What have you purchased that has helped your frugal lifestyle?

[MomK]

I am wondering what people have purchased (new or used) that has helped them keep to their frugal lifestyle?

My frugal lifestyle has been greatly enhanced by the following:

crock pot
front load washing machine (less water/less detergent)
bread machine ( now about 15 years old!)
sewing machine (now 17 years old)

[Marie78]

I would have to say my crockpot and steam cleaner (one that cleans everything: floors, counters, tile, fixtures, etc...) I asked for both of these as presents for different holidays. I am also asking for a drying rack for my birthday this year.

[Luv2BeFrugal]

Oh goodness...well, lots of things (though that may not sound frugal)...

~ crockpot
~ sewing machine
~ numerous frugal books (second hand!)
~ bread pans (got high quality ones so they'll last...)
~ oil lamps
~ new lighting fixture for the kitchen that uses CFC bulbs

There's probably loads more that I just am not thinking of... I've been happy with our purchases to make our lives more frugal.

[Dancing Lotus]

Very good post, might help me put things into prospective.

Sewing machine
crock pot
front load washer
twisty light bulbs
MY computer ( How would I have the village to come to )
Good quality bath towels. I know this sounds funny but I bought those towels ten yrs ago and haven't bought one since. I would say they were worth every penny.

[Jamauk]

Our chest freezer. We bought a new one a few months ago (our old one was only 7 cu feet and was just too small). We now have a 22 cu ft one and wish had gone with the even bigger 25 cu ft. I'm able to stock up on great sales and do a lot of freezer cooking.

Sewing Machine??? All mine does is cost me money!!! (probably because I don't sew, I only quilt, which is NOT an inexpensive hobby!!!)

Food Saver vacuum sealer
DH's chain saw (he cuts our own firewood now)

That's all I can think of right now....I'm sure there's more.

[Jskell911]

Mine would have to include:

*crockpot
* breadmaker
*foodsaver
* Extra freezer
* shelving for stockpile
* thermos

[MomK]

[QUOTE=Jamauk;881845]
Sewing Machine??? All mine does is cost me money!!! (probably because I don't sew, I only quilt, which is NOT an inexpensive hobby!!!)
The only reason I counted this is that I use mine for alterations A LOT, plus making costumes for my kids for lots of school and church functions. It would have cost more to buy them or pay to have them made!!

I also want to try making some Christmas gift bags with fabric I bought at a thrift store for like, 3 yds. for $.50!!

I have friends who quilt and they spend lots, but if it's something that brings you joy...that's something you can't put a price on!

[MomK]

I would have to say my crockpot and steam cleaner (one that cleans everything: floors, counters, tile, fixtures, etc...) I asked for both of these as presents for different holidays. I am also asking for a drying rack for my birthday this year.

What do your friends and acquaintances say when you tell them you're asking for a drying rack?

Mine tend to roll their eyes and shake their heads...then laugh and say something like: "Well, that's practical." I don't know if they just don't get it, or they don't believe me. LOL

[shoiji]

sewing machine 20 years old
breadmaker 8 years old
pasta roller 15 years old
crockpot used & new
fans
programmable thermostat
CFL bulbs
shelves for pantry in closet
strip power cords
immersion blender
drying rack
dry cleaner kits to use in dryer
down comforters
blankets for windows (hung nicely in windows)
food storage containers
underwear - might seem funny but now have enough so I can go two weeks before doing laundry. Saves so much when using coin machines!

This was fun. List might seem long but probably most of the people here do this.

[FrugalMomof3]

~ Front load washer/dryer
~ Chest Freezer so we're stocked on freezer stuff
~ CFL lightbulbs
~ Foodsaver Machine
~ Frugallity Books
~ Thrift Store Clothes & Other Stuff

[AstarB1]

For me it would include:

• chest freezer
• frugal books
• baggie drying rack (a mitten drying rack from the dollar store)
• (and the most frugal...) a Smartcar!

[Telephus44]

Interesting thread!

*The Complete TWG (I've gotten other frugal books, but this one has probably saved me the most money)
*A Foot Bath - I love pedicures, and having one lets me do these at home - cheaper than $30 in the salon
*A front loading washer and dryer - much cheaper than using the laundry facilities in our complex, especially with a toddler
*A Wok - I can make huge batches of food for dinner
*Cloth menstrual pads
*CFC Lightbulbs
*A cloth "pad" for my Swiffer

[peanut]

Ah...I didn't buy any of the most useful frugal things...they were given to me...

~ the freezer - secondhand from Mom
~ the crockpot - a gift from Mom
~ the sewing machine - a gift from my brothers and sisters

I count my sewing machine because I get fabric for free or next to free to sew clothes, quilt and I use it to hem and mend clothes. Also to recycle fabric into other items...such as towels into dishcloths, tablecloths into napkins, scraps into sanitary pads, etc.

Jean

[POOTERSMOMMY]

Freezer (2)
crockpot (2)
clothes line outside and drying racks inside
large pantry & extra basement storage
vacuum sealer
CFC bulbs
many frugality books (TWG my favorite)
thrift store clothes and many gifts
sewing machine
Canner & jars
bread maker
iron skillets (don't know if they've helped with frugality - but I sure love them)

[shortstack]

I have most of these listed and totally agree. I'd like 2 add a few.

My bowl covers (look like shower caps for bowls), they have saved me from buying plastic wrap and foil for a very long time

Bowls with covers, same use as above

Dryer Balls (look like blue nuby balls), save me from buying fabric softener

Re-usable containers for my daughters lunch


Andrea