Iowahippiechick

Listing those freebies yesterday got me in the mood to list some frugal tips…

In The Bathroom-

• Think about store brands for some of your needs.  Over the years, Craig and I have discovered, that we like the store brand of anti-bacterial hand soap, mouth wash, baby oil, and liquid body wash. (We also buy the big refill of the generic anti-bacterial soap to refill the little pump container).

• Consider St. Ives for some of your skin care products.   They are much less expensive than the department store brands, and they work just as well. (We love the apricot face scrub & the face mask).

• You may also want to consider trying some of the Suave hair care products.  (Once again, much less expensive, and they work quite well).

• Make sure and use up all of your products.  This may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes family members might not be on the same frugal page as you!   It took me awhile to train my husband and sons, but eventually they conformed. We flip shampoo and conditioner bottles upside down, to get the last bit out.   We always squeeze the last bit out of the toothpaste tube, as well.  (Hey … every little bit helps in the long run)!

• Always remember to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth… it can really help reduce your water bill over time.  I hate to admit it, but I was terrible at this one.  (It was a bad habit I had to overcome)!

• I use the big tub of generic baby wipes for quick and easy clean ups, around the toilet/sink/ counter top.   (It’s much cheaper than antibacterial wipes for cleaning).

• I always save the old shower bath pouf body scrub thingies.  They are awesome for scrubbing the shower doors and tub. (Try it, you won’t believe how well they work)!

• I totally stand by Scott single ply toilet paper… bought in the large 12 roll pack. (They are much less expensive… due to the fact they last FOREVER compared to the more expensive two ply brands).

Kitchen-

• Make your own coffee at home.  You will save a ton of money just by implementing this one tip. I even save the left over coffee that doesn’t get used in the morning and pop it in the fridge. ( After work, I will mix it with a little fat free vanilla creamer and make a lovely iced coffee drink).

• Always try and eat breakfast at home.   Even if you can just grab a piece of whole grain toast, to eat on your way out the door.  At least you will get something in your tummy, to keep you from splurging on something, when you get hungry mid morning. On Sunday morning we usually make a large family breakfast.  We always make extra pancakes & scrambled eggs. (They can be frozen and used during the week).

• Once again, consider store brands for some of your grocery needs.  We always try the generic brands and usually like them. (This saves us a whole lot on our grocery bill).

• Make your lunch to take to work as much as possible.  Don’t eat out! This will save you SO MUCH MONEY!!! Don’t cave in to peer pressure!  At least if you take your lunch to work most of the time, when you do eat out for lunch it will feel like a treat, instead of something common.  (You won’t regret trying this one, because it will save you a lot of money)!!!

• If you do drink soda, take your own bottles or cans to work. (This is another tip that will really add up the savings).

• Don’t forget to recycle your bottles that you paid a deposit on.  (It’s your money, take the time to get it back)!

• Try to make a home-made pizza at home.  It’s kind of fun!  And it’s so much cheaper than ordering delivery or going for takeout. We buy the little pouches of pizza dough mix that you just add water.  At our local grocery store we can pick them up 3 for $1.00 on sale, or 2 for $1.00 regular price. Use a little spaghetti sauce, combined with toppings that you like, to make your own homemade pizza. It’s quite inexpensive and is especially fun to make with someone. (Kids also love participating in this little cooking adventure)!

• Try to double up something when you are cooking.  When I’m baking a roast or something in the oven, I will try to throw something else in, at the same time. (The goal I’m shooting for, is to get a 2 for 1, on my energy use of the oven).

• If you eat sweets, don’t be afraid of baking at home.  You can make much healthier sweet treats at home, and they are definitely less expensive, than store bought ones. (Our family favorite is oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and banana bread…yummy)!

• When making dishes that call for meat, consider using less.   I used to use two pounds of ground beef in my spaghetti sauce. I don’t know why…it’s just what I always did. Then awhile back I started using only 1 pound of ground beef. Now do you think anyone in my family really noticed? Nope… they didn’t! So right there I am saving ½ of my meat cost for the meal. Think about some of the things you make and see if you can cut back on the amount of meat.  (Your significant other and/or family will probably not even notice).

• Eggs are a relatively inexpensive source of protein.  We try to always keep a couple of dozen around. We make a quick an easy egg drop soup by combining the whites of a couple of eggs in some heated chicken broth. We also boil up a bunch of eggs, then use the egg whites chopped up and sprinkled on a quick salad. (The point I’m trying to make, is it’s an easy and cheap way to add some protein to a meal).

• Keep your pantry stocked.  This will help you to be able to throw something together quickly when your feeling lazy or in a hurry. (This will also help keep you from heading out the door to spend money eating out).

Laundry-

• Consider washing most of your laundry in cool water.   (It will save you the cost of heating the water for those loads of wash).

• Remember to read the directions for the amount of laundry soap to use & actually measure it out when you do use it.  (Sometimes less than what they say to use will actually work).

• If you can - hang laundry outdoors or on an indoor drying rack to dry.  (This saves me a bundle on less dryer energy costs).

Home office-

• If you have old printer ink cartridges laying around trade them in for a $3 credit at Office Max.  (You can take up to 5 cartridges in at a time).

• Or don’t buy new printer ink cartridges.   Have your empties refilled for much less at Walgreen’s.  (Or whatever store that does it in your community).

• Don’t go crazy buying stuff you really don’t need…simplicity really is the key to a successful home office. (Always remember less is more)!

Ebay Selling-

• I love free samples.   I save all the padded envelopes and boxes that my free samples arrive in. I then recycle them for my own use.  (Some sources for easy clicks to free samples: walmart.com , fatwallet.com , teenfreeway.com, and totallyfreestuff.com).

• Let family and friends know if your selling on Ebay.  Ask them to save packing supplies they might get for you. (It saves them from having to recycle or toss them).

Pets-

• We use Petco for our dogs vaccinations.  It is  SO MUCH cheaper than at our Veterinarian’s office. We still use our veterinarian - just not for vaccinations. (The vet at Petco even sends the vaccination information to your vet for you).

I hope maybe you got a new idea or two to help you in your frugal pursuit…

Have a terrific day!!!

iowahippiechick

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