Living frugally and saving money go hand in hand. See ten ways to save money and still feel complete.
Hang laundry on clothesline, weather permitting, or hang clothesline in basement or bathroom. Every dryer load saved in more money in your pocket.
Save frosting containers and lids…these make great storage containers for hair barrettes, cotton balls for traveling and penholders
Shop for coupons on eBay. I know this sounds real odd, “why pay for coupons online when I can go buy a newspaper. But wait. Let me explain. I once purchased three separate coupon deals from buyers on eBay. I spent $6.26 (including shipping costs) for all three and I ended up saving a total of $18.50 the next grocery trip. So I think I made a great deal. Next shopping trip I saved $5.75.
I'm a firm believer in eBay and Freecycle. Look up Freecycle in your area. Great deals and a good way to clear out your unwanted items. Like they say one man's trash is another man's treasure.
Use competitors' sales ads when shopping. If you don't know if your grocery store accepts this…ask. You'll never know until you do.
Cook once a week (or once a month). I started doing this when I took on a second job. With five hungry teenagers at home and I wasn't home, by cooking on Sunday there was always prepared dinner meals in the refrigerator. Take advantage of it. Since you already have the oven on to make meatloaf for dinner, why not add a tray of lasagna, a pot roast and spare ribs to the mix. This cuts down on electricity later and saves money.
Reuse coffee and coffee filter. Just add a little more fresh coffee grounds to used filter on top of used coffee grounds.
If you've read all the books in your local library, sign up for inter-loans. This is where you can borrow books from other libraries for free.
Shop at resale and consignment stores in your area. Great deals and buys. I once purchased three Corelle baking dishes and four pieces of Tupperware® for a total of $1.75. I kept the dishes but sold the Tupperware® on eBay for $7.94. So my .75 investment for Tupperware® turned into a $7.19 profit. Not much but every little bit helps.
Instead of spending a fortune on gifts…make your own. Gift jars, rice heating pads, certificates for personal treats and homemade goods from the kitchen are sure to please.
Good advice,simple things to save money, great article
#2 by Joey, Dec 12, 2007
Great ideas
#3 by Susan, Dec 13, 2007
Any ideas to save are useful!
#4 by Paul Mahjongh, TN., Dec 16, 2007
Sounds like a plan. Good ideas and all are common sense. Thanx.
#5 by Ernie Ross, Dec 16, 2007
My wife and I already do many of these, but will try eBay and Freecycle as soon as I figure out how!!!!!
#6 by Almost There, Dec 16, 2007
Somewhere there is a happy medium, somedays we need to spend more, and some days we need to save more.
#7 by MaryAnnScotti, Dec 20, 2007
Hi Dawn, I am Paul's cousin....Loved your ideas...Thanks
#8 by kenneth taylor, Dec 21, 2007
Someone should remind those teenagers at home just how blessed they are to have a mom like you x
#9 by Erica Barton, Feb 1, 2008
I love Freecycle. We got mirrored closet doors, a stroller, recliners and a playpen...all for free. Plus we got rid of a lot of stuff we did not need anymore. Definitely a great website. I'll have to try the eBay thing.
#10 by Johnny, Jun 7, 2008
Reuse coffee filters?! Why stop there? Why not reuse your toilet paper too?
