Open Thread Update: Your Money Hacks!
Looks like lots of readers think being frugal is fun, and shared many of their money saving ideas.
Envelope Bonanza!
I was pleased to see that readers liked my envelope tip. I repurpose envelopes sent to me for bills I now pay by phone by using blank address labels to cover the window or the address. Quick note, though – if there’s a bar code on the envelope, cover that too, because scanners look at the bar code not the address. My friend got my note to her in Jacksonville by way of St. Louis!)
Some take it several steps further and use them for scrap paper, like reader Rose, or Phyllis S.,
“..the junk mail envelope itself or the envelope inside for the many many medicare offers is usually white and blank on the back. I carefully disassemble them and use the white space as note paper…Have not bought paper in years!”
-Phyllis S.
Money saving habits
Now that inflation is imminent, many readers are happy to share their tips. Although no one is at the level of Amy Dacyczyn and her “The Tightwad Gazette,” reader Rose comes close (scan down the comments for all her tips!). There still plenty of good money saving tips even Thrifty Amy might envy:
“I use liquid soap rather than shaving cream. It’s clear……allowing me to see better when I shape my beard. Over the years has saved some bucks. I also use gas buddy.com to compare gas prices in my town vs. neighboring towns…”
-Glenn
One reader changed where she shops, and found savings…
“I use car window cleaner instead of buying household ones. Much stronger and cheaper!”
-Linda P.
…while reader Roberta K. swears by the Dollar Store.
It’s great to see how many people agree with me that being frugal is fun. Take a spin through the comments, add your own money saving tips, and let the savings begin!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
Photo: Dmitry Demidko for Unsplash
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Comments
Don’t pay to rent an internet modem.
Buy your own.
See https://slickdeals.net/f/15226864-net
I bought one eBay for $11.00 that had built in router and WiFi access point and 5 Ethernet ports good for up to a GBps
I haven’t bought a trash bag in 40 years! Because I have animals (chickens) I use the empty feed bags, but large dog and cat food bags also work. Those large bags that toilet paper and paper towels come in (from Costco, e.g.) make great trash bags. I use double bread bags for small trashcans in the house, too. A big part of making it work is to buy real food like fruits and vegetables, whatever type of protein (meat, tofu, etc.) you eat, and not the processed food. Cuts way down on the amount of trash you have.
I use baking soda n Vinegar for cleaning, u scrub on the BS, let it dry (as long as u want, even overnite, ie, bathtub), then add little vinegar, scrub n clean;)
Also, adding a little water to body lotion as using to make it last longer.
There is r was a company that u could use to try n stop unwanted mailings, can’t remembr name:( Reusing for notes/lists also:))
This is a great idea SP!
I use liquid soap rather than shaving cream. It’s clear……allowing me to see better when I shape my beard. Over the years has saved some bucks. I also use gas buddy.com to compare gas prices in my town vs. neighboring towns. Sometimes, prices vary as much as 30 cents per gallon. Quite a savings and well worth my while.
Is there a Dollar Store you can get to? I go about every 3 months…for things I use ongoing, that don’t spoil or go bad.
Envelopes, toiletries, detergents, paper towels, toilet tissue..
I can get 24 bottled waters…for $1!