Use Envelope Labels As Return LabelsYou don't have to get return address labels specially printed. Cut out the typed address block from business envelopes/letters sent to you. Stick them on your out mail with glue or tape where you usually put your return address.
Use Rags Instead of Paper TowelsIf you use paper towels, think about going green and switching to rags. You can make your own non-paper towels with your own old t-shirts, baby blankets, flannel shirts, etc., or you can find them cheap in thrift shops.
Wash Clothes with PlungerWhen I want to wash a separate article by hand or do not want to use the washer for a few black socks, etc., I use the "plumber's friend" or plunger. Just swish the plunger up and down like a washing machine.
Hot Water Bottle to Reduce Heating BillsBrrrrrhh! It's so cold at night now in Southern California - low 40s. During the winter months for the past seven years, we use the plastic water bottles.
Frugal Laundry DetergentI go to Winn-Dixie and buy a box of 20-Mule-Team Borax washing powder and a box or Arm and Hammer washing powder. Next I go to Save A Lot and buy a bar of Zote bathing soap. Use 8 cups of each powder and grate-up the bar of soap, like cheese.
Make Stickers Out of Free Address LabelsIt's getting to be that time of year again, when you get loads of those free address labels from charities, etc. Make them work double duty for you by cutting the cute little graphic off and using those "stickers" as envelope seals, or give to your kids for chores well done!
Making Quick Curtains With SheetsWhen I have a sheet that is too nice to use in dog kennels, I make it into a double sided small window curtain. If you have a smaller window in your home, garage, or office, this idea would be perfect since you don't need a large amount of material.
Reuse Paper to Print CouponsI've seen lots of tips about couponing and using coupons printed from computer sites. My tip is to save paper that is printed on one side (scrap paper) and use it to print those coupons.
Free Tuesday Movies And Other Promotions From CablevisionFor the people who live out here in the east and happen to have Cablevision as their cable supplier, PLEASE take advantage of their free movie Tuesday offers!
Jazz Up Inexpensive ItemsQuite often inexpensive items can be jazzed up to look much nicer! I picked up a fan for $1, but the print was a bit garish. I used my permanent markers to "color in" the flowered pattern and now it's gorgeous and doesn't look like it was a cheapo.
Make Your Own Slide and Negative ViewerTurn your expandable extra leaf table into a slide and negative viewer. Use a 3/8 inch; Plexiglas sheet you cut to the size of the table leaf. Underneath the table, place a converted table lamp.
Make Panty Liner Work for Thong UnderwearI like to use panty liners every day but I wear more than one style of underwear. For the thong style, I just partially fold in the bottom edge of the liner.
Reusing Hi-LitersI recycle hi-liters. It's best to do this before they completely run out of the original fluid. Add food coloring and anti-freeze in a 5:1 ratio to the worn out hi-liter. The quantity required depends on just how dried out the chamber is and the volume of the pen.
Buy Magazines Used at Garage SalesI go to yard sales and garage sales and sometimes they have used magazines. I buy them for five to ten cents each. Sometimes they even give them away. They have really nice recipes and fresh ideas too. Cheap is good.
Use Broken Flip Phone TemporarilyDid you know you can still use your flip style cell phone if it breaks in half? Well mine did and I'm using it until my replacement gets here. I don't have use of the display but I am able to put it on speaker phone and I'm using the speech commands.
Buy Books and Audiotapes At Yard SalesI read a lot and travel a lot. I find most of my reading material at junk sales for $.25 and $.50. That's a great deal when paper backs now run around $8.00. The biggest bargain I've found is on audio books for my long road trips.
Thrifty Mailbox PostMy husband and I love to take drives into the countryside. While we're driving around we also love to stop and take pictures. Recently, while we were out. I noticed this "thrifty" mailbox post and just had to get a picture of it to share.
Extending the Life of Perfumed GelHere is a tip to increase the life of your perfumed gel. When it's just a thin dry skim around the top and bottom of the jar, add warmed up coconut oil. Shake, allow to cool and use as you did before.
Add Sterile Water To SoapI keep reading about people adding water to their soap to be more frugal, but the problem is that when you add water to a bottle of soap, it breeds Pseudomona bacteria. If you want to keep from breeding germs in your soap. you will need to add sterile water to your soap.
Buy Better Quality DVD's Instead Of Blu-RayYou do not need to buy a Blu-Ray player. I was plagued by DVDs skipping and freezing. New ones, old ones, borrowed, burned, you name it, no matter which player I used.
Frugal Patio Door CurtainI have been exploring ways to "Decorate on a Dime". I needed a patio door width curtain rod. I purchased a length of 1 1/2 inch bamboo from the garden center and some wooden brackets in natural wood color from a thrift store and I have a nice feng shui look.
Scent Lightbulbs When Expecting VisitorsWe all know when cleaning we want that fresh smell especially when people are coming over. I find to rub vanilla on the light bulbs and then turn on the stove just on low and sprinkle it with cinnamon. The smell with last for hours.
Cosmetics at Yard Sales and Thrift ShopsDon't overlook thrift shops or yard sales as sources of cosmetics or other beauty products. I found 2 new Lancome lipsticks and a variety of little Lancome eye shadows, brand new, in a basket in a thrift shop over the holidays!
Leave Printer Off Until NeededI found myself printing all kinds of information from websites thinking I'd use the information later. This caused so much chaos around my desk and on top of my dresser as my office is set up in my bedroom. I've found things I've printed and wondered why I printed them.
Favorite Tips from ThriftyFunI enjoy this site and have shared it with others. My question is: What have been some of your favorite tips?
Add Bath Soap Slivers To New BarWhen your bar of bath soap is getting thin, instead of discarding it or watching the last pieces swirl down the drain, get a new bar and "glue" the old to the new. It's very easy. Just wet the new soap and then use just a little pressure to make the old soap stick.
Stopping Drafts In Your HomeI bought a roll of thick plastic and cut it to fit over several windows of the house, and the house is much warmer. I just hung some string across on two nails, or screws and secured the plastic to the string with clothes pins.
Using Fleece for Top SheetSince it has been so cold, I began using fleece for a top sheet. It is really warm and easy to wash. And my dogs love it too.
Simple Tips For Frugal LivingWhen you are want to buy something extravagant, do this first. Take your yearly gross income, take off 25% for taxes. Take the net you make and divide by 2000 hours, the average a person works per year.
Gourmet "To Go" Coffee at HomeHere is a great tip for anyone who loves mocha flavored coffee at home for a fraction that you will pay at Starbucks.
Free Calendars on the InternetDon't forget the wealth of free for the asking calendars out there. Do a quick search for "free 2010 calenders snail mail".
Reuse Plastic Bags At TargetTarget deducts .05 off your total for every bag you bring in to bag your purchased items. I keep mine in my vehicle so they are always available.
Use Netflix for DVDsThe thing that is saving me the most money is Netflix. It is $8.99 a month versus $4.99 a movie at rental places, and we were renting 2 per weekend.
Use Pipe for Towel BarsA great way to save $ on towel bars is to purchase a small piece of pipe of your choice (I happen to like the copper) at the hardware store. You can simply attach these with curtain rod hardware.
Bargaining 101Some people are comfortable bargaining, but others would rather stick with the number on the price tag. There's no need to fear bargaining; the worst that will happen is that a person will say "no deal."
Frugal "Oprah's Favorite Things" Gift PackagesOne year I surprised colleagues with a bag of goodies that I claimed were my favorites of that year. Unfortunately, you can't always do like Oprah and give people thousands of dollars worth of products but there are definitely frugal ways around this.
Filling Containers FrugallyLike so many other gardeners, I lust after the magazine cover decks and porches pictured overflowing with color. But I've also priced out some of those containers at over $40 each, just to buy the annuals needed to fill them. And that can be ONE container.
Mark Coupon Holder With Phone NumberIf you use a coupon holder when you shop, it is a good idea to put your phone number in it and a note saying: "If found, please call...". Last week I decided to do this because I have been so forgetful lately. To me, coupons are valuable since they help me save money.
Clothing Exchange PartiesHere is a great way to help each other out with clothing, works for adult clothes too. Get your neighborhood, church or whatever together for a clothing exchange.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Give The Same Card Year After YearMy mom saved for years on giving cards to Dad and we all got a good laugh 50 years later!
Replace Gumballs With PomPoms In Gumball MachinesThe cute old time gum machines you see at collectors malls have always been a fun thing to have around whether they actually work or not.
Look For Free Calendars Before The New YearNow is the time of year to be looking for the free calendars for the upcoming new year. My husband has come home in the past few weeks with free calendars from one of our local repair shops, some from our insurance man (one being in magnet form and one to hang on the wall.
Stretch Your Bath Powder With CornstarchExtend your nicely scented bath powder by combining it with an equal amount of cornstarch in a larger container. Many powders have cornstarch as their main active ingredient anyway, and it is a great drying agent.
Let Your Friends Help You Find BargainsMy best frugal tip is to not impulse buy and to let your friends know what you are looking for.
Use Sale Items In Unexpected WaysSometimes you can find things in unexpected places and put to unexpected ways of using. By chance I popped into ...
Frugal Bookmarks From EnvelopesTo make a bookmark cheaply and easily, take any old envelope and cut off either the left or right bottom corner of the envelope in a triangle shape. Then you have a small "sleeve" that slips over any book or magazine page.
