Open Thread Update: Money Hacks!

Last time we asked readers to share their secrets and tips for saving cash in these inflationary times, and there were some great suggestions.

Food Money Hacks 

Readers Jeanette S., Janet,  Billie and Melinda all had good ideas, chief among them to cook at home, shop locally and ease up on the meat consumption  (plus a neat trick with canned tomato paste).  However, Suze in PA had the one that really resonated with me…

Leftover vegetables get put in assigned container in freezer. When full, it’s easily made into vegetable soup. (I sometimes add ground beef or chicken leftovers too.)

-Suze in PA

Partly because I do it too but also because it reflects the wisdom of my Sicilian peasant ancestors, who would say “Tutto fa brodo – Everything makes broth.”

Household Money Hacks

Readers Diane R., Kris and Geula S. are fans of Distilled White Vinegar in laundry, recycling bits of soap, and the value of baking soda.

Entertainment Money Hacks

Barb has been busy, renegotiating better rates for Sirius XM radio, and newspaper subscriptions, and offers this advice…

…call and cancel. They will come up with a price amazingly better – without haggling or negotiating.”

While reader Diana has an even better offer – free.

I use the library to check out books instead of buying them and check out DVDs instead of renting them or buying them.

-Diana L. 

When it comes to non-food shopping, Tom has the answer:

Goodwill….Came away with seven shirts for less than $50 dollars. Washed, ironed and worn several times.

But when it comes to thrifty habits, though, the winner is Irene M. – her comments are a world tour of ideas for the frugal. Check out her comments below and add your own!

Original Text below:

My favorite coffee doubled in price at my favorite discount store. OUCH.

I grew up poor. I know the drill. I can tell you the serial numbers of everything bigger than a five in my wallet. My low overhead lifestyle is probably the only reason I can still afford to live in NYC.  But with the cost of everything going up, practically by the week, desperate measures are required.

Money-saving Strategies

I’m the lady inspecting the ‘clearance items” in the dollar store. I recycle cans.  Sure, it’s good for the environment — but every five cans means a “free” six minutes on the dryers in the laundromat. Stale bread becomes breadcrumbs.  I pull plugs out of the wall until I’m ready to use an appliance. I bought six cotton handkerchiefs and stopped buying Kleenex.

There are some things I won’t skimp on, though.  I won’t skimp on a gym membership because running in the rain and snow is miserable, and I”ll never buy cheap running shoes again.

Of course, there are the economies that weren’t so…economic.  Like the time I tried to make pizza at home. Or when I tossed a wool sweater in the washing machine….and the dryer. Whoopsie!

Your turn  

What about you?  What are your money hacks? What will you not skimp on unless absolutely necessary? Let us know 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  Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.