photo by mike burns It’s easy to keep or toss some items. You might have an idea for ways to reuse something and, if you don’t, out it goes. But it can be tough to decide what to do with some items, such as vinyl shower curtains or liners. They’re cheap to replace, so many [...]
Buying housewares at the thrift store can give your home a unique style. Some home-interior items that are passed over by others can be your ticket to an eco-chic design. It only takes a little extra time and energy, but it’s well worth it to take these items from scare to flair. Here are a [...]
photo by wordridden Give flexitarianism (semi-vegetarianism) a try. Once a week, incorporate a meatless dish into your meal rotation. You’ll be surprised that you don’t miss the meat in the following recipes even when these dishes typically include it as a key ingredient. It’s good for your budget, too. Mushroom-Barley Soup 2 onions 2 stalks [...]
photo by tiffanywashko DEAR SARA: I just found out that I’m pregnant, and I want to be prepared for baby expenses. I don’t see the need to spend a lot of money, but it’s difficult to pinpoint where frugality stops and excess begins. It’s such an exciting time. Can you offer a few frugal baby [...]
photo by devriesm The first tip reuses milk cartons. I’ve seen various-sized cartons used for candle or ice molds, building blocks, seed starters, bird feeders, gingerbread houses (graham crackers, frosting and candies) and coin purses. But sometimes I forget the simple ways to reuse them. How do you reuse them? CARTON ORGANIZERS: The common milk [...]
photo by aimai There are a lot of great deals to be discovered after the holiday. Not everything on sale is orange and black. A lot of autumn merchandise will be cleared out, too. A rule of thumb for bargain shopping is not to purchase items you don’t need simply because they’re cheap. It’s easier [...]
It’s pumpkin season, and many people have the tradition of visiting the pumpkin patch. Whether selecting the perfect pumpkin for carving jack-o’-lanterns or decorating them uncarved, selecting one is simple. Look for a pumpkin that has good weight, a stem that isn’t cut too short to ensure that it’s not decaying, stands well for display, [...]
DEAR SARA: I have been elected by my friends and neighbors to host a cookie-exchange party at Christmas. We were looking for something new and cheap to do this year. But I haven’t a clue on how to do this. How many cookies do you make? Do you have something playing in the background, such [...]
If you’re a pet owner, you want to keep your pet healthy and happy.
photo by foooooey Some activities can make you feel frugal. You might pause and smile because you know you’re doing something that is aligned with your values. That’s the frugal fuzzies, aka the frugal feel-goods. Have you ever had a moment of cheerful frugality? Maybe it’s when you mend an item, creatively use up leftovers, [...]
photo by modmami Many new parents buy baby wipes, and, when the wipes are gone, they’re left with a sturdy plastic container. Rather than throwing it away, reuse it as a storage container or turn it into a fun toy. Not only are you reducing waste; you’re saving yourself money that you would spend on [...]
photo by szlea Frugal people buy merchandise and typically use it until it wears out. But there are times when you can buy items that hold their value or at least have decent resale value, so you can resell them when you’re ready. For example, you might want to trade up, need to sell something [...]
photo by wheany Frugal living can help you ride out the storm. But it’s a lifestyle that’s practical in high and low times. After a few months to a year of frugality, you’ll look back and be amazed by what you’ve accomplished. Time and time again, readers have shared what a difference frugality has made [...]
photo by mwri High food prices have more people planting produce gardens. Many have decided to skip adding their usual annuals and perennials to save on costs. Instead, some people are planting fruit-bearing shrubs and trees, or they’re buying from U-pick farms, roadside stands or local farmer’s markets. Early in the growing season, rhubarb, blueberry [...]
photo by muffet Cloth versus paper: Which do you use for napkins and cleaning towels? It’s common for newly frugal people to question whether they should switch from paper to cloth. For some people, it’s an easy decision. Plain and simple, it’s cheaper to use cloth. But it becomes a tougher choice when considering whether [...]
DEAR SARA: Just wondered if there’s any tips out there on saving soggy celery. I think it’s just passed the cusp of being forever soggy, but I may be able to revive it. I am going to try cutting off the ends and standing it up in ice cold water or soaking it in water [...]
photo by uzvards The first tip is a great idea during school vacations or whenever kids get bored. The same concept can be used to create tasks for chores (pick a chore a day) or for journal prompts. If you’re making a journal jar, you can write prompts on slips of paper and have your [...]
