Money-saving moves that might jeopardize your safety

Tough economic times call for tough consumer decisions. Where to tighten an already tight belt? What to put off or cut completely? Where to compromise?

But some spending compromises can end up costing you big—your home, health, or even a life. Here are eight safety trade-offs you shouldn't make. We invite you to post your own suggestions in the comments section below.

Don't skimp on tires or car maintenance
Worn tires can cause serious accidents in a variety of ways, ranging from increased hydroplaning to high-speed blow outs. And in many states, you can be fined for driving with bald tires. The auto team at Consumer Reports says that most consumers should consider replacing their tires when the tread reaches 1/8 inch, among other tire care tips.  And keep your tires inflated to their recommended pressure; you'll save fuel and prevent premature tire wear.  Failure to routinely maintain your vehicle can also lead to performance problems and/or costly repairs. Even though today's cars need much less-frequent service to keep them running well, they do need routine maintenance.   

Think first before buying secondhand, especially baby goods
Whether they are bought at a yard sale, consignment shop, or online—or are hand-me-downs from family or friends—used products can be risky. The secondhand items you get may have been recalled for safety reasons, or may not meet current safety standards. For example, we found dozens of used baby bassinets for sale on online classified sites after they had been recalled by retailers.   Make sure you check for recalls at www.recalls.gov. The Illinois Attorney General's office recently published a guide to safe sleep environments that helps parents avoid dangerous cribs, bassinets and play yards.

Don't space out when using space heaters
As the weather turns colder, it’s tempting to try and save money by turning down the thermostat in parts of the house and cranking up space heaters in others. While this can help save a few bucks, a great deal of care must be taken in the proper use and placement of space heaters, which are a leading cause of fires each year. Electric heaters can tip over or ignite nearby items or overload electrical circuits. Fuel-fired models have their own safety problems. While our latest tests found that the newest electric space heaters are safer than models we’ve tested in the past, these appliances still pose significant risks from fire and electric shocks if you don’t use them safely.

Stoke up on safety tips before lighting a wood stove
More consumers are heating with wood and pellet stoves. Burning wood produces sparks, hot embers, and creosote, a flammable liquid that can accumulate in and clog vents and chimney stacks. Don't skip flue maintenance. There's also the risk of fire and carbon-monoxide poisoning if the flue is blocked in any way, or if the room is not properly ventilated. So it's even more important to install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Skip the trip to the dollar store
The cheap prices at dollar stores can be more enticing than ever as consumers try to stretch their budgets. But dollar stores are notorious for selling cheaply made items that may not meet safety standards, from lead-laden toys to unsafe extension cords to poorly made batteries that leak. As we reported recently, three dollar-store chains collectively recalled almost 3 million products, accounting for 6.5 percent of the recalled products during the past year. Look for holographic UL labels and stay away from items that seem cheaply made or are off brands, especially items made in China. In fact, it's best to avoid buying electric items, medications or children’s products at dollar stores altogether. 

Put a helmet under the tree with that bicycle
If you are giving the gift of a bike, snow board, or skate board, add in a helmet as well. A well-designed and properly fitting bike helmet can prevent up to 88 percent of bicycle-related brain injuries, according to an industry estimate, and helmets are recommended for skiers, snowboarders, and skateboarders as well. After an accident, replace any helmet that has done its job by absorbing impact. Some manufacturers even offer discounts on the price of a replacement. 

Don't try to DIY
Now is not the time to attempt a complicated home improvement project yourself. Jobs involving lead paint, asbestos, electrical wiring, and similar challenges are usually best left to those professionals who have the skills and experience to complete them safely. That said, if your situation is hazardous, don't just skip the repair if you can't afford the full fix. Ask a professional about inexpensive ways to make it safe until you can afford the right repair.

Don't take half measures
A Florida woman on a budget recently put her baby at risk when she watered down the five-month-old's formula, inadvertently making the child sick. While the things babies need and the medicine patients are prescribed can be pricey, cutting back is a risky way to save. Medicine is meant to be taken in the doses prescribed and can lose its efficacy over time. So while it might be tempting to skip dosages or take less, doing so can just make you sicker. As with food, don't use medicine that has gone past its expiration date. Talk to your doctor about how best to save on your prescription drugs.

More: To find safer ways to cut your budget, read our Financial Survival Guide and get tips from our resident penny-pincher, Tightwad Tod.

Comments

[marvin Weinberg]

Also stay away from food at dollar stores

[Osiris Mckinney]

So, What kind of a cut budget do you recommend?

Thanks,