What are your TOP TEN frugal tips?

[ZSB3]

Whenever I end up with a sock that's lost it's mate or has a big hole in it, I take used dryer sheets, stuff the sock with them, and then stuff the sock in to a pair of shoes that I'm not wearing or won't be wearing for a while. The dryer sheets help keep the shoes smelling nicer and the sock helps them keep their shape and prevents dust, lint, pet hair, etc. from getting inside.

[peetred]

1. The garden: You can compost some of your foods directly into the soil with your plants.

2. Food shopping: Make a menu and list. Always check price per unit

3. Child related: Teach your kids to only change their clothes when they are dirty. No reason for younger kids (who don't sweat) to change clothes everyday when they are still clean.

4: Entertainment: Check community and local calendars for free events and activities at the beginning of each month and add them to your calendar.

5: Cooking: Only use what you need. Utilize leftovers. Freeze extras! Use HALF the ground beef a recipe calls for if you can.

6: Housework: Dust with a damp rag. Clean with baking soda and vinegar only.

7: Recycling/Trash to treasure: Keep one big box/container for recyclables. Haul to recycling center yourself once a week/month and sort there. Save another box for Terracycle items and give to a nonprofit that will send them in.

8: Crafts: Buy dollar store craft items for kids.. Construction paper, glue, etc. Use discarded food containers, boxes, etc for crafts.

9: Health/beauty: Use a basic shampoo and conditioner if you must. Use a cheap bar soap for body. I wash only face and armpits with soap, unless I'm covered in dirt, LOL

10: Misc: Make a commitment to Declutter your life and keep it uncluttered. Less clutter and less need for new stuff is always frugal!

[hmcart]

3. Child related: Teach your kids to only change their clothes when they are dirty. No reason for younger kids (who don't sweat) to change clothes everyday when they are still clean.

Im going to disagree slightly on this one. I grew up in a house where my parents made me wear the same clothes until they were dirty. Now I will let my kids wear clothes more than once. We hang them up and they can wear something different until they are ready to wear them again. They dont have to keep them on until they are dirty. That may be what you meant by that.