photo by squirrel_cottage DEAR SARA: When you started down the frugal road, are there tips that you said you would never do but are doing now? — Michelle, Texas DEAR MICHELLE: I never thought I’d be the one to encourage eating at home. I enjoy eating out and was accustomed to it. Now I’m the [...]
DEAR SARA: Have you tried Disc Doctor or similar Compact Disc/DVD repair kits, or do you have a frugal way to repair a fairly scratched disc? — Denise, Colorado DEAR DENISE: I have tried repair kits and have had success with them, if the scratches are minor. Avoid using toothpaste, alcohol and ammonia because they [...]
photo by Ricky Irvine DEAR SARA: How do you store your bread? It seems that many people have breadboxes. Do they serve a purpose? — Michele, Kentucky
DEAR SARA: I’m looking for small ways to save. I’m already frugal, and I don’t think I can cut much more. Do you have a list of little ways to save so I can see if there is anything that I’m not currently doing? — D.B., via e-mail
Question: I hear a lot about ground beef crumbles. What are crumbles? How do I use them? Answer: Hamburger crumbles is hamburger boiled in a small amount of water instead of fried. You are boiling it to prepare and package it flat, in storage bags for the freezer, to use in future meals. It cuts [...]
photo by booleansplit Frugal skills save money, and a little self-reliance goes a long way. You won’t have to pay someone else to do many tasks for you. Maybe you were fortunate to learn everything you needed to know from your mom or 4-H, and home-economics class filled in the gaps. Sadly, not everyone learns [...]
For many, the new year means forming new habits. You might plan to bake more often in the upcoming year to save on the cost of snacks. If you have leftover holiday baking supplies, such as food coloring, chips, nuts or candy, you can use them for other holidays, such as Valentine’s Day or St. [...]
photo by roadsidepictures Many times, I read a frugal tip and smile because I’m not alone. It’s comforting to know that many people are being less wasteful. I’m happy to pass these tips onto you. My favorite frugal tip this week is a practical way to reuse a laundry-detergent container. I’ll be using that tip [...]
photos by twelve paws 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 [...]
photo by Charles Williams The first tip is a great way to get the most out of your jar candles. It’s much easier than popping the wax out, melting the candles in a double boiler, and pouring into tart molds or adding a new wick. CANDLE WARMER: Get a candle warmer for less than $10. [...]
