Many of the following are going to seem strange to those raised in our modern society. The fact that many of you are here shows that you are willing to go against the majority of society and use common sense. I haven't seen anyone else i frugal forums mention how I live, and explain why. There are many good ideas in this forum, and I look forward to learning much more.

The idea that people need a shower every day is a fallacy. I shower once a week, and attend college, where I am surrounded daily by many people, and I have had no comments. Not to mention the main ingredient in most shampoos is harsh on your scalp and can cause hair loss. I use no furniture, save an old beat up computer desk I got for free from a friend years ago. I have slept on the floor for a long time, and have yet to experience problems. I have not bought an item of clothing in years, so I do not need to worry about a clothing budget. I grow a huge beard to save money on razors, as well as the time needed to shave, remember, your most important possession is time. If you are looking for something cheap, fun, and will last many hours, play Everquest 2 online. It's $15 a month, and the whole family can play it. I have many friends who play with their wives, kids, ect. I hope these tips, especially the hygiene ones, will make you question the brainwashing we all have received from society.

thanks :D

great advice, but I've got to mention that there are numerous online games that are FREE - I can't phathom paying $15/month to PLAY a game!

but hey, that's just me. :D

Sounds like you found your happy spot. A regular Grizzly Adams, Enjoy!

hmmm..shower once a week? I hope you are at least washing up your stinky parts..LOL

I do not shower every day either. I work in an office and sit at a desk all day so I tend to follow the every other day shower pattern. I try to walk home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which is about 3 to 4 miles and so these are my shower days. Weekends vary and it depends on the amount of physical activity I do. If I exercise more often then I shower more often. I wash my hair twice a week as it is very long frequent washings seem to try it out.

I once visited a convent where they only took showers once a week as part of their vow of poverty. Water and sewer are expensive for just one family and even more so for a community of 14+ women living together. Exceptions could be made, for instance the sister who's turn it was to do yard work etc was allowed to shower early and often, but on the whole once a week was the rule.

They were blackbelt tightwads. They washed and reused every single plastic bag or container until it fell apart and the majority of the food they ate was left over produce, bread etc that local grocery stores were going to throw away. Every single scrap of paper, end of yarn or anything that could possibly be used again was saved and reused. They had a compost pile and created next to no garbage despit the size of their community. It was very impressive.

Christine

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions. :teeth::toilet::bath::shower::laundry:

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions. :teeth::toilet::bath::shower::laundry:

I will take shower and shaving too and give up the game subscriptions, especially when there are many games online that are free. There is an arcade here that I visit quite often for free. Just look under QUICK LINKS.

There are plenty of free online games, but they don't have the graphics quality, in depth, and fun of this game. I have tried many free games, trust me, and none of them were nearly as fun.

I'm hardcore but not as much as you. I do buy a few clothes they come from the thrift store most of the time. I don't bathe daily but do take about three baths a week. The water is terrible about drying out the skin. We drive older cars. Our cars are about seven years old. I do sleep on a bed. I won't go that far in frugality. No way!

I am more of a frugalist than my DH. I have had to fish perfectly good ziplock freezer bags out of the trash that still had some good life in them.

hmmm..shower once a week? I hope you are at least washing up your stinky parts..LOL

That is funny.

I forgot to mention that $15 for around 200 hours of gameplay a month is a great deal

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions. :teeth::toilet::bath::shower::laundry:

I agree with you, Sara.

Everyone in this house takes at least one bath daily, brushes their teeth at least twice daily and hair gets washed at least every other day - if not everyday.

I am not cuddling up to DH if he has not had a bath and I would not expect him to want to get near me if I had not had a bath and shaved that day.

I forgot to mention that $15 for around 200 hours of gameplay a month is a great deal

A full time job at 200 hours a month is a great deal too.

A full time job at 200 hours a month is a great deal too.

Well, I'm in college, so I don't play as much during school. Also I'm majoring in chemistry, possibly with a second major in physics, so getting a job during the semester would be a bad idea. I can enjoy my money after I graduate and find a job, though I will still be frugal.

I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and I moonlight as a karate teacher in the evenings, so I work out sometimes 2-3 times per day and I shower after every workout. Otherwise, I'd just feel bad for the people that have to be around me! :lol3:

But it sounds like you have a good groove going in life and I admire anybody who is willing to step outside of society's expectations in order to live a better life for him/herself.

Well, I shower daily druing the weekdays however I think I will try cutting down to every other day and doing a quick wash up on the alternate days. On weekends I shower only on Sundays so Saturday is my no shower day.
My mother only showers about once a week as she complains that it dries out her skin. I wash my hair once or twice a week washing more often severely dries it out. I do not play computer games as I enjoy sewing instead. :grball:

I like the idea of challenging conventions and instead finding what works for you. For me, I stopped using shampoo most of the time (maybe once every 2 weeks or so) and just wash my hair with water and a bit of conditioner, and only on the days I'm going somewhere. I only use anti-persirant on the days I work 8 hours which is only once or twice a week...on days I work half days I just use a little powder to keep me fresh. I figure how stinky can I get in 4 hours? On weekends I don't usually take a bath unless I feel like having one. I haven't bought new clothes in literally YEARS but am just now thinking I need to get a few more things (from the goodwill store) to top up my wardrobe.

I only like to play cards, spades and canasta being the favorite card games. I play those on msn games or yahoo games, and they are free. We only shower a couple times a week, and I enjoy a long soak in the bath once a week. Soaking in the tub is a great way to release toxins out of your body. I shampoo my hair once a week, as shampoos can be harsh on your hair. The rest of the week I just rinse my hair or use some baking soda to clean it. Baking soda I heard about when at the hair salon, to keep residue from hair spray from building up.

I soak in the tub every day----it's a treat I allow myself. But as long as you don't offend others with your natural smells, I have no problem with someone not showering/bathing every day. Live and let live, I believe.

I am not a die hard frugalista in that respect! I shower every other day and play free online games.{or Cd roms, board games etc} We have a low flow shower head and I don't turn the water on all of the way. That's the best that I can do. ~I like to smell pretty..he he.~

I shower every 2-3 days because i'm either working, playing with my kids, or catching a little sleep.

One things that saves me from spending money is making our home a fun place to be so we don't have to go out and spend money just to have fun.

As the guy training for the Triathalon mentioned earlier, I do it more as needed. Back when I did construction work, I showered every day.

As the guy training for the Triathalon mentioned earlier, I do it more as needed. Back when I did construction work, I showered every day.

I'm actually a girl training for a triathlon. :drama:

I use the term "girl" loosely, as I'm 37 years old. LOL!!

I know I can't speak for all women everywhere but for the women that I know very well we all agree that just as a man is attracted by sight a woman is attracted by smell. Ssssooooooo if ever you find yourself with too much time alone or having to play games for entertainment instead of interacting with the opposite sex you might wanna re-think the shower schedule ;) Even if I went to school with someone who I thought didn't smell very good I most likely wouldn't tell him/her, I'd simply avoid being near him/her.

I forgot to mention that $15 for around 200 hours of gameplay a month is a great deal

im assuming that you probably dont go out to the movies (insane $9 a pop) or buy a cd a week so $15 a month for all of your entertainment needs sounds like a very good deal to me.

Okay, I can understand the $15 a month for gaming - my DH used to game a lot, but not hard core. As for showering, I sometimes try to skip one every now and then, but I always look for DH's cue and honesty with this sometimes <lol> I am sure I could skip more, but sometimes I really look forward to it. But we do try to limit them and keep them "frugal". This is an interesting thread, but a question - do you live in the dorm or out on your own? I ask because water shouldn't be an issue if you live in the dorm unless you are "green" which is still good. But, if you are out on your own and pay for water, sometimes the water company charges a flat rate for the first so many gallons. Just curious.
Dianne

Okay, I can understand the $15 a month for gaming - my DH used to game a lot, but not hard core. As for showering, I sometimes try to skip one every now and then, but I always look for DH's cue and honesty with this sometimes <lol> I am sure I could skip more, but sometimes I really look forward to it. But we do try to limit them and keep them "frugal". This is an interesting thread, but a question - do you live in the dorm or out on your own? I ask because water shouldn't be an issue if you live in the dorm unless you are "green" which is still good. But, if you are out on your own and pay for water, sometimes the water company charges a flat rate for the first so many gallons. Just curious.
Dianne

off the topic BUT! i wrestled in high school!!!!! thats all. had to share LOL

Some people perspire more than others.

If I'm feeling clean, I can wait a 2nd day to shower. But usually I find that I have more luck saving $$$ in areas other than bathing. I am using cheaper shampoo and soap these days, and I'd like to try and make my own.

I know the thought will make many of you scream... but I have an old Epilady from the 1980s that I pulled from storage last year that 'plucks' the hair from my legs. I only have to use it once a month now, so very little electric used. My legs are smooth and I save on expensive razors ('cause you can't go cheap on those things :surprise:).

I like your idea of thinking outside of the box. I mostly do an office job so I tend to shower every other day, I also use a salt stone some days for deoderant. But if you are in college, sign up for a physical education class and shower there.

I suppose we all make choices with tradeoffs, but I'll continue showering and shaving and give up monthly game subscriptions. :teeth::toilet::bath::shower::laundry:

I have to agree, I think I would have to take a second job before I stop showering...

"I also use a salt stone some days for deoderant."

Frugal-fannie... I never heard of this. Sounds interesting, could you tell us more about it? Where do you buy them?

Deodorant is expensive, and I feel very insecure without it. But I find myself dabbing some extra on a couple times a day, just to "be sure" :blush:. Maybe I could use my pricey stuff once each day, and a salt stone for the extra....

The salt stone does not work for everyone. I tried it as I was trying to get away from traditional deoderant and it did not work for me. I have to use traditional deoderants. However, I have started making my own scented body lotion and I LOVE IT. It is alot cheaper than "Bath and Body" lotions and smells just as good although it is a little greasier my skin loves it!!! Can you tell I am a woman who loves fro-fro stuff. :cutie:

since i hardly go anywhere i take a bath like once a week, sometimes a little over a week.

Each to their own but I couldn't stand not showering every day. I sweat quite a lot so at work so I couldn't get away with not showering on those days. I guess I have cut back on sho0wering though. Before I started work I used to shower twice a day. Now I don't shower before I go to work but I do shower after work, and unless it's really hot or I get sweaty I don't shower again.
I don't think I could handle not having furniture either. I'm no clutter bug (can't stand homes like that but like I said before each to their own) but i love to have my things.
I do shop for clothes about twice a year but I buy them when they are on sale. I don't mind getting the kids clothes at the op shop but mine and DBF we have to buy new. We are large people and unless I want to wear a granny kaftan all day I need to buy it from the shop.
I'm only frugal so we can have the treats in life without going into debt (which we refuse to do) so as long as we can do that (which we always succeed in) then I don't need to be that hard core.

When I was driving a semi, I used to shower every other day if my scedule was wierd. If I have a couple of days off from work I might get lazy and not shower one of them. But I get to feeling too cruddy after even one day.

I'm fat and I sweat. 'Nuff said.

I think I bought my salt stone at a health food store. I bought it when they were worried that the aluminum in deodorants could contribute to alzheimers. It lasts forever.

I know the thought will make many of you scream... but I have an old Epilady from the 1980s that I pulled from storage last year that 'plucks' the hair from my legs. I only have to use it once a month now, so very little electric used. My legs are smooth and I save on expensive razors ('cause you can't go cheap on those things :surprise:).

EEP! Those things give me nightmares. I salute you for your pain quotient!!!! Does that ever stop? I know they used to say that eventually it did but nobody I knew ever got past the 1st use to find out. :shake:

I shower/bathe every other day. Growing up my family would never allow each one of the 6 kids in the house to shower every single day. Waste of water. My kiddos take 2 baths a week and anymore dries out their skin. Unless you work out all day or something I don't see the need for a daily shower or bath. At least not in my house.
Now, I certainly do buy clothes but those are almost always quality second hand clothes.
My house is completely furnished with second hand although still pretty nice furniture. I couldn't live in an unfurnished house- would just feel too empty!
Of course both of the kiddos and I each have our own bed. Would never consider going without it!
Congrats on finding something that works for you though!

hmmm..shower once a week? I hope you are at least washing up your stinky parts..LOL

I just aspirated on my gum!!

I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and I moonlight as a karate teacher in the evenings, so I work out sometimes 2-3 times per day and I shower after every workout. Otherwise, I'd just feel bad for the people that have to be around me! :lol3:

But it sounds like you have a good groove going in life and I admire anybody who is willing to step outside of society's expectations in order to live a better life for him/herself.

I totally agree--happy for you!!

I too work in an office environment, and employees are expected to come to work showered, shaved, in clean clothing, every day! I know there are some around who don't, I can smell their feet! EWWW..

I think it is great that you live your life in a way that is comfortable for you.

Since I'm unemployed and at home, I'll shower every third day to save water.

Cannot give up daily anti-perspirant. I need this as I do perspire.

I find it interesting that you have no furnishings except the computer and desk. Do you do this to save money, to live a monastic-type or minimalistic life, or for some other reason? Do you have blankets and pillows? Dishes, etc? This, to me, points to a deeper motivation than frugality as you can always find free furniture.

I think that you lead an interesting life with no distractions which allows you to stay focused on your studies.

Bravo!

I think that you lead an interesting life with no distractions which allows you to stay focused on your studies.

Bravo!


This makes me chuckle because living with a longtime "gamer" and having played EQ2, WOW and now LOTRO (all MMORPGs = mega massive online role playing games) with DH, sometimes the focus is on the game and not real life. I have to remind my dear spouse that when the phone rings and it is from one of our parents or a friend, the conversation becomes the priority, not the computer game. LOL

Congratulations on finding a way of life that works for you! I think this is the basis of these forums: that you live your life the way you want, without minding what the 'Joneses' will think about it.

A tip for those people who have smelly perspiration: drink more water! Perspiration is natural, but the smell comes from the (completely normal) bacteria. If I remember correctly: They like working with your natural perspiration and will not smell, but if you do not have enough perspiration, they will use other body liquids, which in the process will start smelling. If anyone has more accurate information, please let me/us know.

im all for frugality but not showering is pushing the limits however to each his own id rather find other ways to be thrifty

My hair gets SO greasy SO fast...if I didn't wash it every day it would grease down to my head when I ran a brush thru it. I'm all for bein' frugal...but daily showers are on my MUST DO list! :D

$15/mo for an entertainment budget does sound pretty low, all things considered...

I have to agree with an earlier poster...if someone I knew smelled I wouldn't have the nerve to say anything, either...I would just avoid their space.

I do shower every day, I think I have some arthritis and the warm water really helps me with the aches and pains. Same goes with my wonderful bed! I guess we all need to find what works best for our own bodies. My mom only takes a tub bath once a week because of her dry skin, but she does sponge off every day, use deodorant, etc.
I cant's seem to find the time for extras like playing games, I'm lucky if I can watch the local news for 20 minutes before I go to sleep!

I have to shower everyday as I sweat like a pig at night even during the winter, naked under a duvet as thin as a table cloth.

However, I use rainwater from a separate tank to the potable water.

I never use shampoo in my hair. I cut my own hair with an electric trimmer I bought. It paid for itself long ago. I shave three times in a 2 weeks period, using the same hair trimmer.

I have eaten road kill but usually I hunt or am given meat. Generally I eat a minimum of meat. I grow my own veg and bake too.

I do not have a rubbish/garbage bin. Everything is recycled or burnt in the stove (legally).

I eco-drive, which annoys the petrol heads. Good! Locally I walk or cycle.

I have a composting toilet but urinate into a bottle and pour that immediately onto my compost heap.

I heat with any waste wood I find, be it dead wood or old furniture people throw out.

There are plenty of other things that I don't have time to write.

Basically, if I can do it myself and not have to be reliant others or money then I do it.

So, you don't shave so, as you said, you can save time yet you spend 200 hours a month gaming??

I know I can't speak for all women everywhere but for the women that I know very well we all agree that just as a man is attracted by sight a woman is attracted by smell. Ssssooooooo if ever you find yourself with too much time alone or having to play games for entertainment instead of interacting with the opposite sex you might wanna re-think the shower schedule ;) Even if I went to school with someone who I thought didn't smell very good I most likely wouldn't tell him/her, I'd simply avoid being near him/her.


I completely agree with this!!!

But to each their own. If not showing makes you happy and you're not offending anyone, then go for it! But I would be surprised if there wasn't at least one person that smelled your musk after a week of not showering.

I am curious--you say you don't buy clothes. HOW do you get the clothes you need or are you a nudist? No, I am not being facetious, just want to know!

We cut DH's hair with our clippers ever few weeks. We heat primarily with wood. However, all four of us perspire heavily and it is a necessity to have daily showers. Have you ever smelled two teenage boys without a shower? PPPPEEEEEYYYEEEWW!

DH has a closely trimmed beard and only shave his neck, so a razor blade lasts for weeks. I use coupons to buy his blades, so a pack costs a lot less than when purchased at full price. I am actually using some free razors I got months ago. I haven't paid for razors in ages!

Since you are in college, I assume you are fairly young. Believe me, when you are older you will NEED a bed. I used to sleep n the floor as well. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia now and have got to be comfortable. I would be truly miserable on the floor.

Our furniture is 90% used/trash picked and no, you could never tell by looking at it! I am writing this from a desk that belonged to DH's grandfather and it is approaching the century mark as we speak. The blanket chest in our bedroom is about 75 years old, the rocking chair is over 100, the armoire is about 75...well, you get the idea. The ONLY one of these things I paid for is the chest...for TEN dollars. BTW, you say you have desk--what about a CHAIR?

I am glad you are able to be comfortable with so little. Keep up the good work!

I am curious--you say you don't buy clothes. HOW do you get the clothes you need or are you a nudist? No, I am not being facetious, just want to know!
I'm not the OP, but I'm assuming that they just wear the clothes that they already own instead of buying more. Or that when they do buy more it's only secondhand. But again, me ASSuming lol.

This makes me chuckle because living with a longtime "gamer" and having played EQ2, WOW and now LOTRO (all MMORPGs = mega massive online role playing games) with DH, sometimes the focus is on the game and not real life. I have to remind my dear spouse that when the phone rings and it is from one of our parents or a friend, the conversation becomes the priority, not the computer game. LOL

Heh, I game a lot too, but schoolwork comes first. I consider gaming to be real life, as I see myself actually being there, experiencing and doing that, so it could be argued that it is real. As for the minimalism thing, minimalism and frugality go hand in hand for me.

I'm not the OP, but I'm assuming that they just wear the clothes that they already own instead of buying more. Or that when they do buy more it's only secondhand. But again, me ASSuming lol.

Yes, I wear the clothes I already bought, and if I ever need more, I get them secondhand.

I have to agree with the original poster here, especially after reading through all the posts. We are sort of brainwashed to think we have to shower every day. I am the guiltiest of all! I try to go one or two days per week without showering just on principle but I really WANT that nice hot shower or warm bath. It is decadent, wasteful, and costly but I am too selfish. Also, the whole society is obsessed with cleanliness and not smelling (besides it makes companies lots of money) so I don't want to be the one smelly person in the room. But still, the poster is right that we are "brainwashed" to think it is actually "necessary" to shower so often.

do i need a shower every day? prolly not because i dotn seem to sweat too much (a mithcum deodarant lasts me close to 5 months?) but i do shower ALMOST daily....if for no other reason then the hot water feels good on my aching mucsles (without having to take a bunch of pills)...then the days that i skip showering, i feel gross and grungy

The kids bathe every other day and some of them share bath water. Dh and I shower every day and that won't change LOL. I do only wash my hair every other day - this saves water and shampoo and my time. I prefer to play online games that are free though.

I seriously can't relate to not showering everyday:ack:. I have oily skin and hair, and if I didnt wash either daily, I could butter bread with them:yucky:
There's been a few days that I've waited until the evening to shower, and I felt so sticky and grubby. I need my shower.Besides, it's the only "me" time I get-my 15 minutes in the Loo saves my sanity. And since I've hit my mid-30's, I perspire way more.....my shirts are usually soaked through by midday, and make me uncomfy/

I do find it admirable to be frugal about it tho... whatever floats yer boat:). I'd rather turn the heat down a couple degrees for the savings tho

Well , I for one am willing to bet that you do need to show more then once a week but no one has been rude enough to tell you so.


I was once friends with a guy who showered once a week and trust me people noticed. He smelled and his hair was greasy.

If you are a college student , a man, and only shower weekly, plus do not shave, gaming may be the way to go, since most ladies will freak out over the smell. Gaming.....ladies..... both gonna cost you.Pick your vice.

I work in sales and there's no way would I call on clients without having my daily shower and clean pressed clothing. In the summer I feel like I need a shower at lunchtime after being in and out of the heat all day.

Dixie Jean

I'm a daily shower girl.....sometimes skipping a Saturday/Sunday here and there.....I don't think I smell too bad if I skip a day but my hair just feels so icky when I don't wash it daily. I'd love to start washing it every other day, but it is flat and lifeless....

The OP hasn't posted his age, or the type of college he attends (for the other students, I am hoping online :lol: ) my Mom was in her 50's in college... whatever the age, college is important. A lot of contacts and networking is done during those years (yes, a lot of partying too... Mom wasn't the only one who went to college :lol: )

I think I would be devistated if I was remembered as 'the stinky one'.

A bit off the original topic but...
I remember someone I was associate with who had an off-campus apartment. He had next to no money and showered/shaved/laundered rarely because he never could afford soap. He ate when someone let him use their meal cards on campus. Often I would hear someone complain the toilet paper was missing from the student unions mens room :lol: After knowing Craig for 3 months, I went to his apartment. The smell nearly knocked me over. Patchulli. Every square inch of his tiny 2 bedroom apartment was soaking in it. To this day I can't stand the scent of it. He could never understand why he couldn't get a roommate and no one in the dorms were willing to talk to an RA to get him a room.

I lived in a dorm, so we had a desk and a bed. We also had to pay for laundry, so I skipped the top sheet, just had a fitted sheet and a thin blanket... wore sweats in the winter and shorts in the warmer (due to weenies pulling the fire alarms at 2am, pajamas weren't an option). Showering was important. I lived on a co-ed floor... I never knew who was in the next shower and 32 people having to share 2 showers and a tub (which no one used because it was groody) we learned to be creative with shower times as well as length of them. You were better off taking one in the wee-hours because there was a better chance you'd have something a bit stronger than luke warm water spit at you from the shower head. Mornings were a guaranteed ice shower with someone pounding on the stall door.

Now that I am a SAHM, I don't have to shower daily... but that doesn't mean I won't. Water is included in my condo fees, so I can take 12 showers a day if I wanted to... but that wouldn't be fair to the other owners. I take my shower every late morning. (Guilty of driving DD to school in the clothes I wore to bed). The morning rush is still hectic, no matter what time I get up, it seems the Old Man beat me to the shower, so I wait until everyone is gone! :lol: In summer, I will take a few showers a day. Fat sweats. Chlorine dries. Sun burns. I feel groody. Whatever the reason I will at least get under a coldish shower a few times a day when the temp spikes.

I agree with some others who would rather shower daily than spend $15/month on games.

I'm not a sweaty type, and I work from home anyway, so, I shower pretty much every other day.

I grew up in California during a period of heavy water rationing, so, I'm very conscious of water usage. I stick to short showers, usually under 10 minutes. I can do it in 3 if I have to.

Many parts of the country are heading into water crises, so, it seems to me that people should get into conservation habits now.

I buy all my and my kids' clothes secondhand. There's no reason not to, since we're all easy sizes, and can find good as new clothes in the thriftstores.

I did splurge on a fantastic pillowtop mattress set. It's the most comfortable bed I've ever owned. Beside sleeping in it, I work there from my laptop whenever I'm able, so, it's definitely getting ample use.

Well , I for one am willing to bet that you do need to show more then once a week but no one has been rude enough to tell you so.


I was once friends with a guy who showered once a week and trust me people noticed. He smelled and his hair was greasy.

I was going to write something similar. I know a writer (published with us) who even stated in an interview that he only has a bath once a week, since he's an environmentalist. Well, he leaves a smelly trail and it's impossible to be near him. Terrible.

The OP hasn't posted his age, or the type of college he attends
I think I would be devistated if I was remembered as 'the stinky one'.


I agree with some others who would rather shower daily than spend $15/month on games.

I'm 28, and I attend a college with around 24,000 students. No one has noticed, because even if people wouldn't say anything, there would be involuntary reactions and facial expressions, which I never see. As far as being devastated, for the most part, I wouldn't care, there are very few people's opinions that matter to me. Everyone else is pretty much part of the herd that has no impact on me one way or the other. I was not choosing between gaming and showering, and as I mentioned before, I showered every day when I needed it, such as when I was in the Army, and doing construction work. I don't work now, I'm not active, and so I do not need a shower every day.

I have news for you. Men need to shower daily.

You might think it's just fine - but you do a disservice to those around - no different that people who use too much cologne or perfume.

By your presence, people are forced to partake in fumes that are unpleasant. You might think you don't smell bad. Just remember you're used to smelling you, others are not.

I have news for you. Men need to shower daily.

You might think it's just fine - but you do a disservice to those around - no different that people who use too much cologne or perfume.

By your presence, people are forced to partake in fumes that are unpleasant. You might think you don't smell bad. Just remember you're used to smelling you, others are not.

Actually, that is doubtful. Only in the last few decades have people seen the need to shower daily. Anyways, as I said, I am in close proximity to people daily, and talk to many friends at this school. If people did not want to be near me, trust me, they would find an excuse not to be. I wear deodorant anyways.

Maybe they like you and just accept to be near you despite the smell. They tolerate it. That's what happens with the man I mentioned, he's brilliant and people like him, but after he's gone we make comments and sometimes even have to open the office windows. Believe me.

I do not shower every day, maybe every 2-3 days.

I wash my hair everyday in the kitchen sink,
and I use deodorant everyday.

I love pampering/showering, but I also know it does save me money to conserve it!
Now, if I am on holiday, I shower every day, 2X per day since I am on Holiday!!

This is a great post! Take it from someone who knows how to "Live Without", these are great ideas! You'd be surprized what we can live without!

It's not too difficult to get clean using a really small amount of water. Just a couple of inches in the bathtub will do. for showering, you could sponge clean using a small dish of water and soap and then just shower to rinse. I'd prefer that daily to a once a week cleaning with more water.

Doesn't anyone exercise daily? I work up a drenching sweat almost every morning, so not showering is really not an option.

Other than that, it's true that we are conditioned to "need" daily showers, but since our entire society is conditioned that way people do notice the unwashed smell. My guess is that 50 years ago when weekly baths may have been the norm everyone was used to people smelling "natural" and so it wasn't offensive. That's just not the case any more.

I cannot be that hardcore, I need to shower and wash my hair every night. I feel gross if I don’t, and won’t sleep well.

Daily showers here also--hair washing every 3rd day as to not dry it out.
Tonight though when I couldn't sleep (I have generalized anxiety--but only a few nights per month) I took 4 showers! My skin feels so dry---but it is the only thing that keeps me calm and relaxed and I feel great when I take that moment during a rough night. I wouldn;t need a daily shower though since I don't "stink" generally, but as others said it is a luxury sometimes to get away and wash away the world.

I will admit to only showering when I feel like I need to - sometimes I will go a couple of days and then think "when was the last time I had a shower?"

My partner god bless him showers three times a day - but he is a sweaty sort of person He will shower once in the morning to get clean before he heads to work and to wake himself up, but then he rides his bike to work so he has another quick shower at the office so that he doesn't stink his workmates out, then he rides home so has another shower once he gets home.

If I thought that I was starting to smell then I would definately jump in the shower - for me it isn't so much about saving money or water - We rent so our water usage is covered in the cost of rent but mostly because I find that too much water on my skin dry's me out, deodorant and perfumes are must haves for me as well as making sure that when I am in the shower I shave all my bits so that they don't get to sweaty.

I'm interested to find out how much everyone washes their clothes / beedsheets and towels as well. I only wash weekly on the week ends and usually the towel and sheets will get changed once a week. as far as my clothes go I will only wash them if they are dirty or stained in some way and am guity of applying the sniff test (partners clothes get washed after one use - he is definately much stinkier then me) I find that if I hang them up straight after use that sometimes they are good to go for another day.

I don't think that I do too many frugal things that would be considered hard core, but I am willing to give most things a go - all our laundry gets dried in the wind as opposed to a dryer, our dishwasher only gets turned on when it is COMPLETELY FULL.

There are no zip lock baggies in our house - left overs and lunches are packed in tpperware (it cost a bundle to begin with but has lasted really well.

Especially now that I'm a SAHM I find that i'm showering every other day (unless I've been shampooing carpets or something sweaty and then its a shower when needed). Mainly, as I'm getting older I find that my hair and face are getting oily. The face can be fixed with a quick wash in the sink but the hair . . . only a shower can help my mop. DH showers every day (and sometimes twice daily, but that's on-shift at the fire station) and dd showers every evening. She's at that age where she must and his fire deparment also runs an ambulance service so he has to be clean for his patients.

I'm interested to find out how much everyone washes their clothes / beedsheets and towels as well. I only wash weekly on the week ends and usually the towel and sheets will get changed once a week. as far as my clothes go I will only wash them if they are dirty or stained in some way and am guity of applying the sniff test (partners clothes get washed after one use - he is definately much stinkier then me) I find that if I hang them up straight after use that sometimes they are good to go for another day.

My mother always stripped and washed everything on our beds each saturday. I always remember Granny grumbling that Mom "washes her bedclothes to death" and since all the handmade blankets that Granny made have long since disentigrated, I think she may have been right. I've always washed weekly like Mom did, but this week I tried something different. In a moment of pure genious :scratch: I realized that while the sheets may touch our bodies, the blankets don't. So, instead of washing the two blankets and the comforter that are on our bed I hung them out on the line while the sheets were in the washer. I also hung our pillows out on the line to sun. Everything was fresh and lovely when I made my bed later that evening . . . and the wonderful thing was that not only am I not "washing my bedclothes to death" but I only did one load of laundry as opposed to four.

I have (in the past) been forced to do two loads of laundry daily. One of towels and one of clothes. However, since I've started on the frugal lifestyle I've made some changes. Dd and I used to use two towels EACH when we showered; one for hair and one for body. Both then went into the hamper. Now, we use one . . . hair gets dried and then body and since we're drying CLEAN bodies we each hang our towels to dry for the next night. The same holds true with gowns. They're going on CLEAN bodies so we fold them and put them on the foot of the bed for the next night. Underthings get put in the hamper daily, but clothes that haven't been worn but for a few hours now get the "sniff test" and get hung back up if clean. Since dd and I neither wear perfume we find this works pretty well (especially with things like church clothes) and the extra blessing is that now our clothes aren't fading and wearing out as quickly.

[QUOTE=Christa;842555]Doesn't anyone exercise daily? I work up a drenching sweat almost every morning, so not showering is really not an option.

QUOTE]

I do Christa and I have to shower and wash my hair daily. I have been trying the water rinse and conditioner every other day on my hair though. I can tell a slight difference in shine but my hair has more body (always a problem for me) on the days I don't shampoo. If I'm going 'anywhere' I'll shampoo and when I'm away from home I shampoo daily (and shower) as well.

Wow !!! First I'm gonna say I'm a girl and my body has parts that performs functions that make me feel I need to shower at least every other day and I'm not talking about my pits definatley Nuff said, cuz that's just gross. Sorry MHO.
Second I'm to each their own kinda person, personally I love my bed I look forward to climbing in it every single night. With that said every single matress in the house has been given to us from ppl of course I know (yeah cuz that can be gross too).
Third A toliet compost and peeing in a bottle? not even gonna go there like I said I'm a girl.
Fourth I find it interesting 15.00 a month for gaming vs a free library (but once again each their own).
I'm thinking I'm not up for hardcore frugality. Hardcore = not flushing the toliet just b/c I peed each and every time (for me).
The hair removal thing from the 80's (Epilady) I'm dying laughing I had one of those and OMG it hurt like a :pdoff: I would of cut off my own legs to solve the problem before I used that thing again.
I hope I didn't offend anyone I tried to get my point across descretly, if I did I am truly sorry.
Oh lastly just a tip for the deo ppl I use alcohol on my underarms maybe thats hardcore for some but it helps you not sweat at all there for no deo needed.

I'm not one to shower each day either unless necessary. I'm content with every other. BUT I do 'touch ups' when necessary...a simple washcloth, soap and a sink of water. My own nose tells me. I'm hoping the original poster is doing these 'touch ups' himself inbetween showers, because private enclosed areas do create their own umm 'interesting aromas' that are VERY noticable to others.
I understand frugality, but not sure that going sans furniture is the way? A bed can be found cheaply, or free in our case of a bunk bed we have. Freecycle is a fantastic site and a bed can easily be found there. Neighbors/coworkers are forever giving stuff away that we gladly pick up if we need it.
Yes to each his own :tay:

Hmm, I don't think I'm hardcore, just sensible.
~I shower every other day and touch up between. It depends on what's planned that day. My hair is curly and very dry so it gets washed only when necessary.
~Teens shower daily (boys at pool after swim practice) and dd washes hair every other day. My little kids get it when they need it. Sometimes that is daily, sometimes that is every third day. Never longer than that.
~If my clothes are clean I will wear them twice between washing them.
~We each have our own towel and use it for a week (hang to dry between uses) before laundering.
~I do just my sheets and pillow cases weekly. Not the blankets. I usually let the little kids go longer. They don't sweat and are clean when they go to bed. The teens take care of their own so not sure how often they get it.
~I do dishes by hand and only have enough for a meal so they need to be done 3 times/day but I use as little water as possible (soap too).
~I'm still using furniture my mom or others gave me when I left home 25 years ago. I also have lots I 'found' or my friends were getting rid of. You can recover or refinish almost anything.

[QUOTE=Christa;842555]Doesn't anyone exercise daily? I work up a drenching sweat almost every morning, so not showering is really not an option.

QUOTE]

I do Christa and I have to shower and wash my hair daily. I have been trying the water rinse and conditioner every other day on my hair though. I can tell a slight difference in shine but my hair has more body (always a problem for me) on the days I don't shampoo. If I'm going 'anywhere' I'll shampoo and when I'm away from home I shampoo daily (and shower) as well.

I actually only use shampoo about every 5 days--I have very curly hair and it keeps the frizz under control to "wash" with conditioner and only shampoo occasionally. I don't think it saves any money, though, since it takes a *ton* of conditioner. :doh2:

Wow this tread generated quite a few replies! I think 15.00 dollars is a great deal, being that it is pretty much your only form of entertainment! My dh plays an on-line game too for 13.95 a month and he really enjoys it! We both live simply, and only spend money on "things" we really enjoy.... if only I could get my dh to give up that mach 3 razor...tee hee( i hate paying for those blades, although I did find something similar at the 99cent store)
Nice meetin ya hope you stick around to give us your thoughts!

Wow this tread generated quite a few replies! I think 15.00 dollars is a great deal, being that it is pretty much your only form of entertainment! My dh plays an on-line game too for 13.95 a month and he really enjoys it! We both live simply, and only spend money on "things" we really enjoy.... if only I could get my dh to give up that mach 3 razor...tee hee( i hate paying for those blades, although I did find something similar at the 99cent store)
Nice meetin ya hope you stick around to give us your thoughts!

Have you checked eBay? I gpot addicted to the Soleil, but I just bought 12 cartridges on eBay for less than the price of 4 at Wal-Mart. *\o/*

I have to join those who gave thumbs up to the OP - if you're content with your lifestyle, great. The fact that you can see through all that marketing and our society's irrational fear of uncleanliness, i also applaud. One thing to bear in mind is that you can bathe infrequently and that does not imply that you are unpleasant to be around or that you live in a smelly, disgusting pigsty - of course I've known some people like that! And they even bathed regularly! :lol: But it seems like the assumption is that the OP is a nasty skank. I grew up with a lot of kids of Indian immigrants. Their families were as well off as any of us, and the kids tended to do things a la American, but their parents kept to the old habits. This included not bathing everyday, not using deodorant, but they were always well-groomed and not in any way skanky. Their houses were super clean. They just smelled like people, sometimes more so than others, but honestly I think we've been hyper-clean so long that we have no idea that people just have an inherent smell. Like dogs! Most people think that's fine in dogs, but not so much in humans. But that's on a general basis. I know some people have special needs and sensitivities and I support them doing what they have to do - it's just that there are probably a couple billion or so people who have different cultural norms, where a little sniff of pit is nothing. Western culture's hypercleanliness has also been linked to a lot of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and antibiotic resistant bacteria, so it seems like being a little dirtier is a good thing.

It's also a lot cheaper! I shower and wash my hair a couple times a week, and do touch up in between. I use that mineral crystal deodorant, and DH and I swap sheets and towels about every 2 weeks. Our house is tidy and clean, our water bill is next to nothing, and I'm sure we "pass" quite easily most of the time. I'm also sure I get a little smelly in the summer when I have been sweating a lot, but so do a lot of people I know. It just seems normal to me.

~We each have our own towel and use it for a week (hang to dry between uses) before laundering.

Joyofsix, dd and I are going to try this. And here I thought I was doing good by only washing our towels every othere day.

~Julie~

To each his own. I think it's great that you have tried less common approaches!

Re: Bathing once a week
Well if crotch-rot floats your boat knock yourself out, however one whiff of that would make me :bolt:

My dh worked with a young man that just out and out stunk. He couldn't smell himself but everyone else could and they work outside. He said that he wasn't putting anything artificial on his body so he didn't use deodorant or soap, but of course there was no need for soap since he didnt' take a bath. The guys actually put a bag cleaning stuff in his car but that didn't help either. Dh took him to work one week in the summer months. I opened the car and actually gagged it smelled so bad. So there was no more of that let me tell ya.

Okay, I am grossed out by the idea of not showering daily :yucky:...You may think other people do not smell you, but they do...I have had the misfortune of standing next to a gent at church who didn't clean himself and I had to leave as I was gagging so hard I almost threw up :puke:
I know I smell every morning and need a shower...I am in menopause and I sweat at night, my hair gets soaked...also you poo-poo and pee-pee how ever many times a day,and if you don't wipe properly:tp: that is gonna get crusty...maybe I'm the odd man out here but I think you can find other ways to be frugal and save the planet.....

I'm with you Jayne. I'll keep my daily showers, and find other ways to save money.

Many of the following are going to seem strange to those raised in our modern society. The fact that many of you are here shows that you are willing to go against the majority of society and use common sense. I haven't seen anyone else i frugal forums mention how I live, and explain why. There are many good ideas in this forum, and I look forward to learning much more.

The idea that people need a shower every day is a fallacy. I shower once a week, and attend college, where I am surrounded daily by many people, and I have had no comments. Not to mention the main ingredient in most shampoos is harsh on your scalp and can cause hair loss. I use no furniture, save an old beat up computer desk I got for free from a friend years ago. I have slept on the floor for a long time, and have yet to experience problems. I have not bought an item of clothing in years, so I do not need to worry about a clothing budget. I grow a huge beard to save money on razors, as well as the time needed to shave, remember, your most important possession is time. If you are looking for something cheap, fun, and will last many hours, play Everquest 2 online. It's $15 a month, and the whole family can play it. I have many friends who play with their wives, kids, ect. I hope these tips, especially the hygiene ones, will make you question the brainwashing we all have received from society.

as a person who worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years.. I'll stick to daily bathing.
I dont know how you can live without furniture but you are maybe from another country and have plans to return.
As long as the reasons you choose to be hardcore are clear with a time limit as the goal and you plan to at some point bathe daily and have furniture ( a bed), the self imposed hardcore nature of your lifestyle could be worth it... but only if the way your living is tremporary.
I would not wish to live in the way you are as a lifestyle... if I were to.. I'd be a nun and at least have a roof over myhead, free healthcare and a job for life ( teacher most likely) as well as retirment... or a monk if I were a man but that would mean I could also eat lots of garlic because I'd be single too...

I just can't read anymore of this. I do not think we are brainwashed. I work with and live next to people that bathe once per week and I cannot stand the smell! When my son's friends come over, we have to air out each room that they enter. When they sit on his bed, I have to wash everything to get rid of the odor. When I give them a ride to school I have to drive back home with the windows down, no matter the weather. I'm not being mean or rude, they just smell from only getting one shower per week.{and wearing the same outfit for just as long} The kids at school are so mean to these two because of that. I feel sorry for them. Their parents are the same way. The whole family bathes on Saturdays.
I hope this thread ends soon!!! he he

Have to shower and wash my hair every day. I have a very sensitive nose. As for deoderants...sign up for freebies online. I stay stocked up in free deoderant.

I too can't understand the people who say they don't smell. Must be a superhero power, he he.
To me washing every other day is fine, though I love the feeling of the morning shower. I wash my hair every three days with a fantastic clay shampoo and I can wear t-shirts for 2 days, a bit more if I wear it at home.

The salt stone does not work for everyone. I tried it as I was trying to get away from traditional deoderant and it did not work for me. I have to use traditional deoderants. However, I have started making my own scented body lotion and I LOVE IT. It is alot cheaper than "Bath and Body" lotions and smells just as good although it is a little greasier my skin loves it!!! Can you tell I am a woman who loves fro-fro stuff. :cutie:

How do you make your own lotion?? I've got a few recipes somewhere for cold cream and such I've been meaning to try....I'll have to do that soon,but was very curious. Even if it's a bit oilier than a normal lotion it'd prob be great right after a bath.

I just can't read anymore of this. I do not think we are brainwashed. I work with and live next to people that bathe once per week and I cannot stand the smell! When my son's friends come over, we have to air out each room that they enter. When they sit on his bed, I have to wash everything to get rid of the odor. When I give them a ride to school I have to drive back home with the windows down, no matter the weather. I'm not being mean or rude, they just smell from only getting one shower per week.{and wearing the same outfit for just as long} The kids at school are so mean to these two because of that. I feel sorry for them. Their parents are the same way. The whole family bathes on Saturdays.
I hope this thread ends soon!!! he he

Sounds like they need someone to donate and drop off some used clothes for the kids and some baby wipes for in between touch ups. Maybe send them a letter asking them to take a shower on wed(just a brief soap and rinse)it would do wonders.

My dh worked with a young man that just out and out stunk. He couldn't smell himself but everyone else could and they work outside. He said that he wasn't putting anything artificial on his body so he didn't use deodorant or soap, but of course there was no need for soap since he didnt' take a bath. The guys actually put a bag cleaning stuff in his car but that didn't help either. Dh took him to work one week in the summer months. I opened the car and actually gagged it smelled so bad. So there was no more of that let me tell ya.

I worked w a guy like that-said they didn't have the money he was married w 2 very young kids and had just started working there(in a factory no less)-another co-worker sent soap and deodorant down the line for him.

Wow this tread generated quite a few replies! I think 15.00 dollars is a great deal, being that it is pretty much your only form of entertainment! My dh plays an on-line game too for 13.95 a month and he really enjoys it! We both live simply, and only spend money on "things" we really enjoy.... if only I could get my dh to give up that mach 3 razor...tee hee( i hate paying for those blades, although I did find something similar at the 99cent store)
Nice meetin ya hope you stick around to give us your thoughts!

My fiance said his ex ran off w both of his and would not give them back. I have seen the razor for sale at Dollar General...and we go to the flea market to get the best deals on the blades. I have tried it it is nice. I have one of those Schick effects w the wires...I have to get blades at flea market they only make ones w conditioner strip-which does not work for me and irritates me.

This thread has become interesting. Like I said, I showered daily when I did construction work, or when I was in the Army, usually twice a day, after PT, and before bed. I've known when I stunk, stuck in a hot vehicle in Iraq, couldn't roll down the bulletproof windows, on patrol in 120+ degree temps, carrying 100lbs of gear, so rushed I couldn't shower for a couple weeks sometimes. I have slept on the floor for years, and I am used to it, probably won't ever buy a bed. I quit using shampoo about three months ago. I have always had severe scalp problems, and once I quit using shampoo, just running warm/hot water through my hair, the problems stopped. My hair was really oily for a couple of weeks, but now it looks a whole lot healthier, and is not oily at all. I use deodorant(not antiperspirant). Look on the back of your antiperspirant, if one of the ingredients is aluminum zirconium gly, or something similar, toss it. I am a chemistry major, and have been studying some of the chemicals in our cleaning products, and it is scary. The main ingredient in shampoos is used as an industrial degreaser/cleaner in higher concentrations. It was hard giving up shampoo, but now I do not have nearly the same scalp problems I used to. I am not mocking anyone here or saying you are brainwashed. I was mainly talking about the vast majority of society, who mindlessly consume with no thought for tomorrow. I do not exercise anymore, as the reason I got a medical discharge was severe stress fractures in my lower legs, so running/jogging is out of the question. I take really long walks and go on hikes though.

I had to add my 2cents on this one, My dh showers daily in the summer, he works road construction (trust me its a must), during the winter depending on what they do he showers every other day or so, the kids shower every other day, our roommate also showers everyother day, i will shower every other day or every third day, unless its in the summer and then depending what we each did we will shower--showers are kept to 10-15 min each, we all use a towel myself and dd have used 2 towels but now have those towel wraps (gotten free on free cycle) always wash towels once a week, in summer bed sheets are done weekly winter once a month. I do not wash baggies to time consuming for me. I do cut out other things. I wear my jeans 2 to 3 days in the winter, summer maybe 2 depending on what i did, and how hot I got, I use under arm deonante every day. when my girls were teens they showered everyday my boys did when pupity hit now just every other day. I use my dishwasher before it broke:cry: now wash dishes by hand, (well the kids do lol), roommate pay $15.00 a month for a game subscription for two games but all 7 of us plays the games. then the kids have their free games that they play. but dh takes lunch to work,,,homeschool kids so plan lunches for kids and breakfast, just make easy and cheap things. I find ways to cut things out that we don't use or not important to us. my dh and roommate use the fusion razor and I love it i use it two but the blades last 5 months so its not as bad dh grows a beard in the winter just because he is working out side but in the summer its to hot roommate has a mustuch and gotte(i know spelling wrong brain freeze), I use libary for books and movies ect. use on line banking to help save money, am trying to talk hubby into on line bill paying still working on that one do use over phone paying most of the time. the whole not having a bed can't understand I have fibormyalgia and a bad back having a comfortable bed is a must, If i don't get a good night sleep I can't function most of my furniture is 2nd hand, either hand me downs or bought at garage sale, most of clothes except undies and socks are bought at garage sales or grand parents buy the kids new clothes, I did supluge on new bedding got the best i could for the buck, I am all for thinking out side the box but I think each person should do what they are comfortable with and what works for their family. some will do things others can't understand, i can't see how people wash baggies thats not for me, but others do it, I use powedered milk and make alot from scratch buy generic, on most things I use my dryer in the winter this helps with heat and humity in my house since I did not use gas heat this winter. just electic heaters. and hot water bottles. will hang clothes when kids are home and health allows, sometimes my health says just how furgal i can be, and i have learned to handle those time and always have a back up plan and sometimes that means just ordering pizza knowing your limitation and allowing for those times is what is important. the big picture not just all the little things that could drive yourself crazy with imho. I have enjoyed reading all the post on the site there are alot of great people from alot of different back grounds, which makes it very cool,:grouphug2

The idea that people need a shower every day is a fallacy. I shower once a week, and attend college, where I am surrounded daily by many people, and I have had no comments. Not to mention the main ingredient in most shampoos is harsh on your scalp and can cause hair loss.

If you are looking for something cheap, fun, and will last many hours, play Everquest 2 online. It's $15 a month, and the whole family can play it. I have many friends who play with their wives, kids, ect. I hope these tips, especially the hygiene ones, will make you question the brainwashing we all have received from society.

I agree with the showering every day, I don't do it. I have very sensitive skin so showering all the time dries out my skin horribly. I shower every other to every 3 days cause long hair does start to show some greasiness.

And as for entertainment, I play a game almost similar to EQ called Runescape. I pay $5 a month for it and I have access to a ton of things. Also it's a java web browser game so there's nothing to down load. You can only have 1 person to an account because they don't allow multi users to make the game fair but it's fun and it's cheap I love it.

I usually shower every other day and wash my hair every other day. However, when I go in to volunteer I take a quick shower or shower the night before. When it is summer I may take two quick showers day especially if I am outside. For some reason I feel like I have a film of yuck on me. The going with out a shower or sponge bath really depends on what I am doing that day. Around people, then need to clean up!! Being an ex-smoker, I know that you can definately get used to your own stink. LOL.

Hey, everyone is allowed their own view. So as far as washing towels and sheets. That is a once a week deal here.

Well this has nothing to do about showering- but like to know how others are cutting down on spending, when you still have bills to pay. I have cut back so much this month, and now hubby isn't get paid for his self employment job- we have electric turn off, cell phone bills, a collection company and car insurance, the big bills that all need to be paid - i can't pay everything, and the more we have to cut back the more depressed I get- today in tears again, scared that we are going to lose everything.any help would be appreciated
scared in colorado

bunnie, I like what Dave Ramsey says about keeping afloat in difficult times.

First, keep the four walls/roof over your head paid (rent/mortgage), keep food and utilities taken care of. Inexpensive transportation is next to get to & from work, etc.
Everything else moves to the bottom of the list and is paid as you can.

Dave says- Sell so much stuff the kids think they're next , and taking extra work like delivering pizza or part time ups driver can help a lot.

I know it's tough and the tears will flow, give your hubby an extra hug and hang in there.:grouphug2

Hi,
the problem is I am already working almost 60 hours a week, and I am paying all that I can- when hubby has no money coming in, then I feel that it falls on me- I turned over my credit cards to a debt consolidation company who is taking 600 a month from my paycheck- I have no health insurance on my kids and husband, because when I dropped it, it was before I found out about the garnishment on my paycheck- I feel that I am going in financial circles, the garnishment is suppose to come off in june or july- but if they can take me to court, I worry about others doing the same thing- I'm tired, I'm depressed and over all not happy right now- I feel so beat up- my best friend that I had at work is moving further away from me, she has moved on with her life and I'm not included

This is an interesting thread. I admire everyone for their views. I say do whatever works for you. I shower everyday. The warm water relaxes my neck muscles (I have neck problems). I like the clean feeling before I go to bed. My showers are quick, 5 minutes or less. I have short hair so I do wash my hair every day, shave every other. I find my razors last for 6-8 weeks. I reuse my towel 3 times before washing it. My husband showers and shaves every day (electric razor). Reuses the towel 3 times. Wish my teenage kids would reuse their towels. They do okay with the time in the shower. I knock on the door and remind them to GET OUT! I wash all the bed sheets once a week. It's a must. Blankets and such get washed on an as needed bases. Sometimes a good airing out is all they need. If I ever needed to cut back drasticly I think I could do it.

My DBF and I have 2 towels each, well I have 3 but one of them is for my hair only. We go to a laundry mat because our landlord took the washer and dryer away because it was "breaking to much". We only go ever 2 weeks so our towels have to last. I have 1 for each week and my hair one goes the whole 2 weeks. Since I don't take a shower or bath daily it's not really a big deal. Now on the other hand my DBF feels the need to take 2 shower/ or baths a day, I wish he wouldn't but I can't tell him no because he does pay the rent. Half the time he ends up using my towels because his are "used" Drives me crazy but I got used to it. At least I can call my self frugal cause I know I'm trying to save money.

i am as frugal as i can be but i will not give up my shower every day and i dont spend unless i have to i do have cable but i dont go out for anything else and i rent movies for free from the libiary but i do buy dvds and tape tv shows for when i do get rid of the cable hang dry everything cause i have to pay to do laundry where i live and at 1.25 per load same as for drying it saves hanging it i have 2 clothes racks i save everywhere i can

Well this has nothing to do about showering- but like to know how others are cutting down on spending, when you still have bills to pay. I have cut back so much this month, and now hubby isn't get paid for his self employment job- we have electric turn off, cell phone bills, a collection company and car insurance, the big bills that all need to be paid - i can't pay everything, and the more we have to cut back the more depressed I get- today in tears again, scared that we are going to lose everything.any help would be appreciated
scared in colorado

I can relate we are just now getting things back in order. our roommate had a scooter accident and broke both arms he was out of work for 3 months we had his comp pay but the insurance company was a pain to deal with I hated dealing with them :furious: we were behind on everything we had to use electric heaters because we were unable to get the gas turned on even tehn it was hard to keep up with the bills-luckly it was during the winter and the cold winter rule were they can not shut off the electicity if the weather is a certin temp. we were lucky we got our income taxes and our roomate got his and the money from is 401k because he was laid off we used that money to get everything caught up except the electicity witch i have on a pay agreement if I miss a payment the whole thing comes dues which you can see how much :dollar:that is from my signature. Some times the only thing you can do is make a list of the bills and just start at the top and pay what you can then the others will have to wait, I understand the friend thing also I don't have any friend really except on line because when I stopped helping my friend she quit calling and just stopped being my friend. I guess I just take what i learned and move on I also told my self over and over "this to shall pass" and belive it it worked things are looking up my health is starting to get better, I am getting the dept down. I am getting caught up, starting to get my pantry and freeze stocked again (had a good back up of meat and pantry until someone we had staying with us stole a bunch and took it over to her mom :furious:) so had to build that up again lucky we have had a lot of good sales and coupons and close outs and manager specials and now have a decent back up still need to get a few more things but its getting there, also just found out oldest dd is going to have her 1st baby, (in dec we think find out for sure next month) so things will start to look up just take it one day a time. and if you need to vent fill free to either leave a priviate message for me or email me at prontti@sbcglobal.net and I will be more then happy to listen. hope this helps take care and remember this to shall pass....

I have to join those who gave thumbs up to the OP - if you're content with your lifestyle, great. The fact that you can see through all that marketing and our society's irrational fear of uncleanliness, i also applaud. One thing to bear in mind is that you can bathe infrequently and that does not imply that you are unpleasant to be around or that you live in a smelly, disgusting pigsty - of course I've known some people like that! And they even bathed regularly! :lol: But it seems like the assumption is that the OP is a nasty skank. I grew up with a lot of kids of Indian immigrants. Their families were as well off as any of us, and the kids tended to do things a la American, but their parents kept to the old habits. This included not bathing everyday, not using deodorant, but they were always well-groomed and not in any way skanky. Their houses were super clean. They just smelled like people, sometimes more so than others, but honestly I think we've been hyper-clean so long that we have no idea that people just have an inherent smell. Like dogs! Most people think that's fine in dogs, but not so much in humans. But that's on a general basis. I know some people have special needs and sensitivities and I support them doing what they have to do - it's just that there are probably a couple billion or so people who have different cultural norms, where a little sniff of pit is nothing. Western culture's hypercleanliness has also been linked to a lot of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and antibiotic resistant bacteria, so it seems like being a little dirtier is a good thing.

It's also a lot cheaper! I shower and wash my hair a couple times a week, and do touch up in between. I use that mineral crystal deodorant, and DH and I swap sheets and towels about every 2 weeks. Our house is tidy and clean, our water bill is next to nothing, and I'm sure we "pass" quite easily most of the time. I'm also sure I get a little smelly in the summer when I have been sweating a lot, but so do a lot of people I know. It just seems normal to me.

Great post! Totally agree here.

Well, we don't sleep on the floor, but we don't have a bed, we just have an Ikea mattress. Our flat didn't come with one and so, we decided we didn't need one. We have furniture, but only what came with the flat, although I did give in and spend £20 on a table and chair set so we could eat dinner like real people and face each other.

I guess I consider showering to be one of the great pleasures in life, but also, I live in the UK and they charge me £100 a month for water and trash, no matter how much or little I use so....I use as much as I want. ha. Although, when I paid for how much I used, I def. didn't shower twice a day.

After reading everyone else's replies to this post, just wanted to add what my boyfriend and I do to save as much money as possible...

1. Washing. We both own a lot of clothes (not that we buy any anymore, we just still have a lot from when we lived with our parents), so we only really need to do laundry once a month. We take most of it to the laundry mat because we only have a washer and it's so cold and damp here that it literally takes 2 weeks for anything heavy to dry on the drying racks. It costs us £35 to do all of our laundry.
We do wash all of our sheets at home though (as they are not thick). We only have a mattress cover, bottom fitted sheet, and duvet. We just put a duvet cover on top of the duvet and wash only that. We have two of each, so while one is washing and drying, we have one to use. I do, however, have three pillow cases per pillow (6 cases), so that I can change those every four days or so. That way, where our face is stays clean, so I only have to change the sheets every two weeks. Also...seriously, if you take a shower right before you hop into bed, your sheets stay cleaner much longer. Ick to dirty feet in the bed.

2. Food. Other than rent and bills, the only thing I budget for and spend on is food. We love food. Well, I love food more than he does, but still. I budget £200 per month to feed us, the cat, and buy things like toilet paper, dish washing soap, ect. I walk the 3 miles to the big grocery store, buy store brands, and then take the bus home, once a week (or less as needed). Then I buy all of our fresh veggies from the grocer next door. I love veggies and cooking, so I buy frozen food in bulk. I can buy a huge bag of frozen, store brand peas for £1.25 and it lasts months. We also stopped using fresh milk as we rarely use it for actual drinking, just for my baking or cooking. We just use powdered milk and at .85 p, I think it's a good deal, as it makes several gallons. I make all of our own pasta sauce and chili and freeze it. I bake all of our own cookies and things, freezing excess. I think, honestly, the thing we spend the most money on is lettuce and greens, since we both hate iceburg, and prefer mixed salads...and we each eat at least one salad a day. I have my mother mail me Good Seasoning salad dressing mix, as we have nothing like that here. It saves so much money. When we can't afford even that, we buy cheap balsamic vinegar and add some garlic.
3. Bills. While we don't have to pay for water, we do have to pay for electricity. And sadly, our heating is electric!!! Even sadder, we live in a very old building with huge windows, no insulation, ect. So anytime we actually turn the heaters on, it never even heats up the place. So, we sit next to each other on the couch, wrapped up in layers, under a blanket, and make do with no heat. very very cold in scotland in december....but when I learned that we have friends paying £700 electricity bills, we decided we were very happy with our £30 one. We figured, we are at work or at school all day, and on weekends, we are either out of the house or I am cooking and the oven heats the place up okay. honestly, if we had the money for it...we would love to be warmer, but we just can't.
4. Clothing. If you live in the UK and you hate spending real money on clothes, you're pretty lucky. fashion turnover here is waaaay faster than in the states, so even at big name department store, the season sales are amazing. I bought an amazing designer coat that had been £265 for...£25. And it was warm and lined and kept me toasty all winter....much better than any other coat I tried. I also bought a new skirt for job interviews for £5.
5. Transportation. we walk everywhere. We are lucky we have very very very amazing public transport, but we rarely use it. Neither of us think of it to walk three miles to the grocery store or four miles to the botanical garden where we will, um, walk around some more. We might take a bus home if we are tired (or are lugging lots of groceries), but in general, this city is really conducive to walking. Everyone walks or rides bikes. So our transportation costs generally do not exceed £10 a month.
6. Everything else. I put £100 away a month into my savings and try to pay £200 a month towards debt. On occasion, I work a few shifts as a coat girl or at my old retail job and so we can go to the movies or eat dinner at a cheap restaurant. And when I can, I buy a plant. Not a cool plant, but something green for £1 or £2, just because I like having plants in the house.

I am new to Frugal Village. I live in the states.
Washing - I admit to washing everyday, I am now reconsidering. I have four children, and I swap all their clothes. I have a great community of friends, and we all swap clothes, so I rarely have to buy anything. I buy shoes on clearance at Target for $5.
I have solar panels, so the elextric is free. I use the solar credit check, and apply it towards my other utilities(gas and water are paid for).
I buy used cars, my car is 7 years old. I have managed to get our food shopping bill down to $350 a month, this includes a dog and 2 cats. The cost of food has risen so much, and I am spending less, now.
I used cloth diapers on all of my children, so I am considering cloth for toilet paper. My husband does not know if he can handle this. I love the idea of a cedar toilet(human waste composting), but I fear I will scar my children for life.

Meg
Married to DH for 11 years
mother to and schooling DS 10, DS 10, DD 7 and DS 5

In debt, but not ready to print it out in black and white.
After reading everyone else's replies to this post, just wanted to add what my boyfriend and I do to save as much money as possible...

1. Washing. We both own a lot of clothes (not that we buy any anymore, we just still have a lot from when we lived with our parents), so we only really need to do laundry once a month. We take most of it to the laundry mat because we only have a washer and it's so cold and damp here that it literally takes 2 weeks for anything heavy to dry on the drying racks. It costs us £35 to do all of our laundry.
We do wash all of our sheets at home though (as they are not thick). We only have a mattress cover, bottom fitted sheet, and duvet. We just put a duvet cover on top of the duvet and wash only that. We have two of each, so while one is washing and drying, we have one to use. I do, however, have three pillow cases per pillow (6 cases), so that I can change those every four days or so. That way, where our face is stays clean, so I only have to change the sheets every two weeks. Also...seriously, if you take a shower right before you hop into bed, your sheets stay cleaner much longer. Ick to dirty feet in the bed.

2. Food. Other than rent and bills, the only thing I budget for and spend on is food. We love food. Well, I love food more than he does, but still. I budget £200 per month to feed us, the cat, and buy things like toilet paper, dish washing soap, ect. I walk the 3 miles to the big grocery store, buy store brands, and then take the bus home, once a week (or less as needed). Then I buy all of our fresh veggies from the grocer next door. I love veggies and cooking, so I buy frozen food in bulk. I can buy a huge bag of frozen, store brand peas for £1.25 and it lasts months. We also stopped using fresh milk as we rarely use it for actual drinking, just for my baking or cooking. We just use powdered milk and at .85 p, I think it's a good deal, as it makes several gallons. I make all of our own pasta sauce and chili and freeze it. I bake all of our own cookies and things, freezing excess. I think, honestly, the thing we spend the most money on is lettuce and greens, since we both hate iceburg, and prefer mixed salads...and we each eat at least one salad a day. I have my mother mail me Good Seasoning salad dressing mix, as we have nothing like that here. It saves so much money. When we can't afford even that, we buy cheap balsamic vinegar and add some garlic.
3. Bills. While we don't have to pay for water, we do have to pay for electricity. And sadly, our heating is electric!!! Even sadder, we live in a very old building with huge windows, no insulation, ect. So anytime we actually turn the heaters on, it never even heats up the place. So, we sit next to each other on the couch, wrapped up in layers, under a blanket, and make do with no heat. very very cold in scotland in december....but when I learned that we have friends paying £700 electricity bills, we decided we were very happy with our £30 one. We figured, we are at work or at school all day, and on weekends, we are either out of the house or I am cooking and the oven heats the place up okay. honestly, if we had the money for it...we would love to be warmer, but we just can't.
4. Clothing. If you live in the UK and you hate spending real money on clothes, you're pretty lucky. fashion turnover here is waaaay faster than in the states, so even at big name department store, the season sales are amazing. I bought an amazing designer coat that had been £265 for...£25. And it was warm and lined and kept me toasty all winter....much better than any other coat I tried. I also bought a new skirt for job interviews for £5.
5. Transportation. we walk everywhere. We are lucky we have very very very amazing public transport, but we rarely use it. Neither of us think of it to walk three miles to the grocery store or four miles to the botanical garden where we will, um, walk around some more. We might take a bus home if we are tired (or are lugging lots of groceries), but in general, this city is really conducive to walking. Everyone walks or rides bikes. So our transportation costs generally do not exceed £10 a month.
6. Everything else. I put £100 away a month into my savings and try to pay £200 a month towards debt. On occasion, I work a few shifts as a coat girl or at my old retail job and so we can go to the movies or eat dinner at a cheap restaurant. And when I can, I buy a plant. Not a cool plant, but something green for £1 or £2, just because I like having plants in the house.

I wish I didn't have to shower daily but I work in a gym. I do my workout at 6am and then the rest of the day I trained women how to use the equipment. Then when I go to bed, there is the night sweats(premature menopause). Believe me, I know the women who haven't showered in a while, I get to weigh and measure them. But I keep a smile on my face and they haven't a clue that I can smell them.

since i am medicall disabled, along with a disabled mother (81) and a disabled siter along wiht my autistic daughter, daughter get regubaths everyothernight thougwe shoot for daily...her body needs it wbut the spirit has gone to sleep oner,,lol...us old folks can go maybe three days before we ahve to shower, were all go nowhere and 90% of the time we stay in our jammeies allday,, Britt has school so she needs to shower and wash her hair deodoranrt is not something i could give up,,,just cleaning i sweat alot due to heat and me not able to breathe at times i think i' going the big change ,,,too hot too vold! yikes! us old folks do shower at least 3 times a week and wash our hair before the greasies take over---unless we have to go to the grocery on the 3rd for payday we might even put on a spitz of perfume and find them fancy old clothes we got...i domean old...no one rarely buys clthes except fr my daughter who just will not stop the growing...5'7" and still growing...anyway...don't weant to be too long, it is late and i think my ambien is kicking is as my keyboard is slanting to the left and is hard to type...lol...not to many typos i hope! :oD later y'all

My father grew up in a time when people did not bathe daily. He showered once a week but sponge bathed daily. He was never dirty.
I shower, I enjoy the feeling of freshness.
I have taken navy baths when my water heater was going and should do so more frequently. Not only to save money but for the environment as well.
For those of you who don't know what that is, a navy bath is when you turn the water on to lather up, shut it off, and turn it back on to rinse.
Could be the middle of the road.
As far as the rest of my household, I have a daughter that showers so long I threaten to turn the water heater off.

As far as the rest of my household, I have a daughter that showers so long I threaten to turn the water heater off.

I had to chuckle about this. My brother in law also takes REALLY long showers. When my sister wants him out of the shower then she runs the hot water in the kitchen sink this causes him to get all cold water in his shower. He yells. She uses it as her signal for him to get out of the shower.

We shower daily because it makes other free activities far more pleasant. :shhh:

I have solar panels, so the elextric is free. I use the solar credit check, and apply it towards my other utilities(gas and water are paid for).

I am very interested in solar panels. If you don't mind me asking, how much was the initial cash outlay? I've also been told that they're not very efficient for New Englanders, but our house bakes in the sun year-round (as long as it's not snowing or raining) so I don't see how that's not possible for us.

ok 1st of all I work to hard for my money to sleep on the floor.....i deserve a bed!!! Second of all, I need a shower more than once a week!! I don't dress to the t, but I do like cute clothes. you can buy very cheap furniture @ the thrift store. My aunt gave us her old furniture & its like brand new. I guess whatever fits your lifestyle is fine.....but I got to have a shower, bed & furniture. I'm a bargain shopper, but I will pay for a few extra things in life :)