Our Throwaway SocietyIt always amazes me how much other people throw away. I did not grow up with much, and I always took very good care of whatever I had, as I knew my parents worked very hard for it. I thought I set an excellent example for my children, until the other day.
When Are You Being Too Frugal?The definition of frugal is "Prudence in Avoiding Waste". We all should be wise and thrifty, and reuse or recycle where possible, but here are some indicators when you just might be going too far to be frugal and are simply being cheap or possibly hoarding:
Don't Waste AnythingIf you want or need to be frugal, it's not just about the "stuff" you don't buy. You also have to use everything to its maximum potential.
Juice Containers to Fill Empty Freezer SpaceWe drink cranberry juice. To fill in the empty spaces and build up the bottom of our chest freezer, I freeze water in the 64 ounce cranberry juice containers. They lay flat and fit perfectly between the dividers. This helps to keep the freezer full.
Stretching My Meager DollarsI am a single mother of two kids. The income I have comes from what little I make from my full time job, my job working in my church's nursery on Sundays, and Child Support for my oldest. I am constantly learning new ways to stretch my meager dollars.
Media Case Used To Store Art SuppliesUse an old DVD case as a child's colouring case. Just decorate it and make a little pocket inside with either paper or fabric to hold pencils or markers. You can also turn one into a make-up case to hold liners, lip gloss, and mascara.
Bag Holder for Picking Up LitterThere is a great need for volunteers to help clean up our roads these days. I have found that the winter months are the best time for me as the grass is short and the litter is so accessible and there are no biting insects to bother me.
A Green Frugal LifeI've always been a frugal person, following in my Grandma's footsteps. She survived the Depression yet fed her family well. Even a teaspoon of leftover corn at dinner was put in a homemade soup. Pastry scraps were made into the most delicious treats, spread with either cinnamon sugar or jam, then rolled, baked and sprinkled with powdered sugar. From her, we learned how to make delicious meals cheaply.
The Most Frugal Of All, Free MemoriesWhat is your earliest memory? I will tell you three of mine as I don't know which is earliest. When I was little, the house was not heated past bed time. If the temperature was 10 degrees outside, it was 10 degrees inside, not long after we all went to bed.
13 Items That Almost Always SellThere was an internet meme going around recently that read: "See that clutter in your home? It used to be money."' That simple statement was a wow moment for me. OUCH!
Gratitude Not AttitudeGratitude, not attitude. Last week Lowes was giving away gift cards in denominations from $5 to $1500. As to be expected, most cards were $5, which is what I got. I saw some posts from people saying they "only" got $5. I felt it was $5 that I did not have before.
Learning to Love My SeasonAs a child, I used to flip through a picture-book of Aesop's fables. One story I liked was of a dog who gazed into a lake long enough to see another dog. This dog, in lake world, stared back. He had a bone in his mouth. The real dog, with envy gnawing at his mind, snapped at his reflection in the water, dropping the bone he already had.
It's Roadside Litter Cleaning TimeIt's spring and people are getting in the cleaning mood. We want our houses and yards to look nice. But have you ever considered helping to keep our roads clean? I'm an old littergitter and I look at it as great exercise that produces quick results.
Finally Starting Out Being ThriftyMy partner and I are on SSDI with SNAP and I am enforcing a budget for 4 people in this household. We consume a lot of tea so we get the gallon bags on our main shopping trip. My partner brews it up in a large Dutch oven like pot and makes 2 gallons out of that, one for him and one for the rest of us.
The Thief In Your Closet and On Your ShelvesIs your stuff stealing your time and money? You know those doodads on your shelves, your clothing, the flotsam and the jetsam piled up in the nooks and crannies of your house. For most of us, the answer is a resounding YES! Your stuff is making you poor and you probably don''t even realize it.
Theories for a Frugal LifeLiving within my means has been ingrained in me my whole life, as is living a green life, meaning being nice to Mother Nature. I find when I share my theories with people, there are two schools of reactions. One is the person looking at me like I have three heads and webbed feet. This is sadly the usual reaction. The other rare reaction is a look of pure relief that there is a kindred soul out there.
Why Doing Things Yourself is More than FrugalMost people I know have someone else to clean their homes and wash their cars. They bring in food a lot and go out to eat often. They tell me that since I work full-time, I am wasting my precious free time. They also think I'm cheap.
Reusing Spray BottlesI always had empty spray bottles, like colognes and perfumes. I don't throw them away that easily, I will reuse them instead. I put alcohol in those spray bottles and put them in every part of the house. In case of emergency, I can just grab my alcohol anytime, anywhere.
Reusing Netted Vegetable BagsI always save my net vegetable bags and use them for a variety of things, like a safe dish, bathroom or even body scrubber. Or a kitty toy. For some reason, kitty loves to play with them!
The Animals SpeakWhen I was twenty-four, I took a walk through a meadow near my home. Where the meadow ended, a few small trees had cropped up here and there. Some small Dogwoods were in the mix. I thought I spotted a Trillium. As I bent over to get a better look, I braced myself by grabbing on to one of the lower branches of a nearby dogwood.
Blessings Jar for the New YearMost people make resolutions for the New Year. Even if we don't always follow through, it still feels good to make these goals. We have a sense of purpose and a chance at a fresh start. Another way to keep up the New Year's momentum and stay positive is to create a Blessings Jar.
The Many Ways to Utilize PaperThe best way to not waste paper is to avoid using it, but that is nearly impossible. Many people don't have digital access and still have to rely on paper copies of everything. Instead, we need to recycle it and find ways to utilize every inch of paper so nothing is wasted.
No-Car DayThis summer, I decided to do an experiment. I decided to see what would happen if I didn't use my car one day a week. I have discovered that this is a really good idea for many reasons.
Becoming More DIYI have learned through my 60 years on this earth that not everything that is good is easy. Rewards come to those that wait or work hard for what they get. This holds true with food. I am single but now helping to raise my 16 year old granddaughter with my son, who is unemployed.
Successful Vacation TipsDon't "advertise" your trip before or during on Facebook, Twitter or other social media. This includes posting photos while on your trip. Wait until you return home to announce you just returned and post of your adventures. Many home burglaries are the result of people who watch for people to announce their schedules online.
Single Senior on a Limited BudgetI'm a single "senior" so grocery shopping is a challenge at times, especially when it comes to milk, bread and other staples that will spoil before I can use them up.
Just Waking Up From My NapRaccoons are nocturnal animals meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. But where do raccoons sleep during the day? Well I got my answer the other day. I looked up into the tree above my back deck one morning and saw this raccoon lying on a limb.
7 Tips for Making Thrift Shopping a BreezeThrift shopping is one of my favorite ways to save money. As the old saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure. The following are some tips to not only make thrift shopping easier and more pleasant, but also help get the most for the least amount of money.
My Retired Tea TowelsWe all have them, the old tea towels that are worn out, faded or stained, that we don't care to use anymore and that we would never put out when company is coming over.
Game Shows Imitate LifeMy husband discovered a TV channel that has game shows 24 hours a day. We had a good laugh looking at the outdated hairdos, clothing, and products featured. After the novelty wore off, I discovered a lot of things just by watching the shows.
Remembering Granny RollinsWhere does frugality end and parsimoniousness or down right stinginess, begin? That may depend on who's giving the answer and what hardships and meager times they've endured in their own lives.
Blessing BagsBlessing Bags to keep in the car when you pass homeless people. Something special you can do with your children or grandchildren to teach them about caring/giving for those in need!
Saving an Orphaned Baby SquirrelMy mother was doing some gardening when she found a squirrels' nest knocked out of a tree on to the garden ground. There was no mother squirrel around, mum made a warm bed of foliage for the little guy while keeping an eye out for mother squirrel.
Recycled Jar as a Dime BankWhen you clean out a mayo squirt bottle, you get a bank for dimes only. The bigger ones might hold bigger coins, but I don't have one to show you. The mayo with olive oil cleans very easily so that is my recommendation.
Coffee Can Lid as Cutting BoardI am a compulsive recycler and not all of my recyclables go into the pickup bin. I emptied a large container of coffee this morning and discovered that the plastic cover makes a perfect cutting board for a small item. When I get to the point of cutting too many things on it I'll toss it in the bin.
Teaching the Next Generation to be ThriftyWe grew up in a country area, at least 15 miles from a small town. We were taught how to work hard at all things. There was no down time as some make sure they get today. Each season had its work; some were to be fast and others slow and regular.
How To Appreciate Cobbler CrustThis was to be a prelude on the importance and appreciation of good, crusty Southern style biscuits, and more tips on how to make them. This 'prelude' became so lengthy, it turned into a 'story' in its own right. Read on.
Recycle Silica Gel PacketsI save all those little packets of silica gel. You can find them in purses, shoes, etc. They are used to soak up the moisture. I throw them into a jar and save them and use them to mix into my soil, as they tend to soak up the moisture and slowly release it.
Paper Clip as Masking Tape MarkerPut a paper clip at the start of the tape. When you need some, take your length and then put the paper clip in place before tearing it off! Now you'll always know where the end is!
Car Frostbite Prevention KitAfter a dear elderly friend got frostbite after she was stranded on a highway in her car due to an accident that stopped traffic for hours during a snowstorm, I learned some items that every car should have during the winter.
Big Family on The FarmMy husband and I are raising 10 kids on about $25000 a year, yes 10! We have always lived inexpensively even before we had any children. We were able to purchase a small farm with an old farm house on it many years ago and fixed it up ourselves over time.
Life in the Fab Lane Without Breaking the...So, alright, I work at Wal-mart and see all kinds of shoppers. Some are good and buy mostly generic. Others use coupons. Then there are people that buy 6 makeup items and spend almost $50! They could have taken five minutes and saved almost $15 in coupons!
Learning FrugalityI have always been a pretty frugal person, but I'm finding later in life that I don't need as much as I once thought I did. When you are young, you are led to believe that those pretty new shiny objects you see on TV or someone is wearing is something you just can't live without.
No More Paper ProductsThis was something that put more money in our pockets instantly! We stopped using napkins and paper towels. We were spending at least $5.00 a week just to wipe our mouths and clean our house.
Prescription Bottle Auto Air FreshenerI had my husband drill several small holes in the lid. Then I stuffed cotton balls inside and poured scented oils in it. It doesn't leak. I put them in my vehicle to make it smell good.
Don't Take Free Items Beyond What You NeedPlease don't take free items just because you are too cheap. As a result, items that had been free we now have to pay for. Here are just a few examples.
Reusing Crisco Shortening PackagingMake your own cheese and crackers for pennies! needing just a bit of shortening, I came upon a great idea. These Crisco tubes, containing baking sticks, are perfect for 12 crackers and a hunk of cheese. You can also use them for veggies, fruit, nuts, and other things you can't eat like meds, change, and so much more.
Repurpose Waste WaterI live in the desert. Water is like gold, but is wasted more times than I care to mention. Here's some insight on how I "repurpose" water.
Phone Service Wherever You Have Wi-FiIf you have internet service anywhere, then you also have phone service. Find the telephone receiver icon on the Gmail email home page. Hit that icon, then dial the number.
Being Thrifty or Frugal: The Big PictureWhen I was a child, my family and I lived in the city. Being a nature lover, I would often take long walks in the country. At that time, the county did not have a garbage collection service. People would put their garbage in a vacant area on their property.
Don't Use Plastic BagsI'm posting this information as a plea for our environment. Please check this link and you will see how our using plastic shopping bags is hurting our world, our wildlife, and poisoning our environment.
Uses for Single Pierced EarringsFor those beautiful earrings that you have lost one and think you should throw the remaining one away, don't. They are handy for several things especially the posts.
Best Way To Sell Aluminum TabsThe proper way to store pull tabs is in zip locks, or boxes if your into larger amounts. I have sold over 40 million of them to support my 3 charities.
Egg Crates for Veggie StorageUse egg crates as a base for vegetables. If a veggie becomes "weepy" before you can use it, it won't drip onto the others. Cut the crates to fit your basket or shelf.
Organizing for a DisabilityHi all, I am disabled and it took a long time to get used to it, that areas will be limited and some things are out of being part of my life. Yes, I had to change the thinking first, then the home.
Set a Timer to Put Out CandlesI enjoy seeing my candles lit. It gives a warm cosy feeling on a cold winter's day. But how many times have we heard about candles left unattended causing fires.
Repurposing Old Ironing BoardsI have bought some old wooden ironing boards at the thrift shop to use as buffet tables for parties in the yard. I add a table cloth and line the boards along the deck or along the edge of the flower bed.
Shred Wrapping Paper for PackagingHaving run out of tissue paper for packing around gifts, I shredded some wrapping paper. It looked great. Now instead of paper gift wrap (even the most crumpled bit! ) going to the bin it goes in the shredder and I have my recycled packaging.
Sage Advice for 2013So, here is my sage advice for 2013. Let everyone you love know it, even if it isn't returned. It means a lot. And for those who know it already, it means everything.
Work when you can and save like you won't have a job tomorrow. For some of us, that might be the case.
The Lessons of LessI have found myself in reduced circumstances pretty chronically for the past 5 years. I am sure that I share this fate with many people, but, in spite of knowing this, my predicament has seemed like a very private and shameful hell.
My Frugal Life: Hungry ChildrenRecently, I read A.E. Hotchner's King of the Hill. In this tender, touching memoir, Aaron recalls hunger back in the 30's when he was twelve and left to fend for himself:
Uses for Stocking Tops and PantyhoseCut off the elastic tops of your tights and stockings before throwing them away. I use the stocking tops for hair bands and scrunchies. I use the elastic from the waistband of tights to secure my rubbish bag around the bin and also to keep the cat litter bag in place.
Reusing Egg CartonsI would never have thought to use empty egg cartons for ice trays. You can make ice using an egg carton, same way as you use your trays. The ice forms in a neat shape, larger then usual trays.
Milk Jug Electric Cord ReelI use the electric leaf blower frequently to blow off the porch and carport. I've just been looping the cord and laying it across the blower for storage and having to untangle it every time I use it.
Use CDs to Make Driveway ReflectorsI live in an area that does not have street lights and at night it is difficult to "see" my driveway. I checked on red reflectors and they are quite expensive.
Reducing Junk MailWhen I receive junk mail with a postage-paid envelope included, I take the time to tear off the part of the page that has my name and address printed on it.
My Frugal Life: Buddha's ExampleThe Gautama Buddha, over 25 centuries ago, commended frugality. As an example, he taught the first monks and nuns to make their robes from "pure cloth" that is cloth that no one wanted.
Making Family Time CapsulesHere is my "fun project" for the entire family. I find this to be great fun, we have done this 3 or 4 times. If I am doing any sort of remodeling where we have to open a wall, I always put a "time capsule" in the wall before closing it up again.
Rearrange Furniture To Relieve StressWhen under a lot of stress, I take to rearranging my furniture and decorative pieces. It is calming and a distraction from whatever is creating stress in my life at that particular moment.
Recipe for a Happy MarriageJust being sentimental. ;-)
Reuse Garlic Bag as Soap BagDon't throw away the little net bag that your garlic came in! Put all your little chips of soap inside, tie the ends and use it as an exfoliator. You won't believe the amount of suds you will get out of your soap when using your new little bag.
My Frugal Life: Making-Do In CubaSeveral years ago, Barbara, an amiga from D.C., delivered some medicinas to a family in Cuba. They invited her to stay with them and to attend their little girl's birthday party.
Amazing Uses for Plastic BagsSave money on rubber and plastic! Want to re-purpose and re-use those plastic grocery store bags and get the most bang for your buck? Here are some answers that are sure to make you smile.
Use Eyeglass Case To Store Small ItemsWe always have a lot of empty eyeglass cases around. I use them to carry my scissors, toe nail clippers, tweezers, etc. in my purse. I carry lipstick and other small items when traveling; like buttons, thread and needle just in case.
My Frugal Life: Street Theatre"Here I am, over here!" signaled the young man in a holey, paint spattered T-shirt and cutoffs. His arms waved a mile a minute, as he attempted to catch the attention of someone just pulling into Publix's parking lot.
Count Your BlessingsTry counting your blessings. Just start with the first thing you see or that pops in your mind, you can continue from there.
Reusing Parts From A "Shake" FlashlightRemember a few years ago when everyone bought 'shake to charge' flashlights? You'd shake them a few times and they'd charge up enough power to get around in an emergency which was VERY handy.
Finding Ways To Relax At HomeYou know we all have a hard time dealing with life as it is. But sometimes it seems as if we have to deal with extra challenges. Well, my husband helps me get through life's challenges by joking with me all day and creating spots of relaxation, no matter where we are or what we're doing.
Seven Mood Lifting ActivitiesKeep an uplifting photo of your child, grandchild, pet, or favorite vacation spot on your desk, near your work area, or in your purse or wallet.
My Frugal Life: Good, Clean FunBubbles are among the oldest and most popular of children's playthings. Even when families have no money for toys, they can usually find a wire to twist into a circle and some soap suds.
Cremation Ashes For Family MembersAfter my husband passed away and was cremated, I wanted to have some of the ashes put in very small containers to give to his mom, his brother, his son, and his daughter.
Budget Friendly Ways to Beat the Winter BlahsAs the cold gray months of winter drag on, you may begin to experience the winter blahs. There are various budget friendly ways to lift your spirit during winter's gray period.
Saving Money on Medical Alert JewelryAs a diabetic and a person severely allergic to Tetanus, I needed a medical ID bracelet or necklace. However, even the cheapest ones are upward of $39.95 plus shipping. Ouch!
Make Your Own Shopping BagsI don't know about you but I hate having to unload 20 bags of groceries that only hold a few items each. seems like it takes forever to haul them all in. I love using my own handmade fabric grocery bags.
Saving Plastic Food LinersDespite my husband's concerns that I'm becoming an episode of Hoarders, I like to save the waxed paper bags from cereals and other boxed foods. I use them when I microwave frozen veggies and other small dishes.
My Frugal Life: Frugal ForeverI love ThriftyFun. It IS fun! I was learning to be frugal before frugal was even a word! I don't even remember hearing the word "thrifty." We just did it! My dad grew up in the depression so we heard a lot of those stories.
Watch For Pests In Secondhand ItemsSo many people like to "dumpster dive" or find furniture that needs to be picked up and hauled away. I moved into an apartment building which has been infested with several types of bugs, bed bugs, cockroaches, and who knows what else.
Of Kids, Christmas, and PetsIt is that wonderful time of year again - December. The month of both of my daughters' births, and the birth of my Lord.
Bottle Cap Screen DoorPlastic bottle caps can be used to make fly and insect door curtains. Measure a piece of timber dowel the width of the door. Drill a small hole in the centre of each cap and string them together like beads, with knots along the string to keep them separate from each other.
Attach Pull Tab To Driver's LicenseWhen you go to the store and write a check. They want your drivers license, but it's hard to take out of the slot. Put a strip of scotch tape on the end to make a tab. Now you have a pull.
The 24/7 Rule For Impulse ShoppingOne instant budget breaker is impulse buying. Stores create displays that are so enticing it's hard to resist wandering over to them and buying something that is most definitely not on the shopping list. Spontaneous shopping is seldom a good choice.
My Frugal Life: Price Hike"Hey, Bob, look!" I said as we neared a bus stop in my neighborhood. "Now why would anyone want to do that?" he grumbled, outraged at the eyesore we'd just driven past, a gang of abandoned shopping carts.
Finding Peace in the ValleyMy husband and I had very different childhoods. He grew up in inner city St. Louis while I was raised deep in a rural Alabama valley. We do, however, share one common thread. We both grew up poor.
My Frugal Life: The Coffee TestI have found it helpful, thriftily-speaking, to take a look at all the necessary things in my life and make a list of those that I just can't scrimp on.
My Frugal Life: Making DoVa, at 87 years old, wanted to visit Copan. She'd been there before in 1941, when her husband had helped to unearth and restore a Mayan maize god. At the time, she and her two babies had travelled by horseback from Guatemala to "Las Ruinas" to see Leonard and his discovery.
Honor Veterans on 11/11/11Whichever allied country we live in, I am hoping we will all collectively observe two minutes of silence together in memory and in thanks to all of our soldiers past and present. Let us also remember the loved ones at home who have or continue to sacrifice.
My Frugal Life: Planning AheadI used to be proud of being spontaneous, of living on a whim. Now that I can no longer afford to have anything I want at the moment that I want it, I have come to savor the far deeper pleasure of expectation, of waiting for something and looking forward to it.
Acknowledging the Anniversary of a Loved One's PassingIt seems like I've attended a few too many funerals lately and by that I mean too many people I know have passed away. After all is said and done and the loved one is buried, the relatives are still left hurting.
My Frugal Life: Shop SmartI learned that the Goodwill is changing their marketing strategies due to the availability of new goods coming off shelves of failing/going out-of-business/bankrupt stores. I have found a plethora of NEW in-the-box with-the-manual items at tremendously low prices.
My Frugal Life: Use Every BitRemember the satisfaction you felt at being able to extract that last bit of toothpaste or shampoo or cold cream? Remember how long it took? Each day you thought there couldn't possibly be anything left in that tube, bottle, or jar, but there always was.
Making Watch Batteries Last LongerOver the years I've loved picking up the cheap watches in dollar stores, Big Lots, thrift stores, and such. I realized if I pull out the little button on side to stop (set) the watch, the battery is turned off. I still have a couple from the 70-80s still going strong.
My Frugal Life: GiGi's Labor of Love"Hey, Lady! What are you looking for?" asked the driver. "A penny," said I from the pavement next to him. "It's sort of a game I'm playing, and I need to find the penny myself. You know (I lied), for luck."
