How to Save Money During Bankruptcy Series - Post 1

How to Save Money During Bankruptcy Series - Post 1

Last year, the Orange County Register reported that Bankruptcy filings were at a 10-year low in Southern California, and that's great news. However, there are still people struggling to make ends meet, over-extending themselves and accumulating insurmountable debt. The struggle continues.

Whether you're trying to overcome debt, saving up for bankruptcy or have put the ordeal behind you, you need to find ways to cut your expenses. That's why I’m starting a How to Save Money During Bankruptcy series here on my blog. During my own bankruptcy, I had to think long and hard about saving money, often choosing between things like milk and toilet paper at the grocery store. It was difficult, but I managed to tunnel out by saving money on necessities such as printer ink.

How to Save Money on Ink (for an Inkjet Printer)

Printer ink is expensive. But did you know that if you have an inkjet printer, you can easily refill your own ink? I buy my ink on eBay for a few bucks shipped, (you can also find it on Amazon) and it usually comes with a syringe and a plastic glove or two.

You see, those ink cartridges have a little sponge inside and a couple of holes under the paper label from the manufacturer. Which hole(s) you use will depend on the specific cartridge, but instructions for filling them can be quickly found on the internet. And, more than likely, your seller can instruct you on the correct holes to use.

What You Need

• Your spent cartridge
• Scotch tape
• Plastic gloves
• Syringe
• Black or colored ink (whichever one is empty)

Refill Your Inkjet Ink

1. Peel back the paper label on the ink cartridge
2. Fill your syringe with the ink
3. Inject the ink into the correct hole for your specific cartridge
4. Let sit 15 minutes so the sponge absorbs the ink
5. Wipe any excess ink off the cartridge
6. Tape the paper label back in place
7. Insert the cartridge into your printer

Tips

Ink should be refilled at the first sign of faded print. If you wait until the cartridge is completely empty, the sponge will dry out and become unable to absorb the new ink.

Fill very slowly. If you inject the ink too quickly, you are likely to overfill and will have to sop up the extra ink.

Wear plastic gloves on both hands. Often, the ink will come with only one glove. I always get ink on my other hand, and it won't thoroughly wash off for several days.

Place paper towels or newspaper under the cartridge you are refilling. The ink may seep out the other side, and you don't want to stain your counter. I also use a plate to make sure this doesn't happen.

Don't buy empty cartridges online. I went this route for a while, and while they were cheap, the sponges in them were usually already dried out.

I fill my cartridges about four or five times before discarding them altogether. Each refill will render less use, as the sponge will eventually dry out. After doing this a few times, you'll just instinctively know when to replace them with brand new product. When you do need to buy a new ink cartridge, be sure and look for deals on Amazon or eBay. I haven't paid full price for printer ink in years.

I'll be back with more money saving tips for during and after bankruptcy.

Wishing you a fresh start,

ep