish soap and water. Label and keep in a spray bottle by the washer. Never mix bleach and ammonia. d. To clean black heel marks off vinyl floors, spray with WD-40 and wipe with a cloth or paper towel. e. To remove rust stains from washable fabric: shake ordinary table salt on the stain and wet with lemon juice. Allow to set overnight, and then wash normally. f. For cheap scouring powder: 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup borax, 1 cup salt. Label and pour into a shaker container. 4. New ―do it yourself‖ dry cleaning kits can be used as an alternative for many of those expensive trips to the dry cleaner. 5. Look at clothing care labels before you buy. Avoid new clothes that require dry cleaning. 6. Line dry instead of using your clothes dryer – save on electricity.
TRASH
1. Limit your service to one can pick-up per week. Can you down-size your trash barrel size. If it’s not full every week, maybe you’re paying to too large a container. 2. Recycle everything. Less to throw-out and you can make a couple of dollars on your paper, aluminum, glass and cardboard. 3. Make a compost pile in the back yard for your kitchen scraps and yard clippings. Get a compost bucket. This contained compositor will break down all biodegradable kitchen scraps, leaving you with organic soil for plants.
POOL CARE
1. Keep pool cleaning and heating equipment clean and lubricated. 2. Reduce pool filter and sweeper operation hours and set them to run ―off-peak‖ 3. Reduce pool water temperature and the number of months you heat your pool.
CCCS of the East Bay
10
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
FOOD
1. Feed your family well from the basic food groups. Keep them healthy and save on both food and medical bills. 2. Watch your weight. It is costly to put pounds on, costly to take them off. 3. Form or join a food co-op, such as, Food Link, (800)283-9000. Provides high-quality, low cost food packages from locations, including community centers and churches, throughout the Bay Area. 4. Entertain with potlucks or inexpensive budget serving meals such as lasagna and salad. 5. Also, make your own salad dressing. 6. Try reducing meat and fish portions by 25%-50%. Consider using meat as ingredients rather than a main course. 7. Plan your meals one week at a time. Review grocery ads to take advantage of specials. Make a shopping list from your menu plan and the ads. 8. Use cents-off coupons for items you generally purchase. Put savings from coupons into your savings account – make it real savings. 9. Never shop without a list of what you need. Keep to the list. You will buy less. 10. Compare price per unit: pound, ounce, dozen or package. Be aware that some liquids are sold by weight and some buy volume. Take a calculator with you. 11. Cut your food shopping trips to no more than once a week. You will save gas, time and $. 12. Plan the use of your oven by cooking your main dish, dessert, vegetable and quick bread all at the same time. 13. Waste less! People throw millions of dollars worth of food a year into the garbage. 14. Plan use of leftovers. 15. Prepare your own convenience foods, master mixes and desserts at home. Try making your own snacks (muffins, popcorn) instead of processed snack foods like chips and pretzels. 16. Double or triple standard recipes when making spaghetti sauces, chili, pastries and stews. Label and freeze for later use. This not only saves time but you can often buy larger amounts of basic ingredients more economically. You will also have an easy meal when you are tempted to go out at the end of a hectic day. 17. Use food ―thrift‖ stores and manufacturer distribution sites. In the Bay Area, these include Colombo Bread, Entemann’s, Wonder. 18. Purchase things you have to reach for on the self; higher priced goods are always placed at eye and waist level. 19. Buy generic or store brands whenever possible; you can save as much as 30%. 20. Buy in bulk on items such as cereal, dry beans, nuts, herbs, and spices and other non-perishables. Stockpile sales items. 21. Don’t forget the food ―warehouses‖ such as Price Club, Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. for bulk items like pasta, beans and pet food. Check price per unit. REMEMBER – Don’t go overboard, buy only what you need. 22. Stock up on meat when it is on sale, especially whole chickens, and turkeys that can be stretched into many meals. 23. Figure out how much it costs per meal to eat at home by dividing your monthly grocery bills by the number of meals – you may think twice before eating out! 24. Stay clear of prepared foods that can easily add 20% extra onto your food bill. 25. Shop alone! Leave the kids at home so you are not tempted to buy their requests. 26. Before checkout, look at what is in the shopping cart. Return anything you don’t need, especially junk food and prepared items. 27. Buy produce in season. Get a gardening book from the library and learn the harvesting seasons for your favorite produce items. 28. Plant a vegetable garden in the yard or containers – cheap and healthy.
CCCS of the East Bay
11
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
29. Make use of family and friend’s seasonal produce extras. Common over-abundance includes lemons, oranges, tangerines, apples, tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, peas and beans. Take whatever is offered and freeze what you can’t eat for later. 30. Bring your lunch to work/school. Same with the kids. 31. Take advantage of the school lunch program. 32. Farmer’s Markets are great places to get local produce at a good price. Find the closet farmers market http://chef2chef.net/farmer-markets/states/california.htm or http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/ . 33. Avoid processed foods sold in individual servings. Most of your money goes for packaging. 34. Learn to cook and enjoy your own cooking. If you must eat out, go out for breakfast or lunch when prices are lower. 35. Try buying cheaper cuts of meat and tenderize then with marinade, slow cooking or pressure cooking. 36. If you think you can’t drink that tap water, try a water filtering system rather than bottled water. 37. Make at least one vegetarian meal each week. Try pasta, rice vegetables, and omelets. 38. Remember, a sale is only a bargain if you will use the sale item. If your family won’t eat the ―sale cereal‖ you have wasted money not saved money. 39. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER shop when you are hungry or upset.
EATING OUT IS EXPENSIVE
1. Don’t eat out! The average family spends 42% of their food budget on eating out! 2. Don’t order anything but water to drink when you eat out or take out, for a family of four that’s an easy $5.00 savings. 3. Go to restaurants that have special sales/promotions, such as Early Bird specials. 4. Find two-for-the-price-of-one coupon books and use those when you go out. 5. Go to ―Happy Hour‖ at different restaurant lounges. They will provide free food for the price of a beverage. 6. Go out for dessert instead of a full meeting or lunch instead of dinner. 7. Plan a picnic for a family celebration rather than dinner ―out‖. 8. Ask about senior citizen or children discounts.
CCCS of the East Bay
12
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
FAMILY
CLOTHING
Study your present wardrobe; determine needs and work out a clothing budget. Buy color-coordinated clothing that can be mixed and matched. Buy all season styles, fabrics and colors when possible. Buy clothing in a design that will stay in style. Look for quality fabric and good construction in clothing. Choose clothes with simple trim that is good quality and requires the same care as the rest of the garment. 7. Do not make impulsive clothing purchases. 8. Before buying a garment, check the fabric label and care instructions. Avoid clothing that requires special care, such as dry cleaning. 9. Read and follow care instructions to make clothes last longer. 10. Spot-clean clothes promptly and save on cleaning by careful wear. 11. Keep clothes in good repair by remembering a ―stitch in time saves nine.‖ 12. Make use of factory outlet stores. The merchandise could be surplus, samples or discontinued lines. The flaws in seconds or irregulars may be minor. 13. Dress up or modify an outfit you already own. Accessories can add a new look to last year’s wardrobe for a minimal cost. 14. Use yard sale purchases, especially for children’s clothes and maternity wear. 15. Swap outgrown clothing and maternity clothes with friends and relatives. 16. Use cloth baby diapers and launder them yourself. 17. Contribute clothing to a ―nearly new‖ shop sponsored by a charitable organization. Your gift is tax deductible if you get a receipt for the estimated value. 18. Store clothes properly to protect from sun, moths, mildew and stretching. 19. Protect shoes and leather items from water and salt stains. 20. Wear old ―work‖ clothes for messy, dirty jobs. 21. Purchase only replacement items during tough times, like sensible working/play shoes and underwear. 22. Shop the discount stores (Kmart, Ross, Wal-Mart, etc.) for the basics. 23. Look into consignment shops for good quality used clothing for all members of the family. Consider selling good quality clothing you can no longer use to a consignment shop to make a few bucks. 24. For very young children who are continually out-growing clothes, shop garage sales or thrift stores and accept family/friend giveaways. 25. For items you must have, shop with a specific list and bring cash. 26. Shop the many clothing outlets in the bay area – from Vacaville to Gilroy. Remember to stick to your list and leave the checkbook and credit cards at home. 27. Only purchase clothing that will work with your existing wardrobe. 28. Buy clothing you can wear year-round. 29. Only buy what is comfortable and hangs correctly. If you don’t feel good in it, you won’t wear it and it is a waste of money. Remember, the same applies to the kids. 30. Don’t scrimp on shoes. A pair of good quality shoes will last much longer than their cheaper counter parts, saving you in the long run. 31. Forget the notion of designer clothing. Buy that which is made of the best material and quality you can get that meets your clothing and budgeting needs. 32. Learn how to sew simple garments. 33. The only time to purchase clothing in department stores or any retailer is following seasonal clearances for new stock: after Easter, after July 4th and after Christmas. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
CCCS of the East Bay
13
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS
1. Ask for the generic equivalent of your prescription. This can save 50% or more! 2. Ask your doctor if he/she can supply you with samples of the drug you need rather than having a prescription filled. 3. Call the County Health Department for clinics and services that are low cost or free. 4. Utilize voluntary health agencies: Planned Parenthood, American Diabetes Association, Heart Association, Lung Association, Easter Seals, Cancer Society and Salvation Army. 5. Don’t forget public mental health centers for counseling and some prescriptions. 6. Shop around mail order and other prescription drug services, such as AARP, for lower cost recurring drug expenses. 7. Use good preventive care: healthy diet, exercise, brush and floss teeth, no smoking. 8. Always get second opinions for major surgery or treatments or dental work. 9. Review all bills and question items that seem excessive.
PERSONAL ITEMS/CARE
1. Clip coupons for items you use only! 2. Have the whole family use the same brands of soap, shampoo, razors, and other personal hygiene products - buy the economy size. 3. Aggressively shop discount stores. NEVER buy at the supermarket. 4. Have a friend cut your hair, or go to the local beauty college for $5 haircuts. Get and maintain an easy hairstyle. Learn to do your own manicure and pedicure. 5. Trim your children’s hair between professional cuts. Better yet, learn how to give professional cuts. 6. If you have expensive dependencies, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, over-eating, etc. now is the time to get the help to beat them! Healthier for you, and you can save. 7. When you can, substitute store brand or generic brands for more expensive products. 8. Keep cosmetics to basics. 9. Try diluting shampoos, conditioners to make them last longer. 10. Cancel a health club membership – find used workout machine and exercise groups for walking, hiking and swimming. If you must keep that that health club membership, make sure you are getting your money’s worth. Calculate the per use fee for health club memberships. If you go once a week, your $75/month membership is approximately $16/visit. If you go 5 times per week, each visit is approximately $3.25. Make sure you Use It or Lose It!
CCCS of the East Bay
14
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
CHILD CARE
1. Form a child care co-op with other parents to switch off child care and babysitting duties. 2. Use any of the following for a referral to a day care center with alternative payment plans and/or programs for children of low income parents: North Alameda County 510-658-0381 West Contra Costa County 510-233-5437 Central Alameda County 510-582-2189 EXT.2 East Contra Costa County 925-778-5437 Solano County 707-427-6600 South Alameda County 510-790-0655 Central Contra Costa County 925-676-5437 Tri-Valley 455-5111 South Contra Costa County 830-0508
PETS
Buy in bulk. Switch from expensive wet food to dry food. Check with your local Humane Society or School of Veterinary Medicine for low-cost care. Use drop-in clinics offering specials on routine shots. If you have a young pet, use the free or low-cost spay/neuter programs offered by the community shelters and private animal groups. 6. Groom your pet yourself. 7. Keep you pet and its living area very clean to avoid the need for expensive pest control products. 8. Keep animals under control when outside. Loose animals are more likely to be injured which requires a vet visit. 9. Try adopting a mature pet from someone who can’t keep them. They may already have shots and be neutered. 10. Get a second opinion for major veterinary expenses. 11. Adopt an animal from your local Human Society rather than purchase from a pet store. If you must have a pure bred dog, find a rescue group that saves your favorite bred. Contact the American Kennel Club, 51 Madison Ave, NY/ NY 10010. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
CCCS of the East Bay
15
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
TRANSPORTATION
1. Sell any vehicle you don’t need. Run the numbers, are you better off renting when you need a car. Consider belonging to a short term car rental ―club‖ – www.citycareshare.org. 2. If you are making payments on a car you can’t afford, sell it and purchase a used car. 3. Use public transportation, carpool, bike or walk whenever you can. The less you use your car, the less you spend on gas and wear-and-tear. 4. Form a carpool to go to work, meetings, and even shopping trips. Call RIDES at 1-800-92-4357 for help in finding a carpool that meets your needs. 5. Ask yourself, ―Is this trip really necessary?‖ Combine errands to save gas and time. Make a list of errands, so you don’t forget and need a second trip. 6. Shop for the best price in gas and fill your tank. It is better to fill up at a lower price than to run low and have to buy higher priced gas elsewhere. 7. Use self-service gas pumps. 8. Skip the high-octane gas. Most cars run just as well on the cheaper stuff. 9. Keep your tires inflated and fluids up for better gas mileage. 10. Save on fuel with good driving habits. Slow down and avoid quick acceleration after stops. Also, quit circling the parking lot - take the first space you find and walk. 11. Change your own oil, filter and spark plugs and top off fluids. Instructions are in your owner’s manual. 12. Get small problems fixed before they become large expensive ones. Shop around for repair quotes and get written estimates. Never authorize repairs without a written estimate and after the repairs, ask for your broken/worn out parts. 13. Take advantage of auto repair classes held in your community. 14. Substitute maintenance and repair for a new car. 15. Wash and wax your own car. 16. Divide the cost of your registration by 12 and put this amount aside so you will have the money to register and avoid penalties and possible tickets. 17. Ask your insurance agent the cost before purchasing a new or used car. You’ll be amazed at the difference in the rates between marks and models of cars. 18. Extra weight consumers extra fuel. Empty your car of unnecessary heavy objects. 19. Educate yourself about how your car works by reading ―How to‖ books. This will help you avoid getting ―ripped off‖. 20. Try cleaning your windshield wipers with vinegar to clean off dirty and grime before you automatically replace them.
GASOLINE
1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Avoid idling for long periods or to warm up engine. Keep reasonable speed. Minimize air condition use. Use proper grade of gasoline. Higher grades than necessary won’t improve performance. Maintain car. Keep tires properly inflated. Avoid carrying extra weight in trunk.
CCCS of the East Bay
16
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
SERVICES and SUCH
INSURANCE
1. 2. 3. 4. Consider increasing you deductible to lower your monthly payment. Drop collision insurance when your car’s value has dropped sufficiently. If you have an older car, look at dropping your comprehensive coverage. Re-evaluate your policy. If you are driving fewer miles now, consider an infrequent mileage/low use policy. 5. Don’t skimp on health insurance. You can reduce premiums by having higher deductible. Health insurance can keep a major medical problem from becoming a major financial problem. 6. If you must forgo health insurance, contact local universities with medical, dental and optometry programs to inquire about routine care at reduced costs. Also check with the county health department for clinics and hospitals who take patients with out health insurance and/or have a sliding payment scale. 7. Avoid getting tickets for moving violations by driving carefully. 8. Be sure to ask for ―lifestyle discounts‖: safe drivers, nonsmokers, low mileage drivers, airbags, and antitheft devices. 9. Educate yourself about insurance – what you need and what you don’t. 10. Ask for discounts if you buy all of your insurance from the same carriers. Otherwise, use different companies to get the best value for different types of coverage. 11. Ask your insurance company if they can suspend the collision and liability coverage when your car is not in use – even for a week or two when you are on vacation. 12. Call the Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 for an insurance cost survey before deciding on a carrier for auto, health and home. Go to California Department of Insurance website www.insurance.ca.gov for more information. 13. California Insurance for Children.
BANKING
1. Use direct deposit for your paycheck if your bank offers it. 2. Save fees by choosing a checking account with low (or no) minimum balance requirement, and meet it. 3. Shop around for banking fees. Talk to your bank to make sure you have the right account based upon your use. Minimize bank fees. 4. Save on stamps by paying your bills through automatic payment, but make sure any automatic payment fees are less than alternative of writing checks and using stamps. 5. Know what your ATM fees are. Use of ―other banks‖ ATMs can cost real money for what might be just a small convenience. 6. Use automatic transfer to move money into your saving account on your pay day. Force yourself to save. 7. Balance your checking account. Do not rely on overdraft protection, a costly bank service. 8. Pay your bills on time. Late fees are just money down the drain.
CCCS of the East Bay
17
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Other Necessities and Expenses
1. Lawyers: The Oakland Library has ―Lawyers in the Library‖ program, where free legal assistance and referrals are available. Contact the library for information. 2. Libraries: Use your local library. Not only will you save on books and magazines, but many libraries have computers, internet service, educational programs, story hours for children, and other community programs that can save money. Library community bulletin boards often are a resource for low-cost services available in your community. 3. Veterinary: Check with your local humane society for low-cost care pet care. 4. Tool Lending Libraries: both Berkeley and Oakland have free Tool Lending Libraries for residents. Oakland (510) 597-5089 and Berkeley (510)981-6101. Start one in your community or talk to your neighbors about a tool sharing agreement. 5. Charities: When money is tight, its important to make sure your charitable giving is well spent. Determine how much you can afford, plan and prioritize your giving, and research the charities you think meet your values. Several websites can help you analyze the financial situation of non-profits http://www.guidestar.org/, www.charitywatch.org, www.ministrywatch.org, and www.humaneseal.org. 6. Look at membership privileges such as AARP or AAA. Many such organizations provide discounts for their members. Use these discounts for products/events that you normally would spend full price.
CCCS of the East Bay
18
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
SAVINGS AND MONEY MAKING TIPS
1. Barter talents and resources. Trade skills such as typing, serving or decorating with a friend or neighbor. 2. Turn a hobby into a income generating business. 3. Take advantage of learning opportunities at local schools; attend Cooperative Extension classes, community-sponsored workshops and other adult education courses. 4. Use credit cards only if you pay the balance in full each month. 5. Do not carry more cash than you can afford to spend. Don’t carry your credit cards or checkbook. This will make you think before your spend. 6. Pay bills early when they give you a discount for prompt payment, e.g. utility companies. 7. Read magazines and books at the library. Cancel book club memberships and magazine subscriptions, especially for those that remain unread for a long time. 8. Keep track, item by item, where the money goes every day, week and month. Go over this spending record periodically with the entire family. Decide together how to live on less. 9. Got stuff you don’t use or need any longer. Now is the time to have that garage sale or go to a consignment shop to make some extra cash. 10. Recycle aluminum cans and soda bottles to get cash reimbursement. 11. Sell extra cars, boats, and expensive electronic equipment, furniture, jewelry. 12. Consider taking a short-term, part-time job when you earmark all the earnings to a special goal or expense. 13. Make sure you get all legal tax deductions and credits. Take time to find out what you are eligible for and take advantage of them. Maintain records of expenses that are tax deductible, such as charitable expenses or non-reimbursed business expenses. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit, is a refundable Federal income tax credit for lowincome working individuals and families. The eligibility checklist can be found in IRS’ Publication 596. MONEY and CHILDREN 14. Interest children in handling money. Give them allowances and let them begin to manage money. 15. Give children money saving jobs, such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. 16. Encourage children to do extra work, besides regular chores, to earn extra money. 17. Teach children ways to live on less by caring for their clothing and toys to minimize repairs and losses. 18. Teach children to be independent by practicing self-sufficiency when feasible. 19. Reward family members for extraordinary savings in normal necessary expenditures.
TIME
Turn off the TV. The same hours can be spent on activities that save money: sewing, cooking, monitoring finances, or doing home repairs. The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day (60 extra days per year).
CCCS of the East Bay
19
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
GIFT GUIDE
Holidays, birthdays and weddings do not have to be budget busters. Just follow these CHEAPSKATE giftgiving ideas: 1. ―Gift of Time‖ coupons good for washing a car, cleaning your kid’s room, a special meal or dessert, a day at the park, etc. There is no limit to your creativity or the number of coupons you wish to give. Some folks issue coupons without expiration dates. Others include them if it is a seasonal activity. This is one of our favorites because you can really give family and friends what they want, your love and time! 2. Used books, especially from the local library book sale! 3. Anything from your garden. Fresh flowers, plant cuttings, bag of fruit, dried fruit or flowers, herbs, potpourri, seeds, even compost! 4. Recycle gifts you never used/liked/didn’t fit, etc. Go through your closets. Be careful not to give a gift back to the original giver, and remove all original cards. 5. Donate to a charity in a person’s name. Most charities simply send a ―donation-has-been-made‖ card with no mention of the amount sent. You can give as little as $5. 6. A ―This is Your Life‖ video or audiotape. Honor a parent, spouse, sibling or friend. Include staged interviews with family, friends and co-workers. Add narration as you tour places from their pastschools, camps, etc. 7. Make cassette tapes of your child’s favorite books. Record yourself reading the book and don’t forget to say, ―Turn the page.‖ This is also great for adults with poor vision. 8. Give an eclectic collection or set of anything. Go to the flea markets, consignment shops or thrift stores. Ideas can include dishes, wineglasses, silverware, bowls, vases, even pots and bakeware. Who says everything has to be new or match? 9. Have an old family photo reprinted. Make fun frames out of Popsicle sticks, also called craft sticks. A little or a lot of paint and glitter adds even more personality. 10. Buy tea in bulk. Divide into the number of gifts needed, add a few spoonfuls of specialty teas to each gift and you now have several ―gourmet‖ gifts. 11. Bread dough ornaments. Mix together 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt and 1 ½ cups cold water. Roll out and use cookie cutters to make shapes. Don’t forget to make a hole for the ribbon to go through! Bake at 350° for approximately 1 hour. Paint and shellac when dry. 12. Make placemats from fabric remnants. Use remnants from designer fabric books or collect your own if you sew. 13. Go through your family treasures. This may be a good year to pass on a few heirlooms. 14. A roll of homemade wrapping paper. Get some butcher paper and decorate with stamps, paint, glitter, sponge painting designs, dried botanicals, whatever. You can easily mass-produce several rolls of paper in one afternoon. 15. Homemade food items. We all love the idea of anything made for us from ―scratch.‖ Wrap cookies, bread, fudge, applesauce or chutneys. Yes, even fruitcakes. Use colored plastic wrap over a paper plate for cheap wrapping. 16. Create fun, inexpensive, dishtowels. By starting with basic flour sack towels (average 69¢ each) and adding paints, needlepoint, patches, etc. 17. Give a pretty doormat or wreath. Make a great family gift. This will also get you off the hook if you used to buy individual and costly gifts for each member of a family! Always combine individual gifts into one family gift when possible. 18. Sew something quick and easy. If you are handy with a sewing machine, make Barbie doll clothes, boxer shorts, butcher style aprons, or stuffed animals. Always go to the fabric store remnant table for great fabric prices.
CCCS of the East Bay
20
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
19. Do an ―outlet special.‖ No time to create an original masterpiece? Use our guide to the best bargain hunting grounds to find something special that is also within your budget! 20. Give a ―natural‖ collection. As kids we all loved to collect leaves, rocks, flowers…anything from outside. We still do. Go for a few hikes and collect interesting stones, dried grasses, flowers you can press, or give fresh, pine cones, sea shells, etc. Put together into an interesting collection and give displayed in an inexpensive basket, a recycled jar with some cloth over the top, small cardboard box, etc. So simple! You can get the same stuff pre-assembled for outrageous prices at many nature stores and gift shops. 21. Record a personal music selection cassette. Use your own music collection to choose the tunes, or stop by the local library to borrow tapes/albums/CDs to expand your choices. 22. Stencil anything! A little paint and stencil and you can transform any thing into a personal gift. Stencil clay pots, small cardboard boxes, t-shirts, scavenged photo frames… 23. Create ―designer‖ candles. Buy cheap white pillar candles. Collect attractive dried flowers, leaves, ferns, etc. Get paraffin wax from the grocery store and dip the pillar candle in it 2-3 times to create a tacky surface. Stick on your natural selections, at random or in a picture, and submerge again for 4-5 coats. You can easily produce several gifts in a few hours. 24. Collect favorite recipes; print them on card stock or colored paper. Punch holes on the side and tie with raffia to make a book. For family recipes, include family memories and stories. 25. Buy ―fancy‖ cloths and costume jewelry from Thrift Shops or garage sales and make a dress-up box for kids. 26. Buy magazines from Thrift Shops or garage sales for the year and month of the recipient’s birth. 27. Make a homemade scrapbook with construction paper and cardboard tied together. 28. For a graduation, anniversary or special birthday, ask people who have been significant in the life of the honoree (friends. Minister, teachers, neighbors) to write memories or letters of encouragement and send them to you. Put them in protective covers and binder. 29. Give a jar of quarters to a student or family who uses a coin-operated laundry. Save quarters throughout the year and they can do a year worth of laundry. 30. For Christmas, find or make one gift you like and buy / make it for everybody. 31. Make a ―tooth fairy‖ pillow for a family with small children. Buy a small pillowcase and sew on a pocket to hold the tooth and money and decorate with trim. 32. Make bean bags for children. 33. Make a charitable donation in someone’s name rather than buying a gift. 34. Save on mailing costs by sending out of town family/friends gifts like prepaid phone cards, movie passes, magazine subscriptions. 35. Make a calendar with family anniversaries and birthday marked on it. 36. Stuff Christmas stockings with practical items: shampoos, toothbrushes, socks, etc. 37. Instead of buying doll clothes for ―baby‖ dolls, try buying newborn baby cloths at garage sales. They often have been worn only a few times. 38. Collect crossword puzzles, word games, chess or bridge problems from the newspaper. Paste them onto pieces of construction paper, punch holes and bind them with ribbon. Put the solutions on the last page. 39. Gift wrapping can be very expensive. It’s not even necessary, consider just adding a bow. If you must gift wrap consider using Sunday comics, outdated maps, old calendars, and other recycled paper. Add evergreens to decorate gifts. Use old holiday and birthday cards as gift tags.
CCCS of the East Bay
21
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
FUN STUFF
VACATION
1. 2. 3. 4. Spend less on vacations. Sleep at home and take short trips during the day. Spend your vacation camping. Use inexpensive equipment and rent necessities like a tent. Take advantage of low weekend rates at many city hotels and off-season rates at resorts. If possible, travel midweek to save on airfare.
ENTERTAINMENT
Find alternatives to high cost entertainment. The Bay Area is full of year-around opportunities for no-cost and low-cost fun. Consider a mini-vacation right here in your own backyard.
1. 2. 3. 4. STOP recreational shopping! Check out your local Parks and Recreation Department for activity classes. Take advantage of community services such as, concerts, fairs and public tennis courts. Consider taking up less expensive sports and hobbies than you have now. Join an amateur sport league i.e. softball, basketball. Go roller/ice skating. Ride a bicycle. Take a hike. Fly a kite. 5. How often do you use that gym membership? What is the per use cost of keeping it? Consider join the YMCA or YWCA or taking exercise/activity class at community college rather than an ongoing membership that is not used often. 6. Take a walking tour such as Architecture, Chinatown, Old Oakland, etc. 7. Go see the elephant seals in Ano Nuevo or the monarch butterflies at Ardenwood Regional Park. 8. Go to the zoo or to a museum – check for free days. 9. Go to an arboretum or farm. Visit the beach or mountains. Go fishing. 10. Feed the ducks at lake or lagoon – try Lake Merritt. 11. Take some docent-led tours sponsored by local museums and historical societies. 12. Pick your own berries or fruit at a farm in Livermore, Brentwood or Half Moon Bay. 13. Go to a farmer’s market for a morning outing, and have a picnic afterwards. 14. Take an industrial tour of a nearby plant – Jelly Bellies is a great kid trip. 15. Check out local colleges for concerts, plays, lectures, films and sporting events. 16. Visit art galleries. You don’t have to buy. 17. Check out old cemeteries: the tombstones can be fascinating. 18. Volunteer! Cultural events often want volunteer ushers. You will get to see the show for free and sometimes get passes for other shows. * Become a Big Brother or Sister, share yourself. * Volunteer to help in a fundraising campaign for a worthy cause. * Find a cause you believe in – make your community better. * Volunteer with your children and make it quality family time. 19. Become politically active. * Attend your city council or school board meetings. 20. Get together with friends to play games or talk. Visit someone who is lonely. 21. Rent movies with friends and neighbors and make your own popcorn. Matinees rather than evening movies cost much less (check theatres for discounts). 22. Go to a yard sale (limit what is in your wallet.) 23. Have a potluck dinner where everyone brings just one thing.
CCCS of the East Bay
22
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Many public facilities such as museums and zoos have a day or a few hours each month when admission is free. If you go to a particular attraction often, check out a membership – you might save on admission charges and get a tax deduction. Remember to ask for group discounts, senior/student discounts, and discounts for being members of AARP, AAA, or other group. Contributors/members to public radio, public TV, or museums often have membership programs that provide discounts to affiliate attractions. Hours and admission fees can change, call for current hours/fees.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Adventure playground & Shorebird Nature Center, 510-644-8623, 160 University Ave., Berkeley. Anthony Chabot Regional Park, 510.635-0135 ext. 2570 Berkeley Marina, Fishing Pier, Berkeley. Free fishing. Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area, 209-826-1196, South of Byron on Christensen Rd., Accessible from Bruns Rd. off Byron Rd. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, 925-757-2620, Somersville Rd., Antioch. Hike, picnic, abandoned coal mines, Rose Hill Cemetery. Free Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 926-777-6671, Solano City on HWY 160, 8 miles North of the Antioch Bridge. Briones Regional Park, 925-229-3020, in the hills between Lafayette & Martinez, accessible via Bear Creek and Reliez Valley Roads. California Dept of Parks & Recreation, 916-653-6995 Carquinez Shoreline Regional Park, 925-635-0135, Carquinez Scenic Dr., Martinez. Contra Loma Reservoir, 925-757-0404, one Tree Way, Antioch. Wind Surfing, beach, fishing, picnic, and swimming. Coyote Hills Regional Park, 510-795-9385, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., North of Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont. Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area, 510-537-2240, Cull Canyon Rd., South of Columbia Dr., Castro Valley. Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, 510-538-1148, 22400 Woodroe Ave., off Kelly St., Hayward. East Bay Regional Park District, 510-562-7275, Camping Reservations: 510-562-2267. Fremont Central Park, 510-791-4340, 40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont. Waterfowl refuge, library, bike, jog, picnic, swimming. Garin Regional Park/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, 510-582-2206, Garin Ave., off Mission Blvd. Hayward Shoreline, 510-881-6751, 4901 Breakwater Ave., One mile West of Clawiter Rd., Hayward. Heather Farms Park, 925-943-5859, Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. Swimming pools, tennis courts, garden, community center, suck pond, picnic. Japanese Gardens, 510-881-6715, 22372 North 3rd St., Hayward. Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, 510-635-0135, San Pablo Dam Rd., South of Castro Ranch Rd., El Sobrante. Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, 925-284-9669, 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd., East of El Nido Ranch Rd., Lafayette.
CCCS of the East Bay
23
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Lake Del Valle, 925-373-0332, Livermore. Swimming, picnicking, camping, fishing. Los Trampas Regional Wilderness, Info 925-837-3145, Camping Res. 925-373-0144, Las Trampas Stables 925838-7546, Bollinger Canyon Rd., off Crow Canyon Rd. West of Danville. Martinez Regional Shoreline, 925-635-0135, North Court St., Near Ferry Street, Martinez. Mistix – Campground Registration, 1-800-444-7275 Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, 925-635-0135, Between Clayton and Livermore, Borders Morgan Territory Rd., West of N. Livermore Ave. via Manning Rd. Mount Diablo State Park, 925-837-6119, Walnut Creek, Accessible from I-680. Summit Interpretive Center. 600-mile view of Sierras on a clear day. Picnic, hike, camp. National Park Service, 415-556-0560. Mistix – Campground Reservations: 1-800-365-2267. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, 510-635-0135, Giant Highway and Altas Rd., Richmond. Redwood Regional Park, 510-635-0135, Redwood Rd. 3 miles East of Skyline Blvd., Oakland. San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 510-792-0222, Marshlands Rd., off Thornton Ave., Fremont. Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve, 510-635-0135, Off Coach Dr., 1 mile North of Kennedy Grove Regional Rec. Area, accessible from Heavenly Riege Lane off Amend Rd., El Sorbrante. Sunol – Ohlone Regional Wilderness, Information: 510-862-2244, Camping Reservations: 510-373-0144, End Geary Rd., 2 miles Southeast of Calaveras Rd., Sunol (Between Pleasanton & Fremont). "Little Yosemite" Alameda Creek, Waterfalls, huge boulders & gentle pools. 4 mile hike – may be difficult for children under 8 years old. Tilden Park/Lake DeAnza, 415-635-0135, Canon & South Park Dr. off Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley. Botanical garden, picnic grounds, nature area, hiking, Environmental Education Center, mini-farm. Some attractions cost. U.C. Botanical Garden, 415-642-3343, Strawberry Canyon off Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Walnut Creek Open Space, Shell Ridge accessible from Castle Rock Rd., 1 mile South of Walnut Ave, Northwest of HWY 24 / I-680 Interchange. Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, 510-236-1262, 5755 McBryde Ave., Neat Wildcat Canyon Pkwy, Richmond.
MUSEUMS
Ardenwood Historic Farm, Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 796-0663. Living history project. Oakland Museum, 10th and Oak St. Oakland. 238-3401. Mission San Jose Chapel & Museum, 43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont. 657-1797. Lindsey Museum, 1901 First Ave., Walnut Creek. In Larkey Park. 935-1978. Collection of live animals, wildlife rehab center, ―pet library‖; check out animals for a week. John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. 228-8860. Self guided walking tour. Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. 935-7871. Old Borges Ranch, 1035 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek. 934-6990. Working Ranch, farm animals, old buildings. Alameda Historical Museum, Alameda Ave. And Park St., 521-1233 Berkeley Historical Society, 2134 Mlk Jr. Way, between Addison and Allston Way, 524-9880
CCCS of the East Bay
24
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Judah Magnes Memorial Museum, 2911 Russell St. at Pine St., 849-2710 Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave., UC Berkeley, 643-7648 University Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way near College Ave., UC Berkeley, 642-1207 Ebony Museum of Art, 30 Alice St. at Embarcadero St., JLS Village, 763-0141 Mills College Art Gallery, 5000 Macarthur Blvd. at Richard Rd., Mills College, 430-2164 Oakland Museum Sculpture Court at City Center, 1111 Broadway at 12th St., 238-3005 Pardee Home Museum, 672 11th St. between Mlk Jr. Way and Castro St., 444-2187 TOURS Western Aerospace Museum, 8260 Boeing St. off Earhart Rd., Oakland Int’l Airport, N. Field 638-7100 The Museums at Blackhawk, 736-2277 Behring Auto Museum, 3750 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. Off Camino Tassajara UC Berkeley Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. Off Camino Tassajara Niles Depot Museum, 36997 Mission Blvd. at Sullivan Underpass, 797-4449 Hayward Area Historical Society Museum, 22701 Main St. at C St., 581-0223 Sun Gallery, 1015 E St. at Main St., 581-4050 Computer Museum, Almond Ave. off East Ave., Almond Ave. School, 373-1373 By Appointment Only Amador Livermore Valley Museum, 603 Main St. at Division St., 462-2766 American Museum of Quilts and Textiles, 766 South 2nd St. between Margaret & Virginia Sts., 408-971-0323 Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium, 1342 Maglee Ave. at Park Ave., 408-287-2807 San Jose Historical Museum, 1600 Senter Rd. at Phelan Ave., Kelley Park, 408-287-2290 Tech Museum of Innovation, 145 W. San Carlos St between Almaden Blvd & Market St., 408- 279-7150 Village Theatre Gallery, 233 Front St. at Diablo Blvd., 2nd floor, Danville, 839-1959 Dublin Heritage Center, 6600 Donlon Way South of Dublin Blvd., Dublin, 828-3377 Bedford Gallery Regional Centers for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. at California Blvd.,295-1417 Walnut Creek The Lindsay Museum, 1901 1st Ave. at Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek, 935-1978 Benicia Camel Barn Museum 2024 Camel Rd. East of Park Rd., Benicia, 745-5435 Crockett Historical Society Museum, 900 Loring Ave. at Rolph Ave., Crockett, 787-2178 Richmond Museum, 400 Nevin Ave. at 4th St., Richmond, 235-7387 Clayton Historical Society Museum 6101 Main St. West of Marsh Creek Rd., Clayton, 672-0240 Gallery Concord, 1850 Gateway Blvd., Suite 100 at Willow Pass Rd., Concord, 671-3400 Patti McClain’s Museum of Vintage Fashion, 944-1896 Call for Location Martinez Historical Museum, 1005 Escobar St. at Court St. Martinez, 228-8160 Antioch Historical Center, 6th & F Sts., Antioch, 757-7351 East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum, Sellers Ave. south of Sunset Rd., Knightsen 625-4280 Pittsburg Historical Society Museum, 40 Civic Ave. off Railroad Ave, Pittsburg, 439-7501 Western Railway Museum, 5848 Hwy 12, 12 Miles SE of the Fairfield Exit off I-80, 707-374-2978
CCCS of the East Bay
25
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
TOURS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Campanile at U.C. Berkeley, Center of campus. 642-3666. Chimes on the hour. Plays music at 7:50am, noon and 6:00pm Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Visitor’s Center off Greenville Rd., Livermore. 422-9797. Broad based display of scientific technology Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Dr. Berkeley. 642-5132. Public Science center with hands on displays. Chabot Observatory, 4917 Mountain Blvd. Oakland. 530-5225 Oakland Zoo, Golf Links Rod. And 98th Ave. 632-9525 Model Railroad Society, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. 937-1888. 1,870 sq. ft. model train layout. Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, Westline Dr. off Central Ave., 521-6887 University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave. 642-5215 UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Centennial Dr., 1 mile east of Memorial Stadium, 642-3343 Strawberry Canyon, Daily FREE Docent-Led Asian Resource Centers, 310 8th St. at Harrison St., 763-2970 Dunsmuir House & Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Dr. at 106th Ave., 562-0328 Jack London’s Waterfront, 839-9000, Jack London Museum, 451-8218 Oakland Farmers Market, Alice St. to Clay St. between Embarcadero & The Waterfront, 798-7061 Rotary Nature Center & Waterfowl Refuge, 238-3739 Northern California Center for Afro-American History and Life, 658-3158, 5606 San Pablo Ave at 56th St., Golden Gate Library, Oakland Walking Tours Architecture Tours, 763-9218 Chinatown Tours, 939-9139 Oakland Tours Program, 238-3234 Drawbridge 1, Marshlands Rd. Near Thornton Ave., 792-0222 Docent Led Tours Higuera Adobe, 47300 Rancho Higuera Rd. At the end of Curtner Rd., 657-6848 Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd. at Washington Blvd., 657-1797 Mc Conaghy House, 18701 Hesperian Blvd. at Bockman Rd., 276-3010 Niles Canyon Railway, Main St. & Kilkare Rd., 862-9063 Blake Garden 70, Rincon Rd. West of Arlington Rd., Kensington, 524-2449, Weekdays 8:00am-4:00pm Old Borges Ranch, 1035 Castle Rock Rd., 1 mile south of Northgate High school, Walnut Creek, 934-6990 Marsh Walks, Peytonia Marsh Natural Preserve, 1171 Kellog St. off Cprdelia St., Suisun, 707-429-4295
CCCS of the East Bay
26
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
FUN FOR KIDS
Children’s Fairyland, Grand Ave. at Bellevue, Oakland. 832-3609. Puppet shows, animal feeding, rides. Alameda Children’s Musical Theater (ACMT), 2200 Central Ave. at Walnut St., 521-6965, Adventure Playground and Shorebird Nature Center, 160 University Ave., West of I-80, 644-8623, Berkeley Marina Berkeley Child Art Studio, 1250 Addison St., Studio 106, 849-3385 CHILDREN 2-16 yrs old can participate in class Cal Adventures Cal. Dept. of Athletics and Rec. Sports, 2301 Bancroft Way at Ellsworth St., UCB 642-4000 The Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave. at Kittredge St., 549-1564 Junior Center of Art and Science, 558 Bellevue Ave. at Grand Ave. , 839-5777 Kids Carpentry, Call for locations, 542-9232 Kaimanu Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club, Neptune Dr. off Marina Blvd., San Leandro Marina, 895-0435 Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way at San Carlos St., Guadalupe River Park, San Jose, 408-298-5437, Tues-Sat. 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun. noon-5:00pm El Cerrito Ballet Center, 6712 Portola Dr. Between San Pablo Ave and Richmond St., El Cerrito, 235-1734 East Bay Children’s Theater, 3612 Webster St. Near 36th St., Oakland, 653-1095 National Institute of Art and Disabilities, 551 23rd. St. at Barret Ave., Richmond, 620-0290
CCCS of the East Bay
27
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
CONSUMER CREDIT RESOURCE REFERRALS
RENT – Past due / Payment Plans ECHO Housing Assistance Program - RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP) Oakland Hayward CRITICAL FAMILY NEEDS (CFN) Housing Assistance Fund (HA) ECHO Housing – Project Share - ROOMMATES Berkeley Oakland Livermore & Pleasanton SHELTER INC. Contra Costa County FOOD – Outlets, Co-ops, and Framer’s Markets. (510) 836-4826 (510) 581-9380 1-800-273-6222 (510) 845-9030 (510) 836-4826 (925) 449-7340 (925)827-3598
Emergency food referral hotline - Alameda County
Food Link – Food Co-op Colombo Bread – Outlet 580 Julie Ann Way, Oakland Oroweat – Entemann’s – Outlets 2034 N. Main, Walnut Creek 7108 Dublin Blvd, Dublin 2631 Springs Rd., Vallejo Wonder – Hostess – Outlet 2749 Lone Tree Way, Antioch 945 53rd St. Oakland 833 Montague St., San Leandro (off Marina Blvd.) 1950 Market, Concord 6841 Village Parkway, Dublin (corner Village Parkway & Dublin) 3270 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo
800/870-FOOD 1-888-445-6500
(510) 635-4343 (510) 937-1491 (510) 556-1565 (707) 649-1317 (925) (510) (510) (925) (925) (707) 706-7093 655-3089 357-7262 687-6565 829-5744 644-4101
Find the closet farmers market http://chef2chef.net/farmer-markets/states/california.htm or http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/ WICs Program (nutritious food to low income pregnant or breast-feeding women with children under 5 Alameda County (510)208-1620 Contra Costa County (925) 646-5370 Solano Country (707)553-5381
UTILITIES: Look in the ―blue pages‖ of your phone book (under city or county) to find local numbers for the various utility companies. EMUD Water: Call Customer Service Number listed on your monthly statement to arrange payment plans or inquire about special services. REACH (Salvation Army Administered, one time assistance) Oakland Tri-Valley Antioch (510) 268-1178 (510) 581-6444 (925) 778-0303
CCCS of the East Bay
28
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
INSURANCE California Department of Insurance TRANSPORTATION Bay Area Transit Information Web Site RIDES – Bay Area Commuters AC Transit County Connection (Contra Costa) TDD/TTY BART GENERAL RESOURCE INFORMATION United Way – East Bay Debtors Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous (510)238-2442 www.debtorsanonymous.org www.gamblersanonymous.org Solano County (707)551-3143 (800)287-8670 (800)522-9099 www.transitinfo.org www.rides.org from any area code TDD/TTY 1-800-755-POOL 877-1717 800-448-9790 925-676-7500 800-735-2929 510-465-2278 925-676-2278 1-800-927-4357
Federal Government Portal where anyone can query their eligibility for government benefits www.govbenefits.gov Remove yourself from junk mail solicitations and telemarketing lists: Direct Mail Association Direct Mail Association Mail Preference Solicitation Telephone Preference PO Box 9008 PO Box 9008 Farmington, NY 11735 Farmington, NY 11735 TAXES – To arrange payment plans for current and back taxes IRS – Taxpayer Services www.irs.gov TTY/TDD users Pre-recorded answers to tax questions Franchise Tax Board www.ftb.ca.gov TDD GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOANS Sallie Mae (borrowers hotline) www.salliemae.com Consolidating Student Loans Federal Student Aid Information Office www.studentaid.ed.gov Department of Education (Dept. Collection Services) COUNTY HEALTH CLINICS – LOW COST HEALTH SERVICES HELPLINK (Provides 1-800-2SALLIE 1-800-524-9100 1-800-433-3243 1-800-621-3115 1-800-829-1040 1-800-829-4059 1-800-829-4477 1-800-852-5711 1–800-822-6268
referrals to health and human services for the SF Bay Area.)
www.helplink-sf.org 1-800-273-6222 (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) 522-0889 577-5666 271-4263 548-2570 644-6939 444-5676 534-8055 667-7800
Alameda (County) East Oakland Oakland Berkeley Free Clinic West Berkeley Health Center Women’s Choice Clinic Highland Hospital / Alameda County Medical Center Fairmont Hospital CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES
CCCS of the East Bay
29
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Merrithew Memorial Hospital Outpatient Clinics Brentwood Concord Older Adults Clinic Martinez Richmond Pittsburg Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) (510) 634-1102 646-4715 646-5535 374-3025 374-3025 427-8070
(415)759-4000 (916) 453-2000
(510) 835-2131 (925) 432-3013
Easter Seals Society of Alameda County (Rehabilitation Center) Lion’s Blind Center of Diablo Valley 175 Alvarado Ave., Pittsburg
*For glasses, call the President of the Lion’s Club’s Lightsaver’s Group in your city. Califórnia Optometric Association Referral Alameda / Contra Costa Cos. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFÓRNIA, BERKELEY OPTOMETRY SCHOOL CLINIC Exam Appointments www.caleyecare.com Dental Referral (includes Medi-Cal referral) University of the Pacific School of Dentistry Union City Clinic 1203 J St., Union City UCSF Orthodontic Clinic 707 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco www.dental.uop.edu (510) 489-5200 1-800-675-3937 (510) 642-2020 1-800-DENTIST
www.dentistry.ucsf.edu
415-476-2841
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County (24 hour telephone support for people in crisis. Staff has access to extensive referral database.) 510-449-5566, (Tri-Valley area)
510-794-5211 (Fremont area) 510-889-1333 (Hayward/San Leandro) 510-849-2212 (Oakland/Berkeley) Contra Costa Crisis Center
World Share Pharmacy CREDIT BUREAUS Experian TRANS UNION EQUIFAX REGULATION AGENCIES Better Business Bureau, Alameda, Contra Costa & Solano Email info@goldengate.bbb.org Consumer Fraud Alameda County Contra Costa Solano County (510) 238-1000 www.experian.com www.transunion.com www.equifax.com 1 800-392-1122 1-800-916-8800 1-800-685-1111
1-800-833-2900 1-800-542-1110
(510) 569-9281 (925) 646-4620 (707) 421-6859
CCCS of the East Bay
30
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org
Consumer Action Complaint Hot Line & information about consumer law Consumer Affairs Information Center (state agency) Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov LEGAL AGENCIES BAR Association Lawyer Referrals Alameda County Contra Costa County Solano County Legal AID Alameda County Contra Costa County Small Claims Advisor Alameda County Contra Costa County CREDIT AND DEBT COUNSELING Consumer Credit Counseling Services
(415) 777-9635 (916) 445-7366 (877) 382-4357
(510) 893-7160 (925) 686-6900 (707)422-0127 (510) 451-9261 (925) 676-3655 (510) 763-9282 (510) 372-0292
(800) 501-SAVE
CCCS of the East Bay
31
1-800-501-SAVE www.cccsebay.org