10/15/24: Dollar Stretcher Tips

From the Editor's Desk

by Andrea Norris-McKnight
[email protected]

Hello Frugal Friend!

Yes, we're still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Hopefully, we'll be back in business next week.

Take care,
Andrea

Knowing When To Buy

I always mark the date I open large sundry items, such as cleaners, cotton balls, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. I started doing this out of curiosity because some things seemed to last forever even though I used them constantly, like buying bulk shampoo. By checking the date I first started using an item, I can better gauge how many I need to keep on hand or how many extra to buy when I come upon a sale.

This has saved me money because I always seemed to buy extra items when they were on sale and ended up with a lot more items than space. Now if I come upon a sale and know that I have an extra item on hand (I keep a spreadsheet of my extra items in my planner in my purse), I know I can let that sale slide and wait for a sale closer to the time we should we running out of that item.
Lisa

Related: How a Simple Planner Can Keep Dollars in Your Pocket

A Trick for Saving for a New Car

When you get into the habit of making car payments, and finally make the last one, don't go out and splurge. Just pretend you're still making payments, and make them to your savings account. You will accumulate enough money to pay cash for the next car, or at least to make a sizable down payment. You'll also always have a reserve supply of cash for an emergency if your car breaks down.
Alice

Related: A 3-Step Plan for Saving for a Newer Car

A Frugal Donut Recipe from Great-Grandma

I saw the tip about cheap donuts using canned biscuit dough. With a little effort, you can make them from scratch and I think they would be cheaper. This is an old recipe from my husband's great grandmother that I make and share at Easter. The original recipe makes about 14, but I use an old doughnut cutter that is smaller. I usually triple the recipe because the dough comes out moister.

Great Grandma's Donuts

1/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. shortening
1 beaten egg
1/3 c. milk
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/16 tsp. mace
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg and milk and mix well. Mix flour, baking powder and spices together and then add to egg mixture. Mix thoroughly. Roll 1/2 inch thick on slightly floured surface and cut out with doughnut cutter. Fry in deep fat heated to 375 degrees until light golden brown. Drain on paper towel lined cookie sheet. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. I have rolled them in cinnamon sugar. They have an old fashioned spice taste.

Triple recipe amounts: 1 c. sugar, 4 1/2 tbsp. shortening, 3 eggs, 1 c. milk, 6 cups flour, 6 tsp.baking powder, 3/8 tsp. cinnamon, 3/8 tsp. ground cloves, 3/16 tsp. mace and 1 1/2 tsp salt.

See what you think!
Jane

Related: Can I Used Canned Biscuits Past the Expiration Date? (Tips & Ideas)

A Simple "Help" Alert

I was changing the battery in my mom's car remote when I accidently set off the panic button. It sure was loud. Then it dawned on me that it would make a good alert to trouble that had nothing to do with the car. She lives in an over 55 community, so she spoke with her neighbors. They all carry their keys with them. If they fall or something is wrong, they set off the panic button. Neighbors know to come to the aid of whoever it is.
Kylie

Related: 12 Free (Or Almost Free) Ways to Protect the Elderly

The Bulk Food Group

I get together with friends to bulk order food from different places. It is like a food co-op of friends. It really helps the budget to purchase items in bulk, and when ordering with friends four times a year.

We've saved so much by buying items like powdered milk in bulk bags. The same thing applies to bulk oatmeal, grains, TVP and beans. Bulk baking cocoa is also very inexpensive when purchased bulk compared to buying it in small bags. We often do this as a group with the ladies from church and the neighborhood.
M.

Related: Buying in Bulk: An Investment Anyone Can Afford

Broken Picture Frame?

I pick up frames of all sizes at yard sales, even the ugliest of frames, just for the glass. I always keep some on hand to replace glass in frames that I use. I checked once to replace an 8x10 glass at a craft store, and it wasn't cheap. I can pick up really ugly frames (and nice ones, too) at yard sales for $1 or less and at thrift stores for a few bucks.
E.

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