Who is good at being frugal or thrifty.....need advice.

[tlbwriter]

I was not that impressed with The Tightwad Gazette. Some of her ideas are just beyond what I'm willing to do. Use an old clothes hanger as a toilet paper dispenser? Is it really worth living like the Beverly Hillbillies (before they struck oil, that is ) to save $10 once?

 

[disneymom3]

I was not that impressed with The Tightwad Gazette. Some of her ideas are just beyond what I'm willing to do. Use an old clothes hanger as a toilet paper dispenser? Is it really worth living like the Beverly Hillbillies (before they struck oil, that is ) to save $10 once?

Well, and I don't know about you but every house I have ever owned already had a TP holder. I didn't find the TG very useful either.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I was not that impressed with The Tightwad Gazette. Some of her ideas are just beyond what I'm willing to do. Use an old clothes hanger as a toilet paper dispenser? Is it really worth living like the Beverly Hillbillies (before they struck oil, that is ) to save $10 once?

I agree ... a lot of her tips are way out there! I did get one useful idea from the TWG, though -- to use Breck shampoo as a laundry stain remover. It was a tip from one of her readers, and I really wanted to try it, but Breck had been discontinued for a long time. A while back, I heard they were making it again, and I found it in bottles at Big Lots for 99 cents. I bought one and tried it -- that stuff is like magic!!!! I went back and bought several more bottles in case it disappears again.

 

[solgent]

I want to speak up in favor of the Tightwad Gazette books. Over and over again she says that not every idea is right for everyone. She presents a range so readers can take what works for them. You can always point to specific things in the books that don't apply to you or that you would never do, but overall the books are full of tips, encouragement, recipes, strategies, inspiration and humor. I can't believe that a person wanting to live frugally would find NOTHING useful in the books. Check them out!

 

[LauraR]

I'm another one who liked the Tightwad Gazette books. They do inspire you to look for areas to trim the fat from your budget, and overall I think her message is to try and come up with cheaper creative solutions that meet your needs rather than expensive quick fixes. I like her philosophy on a lot of things also. For instance I agree that giving your kids "treats" all the time weakens the impact of the "treat". Sometimes I don't think her tips are worth the time trade-off for the money saved, but it does get you thinking about finding cheaper alternatives to what you're spending your money on now.

I referred to her a lot when our family income was $30,000. It helped me retire $19,000 of debt over three years on that income.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

One thing to do on many items, buy used.

That includes books, videos/dvds, games, clothes, etc.
I have tons of movies that I bought used at either the local video store or online. The same goes for cds. Never buy at Borders. They're higher than they need to be. The Millionaire Next Door could have been bought at Amazon.com for only $7.72 for a Like New copy including the shipping cost. I will rarely buy that type of stuff at full price. I did for years and am still in debt because of it (among other reasons).

Also, if you buy bottled water, buy gallon jugs instead of small bottles. If you like smaller bottles, keep a couple empty ones and just refill them from the jugs.

For food, if you have someplace like an Aldi's around, that's a great place to shop.

Always hit the end of season sales at the malls, too. I once bought a shirt that was originally $75 for only $15. And there was nothing wrong with it. I still get many compliments on it today years after I purchased it.

 

[deadhedjen]

In our area there is no coupon doubling - any other hints for reducing grocery costs. Alot of our budget gets eaten there

I've been finding very good deals at Super Walmart lately. They do not double coupons, but for some things, their prices with a coupon are great.
I was going to post a few examples, but some people do not share the love for couponing and start flaming because of the time it takes to do the clipping versus the amount you save. If you really want some great grocery shopping tips, I will share my best secret. Go to mycoupons.com. Towards the mid/bottom right side of the home page you will see a grey link in tiny letters that reads "shopping boards". Click on that and then go to the "TOT" tips of the trade board. You will find valuable tips here on how to save money at the grocer and at the drug store. THere is also a coupon swap board called "CRS" coupon and rebate swap. Post that you are looking for a "potluck" of coupons and make a sample shopping list. People will offer to send you an envelope full of coupons for items on your list for a small fee (around $1) to clip and send these to you. Also, some very serious couponers have web sites where you can pay them a fee (usually .03 to .05 a coupon) for any coupon you want. Check out the site, you won't be disappointed.
OH...I almost forgot...check out the "LWIF B&M" board (look what I found Brick and Mortar) which lists all sorts of wonderful store bargains...there are daily Target store lists, when retailers are marking their stuff down on clearance, etc. I've saved a TON of money thanks to those boards.

People might think I'm nuts for being this passionate about saving money, but I don't care, LOL!
Take care, and LMK if I can help you with any other money saving tips.
Jennifer.

 

[disney longhorn]

OH...I almost forgot...check out the "LWIF B&M" board (look what I found Brick and Mortar) which lists all sorts of wonderful store bargains...there are daily Target store lists, when retailers are marking their stuff down on clearance, etc. I've saved a TON of money thanks to those boards.QUOTE]


Jennifer,

Where can you find this LWIF B&M board? Very interested. Thanks for the tips.

 

[deadhedjen]

The LWIF board is just off the main shopping boards page. There is also a LWIF board for online bargains as well. Have fun!

Jennifer.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I also recommend Rich Dad Poor Dad (don't have the book here, but title is close).

 

[funnygarcia]

Another vote for Mycoupons.com!

With all the posts on the site I have :

Cut my grocery bill (typically 35% off, sometimes as much as 75% off ..With no doubling!)

Bought 4 skirts, one pr pants and one fancy blouse for $27 shipped

Found a new bike for my children at 75% off ( Orange County Choppers style).

Bought $100 worth of Kleenex, toilet paper ,and wipes for $10 after rebate($50) and $40 worth of Amazon cash that I earned for free by doing surveys.. survey company found thru mycoupons.

Earned Starbucks GC for writing reviews-- tip posted on Mycoupons.

Joined various paid to read/paid to click programs and earned GCs that help pay for meals on my Disneyland trips.

Joined ING and had referrals done to make $$ and save $$.

*** I live on a very limited income-- DH is disabled and a college student, I work 30 hrs a week in preschool education. We pay all our bills, save for vacations, and enjoy the things we love like high speed internet and video games.**