cheap tips?

[fargomom]

Thought I'd expand on the other thread discussing if you're cheap, frugal or thrifty ...

Do any of you have any great tips in how to be cheap? Or things you do? Or ways you save? Make the dollar stretch?

Here's a few goodies from me:

1. I don't let half used notebooks go to waste. I'll tear out all the still blank pages and turn them into scratch note paper to put in our kitchen junk drawer.

2. My 4yo DD is obsessed with drawing. I make her draw on the front and back of each sheet of paper. Sounds simple, but it really helps.

3. I have a plastic water bottle that I refill with water each day and keep in the fridge. When I leave the house to do errands I just grab it and go. I never have to stop and buy bottled water. (although when we go on a trip I do break this rule )

 

[lainiefig]

Well, I'm not particularly frugal, but I try to keep the cheap hubby happy. One thing I like to do is shop after the season--I'll buy a swimsuit for next year at the end of the summer. I get Halloween costumes after Halloween and Christmas items after Christmas. Then I just store them in labeled bins in the basement for the next year.

I got little plastic rubbermaid drink things for my son's school lunch rather than use juiceboxes (plus I can fill them with half water). Also, I use a Brita filter pitcher in my fridge rather than bottled water.

 

[Jess_jugs]

Hm....

Our biggest thing is that we pack lunches!! My dh takes his work AND large thermos of coffee to work every day. I can't imagine spending at least $5 a day in lunches and at least $2 for a cup of coffee!! I also pack lunches for my dd's at school almost every day (once in a while they eat hot lunch for $1.50) which is healthier and cheaper!

We buy meat in bulk from a local farmer - we just got our 1/4 side of beef so the freezer is stocked! I also shop around and find cheaper prices on things we buy often. Tuesdays are Kroger's double coupon days here so I save my coupons for Tuesdays. I buy TP, paper towels, kleenex in bulk.

Keep 'em coming, I love the frugal tips!

 

[melimcn]

This one is not for day to day, but rather the holiday season, since it's looming upon us!

I start shopping NOW every year. $50 out of every paycheck for a gift hurts a lot less than a few hundred dollars all at once in December. Plus, by the time Christmas rolls around, I've been LONG done with my shopping for everyone!

 

[kathryn]

I knew we'd discussed this before.

Some good tips here:

http://cathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231671&highlight=save+money

 

[lainiefig]

This one is not for day to day, but rather the holiday season, since it's looming upon us!

I start shopping NOW every year. $50 out of every paycheck for a gift hurts a lot less than a few hundred dollars all at once in December. Plus, by the time Christmas rolls around, I've been LONG done with my shopping for everyone!

Oh yeah, I do the same for my Christmas gifts. I already have 3 or 4 in the closet and ideas bouncing around my head for more.

 

[LaughingWater]

You've heard of people using rain barrels to water their gardens? I use the water from my dehumidifier to water my container plants and little garden.

We keep the AC off all day, windows wide open, saving it for nighttime. Unless we have guests in the house...then we turn it on.

We do the bulk and refilled water bottle thing too. Post-season shopping is a great idea.