9/27/24: Dollar Stretcher Tips

Hello Frugal Friend!

A reader reached out for advice. Please send responses to [email protected].

For some time now I have had to follow a strict food plan (FODMAP diet) which, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly more expensive. Briefly, it means no lactose, no gluten, few veggies and fruits, limited spices. Many of the foods I am allowed are far more expensive than "regular" foods — bread is $8+ a loaf for 12 tiny slices. Eggs are fine, but have you seen the prices? UP again!

As you might imagine, this makes my food budget difficult. I wonder if any other readers have any suggestions.
Madeline

Thank you in advance for your advice!
Andrea

Meal (and Dollar) Stretchers

I like to make white rice to stretch meals. I usually add some flavor to it by adding soup or salad dressing after it's cooked. When a bottle of dressing is empty, I add some hot water, shake it to get every last bit and use the "flavored water" to cook the rice.

Also, when making store-brand macaroni-n-cheese, I cook some additional macaroni (which I stock up on when it is on sale) to stretch the macaroni-n-cheese just a bit more.
Brian

Another Potato Saver

If I have potatoes that I am afraid may go bad, I bake them in the oven in foil and then throw them in the freezer. When I want a baked potato, I unwrap it and throw it in the microwave. It has that great oven-baked potato taste. I use up all my potatoes before they begin to sprout. This is also a good way to use a large bag (10 pounds or more) economically when you live alone or have a small family.
Janet

Related: Freezing Potatoes: Frugal Homemade French Fries and Hash Browns

Simple Laundry Savings

I prefer a name-brand laundry detergent, but I don't like the cost. Therefore, I only use it on our better clothes. I use a cheaper store brand for our undies, my husband's work clothes and the kids' play clothes. It's not a huge saving, but it does add up over time.
Maggie

Related: Natural Homemade Laundry Soap Recipes

DIY Haircutting Savings

Cutting my own hair for the last 10 years has done two things for me. It has saved me lots of money and given me a skill I now use to save more money. I trim my own hair about every 2-3 months and get a professional job when I want a specific cut or to change my look. I also cut my husband's hair all the time, saving us $18+ a cut each month. And now I cut my dad's hair and trim my mom's bangs when I visit them, saving them expensive trips to the salon.

I bought a cape from Sally Beauty Supply on sale and a decent pair of hair shears from the drugstore. I also purchased a squirt bottle for $1. I have easily paid for these items many times over. I realize not everyone has this skill, but it's a great way to save if you can find haircutting how-to's online and are willing to live with your mistakes.

Also note, if you're afraid you'll miss the salon shampoo experience, ask your significant other to shampoo your head sometimes.
Jennifer

Related: DIY Home Haircuts for Trimming a Tight Budget

Empty Nest Extra Income

Our kids moved out, but we didn't want to downsize. So we decided to rent out their bedrooms. It's a great source of income, but our insurance agent told us we need to increase our coverage. Renters aren't usually covered in your homeowner's policy. So if you're renting or doing a Bed & Breakfast thing, check with your insurance company before a slip and fall happens.
Lucy

Related: 10 Ways Your House Can Make or Save You Money

Save Your Mattress

My nanny taught me this trick from when she was a girl. She said that they turned their mattress twice a year to help it keep its shape. They'd spin it in the spring so the head was at the end of the bed. They'd flip it in the fall, so the bottom was now the top.
Hannah

Related: How To Prolong the Life of Your Mattress: Care Tips