Save time and effort by keeping things close at hand. For example, rather than storing your cleaning products all lined up on a shelf, you can create a cleaning-kit caddy or two. This makes it easy to carry supplies room to room or store the caddy in the room in which you use it. Gathering [...]
Frugal families often buy items that can multi-task. For example, you can use a blender to make butter, mayonnaise, frosting, peanut butter or barbecue sauce (for recipes visit www.frugalvillage.com/2008/05/29/blend-with-the-times) or use your waffle iron to make brownies or cornbread. The first two reader tips share more ways to use your George Foreman grill: USES FOR [...]
There always seem to be a few unpopped kernels when you make popcorn. You can save the kernels and make your own homemade microwave popcorn. Place 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper bag. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of oil or omit it altogether. If you add oil, shake the bag to combine [...]
It’s time to think about winter-proofing your home. Many supplies are cheaper in the off months. You’ll save more money if you implement changes before the cold strikes because many changes work well to keep homes cool in warmer months, too. A few examples include blocking drafts, adding insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, servicing your [...]
One way to save money is to monitor your use of everyday household products. You can start by accurately measuring, rather than eyeballing a measurement or just simply squeezing, pouring or shaking. For example, you could be using more dish soap, shampoo, laundry detergent or condiments than you actually need. The first reader tip shares [...]
Pizza is a family favorite. Making it at home is easy enough, but you might not have time to prepare the dough. Luckily, there are plenty of options to use for a crust. You can use English muffins, bagels, French bread or tortillas to name a few. You can substitute a traditional crust, too. Visit [...]
Sometimes you buy appliances only to find that you don’t really use them. There are times they might not perform the way you expected, too. It’s great if you’re able to borrow an appliance from friends or family to test out before spending any money. The first reader tip shares another option to avoid buyer’s [...]
Homemade mixes are frugal and easy to make. You can make them to stock your pantry or give them as gifts. You can find a large variety of homemade mixes and gifts-in-a-jar recipes on my community forums. Simply click here. Recipes include: master baking mixes, spice blends, dips, flavored coffees, soups, brownies, stuffing, popcorn flavoring, [...]
Keep a few snack or appetizer recipes on hand. You can whip something together in no time rather than ordering takeout. For example, you might want pizza or donuts. Try making cinnamon tortilla strips. Cut tortillas into strips (a pizza cutter works well) and spread a small amount of butter on top, or spray with [...]
Homemade pizza is frugal and delicious. You can add your leftover tidbits of meat and vegetables for toppings, too. Microwaving leftover pizza can sometimes cause it to get rubbery. One reader, Karen from Iowa, shares: “Instead of microwaving leftover pizza, melt a little butter in a frying pan. Place the pizza in the pan on [...]
Summer is the ideal time to plan ahead for holiday gift-giving. You can find deep discounts in retail stores and there are plenty of secondhand deals at thrift stores, garage sales, Freecycle, etc. Start gathering items to add to your gift closet. If you don’t have a gift closet yet, visit www.frugalvillage.com/2005/03/23/planning-a-gift-closet/ for tips to [...]
When your pantry is low on supplies, it’s time to get creative. If you’re down to a box of lasagna noodles and don’t have any other type of pasta, don’t despair. They have uses other than to make lasagna. These tips will work if you have leftover cooked lasagna noodles, too. You can break them [...]
photo by whgrad Many people are cutting back on spending. Some are even cutting things right out of their budget. It’s always interesting to see what makes the cut. If you’re frugal, you’ve done everything “right” by living within your means, yet somehow you are still along for this economic bumpy ride. But you’re prepared. [...]
photo by roniweb DEAR SARA: Could you tell me whether you can freeze corn on the cob? I hit a deal today for 12 ears of corn for $1.98! If you can, how? — alarosalpn, forums
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 foshie DEAR SARA: A friend’s birthday is coming soon, and, before I started being frugal, I used to spend about $30 on friends for birthdays. But I need to get that number down now. I was wondering if you have given thrift-store finds as gifts and if there were any negative reactions from [...]
photo by oskay Some produce comes wrapped on foam trays. Rather than throwing them away, they can be reused as paint palettes, crafts or packing material. You can place them in your pantry under items such as oil or honey that might drip or leak on your shelves or make a compass, too. The first [...]
