Hints for Economizing

[gal36]

My stepmom is 70 and has the face of a 50 or so year old. I asked what her secret was, since about 5 or 10 years ago she looked much older than she does now. I started using this a few months ago and have great results. I used the bees wax version. This is much less expensive that over the counter moisturizers. I also use this during the day. I wipe it off after an hour. This is what she does:

4 ozs. almond oil, 3 ozs. of olive oil, 1 oz. shaved candlewax or bee wax, Onion juice added and mixture was melted, stirring until cool and scented with rosewater. Squeeze the juice out of a piece of ionion with an ordinary garlic squeezer. Stir over heat until melted, adding a tsp of rosewater. Allow to cool, and bottle it for storage and future use. I pour it into a glass container and leave it uncovered to cool and harden.

Apply once a day to forehead, face and neck at bedtime. Cover the pillow with something to prevent staining. Wipe off a few hrs. later or upon awakening with cotton balls soaked with rubbing alcohol. The use any gentle commerical skin cleanser and toner or moisturizer. I use witch hazel for a toner.

Now this does not happen over night. It takes a long time to see results so don't be a hurry.

PS let me know if you like this.

[gal36]

About 10 years ago I stopped using deoderant or antiperspirant. Instead I use a salt crystal that can be bought in health food stores. They cost less than $10.00. I have used the same one for three years now. That is a significant savings.

It took about a month to adjust. I perspired a little more but that subsided. I use it after taking a shower and it lasts all day. It does not stain clothes or leave residue.

[gal36]

I just thought of another thing I do that is economic for me and reduces my intake of soda, tea, coffee, etc...

I make juice from my leftover fruit. I go to costco and buy large bag of fruit that I eat. When I have left over fruit, which I usually do, I juice it and then freeze it in ice cube trays or small yogart cups. Then when I feel like drinking something other that just water I use the frozen juice as ice cubes. I usually empty the tray of ice into a freezer bag to prevent that icy buildup from a freezer that has auto defrost.

I have done this with oranges, grapefruit, lemons, apples, pomegranites, etc... The only type I found a bit sour was the lemons, which I added stevia or honey to the water.

[JoyfulSister]

I found a great website that I found informative and interesting. Lots of how to's and step by step.
http://frugalliving.about.com/

[markofthebest]

Cool! Thanks!

[cris]

The Economy doesn't look good.

[3kidzmom]

I've always been a frugal shopper, but now more than ever.

I buy only very few name brand items... most cleaning products or grocery items in store brand versions are just as good.

I used to just shop at yard sales and thrift stores. Now, I trade out volunteer work hours at a local thrift store in exchange for items I can use in my house-- or clothing items that my family can use. It's not a bad agreement, because I sort items as they come in- and if it's something I can use, I get first choice on whether I want it for myself or if it goes out for sale. I've gotten a lot of needed items for my children's wardrobes this way. I just wish I could find more jeans for my husband to wear to work!! LOL

I buy in bulk on household items that we use on a regular basis in one trip to Sam's club-- and I stay away from Walmart and other places where the temptation to grab items on impulse is the greatest. I try to limit grocery shopping trips to once a month, and only pick up bread, milk and eggs as needed in between. Most everything else can be gotten in the monthly shopping trip. I could even do the same with the milk, bread-- but there's no freezer space to keep those items. I also try to watch sales circulars for loss leader items, and buy needed items at those times to stock up on extras. I've done that for years, and it always saves me money.

Due to gas prices, we've cut back on mowing weekly, to mowing every two weeks. It's been fairly dry here the last several weeks so it's not growing as fast anyway.

Food prices have inspired us to plant a much larger garden than usual-- and we will be canning and preserving as much as possible.

We have never been ones that eat out on a whim-- or go out for entertainment. We entertain ourselves at home, and prepare meals at home as well. We can make steaks, baked potatoes, veggie kabobs & Salads at home for everyone cheaper than we could all go out and eat a burger combo meal. Our church also offers all kinds of activities for our family at no cost or very little cost to us-- so we take advantage of participation in those activities.

We borrow movies from the library, pop our own popcorn the old fashioned way on the stove. It only costs pennies to feed everyone all the popcorn they want-- and we drink iced tea or lemonade. We have family game nights. We love board games, and have a large collection of them that we've accumulated-- mostly from yard sales or gifts given to the kids on birthdays, etc.

When we leave home for doctor office visits or other reasons, we take a cooler of water & snacks so that we don't have extra expenses if out longer than expected.

We try to take care of multiple errands with one trip to save on fuel costs.

I have a website online that brings in a little extra side income for me, so that helps out. I used to sell items on ebay, but have run out of items to sell! Since the seller fees have increased, it's hardly worth it anyway unless I come across something I can really make a large amount of money on.

I use several internet trade forums. I list items I have to offer, and so do other people. We buy from each other, or trade if we have an established relationship to trust each other to do that. It's another great way to get needed items like trading off books children have grown tired of for new reading material, etc.

There's more, but my mom is at the door... I'll be back later.

[Old Bullrider]

The many uses of WD40, Vinegar and Baking Soda

http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/vinegar.htm

http://thenewhomemaker.com/vinegar

http://www.vansopinion.com/modules.p...rticle&sid=123

http://www.essortment.com/home/manyuseswdh_sjsr.htm

http://www.i4at.org/lib2/60soda.htm

http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/bakingsoda.shtml

There is another use for baking soda and that is for cleaning wax out of your ears. I have an extreme problem with wax build up in my ears. I sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the bathroom sink with about 3 inches of hot water. Then using a bulb syringe spray the mix into my ears. My mother did this for me when I was a child.

[texasgirl]

Just got a chance to read this.......great ideas!

But on the air conditioner part...it gets so hot here in Texas....like 105....we would burn up without the A/C. There isn't even a breeze. It gets pretty bad..lol...

I am cutting back and trying to save money.......baby steps......

[OneDayNearer]

Just got a chance to read this.......great ideas!

But on the air conditioner part...it gets so hot here in Texas....like 105....we would burn up without the A/C. There isn't even a breeze. It gets pretty bad..lol...

I am cutting back and trying to save money.......baby steps......

I'm in Texas too and this year we got solar screens put on our windows to help with the brutal summers. I only wish I had done it sooner! They are wonderful! Our electric bills have dropped approx. 30% and it is soooo much more comfortable.

We're going to leave them on year-round because in the winter they help to keep the cold winds off the windows, so you get energy savings all year.

The solar screens easily pay for themselves.

[ArkieTuzi]

Well, there's always the old frozen milk jug with a fan trick. Since your freezer is always running (and I believe that they're more efficient if filled?) you can use it to freeze solid an old milk jug filled with water. Then put the jug in front of a fan pointed at you. You can raise the temperature in the house and still feel quite cool this way, just make sure you put the milk jug on something to catch condensation, or you'll have a puddle of water to deal with later.

[Faline]

I am single, so this may not be helpful to those with families, but I spent only $23.00 for two weeks on groceries last week (bet myself I could do it, and I did!). I bought a package of 10 chicken thighs, several bags of frozen vegetables, loose red potatos, ground turkey for meatloaf, egg beaters, milk, frozen tilapia filets...and I've been eating just fine for the last week and have plenty more to last next week. You can also often find stores that have chicken or beef on sale, buy one get one free.

[texasgirl]

I'm in Texas too and this year we got solar screens put on our windows to help with the brutal summers. I only wish I had done it sooner! They are wonderful! Our electric bills have dropped approx. 30% and it is soooo much more comfortable.

We're going to leave them on year-round because in the winter they help to keep the cold winds off the windows, so you get energy savings all year.

The solar screens easily pay for themselves.

Where do you get something like that?

[24thchance]

Keep your tires inflated on car and use 0-30 oil....It saves gas and will usually work with lots of makes & models I heard like $100.00 every 50,000 miles it will save. Walmart has it and also Amsoil distributers. Also get the 15,000 mile drain interval oil so you don't have to pay $20.00 to get oil changed every 3,000 miles. The first oil change will cost $50.00 dollars but over long run you will save about $50.00......Less trips to the shop also then you don't have to hear them tell you about the $1500 estimate of recommendations every time you go in........Also don't drive over 62 MPH even on free-way. Car burns more gas then necessary over that speed and you still get there at 62 MPH just slower....

If you are really fanatic about saving $$ there is a way to recycle your used auto oil using 2 buckets and a stretch of rope.

[OneDayNearer]

Where do you get something like that?

I used Lone Star Solar Screens. The customer service was excellent and the screens have a lifetime warranty. Now is a good time to buy because of "end of season" prices.

http://www.lonestarsolarscreens.com/...larScreens.htm

http://www.lonestarsolarscreens.com/FAQ.htm

I don't know where you are in Texas but if they don't have a location by you, I would just google "solar screens" and your city/town.

You don't have to do all your windows. You can do just your real "problem areas" where you get most of the heat and add more later if you want to. I was amazed how much of a temperature difference it made when I did my biggest window. It easily made a 20 degree difference in that room!!

[Lucy]

I have two, beautiful words for you people: THRIFT SHOPS

I've been hooked on finding second hand bargains for 25 years -- even when I was making good money in better times. I know this may sound tacky to those of you who are used to buying "top of the line" but you'd be amazed at the great stuff you can find at these places.

A pair of $50 Levis at Macys will cost $5 for a nearly identical pair at a good thrift store. A person watching his finances can augment or replace his entire wardrobe for very little money.

AMEN! I shop there as well and save a fortune!

[arewethereyet]

Invest in a crock pot - it is amazing the wonderful and filling meals you can make with just a few ingredients. And with winter coming, it is especially great to use. Uses less energy too than keeping a stove top simmering all day long while trying to cook the same stews, soups, etc., I have a great crock pot website if anyone is interested, message me!

[Bernardcraig20]

As a person who is very much concern about our economic status, I always find ways to keep updates about it. So, thank you for letting me know about this issue. I am looking forward to hearing more from you regarding this important matters.

[MidwestMama]

I come back and re-read this thread every once in a while for inspiration!! So I was browsing through it today, and thought I'd ask if anyone has found more great tips??

One thing I've started doing that helps a LOT is matching coupons to sales... watch the flyers, and look at websites like hip2save.com and couponmom.com for great deal ideas!!

[Rinji]

About 10 years ago I stopped using deoderant or antiperspirant. Instead I use a salt crystal that can be bought in health food stores. They cost less than $10.00. I have used the same one for three years now. That is a significant savings.

It took about a month to adjust. I perspired a little more but that subsided. I use it after taking a shower and it lasts all day. It does not stain clothes or leave residue.

I do the same thing too!
But more for the health benefits. I hear that the pore clogging aluminum could prevent your body from excreting toxins which could contribute to breast cancer.
I got a trial size to see how it was, and I love it. It's been a year and I still have half the trial left. Although I don't think it would be strong enough for DH. I like how my underarms don't itch anymore, and if I happen to itch no more residue under my nails.
I think my trial size was only about $2.

Other things we do to save money (house of two people):

1.) We invest in freezer bags and little baggies to freeze and store meat as soon as we get it. Keeping the portions small makes it fast to defrost, and saves on the amount of meat we use. If I didn't do this, we'd have rotten meat in the fridge for sure.

2.) Buy in bulk but be sure to check all unit prices.
We also work two different shifts, so having clean dishes isn't always an option (I purposely put all away except for two since DH refuses to do dishes).
We do paper plates many times. But bare in mind, the biggest amount isn't the cheapest. for instance, at Walmart, the 300 ct. paper plates cost more than the 3 100 cts. Make sure they aren't changing stuff to cheat you.

3.) Choose a place to live with good insulation. We chose an apartment that was half underground, in the middle of the complex and next to the boiler room. When apartment hunting, I also asked about electric bills and water bills if there was one. The place that was #4 on my list based on rent quickly became #1.

4.) Save return envelopes from junk mail. If you want you can save other parts for scratch paper.

5.) Everyone in the house doesn't need a cellphone. I have a tracfone for emergencies, but I don't use it much for talking. Most of our friends and family are on messenger, and we have the internet because it's neccessary for our jobs.

6.) Take advantage of free deals. We got free cable for 1 year with our internet provider. It's only 20 channels, but it's better than nothing.

7.) Keep lights off in rooms you're not using. Pretty easy to do in a small apartment.

8.) Got too much stuff that's good? I'm talking bigger more expensive things that you don't use as much, like a shop vac for instance. If you can drop it off with a family member who has the room (and is willing to keep it for you) or to borrow. Cheaper than renting a mini warehouse.

9.) Think light and small if you aren't settled in a place you'll be settled in forever.
Think light and small anytime you make a purchase. Or better yet, don't buy anything at all! Just think about all the effort it will take to store and move all that junk!