Open Thread Update: Favorite Frugal Hacks!
Our column about fave frugal hacks proved that for thrifty Open Thread readers, the sky’s the limit for creativity and smarts.
The library was a favorite stop for Readers Heidi, Elly and Bobbie F. among many others. Shopping at thrift stores (thanks Debbie and Delores!) and using cloth instead of paper products got a lot of love.
Top Tip: Ask!!
The top tip mentioned by Reader Sara and many others: ask retailers and vendors if they offer any senior discounts and honor any AARP membership offers.
Coupon Queens and Kings
Reader Susan T. and her hubby share the crown with this tip:
…”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…”
…followed by Reader Beverly…
“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…”
-Beverly
Reader Kim is a power saver, offering several smart ideas for saving money…
“…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….”
Plenty more in her comment – read them all.
Want to learn even more about Digital Couponing? Join our Zoom webinar on April 16! All the details about joining the Zoom webinar are here.
Eco-warrior savers
Just ahead of Earth Day, Readers Nancy C., Kathy, Dru (a fellow Tightwad Gazette fan!), and Dave combine thrift with environmental savvy…
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.
-Nancy C.
Savvy Streamers
Regular Reader Cleta shares her smart strategy to save on streaming services.
“…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 charged. 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.”
Check out all the comments for more money saving tips for pet owners, quilters, and many others.
We’ll keep the comments open for two more weeks so feel free to add your money saving ideas and thanks for playing!
Original Text:
Frugal hacks – all our penny-saving tips and tricks – add up to dollars while giving us a sense of accomplishment worth millions.
I felt like I hit the lottery yesterday…because I figured out a workaround for my ancient printer and it now makes copies again. With taxtime around the corner, who has the dough to buy a new printer?
My fella teases me that everything I own is at least 40 years old (including him, ha) but a lifetime of thrift has given me frugal hacks that still work:
My fave? Pulling the plugs out for appliances until I have to use them. It saved me about $11 in utility costs last month. I can wait the extra 30 seconds until the TV and cable powers on.
Next up: Home made potato chips. I have no will power regarding any fried potato item in a crisp cellophane bag. And those flavors!
However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average price of a 16-ounce bag of potato chips for February 2023 was $6.17. But I can buy a 5 lb. bag of russet’s for about $5, slice them thin in my mandoline, hit ’em with butter spray, microwave for about six minutes and – presto! Chips! Probably fewer calories, too.
Customer service credits: For the third consecutive day, my internet and phone went down – during working hours, no less. I called customer service and politely pointed out that this was more than a mere inconvenience. She gave me a $10 credit and put me on a list for an automatic credit next time the system drops for at least four hours. Every little bit helps.
YOUR TURN
But that’s me. What are your fave frugal hacks? Share your tips in the comments!
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.
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Comments
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.
Chewy.com is affordable, have an easy to navigate website, and they quickly deliver right to your door.
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!
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
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.
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❤️