photo by Rubbermaid Products Storage space can be a problem. Maybe you’d like to stock up on nonperishable products when they’re on sale, but you’re limited on space. Be creative and find the hidden storage areas in your home. You don’t have to resort to using a trash barrel with a plywood top covered with [...]
photo by redspotted Frugality teaches you that you have options. Everyone has their own idea of what is essential for comfortable daily living. Many of these items have cheaper alternatives, and some items you can completely eliminate buying. What frugal replacements have you made? Here are a few easy ideas. PAPER NAPKINS: Maybe you don’t [...]
photo by lejoe Buying refurbished products can help you save money; it’s really an opportunity to buy quality products at a great price. Some people shy away from buying these products because they think they are flawed. Have you ever bought a refurbished item? While it’s common to find refurbished electronics, there are many other [...]
photo by RichinMN Hope chests are making a comeback. Parents want to plan ahead for their kids and save money. If you want to do the same, you can buy a quality cedar chest that can become a family heirloom, or simply start out with a box or use extra space in a closet. If [...]
photo by aldon Easter is almost here, and many parents put together Easter baskets for their kids. You might reuse the basket each year, place goodies in a different reusable container such as a tote, sand pail, shoebox or clay pot, or find alternatives to candy to fill it. But what about Easter grass? Are [...]
photo by starmist1 This year can be your year. Change can start today. If you buckle down now, you’ll see progress by year’s end. Don’t simply have the best of intentions. It takes effort to reach your goals, so get moving and work little-by-little because nothing changes if nothing changes. There’s always room for improvement [...]
photo by paul swansen When you’re living lean, it seems like you can’t cut any more corners. Often, there are things you simply don’t want to give up. You get used to modern conveniences and want to enjoy life. But if you think about, there’s quite a bit you could cut back on if you [...]
photo by Justin Day to day, frugality is simply a way of life. Maybe you splurge occasionally, but then you dust yourself off, regroup and return to your thrifty ways. It can be particularly challenging to stay frugal when you have houseguests. They might not understand your frugality, or it could be a shock to [...]
photo by bdjsb7 Frugal people have quirks. We can’t help ourselves. We know that our frugal habits make a difference. Often, these little frugal ways can drive our families crazy. But we all know who is right in the thermostat wars. Ha! You deserve some validation. What frugal things do you do that make your [...]
photo by Lel4nd Being frugal can be difficult when you’re just starting out as a young couple. Newlyweds are filled with hopes, dreams and challenges. To help young couples get off on the right foot, readers share their advice. COMMUNICATE: You have to be on the same page with finances, or it can cause huge [...]
photo by jules:stonesoup Pantry stockpiling and purchasing food in bulk are popular among frugal people. But it’s common for larvae or Indianmeal moths to be carried in with bulk purchases such as flour, cereal, dog food, powdered milk, spices and birdseed. If there are females, you’re bound to have an infestation. Within a couple of [...]
photo by Shane Pope Eating out can be a large expense. While it’s easy to rely on it as a quick solution, it’s often not the best choice. It’s easier said than done to have meals prepared in the freezer for emergencies. Slow cookers work well if you know ahead of time that your schedule [...]
Valentine’s Day can be the most frustrating holiday. I see the tension rise as couples scramble to find the perfect romantic gift idea that isn’t a cliche or cheap and tacky. Most can’t afford luxury gifts, so the pressure is on to express their love within their means. It seems ridiculous. I feel sorry for [...]
photo by eljay Homemade snacks can be a challenge. You might not have time to bake cookies, breads or muffins. You can offer snacks with minimal prep work, such as fresh fruits and raw vegetables, string cheese, yogurt or cream cheese on raisin toast, but these get boring if you use them too often. The [...]
photo by sassy gardener First impressions are important when trying to sell your home. Extreme changes aren’t always necessary. There are simple steps you can take to prepare your house for the market while staying within a reasonable budget. The interior plays a big role, but don’t ignore exterior modifications, such as fresh lightbulbs, an [...]
photo by clairity DEAR SARA: I have been reading up on the use of cardboard shutters for the inside of your windows to help insulate against the cold weather. It mentioned that you cut the cardboard to a tight fit and cover it with tin foil. I was wondering if it helps. — Patty A., [...]
It can be cheaper to buy food at stores other than the grocery store. You can shop ethnic markets, bread stores, dollar stores, pharmacies such as Walgreens, warehouse clubs or discount grocery stores such as Aldi. For state-by-state listings of salvage grocery stores, visit www.frugalvillage.com/forums/discount-stores/97055-salvage-grocery-list-state.html. The first reader offers another way to find lower-cost food [...]
