Is is easy for you to make do with what your have?

**homesteadmamma** · 05-14-2004, 09:42 PM

Or would you rather just run out and get something new. I find myself more and more making do with what I have. I've gotten to the point where I really don't enjoy shopping so if I have something that needs fixing, we fix it. If something stops working, we always see if we have something that can do the same job.

How about you? Is this easy for you or do you find it hard.

**AmyBoz** · 05-14-2004, 09:57 PM

I don't even remember the last thing we bought new. (Okay, it was the exercise bike, but Rob bought that with his saved birthday & Christmas money.) (Okay, actually, I guess if you want to get technical, it's the new house, but you know what I mean.) We are big use it up, fix it, use it up again, then fix it again type of people. I enjoy seeing how long we can make something last. And, the fact of the matter is, they don't make 'em (ANYTHING) like they used to, so the old stuff we have is actually better quality.

**sunshine** · 05-14-2004, 10:04 PM

Much easier to make do-- we live in the boonies, and have to drive a ways to get anywhere to shop. So it's easier to just make do with what we have.

I work hard for my money and my hobby is seeing how little of it I can spend--- so I'd rather make do, than buy new.

**ThriftyWife** · 05-15-2004, 12:15 AM

I always joke with Dh that I must not be a "real" woman 'cause I hate to shop. I think it comes down to the quality issue, stuff from past years does seem to be made better ~ I'd always rather have something sturdy over something showy. So I end up buying second-hand a lot, sure beats feeling like your tossing money down the drain. I prefer to fix what we have if we can get a few more miles out of whatever it is, and replacing with a gently used bargain when we need to. Sure saves $$.

Vicky

**Chea** · 05-15-2004, 07:10 AM

I'm learning the fine art of "make it last or do without"
For me it was always just get a new one but I'm learning I get much more enjoyment out of watching my savings acct grow than anything else would!

**Michelle** · 05-15-2004, 08:55 AM

Sometimes I find it hard, but most of the time budget doesn't allow it. Plus to me, if something is broken, and I can fix it, I'd much rather do that and save my money.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 05-16-2004, 03:29 AM

Gee, I am sitting here, wearing an old, holey tshirt for a nightgown and a pair of shorts I bought at a garage sale for .25. Do you think I make do?

I don't even have any lights in my refridgerator right now because I can't afford to find out what's wrong with it (I replaced the burned out lights and STILL no light!). I figure that it keeps the food cold. That is what matters.

**Shell** · 05-16-2004, 09:25 AM

I have to work on it. Before I run out and go clothes shopping I have to talk to myself about making due with what I have already. One day I hope it will just be a habit.

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-16-2004, 12:27 PM

We did buy a dishwasher a couple of months ago. I don't notice any difference in the bills and I got a couple years worth of detergent for free or really cheap. I don't like to shop either, but do enjoy a good bargain. I had to buy a toaster too. Our old one was shot! I found a really nice one on clearance at Target. Right now I need a manual can opener. The last one bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. I don't like to use the electric one unless I have a big bunch of cans to open. I'm sure I'll buy one someday.

**Dixie** · 05-16-2004, 12:40 PM

I like making do. It's a game to me, seeing how long I can stretch things.

**guest2** · 05-16-2004, 02:28 PM

I make do when I can. I do buy new major appliances though when the old ones have died beyond anything that hubby can repair or have become a safety hazard.

**AmyMCGS** · 05-16-2004, 04:45 PM

Neither DH or I is very good at repairing home stuff, so we tended in the past to just buy new. Over the last year, with me going to part-time salary rather than full-time, we have really started to try and make do with what we have.

**Jerseygirl** · 05-17-2004, 07:38 PM

We make do a lot--we also find that things just sorta find their way here--when someone we know upgrades/moves etc we get a lot of hand me downs.

**graci42** · 05-19-2004, 10:57 PM

I can make do...but what I really enjoy is making "home-made"!

It felt great to crochette a couple of "new" wash cloths rather than go buy new ones that won't last 6 months. My home-made ones will last several years. I plan on making a few for family for Christmas.

I made laundry detergent...by the way I love it! works wonderfully and my supplies (a little over 7 dollars) will make enough to last a year or more!

I'm planning on making a few of my children's gifts this year, too. AND I'm going to cut back on the amount of gifts and look for bargains year round rather than pay exorbitant amounts of money at Christmas!

We've gone from 2 paychecks to 1 and a joke (part-time at k-mart). It has been an interesting test of my frugal skills to say the least!

**MJsLady** · 05-20-2004, 09:45 AM

Welllll lets see
the kids commode handle thing broke (doncha love my tech talk????

) and instead of buying another one I sewed (yes you saw right!) it back on the ball thingy with apolstery thread.
I used electrical tape (some one made off with my duct tape) to repair my 100 ft hose....
I suppose I make do....