What items do you not buy (that save money)?

**brennasmom** · 06-28-2011, 08:17 PM

Wondering what items you don't buy that save money by not using them?

**Spirit Deer** · 06-28-2011, 08:37 PM

For years we didn't have central AC in our house. We saved BIG on that. We did have a window AC in my office, so for the few days it was actually hot here each year, we could cool down there or in the RV.

**brennasmom** · 06-28-2011, 08:41 PM

* We don't have A/C
* Don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets

**sunshine** · 06-28-2011, 08:53 PM

No clothes dryer - I hang outdoors in good weather - on retractable lines in the spare bedroom in bad weather.

No new cars - we buy reliable used ones - less insurance, paid for in cash so no interest on loans.

**RaineyDaye** · 06-28-2011, 09:12 PM

no cable t.v.

**forHISglory** · 06-28-2011, 09:54 PM

Great question. We don't drink or smoke, so no money going for those products. Also don't drink much in the way of soda, and don't buy snack or convenience foods. We have quit buying clothes except for underwear. For the time being, we have enough clothes. We have only 1 cell phone and it has no camera and no texting. We don't buy extended warrenties on anything. We don't buy lottery tickets or raffle tickets or gamble. We don't buy much in the way of books or music or movies anymore, or if we do, they are nickle and dime books at yard sales. Otherwise the library provides quite well for us. We don't have a pet anymore, so we don't buy pet food nor do we have vet bills. I don't buy make up anymore, but I do continue to use moisturizer. I've quit coloring my hair, so that is no longer an expense. And I don't wear hose anymore, so no money going out for that.

I like this question because it makes me think. There are no right or wrong answers, but it raises the issues of where we place values and how we handle sacrifice. We have always enjoyed travel and are quite willing to sacrifice the above items so that we can trade it off for travel.

**Spirit Deer** · 06-28-2011, 10:29 PM

I understood the question to be things that continue to cost money even after they're paid for, like AC or clothes dryers.

We don't buy a lot of things like cake mixes and canned frosting anymore, or a lot of other convenience foods for that matter.

We usually don't use disposable dishes when we camp. And never at home. When we're doing a marathon trip though, we do because it's worth it then not to have to clean up.

**MaryCarney** · 06-28-2011, 10:45 PM

I buy only about 1-2 rolls of paper towels per year. They are used only for very specific tasks (like windows).
I never bought disposable diapers for my youngest two - used cloth and saved a bundle.
Never 'bought' a manicure or pedicure.

**daylily** · 06-28-2011, 10:55 PM

I don't buy:
fabric softener, dryer sheets
tobacco or alcohol products
sodas, candy, etc
processed foods, convenience foods
make-up, hair spray, conditioner, perfume
cable tv
fancy electronic gadgets
new clothes except underwear & shoes sometimes
new cars
decorative things for the house

Probably more that I'm forgetting.

**brennasmom** · 06-28-2011, 11:03 PM

* I don't wear makeup
* Use minimal paper towels (maybe 1 roll per month)
* I don't drink (DH buys beer on occassion)

**krbshappy71** · 06-28-2011, 11:52 PM

Disposable dishes, dryer sheets, makeup, hair dye, fabric softener, switched to hand-washing dishes so I no longer buy dishwasher soap and don't plan to repair dishwasher.

I only buy kleenex if someone is attacked by a terrible cold, otherwise its TP for daily sniffles/allergies. Then I buy 1 box and don't replace it until needed again. (usually months or more between colds)

I only buy over-the-counter medicine when it is needed. (my parents tend to keep everything on hand) usually my medicine then expires before I need it again so I don't see the point of having something in stock that I don't use enough of.

I don't pay for cable but I haven't been willing to give up internet yet.

Don't have a house phone but not willing to give up cell phone yet.

I don't remember the last time I bought checks, everything is online now.

I look forward to reading other responses to get more ideas, thanks for this thread.

**frugalfranny** · 06-29-2011, 12:40 AM

No AC..........and no cable.

I never use dryer sheets or fabric softener.

I have been 'priced out' and REFUSE to buy:

Johnsonville sausage of any kind...links or patties.

Jimmy Dean sausage....

Soda..........though I don't drink much. But won't pay the price for a six pack of something I don't need anyway. (am hoping for a good sale on Squirt but it isn't happening for the 4th!!)

I am about to switch to Kraft mayo as Best Foods has just
gotten "stupidly" priced!!!

I could be priced out of the ice cream market soon...but I don't
eat much of that either.........I do like it in the summer.

**shoiji** · 06-29-2011, 08:30 AM

Purchase about 2 rolls of paper towels a year. Many times people give me these.

No tobacco or alcohol.

Gasoline and car insurance. No longer have a car.

**savvy_sniper** · 06-29-2011, 08:44 AM

Newspaper works great for cleaning windows!

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

I buy only about 1-2 rolls of paper towels per year. They are used only for very specific tasks (like windows).
I never bought disposable diapers for my youngest two - used cloth and saved a bundle.
Never 'bought' a manicure or pedicure.

**Judi Dial** · 06-29-2011, 09:14 AM

hand lotion, shaving cream We use a concentrate made for adding to melt/pour soaps instead, use about 1 lb every 2 years.

spray oils/sprayers for greasing pans, use a thin coat spread w/silicone brush or butter papers

coffee filters, use a French press instead

TV, space, electricity, programming, cable, etc. Don't have and don't want one

2nd car, we now have one car and a motorcycle

paper napkins, bought used commercial cloth ones years ago at a "yard sale" the linen rental company had, still using them

Along this line, but not quite, a while back I bought a chamois for my bathroom and stopped buying glass cleaner. I wipe off the chrome and glass with the chamois instead.

Judi