Have You Discovered Any Frugal Tips

**Hollyhandi** · 08-09-2005, 07:15 AM

yourselves that have never been written about here or that someone else has never thought of?
If so do you mind sharing them?

**Kimberlina** · 08-09-2005, 09:34 AM

Wow- that's a tough one. The only one I can think of is that years ago, before I got a good set of cookie cutters, I wanted to make crackers but didn't have a round cookie cutter. I know you can go the whole use-a-glass route, but 1)they were bigger than I wanted to make the crackers and 2)the edges are (necessarily) pretty dull, so you don't get a nice sharp edge on the crackers.

I looked around and finally found the perfect thing to use in my recycle bin- I didn't spend a cent on it. I took a bottle from bottled water and cut it about an inch down from where the top goes straight after flaring out. It was the perfect cracker cutter, and even had a convenient handle to hold (the opening with the cap still on.)

**cheapgeek** · 08-09-2005, 10:25 AM

I thought of one I've been doing lately.

If there's an expensive version of a product you like, but you don't mind using the cheaper version sometimes, keep both handy. I do this with deodorant. I use the expensive gel when I'm wearing a tank top or something sheer, and use the cheap "flaky white stuff" when I'm wearing sleeves.

**alabamagirl** · 08-09-2005, 10:31 AM

I've got a couple. When you can get shampoo for cheap or free with rebates and you've accumulated lots (like I have) then just use the cheap shampoo for cleaning sinks and tubs, as a soap after you wash your hands, clean lingerie, brushes, etc.

Also, using a shampoo and conditioner in one, or just a conditioner, you can use this as a body wash. Instead of those expensive in-shower moisterizers by Olay, the hair conditioner will leave you moisturized. No need for lotion afterwards.

Also on the beauty side - nothing like olive oil to condition hair and witch hazel as a facial toner.

**Englishlady** · 08-09-2005, 10:50 AM

Yes, quite a few actually and I DO share them! I did a thread just yesterday that proves my er, inventiveness

I re told my Aloe Vera Tips ( for the newbies) and announced the results of my latest experiments:hmmm

I often wondered if I was invisible

There are lots of tips I have that I have not yet read about in any books and I have a LOT of books on Hints and tips.........

But I am going away to sulk now

Any way I have some more food experimenting to do

( I am Getting to it Jenne!)

Karen

bg · 08-09-2005, 11:06 AM

English Lady reminded me of something I used to do when I was unemployed. I was a guinea pig! We live near many universities that employ many researchers. These researchers are always doing studies that need subjects. I made over $2000 in one year doing studies.
My DH is a scientist himself, so I have never done something that was harmful to me, and I always asked *many* annoying questions and promptly called DH to clarify. For example, if a study was going to do a study to check for the presence of "x" compound using "y" drug that was made up of a+b+c, I would call DH and ask him to run a search to see the effects of abc on a human body. If the effects were adverse I wouldn't do the study.

Here is what I have done:
Got my wisdom teeth taken out by one of the best dental surgeons in the city. Got paid $250 for testing out a painkiller (solid form was available in the market I tested out the gelcap version which was excellent. Similar to advil gelcap).

Did studies on mood behavior (got paid several hundred dollars). I would have to listen to some sad story and tell the researcher how I felt.

Did MRI studies (not necessarily safe, but I needed some money). I had to spend 2-4 hours in an MRI machine that was VERY noisy and do simple math (2+2 =?) . They were testing reaction time, etc.

Did a study to test effects of a drug that was supposed to cure alcoholism. Drug made me nauseous when I thought about alcohol or drank any. I was paid about $500 for that.

Did many mini studies for $10-$25 where I did math, match the following, simple word games in certain time limits.

There are horror stories about doing studies, but I usually avoided studies where I had to ingest something, or where I had to have blood taken (hate needles!)

**alabamagirl** · 08-09-2005, 11:39 AM

Karen - love your tips and ideas!!!

**notsadbuthappy** · 08-09-2005, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by alabamagirl

Also, using a shampoo and conditioner in one, or just a conditioner, you can use this as a body wash. Instead of those expensive in-shower moisterizers by Olay, the hair conditioner will leave you moisturized. No need for lotion afterwards.

you can use conditioner to shave your legs they come out super smooth..learn that one and had a go at it saves me tons..as shaving gel is expensive.

**cheapgeek** · 08-10-2005, 01:37 PM

^Hey, I never thought of that! I usually use soap.

**notsadbuthappy** · 08-10-2005, 11:48 PM

i dont know if this is considered frugal or not but it would save money so maybe it is lol..

but if you have a checking account and you had those fees that your bank charges

and you dont really do direct deposit ..but want a way to do it or find it a hassle.. "paypal" is actually considered direct deposit..i called my bank and they told me that..so now i get no more fees..saves $$$