10/8/24: Dollar Stretcher Tips

Hello Frugal Friend!

With Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, 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

No More Loose Screws

To keep the screw(s) in glasses from loosening and falling, put a drop of clear finger nail polish right on the screw. No more loose and falling out screws. I have used this trick for years and it really helps.
Ann

Homemade After-Shave Gel

My husband ran out of his favorite after-shave gel. Unfortunately, the company no longer carried it in its catalog. My solution was to make some, and it turned out great and only cost pennies!

AFTER-SHAVE GEL

1/3 c. aloe vera gel
2-3 tsp. witch hazel
1 tsp. glycerin
1/2 tsp. cologne

Mix the above ingredients and put them in a squeeze tube or jar. Use this after shaving. It soothes and does not dry skin out like alcohol-based after-shaves. With the light scent, it's not overwhelming.
Lorraine

Related: Shaving Savings: Cutting the Cost of Hair Removal Products

DIY Wipes

When you run out of those expensive disinfecting wipes, don't throw away the canister. Somewhere in your house, you have worn out sheets and garments or even hoarded paper towels. Cut your rag pile into wipes, stuff them into the canister, and then refill the canister with non-chlorine disinfectant.
Margaret

Related: Homemade Disinfectant Wipes: Cheap, Effective Recipes

Saving With Canned Beans

With meat prices so high, we have been eating meatless dinners at least two days per week. My local grocer often has good sales on canned beans and I pick up a variety. When I need a good "bean" meal idea, I simply search for "recipes that use canned black beans" or pinto beans or whatever beans I have bought. It has made a quite a difference in our food bills.

I know dry beans may be even cheaper, but I simply don't have time to prepare them at this point. For now, canned works best for our budget and busy schedule.
A.

Related: How Dry Beans Can Stretch Food Dollars Further

Cooking for One + One + One

I picked up this idea from my mother. She's a widow and lives in a 55+ community. She got tired of cooking for one person, so she and two neighbors formed a group. They cook two meals each week and share them with each other. That covers six days! I'm divorced and have the same cooking problem. I'm teaming up with two others in my neighborhood, and we'll do the same thing. Only we're each cooking one meal each week for the group.
Cassie

Related: Solo Cooking and Dining on a Budget

Easy Ceiling Fan Update

The ceiling fan in our family room was looking tired, but I really didn't want to replace it. Then it occurred to me that if I changed the look of the blades that the fan would take on a new appearance.

I removed the four blades (easy work). I did make a note of which blade came from which bracket, so I didn't have to rebalance the fan. I took the blades down to my workshop, and after cleaning them thoroughly, I sprayed them with a color that contrasted with my family room. After doing a little clean-up on the fan body and reattaching the blades, the room had an entirely new feel.
Dave

Related: Tips for Updating Outdated Ceiling Fans Inexpensively