But things are good. Really!
Although we already lived incredibly frugally compared to many, we found we had many, many places we could still cut.
I've had discussions with others and it amazes me how many people either never think of these things, or think they can't live without them:
- Fabric softener. 'cmon... it's nice, but necessary???? Paleeezzzzze!
- Dryer sheets. (see above)
- Flavored creamers. Not only are they expensive, but have you read the ingredients in these things???? ewwwwwwwwwww
- Eating out. You can buy a whole WEEKS worth of food for what you would spend on one meal! If you don't believe that, then you need me to teach you how to shop.
- Fancy shampoo/conditioner/soap/lotion/etc. The cheap stuff works fine. Get over it.
- Soda. I know... this is like asking you to stop breathing. But seriously, it might be the HEALTHIEST thing you ever do! At least cut down. A lot. And don't buy that bottle of soda when you stop at the gas station/convenience store. Buy a case and ration it out.
- Convenience foods. Go the the library and get a cookbook. Seriously. It isn't hard and it will taste a million times better than that shelf-stable caca.
- Movies- theater or rental. Watch tv. There IS enough on there. Try watching some classics or something educational. If you REALLY need a movie, move away from the cookbooks and check out (ha ha) some of their movies. The Cuyahoga Public Library System was rated #1 in the country for a reason!!!!
- Driving- stay home! You'll save a lot of money! LOL At least consolidate your trips. Plan ahead so you don't have to go out for that one thing you forgot. We have a conversion van and a Ford Focus. We drive the Focus unless we absolutely NEED to use the van.
- Use the clutter. Do you have a few dozen half used bottles of shampoo? Consolidate & use them up. Go through your make-up. Chances are you really don't need to buy a new blush/eye shadow/lipstick if you use the ones you already have. Look in the cabinet & use up all those odd n' ends cleaners instead of buying the newest one on the commercial you just saw.
- Bleach & vinegar. They clean just about everything for less than half the price.
- Fridge clutter: you can either google those things you don't know what to do with and find recipes, or use www.allrecipes.com and search under the ingredients tab. Use it up, don't throw it out.
2 comments:
I like this post....I know you from CVC, I recognized your son's picture. He's a cutie. Have you checked out Mary Hunt's cheapskate monthly site. I don't know the exact address but if you google Mary Hunt you'll find her. I get excited shopping at Aldi- save a ton of money there and they have 99% of what we need. Marcs has the rest. If it's not at either place, we do without it. Said goodbye to cable and use the library, reserving books and movies so much they know us by name. Being frugal is a great way to live, whether by choice or by force. Good luck!
Yes, I read Mary Hunt. She's a smart cookie. Another webiste you may want to try (not for the super-beginner) is Hillbilly Housewife.
The Marc's by us just starting carrying produce! yea!!! There is also a new Save-a-lot by us. The other ones I have been in were icky, but this one is VERY nice. Almost identical to Aldi's (LOVE Aldi's) but closer.
You may also want to check out Redbox! If you google Redbox codes you will find lots of FREE codes for for FREE movies. A nice FREE way to see the newer releases.
Glad to find a sister on here! Please, if you get the chance, introduce yourself. I teach the Beyond Blessings class (special needs) at CVC at 11:30. Downstairs in ..... I "think" room LL104.
I'm alway open to new ideas, so please don't hesitate to share!
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