COMMENTS

32 responses to “Open Thread Update: Favorite Frugal Hacks!”

1. When we rv’d we put used toilet paper in a bag next to the toilet and took that out with the garbage. This kept the drain from the toilet from getting clogged.

   The Numi tea bags from Whole Foods are so full of fabulous tea, Rooibus Chai, my fave, that they can be used more than once.

   Reply to Irenr

2. Chewy.com is affordable, have an easy to navigate website, and they quickly deliver right to your door.

   Reply to Victoria Harris

3. I volunteer at a local food bank run by a Lutheran church, w get amazing foods including a 50 lb bag of cat food which we but in zip lock bags and people took it! We also get donated wheat tortilla’ by the local bakers on occasion they will not sell to the public but will donate some to us and they are fresh and soo good! Nearly every church has a food bank and they are hard to find but worth it for the good food available. Here in Denver/Aurora a food bank is open every day of the week!

   Reply to Dave M

4. ask any store where I shop if they offer senior discounts or accept AARP cards- Got a discount at O’Reilys Auto store on a car battery, Yippee.
   senior discounts at Wendy’s- sign up for digital coupons

   Reply to Sara Murray

5. My happy place is thrifting. I rarely buy any new clothing and have so much fun finding great stuff for very little. I find top-name brands and even boutique pieces in great — sometimes new — condition. Most pieces are less than $5. If I find that I don’t like something, or I’m tired of it, I donate it back.

   Reply to Libby Overly

   1. Hi Libby, I live in Bucks County and we have several thrift stores here that are very large, I do prefer the smaller ones but the bigger ones are very organized by color and by item such as blouses, tops, pants, shoe and even household items!
      So I agree, I don’t get there much now because of balance problems but they are the best places to shop. I do hope more people use them, it keeps all this clothing from going into landfills, so it helps the environment also❤️

      Reply to Dolores Dendy

6. Our Jewel (Albertson’s) has amazing digital coupons each week. My husband and I both clip them on our phones. I recently had a trip where I would have spent $210 but got the total reduced to $140 saving $70. If there is a limit on an item like one pound of butter for $2.49, my husband and I both go to the store so we each get one. And then I freeze what I don’t need right away.

   Reply to Susan Thomson

7. Make your meal choice for the week based on what you have in your pantry and what is on sale. Always check the major drug stores for coupons, BOGO, senior saver days and rewards programs. Shop at thrift stores. Paperbacks are cheap and sometimes there are brand new items with the tags still on. Plus you are supporting a charity. Some libraries also have a store for books. My county libraries offer classes in drawing, painting, computers and more. All free.

   Reply to Kim

   1. Hi Kim , you’re a library user so you’re probably aware of Hoopla and Kanopy.
      I love that you know about free classes. Ours also has free online classes to learn like bookkeeping or other skills that you become certified in. Helpful if you’re looking for some work. All free.

      Reply to Elly N

      1. My name is Lydia. I don’t know much about the internet. I am a beginner and would like to learn about it.

      2. Why not check out our classes? Link is here.

8. I use Stasher bags (silicone re-usable storage bags), BeesWrap (re-usable beeswax coated sheets to cover plates or bowls, wrap sandwiches & bread), & good old (and I do mean old) Tupperware. There’s an initial cost, but our world does not need more plastic wrap or ziplock bags in our landfills. If I do use a ziplock bag, its washed & re-used several times. I also use smart technology to control lights, TV, and thermostat with on/off sched set to my needs.

   Reply to Nancy C.

9. I use a microfiber cloth to clean glass, mirrors, fixtures, countertops, anything non porous; it works with water and I ALWAYS get a streakless clean and don’t have to buy glass cleaner.
   Also, take advantage of free or preview rates for streaming services. Make sure to mark your calendar so you cancel before your card (which is required for sign up) is charges. If you wish to keep the service you may be able to negotiate for a rate lower than the monthly premium; ask for a manager.

   Reply to Cleta Bradwell

   1. I stopped using paper napkins… bought a lot of low cost cotton ones. I’m also trying not to use paper towels as much and purchased microfiber cloths for all my cleaning chores.

      Reply to Joan

10. I save every conceivable plastic, paper, or cardboard container to use as garbage bags. I refuse to spend money on something to put garbage in and throw away. Yep, even usps/Amazon/ups delivered items come in bags or boxes which I recycle as garbage bags. I am careful to work with my buildings required sorted garbage items. Be imaginative and resourceful.

    Reply to Susan

    1. Good job, Susan…me too! And my garbage service offers compost bins that turn not only yard waste, but every piece of soiled paper that can’t be recycled, into compost: napkins, paper plates, paper towels, pizza boxes, etc. Also I avoid plastic picnic utensils when I can find bamboo, which I can toss in the compost bin as well!

       Reply to Kathy

       1. That’s wonderful. There is a compost service here that we signed up for. Since it goes to a commercial composting facility you can even put bones in. I’m hoping our little town will offer a similar service, but until they do, all that stinky stuff isn’t going in the trash!

11. Thanks! Good ones ;-)

    Reply to Joyce Beattie

    1. That sounds wonderful that composting service; we don’t have that in our area! Maybe this is done in more rural areas, it does sound beneficial and I know some people make their own! Good for outside and inside plants!

       Reply to Dolores Dendy

12. I call my cable company and ask if there are any promotions for seniors, usually there are, I just had my bill reduced by 60 dollars, usually for 6 months to a year, then as soon as it goes back to its original, I call again. Everytime , I get a reduction. In NY, some McDonalds sell senior coffee. For a buck. People just don’t ask.

    Reply to Maddie Blackett

13. My favorite frugal hacks?
    Repurposing jewelry — my long cultural pearl necklace became interesting again when I wrapped it around my wrist as a bracelet.
    Losing weight — then I was able to wear clothing in the back of my closet, instead of buying new larger sizes!
    Bartering — exchanging clothes, books and furniture pieces with like-minded friends. Personal swap meets!

    Reply to dr jeanne powell

14. Hi Virge,
    I have a slightly different approach to frugality. Since LEDs consume so little electricity, I use them freely and happily!
    I leave an LED light on ALL THE TIME in every major room of the house (usually 60-watt equivalent). At night, I don’t have to blind myself by turning on the bright lights, nor will I have the expense of an injury from walking in darkness (and have saved myself from countless stubbed toes and cracked shins). Comfort without risk – worth many dollars!

    Reply to Dave Amen

15. My absolute fave frugal hack is reading great regular books and ebooks and watching movies on the Hoopla app from the local library. I also read a wide assortment of current magazines on the library’s Libby app. All for free. Saves a ton of money. I learned about this from the Dollar Stretcher blogs I get via email .

    Reply to Bobbi Fields

    1. And SO much less clutter! I kept a book journal for a few years and realized I read about 50 books a year (print, electronic and audio). I challenged myself to stop buying unless I had read, loved and had to own a book. Mostly I use library resources, like you. Books at local yard sales and twice yearly library sales are 2 dollars and under, occasionally I visit a local used book warehouse. Most I read and re-donate; I only add 3-5 books a year. I saved at least $2500. over 3 years!

       Reply to Heidi

    2. Love My Library Free Resources!
       I still know people who can barely use a cell phone – I always say have you called the library they prob have a 1on1 class

       Reply to Elly N

16. I have followed Amy Dacyczyn’s tips from the Tightwad Gazette for years, so I have almost too many tips to list. One is to use cloth napkins at all times — we usually use one for two or three days before washing. it’s easy to throw cloth napkins in the wash, they take next to no space, and that will save bundles on your paper budget. I’ve been making my own bread which takes five minutes to put together and is healthy and delicious using bread-maker Jim Lahey’s recipe.https://www.theclevercarrot.com

    Reply to Dru Pearson

    1. Thanks for the link re bread making.
       we’re simple eaters usually ground chicken or turkey & a couple side dishes like noodles or potatoes but my easy shortcuts are costing more. And a frozen bag of veggies barely makes 2 servings sometimes . I’m moving toward more fresh sides esp now with farmers markets opening

       Reply to Elly N

17. I’m a reformed fabric purchaser who loves to quilt. Moved to a city that has a Remainders creative reuse store. With the help of Pinterest I’ve learned the art of scrap quilting. Former cost hundreds of dollars per month – now 3 bags $15.

    Reply to Patricia Williams

    1. I love and eat many citrus fruits. So after eating my oranges, limes, grapefruits I save their peels, dry them for a day or two then break them into smaller pieces and use them in the garbage disposal for a refreshing smell for the sink’s drain . It’s a pleasant , natural and free way to use all of the fruit.

       Reply to Martha

18. coupons, coupons, coupons!! I go to the website of products that I use and sign up for their newsletters. They often have coupons listed on the website for different items. Sometimes the coupons give me a chance to buy and use something that I wouldn’t normally purchase from them.

    Reply to Beverly Williams

    1. Anybody have a suggestion on pet food. Feeding 2 dogs & a cat isn’t getting any cheaper (& litter). Thanks!

       Reply to Elly N

       1. We use Costco dog and cat food (vet approves), but my best tip is for shots. We found a spay/neuter clinic that also provides routine vaccinations for both our pets at a fraction of a veterinarian’s cost. Here’s the link for Tucson:
          https://arizonaspayneuter.com/