Fru-Gal Friends

Subject: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 11:21 am

answer by ticking boxes and/or commenting
_________________
Vicki

[/url]

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 12:23 pm

alot of things dont work for because of our family size or the fact I dont live in a big city ... but most of what we share and post here works...
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 1:07 pm

I would have to say most things work for me. However...

In the winter I do prefer to use the dryer as it takes so long for the clothes to dry here when air dried.

I was washing baggies but it got too tedious and thought my time was better spent doing other things.

Right now instead of making everything from scratch I have been buying alot of packaged goodies when on sale so as to save me time from calculating nutritional values and portion sizes. It makes life easier on me if I get called in at the last minute
_________________
Vicki

[/url]

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

I'm the same, lots of tips work for me...but not if they are too time consuming...I don't have alot of time and DH wouldn't hear of me washing baggies...he would want me to be doing something with or for the kids...things like that. I love reading tips though! I try lots and lots of them!!!! Smile

kim

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 4:26 pm

Tips for buying in bulk and cooking in large batches doesn't work for me because there are only 2 of us, we have a small house and we don't have a spare freezer.

Coupons don't work for me because they are either for things I don't use or you have to buy too many to get the savings.

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 6:58 pm

Most things work for me but anything that's too time-consuming (to save a little) probably wouldn't be worth it for me as I'd end up with NO spare time!
I'm actually finding it hard to think of anything to be honest except for some craft/homemade gift ideas possibly. Although they're more personal I can often pick up something similar at dollar stores for less than the materials would cost and less time is involved also e.g. candles and bath treats, etc. If it was going to save 'a lot' that'd be different but these things can be picked up pretty cheaply.
On the other hand I do enjoy my knitting and plan to personalize a few ornaments this year, but most other things I can buy cheaply and with less effort and time.
_________________
~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Very Valuable Member Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 389

I agree with you, Vicki,about using the dryer in the winter...I have actual TONS of laundry and can't even keep up with it using the dryer, never mind if I line-dried. Same regarding the baggies. After you use & wash them once or twice, they look awful. I will then only use them for non-food items, then toss. I don't use many baggies anyway. Can't seem to recycle foil much either. I'm too rough and always end up ripping it.
I will add that using coffee grounds for more than one pot of coffee ended up being a kind of bad idea for me,too. The second pot was weak always tasted like dish-water. Wasn't enjoyable, and therefore not worth it to me.
I also must use name-brand laundry detergent(Tide). I have a real problem with actually getting my clothes CLEAN, for some reason. My washer is a maytag Neptune, supposedly top o' the line when I got it three years ago,energy efficient-yes, but I'm not sure exactly how happy I am with the way it cleans the clothes. I have big loads, perhaps TOO big.
I also must use Downy lavender fabric softener, bleach can be non-name-brand, doesn't matter.
Pretty much buy all generic(store brand) for food. Doesn't bother us at all~ Very Happy

I guess most things DO work for me!! Very Happy

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Mon 08 Jan 2007, 10:00 pm

lately we have been drying instead of line ... Emily is working like a dog and I dont expect her to hang up clothes
I dont wash out baggies.. I only use them for certain most of our food storagae is with the food saver .... and I had to buy bags this time Walmart was out of the rolll of make your own bags.
we still make most everything from scratch , its easy for us.
we use alot of vinegar, and lemon juice, I use lot of baking soda
I am back to using Tide- my clothes dont get clean with out.

[/url]
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 6:22 am

I am sure I could do alot more things frugally ... but right now, I am pretty set in my ways. :-)

~M
_________________
"It is not how much money you make - it is how you spend it."

Group Weight Loss Goal for June (updated as of Wednesdayd, July 2nd):

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 12:25 pm

I don't know how you ladies find the bargains at the thrift stores. I go there, and things seem highly priced. What am I doing wrong?

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 3:38 pm

I have found that some frugal tips work well and some just are not practical for my family lifestyle, but I have also found ways to compromise on some things and still be frugal. I don't wash baggies but for those that hold bread or crackers or cookies, etc. I just shake out the crumbs and reuse. Some bulk items work well and some are just welll, too bulky!! Most house brand items work quite well for us, sometimes we just have to buy from health food stores. I think the idea of being frugal is to always be looking for ways to save but not at the expense of personal and family time. As with all things balance and moderation are always good ideas to keep in mind Cool

_________________
Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 3:45 pm

Sissy, it may be that you live in an area that just does not support a big thrift store. The big charity related ones are usually the most reasonably priced and more often will have half price days on certain items, usually based how long tho items have been in the store. Also church yard sales are usually quiet reasonable priced and more likely be open to going down a bit on prices.
_________________
Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 6:54 pm

I love reading frugal tips as they inspire me! The ones that I personally use are those that are quick,easy,use items that I already have or cost very little money.
I try to use grocery store brands when I can,but I have gotten some lately that I just do not feel are good quality. Other store brands are great! I also shop at Big Lots (discount store where I can get name brand groceries and cosmetics for much less). I try to buy needed clothing and household items at thrift stores,but I have the same problem as you Sissy. The prices have gotten so terribly high and the quality of donated items has gone down. Frugal living is a challenge and it is all about finding what works best for your particular needs. You just never know when one of your tips might be a real winner for someone else!!!
_________________
MARY

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 7:05 pm

Subject: Re: What has not worked for you? Tue 09 Jan 2007, 7:08 pm