Tell Us Your Tightwad Secrets!!

[minnie1928]

Here's a few that I don't think were mentioned:
1. Vinegar - it's become my new favorite thing. I use it as a cleaner, in the dishwasher instead of Jetdry, in my "automatic" shower cleaner.
2. CFLs-the prices of bulbs has dropped and the savings from converting your lights to these bulbs is AMAZING!
3. Unplug anything not in use. If it isn't convenient to unplug, then plug it into a power strip and shut off the strip when not in use. I've cut my electric bill by 40% by changing all my bulbs and shutting off at power strips.
4. I use a plastic "tupperware" lid as a splatter shield in the microwave instead of plastic wrap. Saves me from buying plastic wrap as often.
5. Changed to all e-billing as possible. I no longer receive a paper phone bill, gas bill, electric bill or bank statement. Doesn't necessarily save me money, but it saves me from having to file the statements (time & space).

Generically, I try to live "greener". This saves me more money than I ever thought!

 

[grlpwrd]

I have been frugal for years and I am frugalled out. lol

Here are some of my faves:

* Build up a library of resources - I have cookbooks like one's by the Amish and Mennonites, printouts from the Taste of Home website and their annual cookbooks in my collection, and other frugal resources like the Complete Tightwad Gazette.

* Look for a farm near you at www.pickyourown.org . Save some of your bounty to freeze, can, or dehydrate for future use.

* Don't shop recreationally. I am a moth to a flame when it comes to Target, too, (lol) so I try to have a list of what I am looking for or at least have budget in mind. I have been known to place things in my cart, but then place it back on the shelf after much thought.

* Use natural cleansers instead of harsh chemicals, such as vinegar or baking soda.

* Shop around and get deals from sites like www.loweryourbills.com and www.couponmom.com .

* Investing in small appliaces can save money and be healthiest in the long run, such as a blender, juicer, crockpot, Foodsaver, toaster oven, rice cooker, vegetable steamer, etc.

* Be energy efficient - Use blackout curtains or reflective film for windows, plant shade trees, lower your a/c, and those sorts of things to save on energy costs.

 

[phillmolly]

Here's a few that I don't think were mentioned:
1. Vinegar - it's become my new favorite thing. I use it as a cleaner, in the dishwasher instead of Jetdry, in my "automatic" shower cleaner.
2. CFLs-the prices of bulbs has dropped and the savings from converting your lights to these bulbs is AMAZING!
3. Unplug anything not in use. If it isn't convenient to unplug, then plug it into a power strip and shut off the strip when not in use. I've cut my electric bill by 40% by changing all my bulbs and shutting off at power strips.
4. I use a plastic "tupperware" lid as a splatter shield in the microwave instead of plastic wrap. Saves me from buying plastic wrap as often.
5. Changed to all e-billing as possible. I no longer receive a paper phone bill, gas bill, electric bill or bank statement. Doesn't necessarily save me money, but it saves me from having to file the statements (time & space).

Generically, I try to live "greener". This saves me more money than I ever thought!

Okay, how does number three work???

 

[aclov]

My mom taught me this one - she always carries those Crystal Light or Wyler's Lemonade mixes and when we go out to eat she just orders water. Or she takes a bottled water with her in the car especially in the summer when it's so hot she just mixes in the powder. I mostly order water with lemon at restaurants.

Make your coffee at home. I'm guilty of picking up coffee in the morning, but spending $2-$3 a day really adds up.

I cut the Brillo pads in for the pans in half. I'll have to try the fabric softner one!

I also buy my shower curtain liners at the dollar store. I know alot of people wash them but I just toss it out and replace it with a new one. Less hassle and no water or soap being used.

 

[MELSMICE]

Don't go to Target Send someone else. I was just there for two things and ended up spending waaaay too much on clearance.

Sometimes it's really cheaper to spend more money at the market than making a special trip to Target

Definitely agree with this one!

 

[HunnyPots]

Find things to occupy me at home so I am not tempted to make a trip to Target or Wal Mart. I find I shop mostly out of boredom. This way, I save on gas AND I'm not buying a bunch of junk I didn't need anyway!

 

[nomolos]

Best Thing I Have Found Is Taking A Thermos Of Coffee To Work With Me. I Am In The Car Alot During The Work Day And Used To Buy 3-4 Cups Of Coffee Daily. Also Starting Packing Lunch. Stay Away From Starbucks And Fast Food!

 

[TNKBELL]

Find things to occupy me at home so I am not tempted to make a trip to Target or Wal Mart. I find I shop mostly out of boredom. This way, I save on gas AND I'm not buying a bunch of junk I didn't need anyway!

LOL! This is sooo true, when one of the cars in the shop, we spend so much less!!!

 

[IDoDis]

I take my insulated pool bag (it looks like a big purse) to the movies with us. I bring our own cokes, a ziplock bag of ice, plastic cups, and microwave a couple bags of popcorn. Also, we rarely see full-priced movies. We just went today to see "Are We Done Yet" for 50 cents each.

As another poster mentioned, I snip the caps off of my Mary Kay foundation tubes when I can no longer squeeze any foundation out. You'd be surprised how much foundation is still in there! It lasts me another couple of weeks or more.

I wash most things except underwear & towels in cold water, and always run a full load I hang dry lots of stuff, too because the clothes don't fade as quickly. Also, when you wash something made in a dark color for the first time, add a cup of vinegar to the wash. It will help set the color and keep it from fading. Works great for black jeans.

 

[limace]

I'm all for saving money. I even use 1/2 cloth diapers on my son but I dont know how or why you'd even wash a "unused" swim diaper... why not just let it dry? you mean you acutally wash it in a washer?? doesn't it come apart? and to save money I buy my swim diapers at the end of the season for less than 2.00 a pack.. even less if I can find a coupon... I've gotten them for as little as .50 a pack save those coupons... wait til the end of the season to use them!!

Can I ask why you'd even bother buying disposable swim diapers? We buy the swimsuit kind and they are less than ten bucks....one lasted a year for our baby (of course, she's tiny and didn't grow out of things fast)

 

[gm]

when i purchase Palmolive dish liquid soap, I take half and put in the older palmolive bottle and fill the rest with water. Cleans dishes sparkling clean and saves the soap.

I use Fabuloso to clean the floors and it is usually $.99 at grocery stores. It cleans the floor sparkly clean and makes the house smell oh so good. It comes in different scents. I get many compliments of guests.

I buy my daughter clothes from offprice store like Ross. yes, they may not be organized but you get brand new clothes from retailers like Limited Too,Guess,name brand jeans all under $10. Go in the daytime when they put their new stock out. Avoid Friday,Saturday and Sunday when they do not put any stock out.

 

[samanthacatangel]

Here's a small one, but it works ...

Whenever I use a Brillo pad, it's for a small job, and when I stuck it in the sponge holder, it ineveitably rusted. If you put it in a small baggie and pop it in the freezer, it will be as good as new. Mom told me that one.

Also, don't forget about discounts offered by AAA or other organizations. For example, there is a 10% discount at Payless with your AAA card (at least here in NY). Check the websites.

Samantha

 

[gilby]

During the winter we heat our house with a corn stove, plus I bought two racks and hang clothes on them to dry. Saves us from spending so much on natural gas, plus I love the constant heat, house is around 72 degrees and save on electricity from running the dryer.

 

[pjlla]

Okay, how does number three work???

Most electronic items have what is called a "phantom power drain".... in other words, they are using electricity, even when shut off. These items include your television and computer. By putting them on a power strip and then shutting the strip down, you are eliminating the phantom power drain.

HTH.........................P

 

[cmbonneville]

* Trade off babysitting with a friend (or family member) to avoid paying a babysitter

* Regular car maintainence - saves on repair bills in the end

* Join pinecone and do surveys and get paid via paypal - I earned $15.00 in the last month - it takes no time and gives you extra spending money

* Make ahead meals to avoid eating out - Have a cooking day once or twice a month - cook a bunch of meals - freeze them - and inventory what you have

* Buy Holiday items on clearance after a holiday and but them away for the next year - I usually get basic or classic halloween items and save them / easter basket / goodie bag items to put away for the next school year / Wrapping paper / boxes / etc for Christmas to save for the next year - etc

 

[mickeyfan2]

Most electronic items have what is called a "phantom power drain".... in other words, they are using electricity, even when shut off. These items include your television and computer. By putting them on a power strip and then shutting the strip down, you are eliminating the phantom power drain.

HTH.........................P

It is not a "phantom power drain" but there is a part of the circuitry that is awake to sense the remote power button being pushed. When the circuitry senses the power button it wakes up the rest of the electronics.

Turning them off will reset clocks and stored data (such as the digital cable channel guide) . These may not be side effects that the user finds appealing.

Turning off the computer, not just the monitor, is a good idea. It prevents a hacker from accessing the computer while you sleep.

 

[cinamin27]

Most electronic items have what is called a "phantom power drain".... in other words, they are using electricity, even when shut off. These items include your television and computer. By putting them on a power strip and then shutting the strip down, you are eliminating the phantom power drain.

HTH.........................P

cell phone chargers are another big drain. electricity is being "sucked" by the charger even when you dont have your phone plugged in to charge up. (saw that one on ABC's 20/20 Earth Day special)

 

[princesscj]

Ok, here's mine. We recently vacationed with friends. They washed their towels everyday. I was like what are you doing?!?! She said they wash their towels after each use. I asked why - if you are clean when you get out of the shower, then the towel can't be that dirty can it? She said her mom and sister does it as well and they thought I was weird for waiting after a couple of showers to wash the towel.

What do you all do?????

So, I am saving a load of towels.......



ALSO - when the summer sun is coming in a certain window, I close those blinds, then reopen when the sun moves. Don't know if that helps or not?!?!?!?

Yes, I unplug every thing when not in use!! Especially when we are out of town!

 

[hallie615]

Make your coffee at home. I also buy my shower curtain liners at the dollar store. I know alot of people wash them but I just toss it out and replace it with a new one. Less hassle and no water or soap being used.

I agree!!

 

[hallie615]

Ok, here's mine. We recently vacationed with friends. They washed their towels everyday. I was like what are you doing?!?! She said they wash their towels after each use. I asked why - if you are clean when you get out of the shower, then the towel can't be that dirty can it? She said her mom and sister does it as well and they thought I was weird for waiting after a couple of showers to wash the towel.

What do you all do?????

So, I am saving a load of towels.......



ALSO - when the summer sun is coming in a certain window, I close those blinds, then reopen when the sun moves. Don't know if that helps or not?!?!?!?

Yes, I unplug every thing when not in use!! Especially when we are out of town!

I don't wash my towels after every use, I use it 2-3 times.