Favorite Frugal Tip or Timesaver

**The Savvy Saver** · 07-14-2004, 09:57 AM

Hi, I just wanted to know what everyone's favorite frugal tip or timesaver is. One of mine is stocking up on Magic Clean Erasers. Before, if my little one ever made a mark on the walls with a crayon, it took forever to get off. I used a little bleach or SOS pad and sometimes ruined the paint. Now any marks come off instantly. The only thing it doesn't get out is markers. But these are great. At Walmart they cost 1.88, and sometimes you can get a coupon for a 1.00 off.

**gkp1031** · 07-14-2004, 06:35 PM

My biggest timesaver is to do a 15 minute pick up of the house at night. I make sure dishes are done, floor is swept, everything is in its place and I set out clothes, food, briefcase and things that I need for the following morning. Doing this, makes it easier to keep the house clean, I'd rather clean a small mess than have a big one to clean up. Plus, in the morning, I don't have to run around for everything. Can you tell I'm an organized freak!??

**The Savvy Saver** · 07-14-2004, 07:15 PM

You are organized!! Just trying to do the dishes before going to bed is a big deal to me!

**canadian gardener** · 07-14-2004, 08:29 PM

Menu planning. saves me dollars and lots of aggravation in the "what's for dinner?" derby everyday.

**pip** · 07-14-2004, 11:51 PM

I'd say menu planning, too. Although, I also try to get the house (at least the main living area) picked up before I go to bed, too. Both are big time savers.

**Michele Annette** · 07-19-2004, 12:55 PM

I too have to plan a menu in order to stick with our budget and make life that much easier!

My favorite frugal tip is to stockpile on a favorite item when it's on sale and a fabulous deal with coupons...I try to stockpile as much as I can.

**guest2** · 07-19-2004, 04:15 PM

I try to have a load of laundry done the last thing at night before we go to bed so it is ready to be hung on the line in the morning. I try to make sure it it things like jeans that take the longest to dry outside.

I also stock up on great deals on food, gift items, etc, so that I don't have top make special trips into town to pick things up.

**rowdy35** · 10-01-2008, 07:34 PM

I make our lunches the night before and set the coffee pot too so in the morning, prep time is minimal.

**Sassyclass** · 10-02-2008, 10:55 AM

It would have to be my CrockPot. I work 12 hours and DBF and I get off work at the same time when he is in the warehouse. He goes in later so all he has to do is plug it in and set the time.

Cat

**shoiji** · 10-02-2008, 12:36 PM

Rags instead of paper towels, enough clean underwear for two weeks. May sound extreme, but when you have to use a coin operated washer and dryer it really does save on money. Only do laundry every other week instead of weekly. Check in daily to stay on track with finances and learn things on frugal village.

**Contrary Housewife** · 10-02-2008, 01:04 PM

Brown-bag lunches is probably our biggest money-saver. It's so easy to make an extra chicken breast with dinner, or a little extra chili and put it in a container for the next day. Even a cheap lunch bought out every day can cost you $40-$50 a week!

**Lady_V** · 10-02-2008, 01:10 PM

"If I can't see it, I can't want it"...

That has to be my biggest frugal tip... since I cut out 'window shopping' my need to spend has reduced drastically.

**DJ1972** · 10-02-2008, 01:10 PM

Never walk through or leave a room without taking something out that doesn't belong. My mom always did this so I guess that's why I do. Even if I get up to go to the bathroom I will scan the room and see if anything needs to go to the trash or kitchen or utility room. It keeps things tidy. I also like the kitchen counters to be clean/clear and the sink empty before I go to bed.

**joyofsix** · 10-02-2008, 01:10 PM

Kids pack their lunch and get back pack ready the night before. Dh does the same.

We have saved tons of time and money once I realized everybody needed no more than three pair of pants and five shirts to be clothed. Cuts way down on clutter and I know what everyone has.

**MomK** · 10-03-2008, 03:13 PM

I try to have something to occupy my mind or hands all the time. For example, I don't just watch tv. Instead, I'll knit while I watch. When I go to dks' ballgames, I take my textbook and read until the game starts (or during the game if it's a real sleeper!). I used to take papers to grade at ballgames. That is a sure way to keep unwanted people away from you...just whip out a stack of 140 ungraded essays! lol
I feel like I'm supporting my kids, but also conquering those tasks at the same time. (And when you attend as many games, track meets, tennis matches, etc. as we do, you have to find time to do your everyday chores.)