10/11/24: Dollar Stretcher Tips

Hello Frugal Friend!

Due to Hurricane Milton, I expect to be without power and internet for a period. If you don't receive a newsletter or notice the front pages and tips on the websites don't change for the next few weeks, it simply means we're still waiting for power and internet to be restored.

I appreciate your readership,
Andrea

8-Days-a-Week Grocery Shopping

If you normally grocery shop every week, try spending your normal budgeted amount for food, but try to last eight days until the next shopping trip. Shop and spend the budgeted amount for food and try to last another eight days instead of seven again. In two weeks, you have saved two days on food. In seven weeks, you should be able to save one whole week's grocery money. Using this tip, in a year, you should save over seven weeks of food budget!

In my house, seven weeks at $125 per week will save me $875 per year.
Janet

Cheaper Facial Cloths

Old washcloths, soft from countless launderings, a dot or two of baby shampoo and very warm water are perfect for removing makeup and for washing your face before bedtime. Baby washcloths are especially nice for this use. I rub a dab of petroleum jelly on my face before washing. Splash your face with warm water to rinse, then apply your regular cream or lotion.

For me, petroleum jelly makes a good moisturizer if I smooth it on while my skin is wet. This works well all over after showers, too. These methods are gentle on aging skin.
Bonny

Related: Affordable Facial Cleansing Cloth Alternatives

The Un-Consumer

I have tried several approaches to being frugal. One which I am currently doing is "not consuming" for a specified period. I just find it easiest to set a time period and only purchase items that are absolutely necessary. This takes the guess work out of saving.
Dr. Terry

Related: How a No Spend Month Can Benefit Your Budget

Daily Shower Cleaner Recipe

I make all of our cleaning products. I make everything from furniture polish to fabric freshener for a fraction of the cost of buying the ready-made cleaners, and I like the scents much better. Here is my recipe for a daily shower cleaner:

In a 32-ounce spray bottle, mix:

1 cup white vinegar
2 Tbsp. generic dishwasher rinse agent
Fill the rest of the bottle with water
Jenni

Related: Cleaning a Shower Without Scrubbing: Tips for Seniors

Last Slice Savings

For years, I've been saving bread crusts that my family won't eat. When I have enough, I make bread pudding for dessert and serve it with whipped topping. Everyone loves it. The ingredients are eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and of course, pieces of broken bread.

Enjoy that last slice.
Pauline

Related: 19 Uses for Bread That You Might Not Know That Can Help You Save

A Creative Way to Use Up Leftover Veggies

I always seem to have a half to a full cup of veggies from dinner leftover. It is such a waste to toss them or just let them turn into a "science project" in the fridge. Now, I puree them and use them over another night's veggies, over meat, or over rice. You can spice them up, use them as flavoring for meatloaf, etc. I used leftover pureed roasted veggies over cauliflower last night! It was great!
Barb

Related: How To Never Waste Another Vegetable or Fruit: A 4-Step Plan