Samurai Mom's Things You Should Know About in these "Tough Economic Times"

There are many ways that I save oodles of money that I assume everyone knows about but in reality they don't. Here are a few. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask.
1. Freecycle - It is recycling and getting and giving free stuff all rolled into one. You offer things that you have and no longer want to people who need or want them. You ask for things that people might be willing to give you. I have received everything from a partially used bag of sphagnum moss to a lovely working Piano. I have given clothes, food and furniture. The one rule FREE. You don't charge anything and don't expect to pay anything other than good Karma. Keep it out of the landfill, give it another life.
2. PaperBackSwap (and Swap-a-CD and Swap-a-DVD the sister sites) Swap books (and CD's and DVD's) for free. You only pay shipping when you send a book (media mail so it is cheap.) If you join tell me so I can give you my e-mail address and you can use me as a referral.
3. Craigslist - Why pay retail when you can buy from a someone in your town and save a bundle of money? Classifieds on the Internet. It reminds me of Tradio.
4. Direct Buy - Ok the initial buy in to this is way expensive but it really pays off when you are building or furnishing a house. Our Carpet installed cost about $1200. Total. And it is nice. Saved $1700 on our couch. Laminate flooring $700.
5. Elimination Communication - Save money on diapers cloth or disposable and enjoy a happy communication with your baby.
6. Cloth diapers - they are not that much work and seriously $1,600 -$2,300 dollars per child for disposables compared to $300 for cloth and you can reuse them for SEVERAL babies and sell them when you are done. Suddenly learning about cloth diapers doesn't sound so gross does it?
7. Cleaning supplies - learn about the miracles of Baking Soda, vinegar and elbow grease.