You CAN Save $5,000 This Year! - Tips From Woman's DayThese tips are from the Woman's Day website. They were too good not to share:
Melt Candles on a Coffee Cup WarmerExtend the life of scented candles: Instead of burning them (which uses oxygen, may generate soot, and could be a fire hazard), melt them in a heatproof jar atop an electric coffee cup warmer.
Make Sure You Are Getting Discounts At The Grocery StoreYou think you are saving money when you buy discounted food at the grocery store, right. You suppose to be, right. But if the cashier does not see the reduced price and the barcode is not blackmarked across, then you end up paying full price.
Yard Sale CandleOne of the things I collect at yard sales during the summer is scented candles, because they are SO much cheaper, and I love to burn them throughout the winter for the scent and feeling of warmth. This unique candle was like finding a treasure - for only $.50!
What Goes Around Comes AroundOne day a few years back I had an abundance of bottles, glasswear and other kitchen items. Rather than throw them in the garbage, I placed all items in a few boxes, wrote big signs that read FREE and placed them on the road beside my driveway.
My Frugal Life: The Best Type Of CarAfter I got married, it was time for a second car so that my wife would be able to get out and go take care of things while I am at work. I paid off my car earlier that year so that was $300 extra we had.
My Frugal Life: Invest In 401K and College SavingsLiving a thrifty lifestyle has allowed my husband and me to retire from the corporate world at the age of fifty five. We have always spent less than we earned. Two savings events made it easy to live on less; maxing out our 401ks and starting college saving plans for our children as each was born.
My Frugal Life: Cut Any Corner You CanI'm frugal because I just don't like throwing my money around! Not that I have a lot, being a single parent and not having a well paid job. There is also a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I can do most things in a cheaper way. I like to try to be as 'green' as possible too.
My Frugal Life: Message In A BottleTo Whoever Has Chanced Upon This Bottle: I am stranded on a deserted island somewhere in the tropics. I am as well as the circumstances justify, thank you very much. After all, I consider myself somewhat of a minimalist anyway, inherently resourceful and inventively frugal.
Always Check Postal RatesAlways ask the postal clerk to check for the least expensive shipping option. Sometimes what you think will be cheaper to ship media mail, like CDs, will actually be cheaper to ship first class. It never hurts to ask.
Get Sale Calendars For The PicturesCalendars are expensive, but some have very beautiful pictures in them. I wait until January and they instantly become half price, then choose one or two that I like for the beautiful pictures in them.
Use Coffee Pot For Multiple UsesMake use of the heat from your coffee maker by sitting a small dish of potpourri or orange peels or some other nice thing on top! I am using mine to warm a jar of spicy mint body butter! When I go for a coffee refill I am reminded by the scent and sight and I automatically moisturize hands or throat or elbows! What a nice little pick-me-up!
Sorting Tips For Unwanted ClothesSpring cleaning can be a tiring task. Even after I've gone through my closet, how to know when to pitch my old clothes and when to pass them on to someone else can take more time then needed. Three simple guidelines helped me decide which stack to put each item.
Home Electronics: Use What You've GotFriends of ours recently splurged to purchase satellite radio hookups for both of their cars and their home. They also purchased a surround sound package for their living room to give the 'movie theater affect' to their TV.
Reuse Paper Wrapping From Toilet TissueIf you purchase toilet paper that is individually wrapped, don't throw the paper away. Stack and store until it's time to take your pooch for a walk. Just tuck a sheet in a plastic bag and when Fido is finished doing his duty use the paper to scoop away the poo!
Ask Friends for What You NeedNot long ago, we were invited to a cookout amongst friends. During the party, one couple announced their oldest son was going to be moving out and sharing an apartment with some friends. They asked if anyone had any furnishings they no longer wanted.
My Frugal Life: The One Dollar DinnerI've always been frugal, but I guess this one could be called "facing a challenge". Times were very hard, my husband was out of a job, no money in the bank, no family to assist.
My Frugal Life: Living WellI grew up in a very practical family. However, although we were taught to carry our load and watch the cost of not being frugal, we did not do without.
My Frugal Life: Frolicking On The SandLife can be quite challenging and interesting, if one applies some ingenuity and has an open mind. I tend to walk everywhere which is borne from not wanting to pay the bus fare. When I realized that not wanting to pay bus fare was another way of saying "I'm cheap" I then realized that this could turn into something for me.
Frugal and FoolishMy husband likes to remind me that there's frugal and then there's foolish. It's hard to tell the difference because companies and products want to market themselves, so they claim that they are essential. However, there are foolish ways to be frugal, and many of them end up costing more money in the long run. Take a look at where I've learned not to cut costs.
Keep and Refill Small Dish Soap ContainerBuy a small bottle of your favorite dish detergent (I prefer a color that matches my kitchen and a bottle that has a lid I can tap shut with one hand). Display this bottle next to your sink. Stock up on larger bottles of the same to keep under the sink.
Ask For Discounts On Clearance ItemsI save money on things at big name stores by looking through the clearance items and mark downs and then approaching an assistant manager or floor manager about a further discount. You would be amazed at how often they just want to get rid of something.
My Frugal Life: Poor But ProudWhen my family lived in Coos Bay, in the late 70's, my husband lost his job. Having come from country roots, I dug in and decided we were going to be ...
My Frugal Life: A House Full Of LoveSeven children, three in college, one pay check, and a house full of love is my motivation to be frugal. My competitive nature makes it a game that I must win.
My Frugal Life: Every Penny CountsBeing a single mom, being frugal is not just a term, it's a way of life. To save money on groceries, I emailed all the companies I could think of and asked to be put on their mailing list. Almost immediately I started receiving coupons and samples.
My Frugal Life: Saluting The "Freegans"It is amazing to me just how many things get thrown out on a daily basis. It is equally sad that the "flavor of the week" fashion item or latest toy is purchased by the avid consumer, only to be discarded shortly thereafter.
My Frugal Life: The Itty Bitty RV AdventureThe allure of discovery, of the adventure, is human -- for we are adventurous people. We all share this earth together, and it is a very exciting place. Adventure, or discovery, adds a new dimension to our lives. It gives us a purpose.
Check Out Your Local State or County FairsEach and every year we go to the MN State Fair on opening day. This is already a thrifty move, as there are so many deals that day (otherwise known as Thrifty Thursday). We always make sure to visit the Education Building, where we gather no less than 200 free pencils, pens, rulers, and other school supplies.
My Frugal Life: Simple StuffMy family and friends call me a tightwad, cheap, frugal, and whatever else they can call me due to the fact that I can save and reuse things over and over. I will refill my water bottles with tap water. I will use paper plates at least 2-3 times, providing there are no spills on them.
Eliminating The Grocery StoreGrocery costs are one of the largest expenses my family faces, especially nowadays, with prices spiraling upward. My husband and I finally put our respective feet down and began working steadily to eliminate the "middle man," the retail grocery store.
Used Digital Camera Batteries Good for Other UsesAlthough I always try to use rechargeable batteries, once in a while, I have none charged for my camera and need to buy some if going to an event. I have found that when these batteries die out for the camera, they still work just fine in a less energy demanding item.
Book Review: Don't Waste Money, Spend It!This book is about mindful spending. Unlike many other frugal living advisers, the author unabashedly shares her entertaining mistakes. Some examples: She once left a bathroom heater on all summer and ran up a high utility bill. She also re-gifted a book for a child's birthday party forgetting that there was an inscription on the flyleaf.
Finding Trash TreasuresThe elementary school across the street from my home was closing its doors due to a new school was built in another location. The teachers had to clean out their classrooms. So, one evening I was over at the playground with my girls and noticed a very large dumpster.
Frugal Guidelines For Grocery ShoppingSticking to a grocery budget can get interesting, to say the least. A really good sale on non-perishable items can tempt you to overspend. I have learned to put my grocery money in an envelope. When I run out of money, I quit buying. If I need another loaf of bread, more than likely the ingredients are on hand. I have a few other guidelines, too.
Save Grocery Money By Shopping From A Planned MenuI make a monthly menu and create a shopping list from it. I buy only from that list this way everything gets used and there is nothing thrown away (particularly produce because people tend to buy and think they will use) and no buying things that never get used.
My Frugal Life: Stop Looking At The JonesEveryone starts their frugal journey for their own personal reasons. Either it is to simplify or their hand is force. I for one, fell into the latter group.
Using It All - OintmentI keep a baby at my home during the week and I get so frustrated when the tube of Aquaphor Healing Ointment is almost gone and I just can't get the last bit to squeeze out! Knowing good and well that there is plenty still in there and I am going to have to throw it out!
Freeze Canned BiscuitsI found out just today that you can freeze the biscuits-in-a-can! Find a sale, stock up, and throw them in the freezer. You can either let the can thaw out, pop it open and then bake the biscuits or (frozen cans will NOT pop) pry the frozen biscuits out of the can and bake them.
Watch For Seasonal Clearances For GiftsWith a family of 5 kids, there is always a birthday or a holiday around the corner. What we do is always pay attention to the seasons. Seasonally, the store put items such as toys and those kinds of items on sale. We always scope these items out. We have bought $20-30 toys for almost nothing. I am not just talking about toys that were hot last season.
Buying End of Season Clearance CandlesI love candles and what's better than finding them at end of season clearance at 70% off? I am then able to buy as many as I want!
Give Angel Food As A GiftThere is a great web site called AngelFoodMinistries.com. There are no special requirements to take advantage of this site, and they have phenomenal food deals. For example, a single package costs $30 to purchase and the contents you receive have a value of between $75 - 80.
Look For Closeouts and Bargains NowCatch an end of season closeout sale at a lot of places NOW! Yesterday I lucked out big time (at Dollar General) and got several Panama Jack sun lotion type products (some over $5 each) marked 90 percent off!
Use Mirrors to Maximize Flowers EffectTwice as many flowers for the price. A small bunch of rosebuds cost just $4 for six blooms yesterday at the local supermarket. When the flowers were placed in a vase on the buffet, close to the mirror on the wall, it suddenly looked like there were a dozen roses, not just six. Nice.
A Penny Saved is a Penny EarnedBenjamin Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned." I say a dollar saved is more than a dollar earned because it generates interest and you don't need to pay taxes on it.
Using Inexpensive Cleaning Products to Save MoneyYou can use a few basics for cleaning. White Vinegar is a good streak free cleaner. I use it for a LOT. If you use it full strength for a really dirty job, test the surface in a small area first. Vinegar is basically an acid.
Craigslist Bargains at the End of the MonthI do a lot of shopping on craigslist. I have found that I get the best bargains at the end of the month when many people are moving, and don't want to move something to their new home.
Links: Promotion Codes From Reader's DigestFor all those who are searching for promotion codes, the October issue of "Reader's Digest" lists websites to get promotion codes.
Link: RetailMeNot.com For DiscountsWhen shopping online, always check www.retailmenot.com before paying. You can usually find codes for free shipping, or a percentage off of the item. Just type in the company name you are shopping from in the Retail me not search bar and see what they have.
My Frugal Life: Be My BFFF (Best Frugal Friends Forever)BFFF? Yup, best frugal friends forever. These days, particularly in Michigan, frugality isn't just a chosen lifestyle, it's true survival! I'm over 60, disabled, widowed, with abso-posi-lutely no family; therefore, there's no one I can call upon in a pinch for an extra few dollars.
Using Breakfast Leftovers For Making A Frugal DinnerHubby took me out for Breakfast with a 2 for 1 coupon, I had Ham and Eggs, Took home almost 1/2 lb of ham steak! OK what to do with this ham? On the way home I remembered I had a couple of bags of split peas (of course bought with a coupon).
Share Expensive Gardening Tools With NeighborsMy friend, who lives in another town, says she and her neighbors all share their lawn and gardening tools. This way no one has to be out the purchase price of expensive items, like lawn mowers, garden tillers, leaf blowers, etc., unless they just want to be. Clever idea!
Buy Old Newspapers from the LibraryPurchase old newspapers from your library for the extraordinary uses of them. I stopped subscribing to the local paper several years ago as the price went up and the amount of content wasn't as good and the paper got smaller.
Free Whopper at Burger KingBurger King has an 800 number on the back of their receipts to call in to answer survey questions. After you do so, you will be given a code number to write onto the back of that receipt.
Warming Yourself UpFeeling kind of cold? Here is a tip to help you warm up without turning the thermostat up. Use your hair dryer. You can point it at the place where you feel the coldest. I warm up the back of my neck at the hairline, warms me right up.
My Frugal Holiday: Clue GiftAs a young dad, I inherently understood that holidays are all about making memories. Although my two daughters learned early that the celebration of Christ's birth is the true reason for Christmas, we did embrace Santa and the exchanging of gifts like most families.
Meet Family in the MiddleYesterday was a fine day. My kids drove south for 20 minutes and we drove north for 20 minutes. We all met at a car show. Perfect weather to wander around and look at over 1000 various cars. Meeting at a place like that saved us all driving time and gas money.
Dryer Sheets for Purse OdorsIf I go to a thrift store or garage sale, I love to look at purses, lol, and so when I find what I like I purchase it take it home. Then I find the fabric softener sheets that you can buy at any store for your drying clothes in the drawer and cut them into a few strips and put a strip into each zipper pocket or compartment.
Borrow, Don't Buy FlowersSometimes Lowe's Home Improvement Centers will let you borrow flowers for a church function. I know the store in Mobile AL did; they saw it as advertisement. The lady that borrowed them did not pay a dime. Just ask.
Low-Cost Teeth Cleaning Check with your local college or business school to see if they have a dental hygienist program. They usually offer low cost teeth cleaning and other services. It is done by students, but everything is checked by an instructor.
Shop Alone to Save MoneyFor the month of November I did my grocery shopping without my husband, wow I did save money! I did not take into consideration the number of extra items he added to the cart! I am sure it would be helpful to leave home any extra people when grocery shopping, kids, husbands, grandchildren, etc.
A Gallon of OJ for $1.50!Why buy that "Sunny Dee" stuff that always has that fake flavor to it for relatively big bucks? I've discovered if you take a regular can of OJ concentrate, which I get at a local Aldi's (a Mecca for frugal food shoppers!) for $1.29.
Lovely Home ScentsI love all types of air fresheners, candles, plug-ins, etc. I will buy one nice votive, burn it until it can no longer burn, then add it to a small dish that fits on top of my "heated candle plate" for additional use!
My Frugal Life: Finding a Use for "Useless" ItemsWell, I work as a social worker with a non-profit. This generally means that we have no money. My job is to look at things in a new way and find a new or application for them. We recycle everything!
Watch School Closures for Discarded TreasuresThe elementary school across the street from my home was closing its doors due to a new school was built in another location. The teachers had to clean out their classrooms. So, one evening, I was over at the playground with my girls and noticed a very large dumpster.
Bring Back Thrift Week!If you're like many Americans, the answer very well might be no. The unfortunate truth is that it seems that some Americans can't even remember the concept of thrift itself! It's time for a change - it's time to bring back National Thrift Week!
Find Produce Bargains in the Reduced BinHaving recently joined the legions of unemployed folks, in Northeast Ohio, I regularly peruse the reduced produce shelf in my local grocery store.
Browse eBay for Unwanted Gift CertificatesAfter Christmas is a great time to browse ebay for gift certificates. You can get them for considerably less most of the time. People get these gift cards and don't want them, and would rather have the cash.
Ask for the DiscountWhen I was recently shopping at a well known kitchen ware shop, I found the grater I wanted with a slightly bent handle. At the checkout, I asked for the item to be discounted because of the handle, and it was the only one. 10% was taken off the whole price.
Easy Tip To Save Money NowIn an attempt to try and save money this year, we are only going to the store once a month and really watching our food budget. We also try to keep the heat turned down when we can. It's been a cold winter here and sometimes we just add more warm clothes and blankets. We also have quit shopping as much and only buying things we need. And we rarely go out for fast food anymore and we rent DVD's instead of going to the movies.
My Frugal Life: Have a Garage SaleI think the best frugal thing I can think of that everyone can do is have a garage sale. I have had one every year for many years either by myself, with my daughter or a friend.
Go Through Coupons Before Entering the StoreI always go through my coupons before I enter the grocery. I pick up those items first and then I can spend the rest of my time looking for the best price on the items I don't have coupons for.
My Frugal Life: Shop With a Target Price in MindI shop with a target price firmly in mind. If you are shopping for something new to you, check online to see what a competitive price might be. You can also look at Craigslist to see what such an might sell for used. You can use ebay in a similar fashion.
My Frugal Life: Freezing MeatI was told about ThriftyFun by a friend of mine and have thanked her several times for sending me the connection to this site.
My Frugal Life: A Fan of ThriftyFunI have been thifty all my adult life. I had my first child at 19 years of age, with 2 more that followed 5 years apart. I found myself using more and more store coupons ...
Holiday Decorations for Your TableInstead of spending money each holiday to change our tablecloth, we purchased a white table cloth and clear plastic from our fabric store cut to fit our table. The plastic cost around $3.50.
My Frugal Life: Living On LessFor those who have lost their jobs, or about to do so, here is some help: Yes, I know it's a hassle, but it's the shortest, fastest and easiest way of seeing if you are living a life of wallet holes or if you truly are brilliant at saving.
Use Duvets to Pad Older MattressesMy mum gave me this idea. I have 5 children and 4 of them were sleeping on hard mattresses where you could feel the springs. Over the years I have accumulated double duvets.
Check Craigslist First Before You BuyA great place to get furniture, appliances, baby needs, and more! When I am interested in buying a new item($$$), I write it on a post-it note by my computer. I check during my daily internet surf for any items I am looking for.
Cut Your Brillo In HalfInstead of using a whole Brillo pad, I cut one in half. It's great if you only need to clean a couple of pots or pans. Instead of wasting a whole pad.
My Frugal Life: Stay Out of StoresBeing organized has saved me a lot of money. By the same token, when I am disorganized, I spend more than I should. A budget and a grocery list are my best tools, but there is a third that is almost as important. It is staying out of the stores.
My Frugal Life: Frugality From The FarmI am the child of parents who grew up on farms. My father lived through the depression in Saskatchewan and times were very tough. Dad told us that a turnip was a treat like an apple was to us.
My Frugal Life: In The KitchenIn our culture, we have tended to be almost disdainful of our abundance, as shown by our great tendency to waste, just because we can. Not long ago, I was wondering what I would do differently in the kitchen if we had to survive on rationed amounts of food, as my parents' families had to during WWII.
The Money That ThriftyFun Has Saved MeI wanted to list the ways ThriftyFun has saved me money over the years. I will itemize the things here ...
Make a Drink from Fruit and Veggie PeelsI have always hated the idea of throwing out food. I like the idea of getting "something for nothing". When I peel vegetables (except potatoes), I boil the skins for a free (and healthy drink).
My Frugal Life: Tell Your Money Where To GoIt was about four and a half years ago, when DH and I found out that we were expecting our second child. It was quite a surprise, given that our first one was only 6 months old!
Summer Deals at WalmartI got a fantastic deal at Wal-Mart yesterday and wanted to share. They had tee shirts and shorts on sale, and since I needed all new for this summer I got some. The shorts I got were $6 each.
Coffee Filters for Small ServingsA great use for coffee filters are single serving plates for chips (or anything that is not moist or leaky) for kids. This is especially handy in a group or class, and combines easy clean-up with much less waste than a regular plastic or paper plate.
Store Detergent in Name Brand BoxI have a kind of sneaky trick to share. My husband insists on my using Gain laundry detergent and nothing else, but I want to buy what is on sale.
Product Review: EZ Squeeze Tube SqueezerLast November, when on a visit to my neighborhood Dollar Tree, I happened to stumble upon this product. It is an E Z Squeeze Tube Squeezer. It's made to enable you to use all of the toothpaste from the tube!
My Frugal Life - A New BabyWe've had to be really frugal, especially these last few months because I recently had a baby girl this last December. My husband was laid off from his job about the same time. We've cut back things we absolutely don't need, like sweets and junk food. Just the essentials!
My Frugal Life: Necessity is Still the Mother of InventionFrugality has been a necessity for all of my 48 years. Making money stretch as far as possible is what I have always needed to do but I enjoy it because I also believe it is best for my family and my world to consume less, waste less.
My Frugal Life: Use Your Interests To Make MoneyAs time goes by, I learn that there are many ways to stretch our money and reuse various left over products. I purchase many things in thrift store and buy wholesale when I am in business. I plan to start a silk flower business.
My Frugal Life: Consider Crafting for ChristmasFor many years we had to live like lots of Americans, payday to payday. But December of 1977 was the worst. Everything hit that month and we ended up with only 5 dollars in our pocket with just 3 days left before Christmas.
Control Soap Dispensing Amount With a Rubber BandControl the pumped amount of liquid soap or dish washing liquid, by tying a rubber band around the stem of the push down dispenser. Adjust it until you get the desired amount. It will help save soap.
Good Buy on Refurbished GeneratorsHome Depot has refurbished generators in stores for a very good price. After the past winter freeze in our area, several generators were returned for various reasons.
My Frugal Life: Starting With SewingMy husband and I have 6 children, (so far) Kriztina 18, Chriztopher 16, Lyndzie 13, Jacob and Joshua 4 1/2, and Matthew 19 months. Frugality for us started about 14 years ago. I would say I started out with sewing.
My Frugal Life: Recession? What Recession?It is almost funny to us, to hear these people on the news talking about the recession and how they are losing their homes and can't buy the things they want anymore.
Dispenser from Germ X Works on Ajax BottleI noticed this morning that the dispenser top of the big bottle of Germ X hand sanitizer that you can buy for $4.00 at Walmart, fits perfectly on top of the 16 oz bottle of Ajax dish washing liquid. It is nice.
Use Stickers to Change Greeting CardsYou can use any greeting card for any occasion with stickers from the dollar store. For instance, I needed a graduation card this weekend and all I had was a cute doggie "Get Well Soon" card...
Buy Flannel at Thrift StoresThis is the time of the year when the thrift stores have flannel sheets on sale for around a quarter. I just bought a couple more mismatched ones to sew into flannel PJ bottoms and nightgowns.
Save Cherry Pits for Heating PadsI save cherry pits to make my own heating pad. I wash the pits and dry them thoroughly. Either put the washed pits outside in the hot sun or heat them in an 250 degree F oven for one half hour or until thoroughly dried.
My Frugal Life: The Gift Of TimeMy 15 year old daughter, Tori died under horrific circumstances 11 years ago on 8/27/98. This was the worst experience that I have ever felt. Friends circled us, send flowers, food and condolences. I know these people were supporting us the best way they knew how.
My Frugal Life: What Works For MeWhat works for me? I buy groceries and run errands in town two days a week when I go to my exercise classes to save on gas. I grow my own vegetables and eat them fresh or freeze them when we get too much, to eat during the winter.
Buy Groceries At Dollar StoresWith tough times we are all looking for ways to save money. My local everything cost one dollar store has many food items. I find you can buy flat flour burrito shells, and shredded cheese and pepperoni, all for $1.
Bonanza in Town Compost PileFor a penny pinching gardener, the town compost pile is it is like finding the lost city of gold with nary an Inca nor Mayan civilization destroyed in the process.
Shop End of Season SalesRemember end of season savings! I stock up on end of season plastic tableware or pool toys to give out as gifts throughout the year. For example: I just found beautiful $10.00 pitchers for $1.50.
Stretch Liquid Fabric SoftenerMy favorite is Snuggle Jojoba Creme, but now without a coupon, it is getting harder to justify paying full price for it. I don't care much for the scent or softening of cheaper brands, and end up using more, so am not getting a good deal anyway.
My Frugal Life: From the Beginning When I left home at 18, I planned on working hard, saving money, and making it out in the big world alone. It didn't work that way. I met a man, got pregnant and got married. Needless to say, we were young and poor.
