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Tips for the Truly Frugal
by Nikki Willhite
Whether you are frugal by choice or by necessity, here are some tips for
saving money when money is very tight.
RECYCLING
In the Kitchen
When you boil potatoes, always save the water. Use it in soups and
stews, or cool it and use it to fertilize your house plants.
Empty plastic liners from cereal boxes make good freezer bags or wax
paper. Use for lunch bags also.
Save plastic mesh bags to hold small items you want to run through the
dishwasher, use to scrub dishes, or place items in to drip dry.
Save the packaging from convenience food and make your own. Fill tv
dinner trays with your own leftovers; jello and pudding cups with
similar food, etc.
Use old TV dinner trays to reheat food in the microwave.
Cut off the tops of empty plastic milk cartons to use as funnels.
Pour old baking soda from the refrigerator down your drain to freshen.
Use pantyhose to hang onions and potatoes in your pantry. Store in leg
section, with knots in between vegetables. Hang from the ceiling.
GARDENING
Roses love crushed egg shells. They help keep snails out of the garden.
Save money growing your own food. Get a jump on the gardening seasons by
starting your plants indoors in potting soil placed in empty egg
cartons.
Use old garden hoses to drip irrigate your garden. Cut holes along the
length of the hose, and lay along plants.
Be creative when it comes to containers. Some possibilities:
Egg cartons; use to start plants.
Old shoes, cute for ornamentals.
Plastic milk and ice cream containers; cut to size and add drainage
holes, or use to transport soil, rocks, or water. Cut tiny holes and
place by plants for drip irrigation.
Cracked mugs and bowls; use on the bottom of containers for good
drainage.
Cardboard boxes; use on a temporary basis for short-lived plants.
Old tires; stacked them up, and filled with straw to grow potatoes.
CLEANING
Use old newspapers for cleaning glass and windows.
Use old dryer sheets to dust. Place them on the bottom of garbage cans
and other areas of the house to eliminate odors.
Cut up old, worn clothes for cleaning rags. Use old socks for washrags.
Place them over your hand for easy dusting.
Cut the top off empty milk jugs, and use to store bathroom cleaning
accessories. Use to hold your toilet brush cleaner, and then just
discard when dirty.
STORAGE
If you can, buy your ice cream in big 2 gallon buckets. They can be used
for all kinds of storage, from food to toys, as well as sand buckets for
children.
Use empty soda bottles to store water. You can also use them to water
house plants when you are away. Cut small holes in the bottom, fill with
water, and set inside the plant pots to slowly drip.
Cut off the top of empty plastic milk containers to desired height to
make storage containers to fit in drawers.
Use ice cube trays for storage of small items.
Use baby food jars to store small items. Screw the lid to the top of a
shelf to save space.
Use film canisters to store small items (like sewing notions) and small
amounts of paint.
Use empty luggage to store blankets, seasonal clothes, or gift items
purchased in advance during sales.
If you have items in storage areas with empty space, fill them with
smaller items, and label them. Try to group things in a logical manner.
Keep a master list on your computer.
Store extra blankets in pillow shams that you can set on sofas and beds.
Decorate large oatmeal containers and other similar empty containers
with contact paper, pictures, etc., and use for storage of smaller
items.
Save empty plastic eggs that come out of bubble gum type machines: They
can be used like plastic Easter eggs at Easter or to store small pieces
of jewelry and keep earrings together.
Use old shower curtains to cover wood stored outside.
LINENS & SEWING
Make potholders out of old ironing board covers.
Make kitchen towels or table runners out of soiled tablecloths and
towels. Make drapes out of tablecloths.
Cut off the unworn part of old sheets to make pillowcases.
Store sets of buttons on diaper pins, or keep organized in egg cartons.
Take of the lids and stack to save room.
Use scraps of fabric to make quilts.
HOME OFFICE & COMPUTER
Make your own postcards from heavy junk mail. Use the lighter pieces for
notes.
Use both sides of printer paper, whether it is to run through the
printer again, or other purposes.
Use unwanted CD's as coasters, hang as shiny decorations for festive
occasions, or use them to decorate the wall in your computer room.
Decorate empty tin cans, and fill with pencils, pens, markers, scissors,
etc. and place in each room as needed.
Before you discard plastic gloves, make large rubber bands by cutting
the top at 1/2 inch intervals.
DECORATING
Use the tabs on aluminum cans to hang pictures. Just tack them to the
back of the frame, or glue on with a hot glue gun.
Use worn out sewing machine needles to hang pictures.
Use the plastic bags you get at the grocery store to stuff your drapery
toppers. Keep extra plastic bags stored in another plastic bag.
Use plastic bags for trash. Great for wet items.
Use colorful toy building blocks as handles on children's dressers.
Use old shower curtains as drop cloths when you paint.
GIFTS
Save old Christmas paper and shred for use in gift bags.
Make postcards, gift tags, or ornaments out of Christmas Cards.
Save leftover wallpaper to wrap presents.
Save empty glass jars for gifts and storage.
MISC
Use empty plastic milk jugs, filled with water, in the freezer to fill
dead air space.
Save and Recycle plastic peanuts. Use them at the bottom of planting
containers instead of rocks or gravel for water drainage.
Use old diaper pins to hold socks together when washing.
Save the plastic bags that come with your newspaper for packing items
for trips and camping.
HOUSEHOLD
I know they say not to do it, but I've been known to empty my vacuum
bags and reuse them.
Re-route your washing machine hoses so that your water drains outside
for use in watering your landscaping.
Never dry clothes completely in the dryer. Take them out while they are
still damp and let them hang dry. With 100 percent cotton, don't put
them in the dryer. Hang dry and they will have less wrinkles.
Install a Furnace temperature regulator, and turn the heat down 10
degrees while you are sleeping.
Turn your Water Heater down to 120 Degrees. If you know when you will be
using your hot water (showers, dishes, laundry, etc.) put an appliance
timer on your hot water heater.
Check the lighting in your home. Lower the wattage when possible.
To keep your drains running smoothly- in addition to any chemicals you
might put into them, fill up the basin with hot water periodically, and
then let it run down all at once. The pressure from all the water will
help clear the drain.
KITCHEN
Never throw away a plastic tray. Use them to store leftovers in the
freezer, gift giving, and to carry food to social events.
Save small plastic containers for children's drinks. Glass breaks and
can be dangerous.
East less meat. Not only is it less expensive, it is healthier.
SHOPPING
Always do your grocery shopping alone. Keep the husband and kids home.
You will spend less money.
Don't trust the scanners at check-out counters. They make mistakes.
When possible, know the price of what you are buying, and watch it scan.
Many stores have the policy to match their competitor's prices. If you
see something in the newspaper that you want, but don't want to travel
to that particular store to get it, cut out the advertisement and take
it to your local store.
Shop the thrift stores with regularity. Know which ones have the best
prices. Be on the lookout for candles (for emergencies), dishes,
wallpaper remnants (for wrapping paper), patterns, yarn, sewing
supplies, wool pants for winter outings, classic clothing, and other
versatile items.
When buying a non food item, always look in the back to see if you can
find the identical item marked at a lower price. Often when prices
increase, it doesn't apply to the items already marked.
When buying food, look for the expiration date and buy the newest item.
Join a discount warehouse. If you don't qualify to join, buy one share
of their stock. Be sure and hold the stock certificate yourself. If a
brokerage holds it for you, they will charge you for that service.
If you must buy name brands- consider setting up an extensive filing
system for coupons and rebates.
Organize cardboard boxes and save not only the UPC code, but the rest of
the packaging. You never know what part of the packaging they are going
to ask for. Be sure and not create a fire hazard.
When you buy a car, pick one that combines low price, low gas mileage,
lower insurance premiums, and low maintenance and repair costs. Your
will save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the car.
If you are buying from a dealer, check out a half dozen of them, and be
sure and let them know you are looking around. When you leave the first
time, they won't expect you to come back. When you do come back, they
will think they have a sale. They will not offer you the best deal until
you start to walk away again.
When you need new tires for your car, try and find some that are marked
as blemished. They are considerably cheaper. They are just as safe as
new ones, and usually carry the same warranty.
Pump your own gas. Use the lowest octane your car manual recommends.
Keep your engine tuned and your tired inflated for the best mileage.
Find a good mechanic for your car before you are in a crisis situation.
Find someone who you can trust. Take a recommendation from a friend and
see how long they have been in business in your community. Check their
certification, and ask how they will communicate with you about repair
costs and options.
When it comes to your auto insurance, shop around. Call the State
Insurance Department for a list of comparison prices charged by
different companies.
Keep your deductibles as high as you feel comfortable with. If you have
an old car, you may not want Collision coverage- just Liability.
Be sure and take advantage of Homeowner Insurance Discounts for alarm
systems, fire extinguishers, non-smokers, good driving records, good
grades for students, and carrying multi-line insurance with the same
company.
SEWING
Use leftover candle stumps as pincushions. Needles slide into fabric
smoother.
When your child's pullover sweaters becomes to tight to wear, turn them
into a cardigan by cutting them straight down the front and binding the
front edges with an attractive trim.
Keep your fabric remnants. Even if you can't think of a use for them
now, new projects will come along. You may end up using them in a
quilting project or perhaps making a doll. They may become a collar or a
piece of bias trim.
Use leftover denim from cutoff jeans to make garden gloves. Simply trace
around your fingers for the pattern.
BEAUTY
Take advantage of Beauty Schools. They are always looking for people to
practice on. They usually do a good job, as they are watched carefully
by their supervisors.
Save money on make-up by letting your cosmetics do double-duty. Mascara
can be used to line eyes with a small eyeliner brush. Depending on your
coloring, it may also be used to line your eyebrows. Or use earth tone
eye shadow. Lipstick can be used as blush.
A tube of lipstick should last for 6 months. Buy it where you can take
it back if you don't like the color.
Use baby powder underneath your make-up if your skin is greasy.
Make your own facial powder by combining mashed inexpensive compact
powder with twice as much baby powder.
Remember to discard your makeup every 6 months for safety reasons. It is
hard to do, but easier if you don't have as much of it.
Don't waste your money on expensive facial creams. Many a woman gets by
with a plain jar of cold cream.
If you wear contact lenses, shop around. The prices differ dramatically
for the same lenses. Check out mail order companies.
Consider wearing glasses. They are cheaper.
DECORATING
Old fashioned Doilies in good condition make great artwork, Frame them
on a colorful mat board, and hang them on your wall.
Surround yourself with the things you love. Things that have sentimental
value are of far more worth than any art objects.
Anything looks good in a frame and mat board. Display your children's
art work.
Make collections of rocks, shells and other things you can collect
together or on trips.
When you buy your furniture, try to buy items that can be used in
several rooms. Certain tables, chairs, lamps, etc. will never be wasted
if you can move them around.
Be eclectic. Things like plates don't have to match. Put interesting
colors and textures together, and enjoy the variety.
MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Find a bank where you don't have to pay account fees.
If you must use your credit card, keep a running total of everything
you've charged during the month. Subtract each purchase from your misc.
money in your budget. That way you will always know if you are on budget
or charging more than you can pay off when the bill comes.
If you can't afford a 15 year mortgage, try and at least pay a little
extra to the principal each month. Extra principal paid at the beginning
of a mortgage will save thousands of dollars in interest as well as
knock several years off the loan.
If you are shopping for a mortgage, or refinancing your home, look for
the lowest rate with the smallest amount of points and closing costs.
TRAVELING
Purchase your tickets in advance, and always come home on a Sunday.
Watch out for airfare wars and be flexible in order to take advantage of
them.
If you use a travel agent, always double check the rate. Call the
airlines and ask them what the lowest fare is to your destination.
Do not let your undeveloped film go through the new x-ray machines. It
will ruin it.
Compare the cost of traveling by air with renting an RV. The money you
save on motels and meals may make it worth renting an RV if you have the
time.
If you have the time, also check the cost of traveling by train.
If you need to rent a car at your destination, call around. There is a
big difference in rates with different companies.
Avoid buying duplicate insurance coverage for your rental car. Check
your personal auto insurance policy before you leave home, or call your
agent to see what is covered. You may also have some benefits from a
credit card.
MISC
Buy Term Life Insurance. It's just as much protection, but cheaper.
Never buy your checks from your bank. Their prices are outrageous.
Purchase them through the mail. Take advantage of first time customer
prices from several companies.
Avoid using calling cards. Check the rate. It can be MUCH higher.
If you must use these cards, hang up and return the call immediately.
Both Long Distance Carriers and Credit Cards will usually lower their
rates if you tell them you are leaving.
Avoid buying stamps. Use automatic withdrawal from your checking
account, bill pay, or drop-off centers for local bills if convenient.
Send your mail to friends and family by e-mail
Buy your prescription drugs through a discount mail order company.
Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist if there is a generic brand for your
medication.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Lower your thermostat temperature a couple of degrees and wear sweaters
around your house. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you save
2-3 percent on your energy bill.
When you use your dishwasher, stop it before the drying cycle, and open
the door to air dry your dishes.
Make sure all your appliances are running smoothly by cleaning the
filters regularly.
Unless you are baking, put your food in your oven when you first turn it
on.
Close your drapes at night to help cold air from getting in. Open your
drapes wide when the sun is shining to warm your room.
Keep your windows shut as tightly as possible. Locking them will make
the seal tighter.
Close doors to rooms that don't need to be heated, like closets, storage
rooms, etc. Close the heating vent in unused rooms.
Turn you lights off when you leave a room. It is cheaper to turn them on
and off than leave them on, and the bulbs last longer.
Use the lowest wattage possible and still have adequate light.
WATER SAVINGS
Take showers instead of baths. You will save money on your water bill as
well as your energy bill.
Use less hot water. Washing your hands can use 2 gallons of hot water a
week.
Get in and out of the shower quickly. A five minute shower takes about
20 gallons.
Always run your dishwasher with a full load. The dishwasher uses around
12 gallons each load.
Run full loads in the washing machine, and use cold water when possible.
Run your drainage hoses from your washing machine outside, and catch the
water to use for washing your car and watering your plants.
Stop water leaks immediately. A sink dripping one drop of water per
second wastes 60 gallons of water if you let it go a week.
About the author
Nikki Willhite, mother of three, and an Interior Design Graduate, is the
editor of The Pennypincher E-zine and Tightwad Tidbits Daily. For more
money saving ideas, visit the website at:
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com
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