| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 1:24:36 PM
Hi Ladies!
I know we have talked about this a bit in the past, but I thought maybe it would be fun to talk a bit about farmgirl frugality again.
What do you do that is frugal? What _should_ you be doing that is more frugal? What sites give you good tips? And What is your most non-frugal thing that you can't give up?
I think we do really well on food costs. We only spend $200 a month for groceries for home, and Doug uses an additional $100 for food while at work. I am hoping to get him to stop buying food at work though by making super yummy dinners that he will want to eat as left-overs.
I also make our own cleaners with the help of vinegar, baking soda, a little dish soap, and homemade laundry detergent- I get to skip that aisle in the store!
The biggest thing that we don't do frugally is our cable/internet bill. We have highspeed and I can't see Doug or I ever down grading unless we really had to! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 23 2008 : 2:06:32 PM
Does anyone know of a reliable site which gives comparisons between what might seem cheapest and what is? I know that isn't a real clear questions, so I'll give an example. We have laying hens, so I don't buy eggs. I heard on the radio the tail end of a discussion about how for most people it's actually cheaper to buy eggs in many situations than to have the chickens. The commentator talked about the "break-even" point. I missed most of the discussion because I tuned in late, but it was the normal discussion of how, once you factor in the feed per dozen eggs gathered, your cost of the feed might well be more than the price of buying eggs.
I realize that cost isn't the only factor, but since this thread is on frugality, that's the point I wanted to look at.
Another example is that a friend of mine said she read that there's a similar break-even point for paper towels (vs using cloth). She said she heard there's a site where they discuss issues like this -- cost of running the washer, the soap, etc., vs the towels, especially if you reuse them and then compost them so they're not simply landfill.
Sorry if this isn't clear, but I just wondered if there is such a site. Anyone know?
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please email me for all your Mary Kay needs! |
| nubidane |
Posted - Apr 21 2008 : 07:14:49 AM
I grew up with an ex marine(my dear stepdad; my bio dad died when I was 8), & we had a cistern, so along with running the place like a boot camp, he made us ration water like you would not believe. When we did dishes, we had to wash all the silverware & then rinse all at once. We had to take military showers (wet down, turn off water,lather up, turn water back on & rinse off.) If he felt we were running water too long, he would either go to the main & turn off the hot, or shut off altogether. The best though was the bath. He had a tape mark about 1 inch above the bottom of the bathtub, & if we wanted to take a bath, he would come in & check before we got in to make sure we were not above the tape mark, & we did not dare turn it on after that. We were only allowed to wash our cars in the rain.
That being said, I am extremely sensitive to any kind of waste, & still cringe when hubby is in the shower for more that 3 minutes. I myself take about 1 minute, 2 if I shave.
My stepdad is the most generous person in the world, & even now,( I am 48,) he still slips me a $20 bill when he sees me for gas. He just knew how to ration, reserve & put back for better things.
Courtesy of the few, the proud, the Marines |
| goneriding |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 7:09:37 PM
I am rather a clutz in the kitchen but I found by accident that if one nite you make tacos, the next nite you can do sphaghetti with a nice salad from the leftover taco stuff. The meat can go into the spag. sauce and the leftover lettuce, tomatos, onions, cheese, cilantro make a nice salad. I like vinegar and oil dressing, which isn't a stretch for me to make.
Since I travel for my job, I can buy the Amish soaps and they last forever.
Even if I dirty one of my work shirts, I wash it and still wear it on the truck (where no one sees me), stain and all. As long as I'm clean, I'm good.
I try to use everything up or close to its end before trashing anything, I want my money's worth!
The only thing I will splurge on and will till the end of time is my horse tack. I buy only the best and take care of it and it pays off in the long run.
Winona ;-)
When you lose, don't lose the lesson!!
http://goneriding.wordpress.com/
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| Alee |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 1:48:56 PM
Hi Deborah!
Yes- wind power is in my future once we get a permanent home that is ours and not rented. I just dream and dream of that day! I am really excited- I want both wind mills and wind turbines and hopefully solar panels as well!
I love thrift store shopping, but unfortunately don't have very many good ones around here. A Salvation Army just opened so I am excited to go peruse on Monday...but back home there are TONS! :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Room To Grow |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 08:29:49 AM
Alee, there are many sites out there that help with wind power...and you get tax credits for having it....I started going to the thrift stores when my daughter was in high school. She was into the grunge look...Pearl Jam etc....and I wasnt going to buy a flannel shirt from the GAP that cost 25.00 so I went to the thrift stores and got the shirts that she wanted and only paid 4.00 for them....Also the baggy jeans....lol....she wouldnt be caught dead in them now....But now I love them...not the baggy jeans...but the flannel shirts..also overalls
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 08:15:21 AM
That's great Deborah! I SOOO want wind power!
I hate to admit it but I used to be pretty wasteful as well. I think sometimes people come to being frugal in their own time, but a good example set when little really does sink in- even if it takes 22 years to seep in!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Room To Grow |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 07:59:51 AM
I am just trying to help my daughter to save on things. She has been wastefull and i didnt teach her that way. But when it comes to lunches....another topic. She always packs the grands there lunch. She know what they like and they always eat it all. She fills a water bottle with filtered water for them. I do alot of shopping at thrift stores. And I am a member of several yahoo groups freecycle, cheapcycle, and I find things on craigslist and ebay that I dont have to pay full price. I am growing veggies and some fruit. We re getting worms for composting. And within the next few yrs we will be using wind and solar power for the farm. Helping the planet while We help our pockets.
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
| mommato4 |
Posted - Apr 16 2008 : 9:28:48 PM
I love this topic!!!! Here are some main ways we save:
1) we try to raise all of our own produce in our garden..this is challenging with 4 kids...but it saves a lot of money!!
2) we raise our OWN organic beef, chicken and pork...this saves so much!!!
3) we just got a milk cow...so we're now saving on milk, cheeses and yogurt!!!
4) we have chickens...so we don't have to buy store bought eggs
5) I use a clothesline to dry our clothes
6) We heat our home with a woodstove...my husband cuts our wood...so our heating is free
7) I clip coupons and get most of my toiletry items and cleaning products for free or close to free (at Walgreens and CVS)...for more about that you can go to www.moneysavingmom.com
That's pretty much it...but I'm constantly looking for MORE ways to save money!!!!
Have a blessed day!!
Christy
http://oursimplelives.wordpress.com/ |
| nashbabe |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 05:05:25 AM
There is a yahoo group called pantry challenge. It's a group dedicated to trying to cook from what you already have in the house instead of going out and buying stuff. I don't read the messages (I have all my yahoo groups "web only" so as to not get any emails clogging my inbox and just read them when I want), but they list all their recipes in the "files" section by month.
The big box hardware type stores sell "wrong color" paint for cheap cheap cheap. The color sample is generally on the top of the can. Worth looking at the paint department when you are there to see if there is anything you can use for major savings.
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com
groovy stuff 2 buy...http://www.alittlesplurge.etsy.com |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 12:12:19 AM
Over the course of the past few months, I am learning to figure out wants versus needs.
I have also started shopping more at the thrift store first before I buy new.
And then it is do I really need it, or do I just want it?
I also reorganized my kitchen cupboards to see if I can streamline things when I make my shopping list. This was on another thread somewhere and it makes a huge difference.
I try to shop for major food purchases once every three-four weeks, and fill in with milk and fresh produce in between.
I have also tried to reuse/repurpose things I already have: For example:
I have wanted to redecorate my bathroom since last summer. Instead of racing to the store and buying everything new, including the paint and accessories.
I asked for the shower curtain and towels I drooling over for Christmas. In the meantime, I thrifted/repurposed/refinished for the rest of what I needed.
The only thing I ended up having to buy new was the curtain for my window. The one I purchased at good will wasn't quite wide enough.
I used the paint from when I painted Lauren's room, which I purchased last spring, so the paint job was free.
I think I spent a grand total of twenty bucks to re-do my bathroom.
Oh and I LOVE how it turned out too.
It is late and that is all I can think of for now.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 6:25:17 PM
These tips sound like the ones I read about on Cindy's Porch. She suggests doing an inventory of your kitchen cabinets, freezer, refrigerator, and planning meals around foods you have on hand. Same thing with toiletries - use up what you have. It's stuff you've already paid for!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 12:22:23 PM
It really opens my eyes. I just did a big clean of the kitchen and I found more food (and less in some places) food than I thought we had. I found 4?! bags of powdered sugar, two bags of regular sugar, 3 unopened bags and 2 opened bags of brown sugar and a bare scraping of regular flour. I guess I had wanted to buy flour and picked up 3 types of sugar instead?!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 12:12:15 PM
Alee- are sure this woman wasn't me??? I used to be like that and I learned the value in first being organized but most importantly keeping things simple. I was the gal who had bottles of shampoo and 4 bottles of lotion going at once..yes,,I know...take a moment to gasp and roll eyes and when I finally learned about being frugal and thrifty and not so wasteful, I got my act together. I do a deep cleaning/organizing in the spring and late fall, this preps me and hold me good for a few months. I also mentioned my big shopping trips and honestly, since we started doing this, I have more time for my family, being outside, resting, etc...and I am not wasting money nor am I running around 4 times a week trying to get this or that..
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 12:03:46 PM
You ladies might like this article from www.stretcher.com
My husband and kids were out of town several weeks ago, and I took two days to clean every cupboard and closet in our home, as well as the freezer. Every time I opened a door, it seemed that boxes or bottles fell out, and I couldn't find anything I was looking for!
As I was sorting, cleaning, throwing away (nine garbage bags full) and organizing, I realized that messy closets and cupboards had more consequences than just frustration and potential injuries from falling items.
The Cost of Disorganization
* We had too many "extras"! I found several packages of batteries (in the laundry room closet), three loaves of holiday cocktail bread for fancy appetizers (in the freezer), and many bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the bathroom cabinets. The extras were all bought because I couldn't find the ones I'd originally purchased. Although I will use these items someday, I spent money that could have been spent on other things, and the cocktail bread was freezer-burnt beyond use.
* In almost every cupboard and closet that I cleaned, I found partially full bottles or boxes of food, shampoo, Parmesan cheese, etc. Obviously, four or five partially full containers take up a lot more space than one full container! I combined the like products, and the empty containers accounted for several garbage bags full of waste.
* There were potential safety issues. I found several packages of expired medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Not only will expired medicine fail to give the desired effect, but it can also cause undesired effects. Old makeup can hold infection-causing bacteria; old lotion can separate and be unusable. I also found boxes of very old and long-expired food, which might have been "just" stale. However, I didn't want to risk it being full of bugs or spoiled to the point of being a health hazard. These items accounted for a few more bags full of garbage.
After two days of cleaning closets and cupboards, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. Every time I walked by a cupboard or closet, I opened it to gaze at what I'd done. When my family got home, I made them look as well, and they were impressed!
Benefits of Organized Closets and Cupboards
* With a place for everything and everything in its place, I can clearly see how much soap, tomato sauce, laundry detergent, and first aid cream I have. When I make my shopping list, I can see what I need and know I won't be purchasing anything unnecessarily. It's also much easier to plan meals when all food items are organized and I can clearly see how much of everything we have. Obviously, this saves money.
* I also save time by not having to push things aside, take them out, or try to fit them back in after they fall out when I open a door. I didn't realize how much time I wasted until now.
* There's no more waste! I can easily rotate food so it doesn't get old (putting new purchases in back of products that are already in the cupboard) and check expiration dates on medications. This is another money saver.
* I "found" some items and ingredients I'd forgotten I had! It was a thrill (I'm easy to thrill!) to find "new" lotion and makeup that had gotten pushed to the back of the cabinet. I also found unusual ingredients I'd purchased for recipes I wanted to try and now can when I find the recipe, which is my next organizing project.
All in all, I have an increased sense of control over my home, my time, and my finances. The benefits are well worth the time and effort it took to clean and organize those closets, cupboards, and cabinets!
Shelly Burke, RN, is the author of Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home and What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations. She recently completed a goal workbook, Make it Happen! Your Guide to Setting and Reaching Goals that Will Change Your Life! For more information or to read excerpts, go to www.shellyburke.net.
Take the Next Step: Organize your cupboards, cabinets, and closets! If you don't have an extended period of time to do several or all of them at once, start small with a small closet or even a single shelf. You will reap the benefits of every bit of work you do, and as you experience the benefits or organization, you'll be motivated to do more!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 12:00:46 PM
Lori-
Those are great ideas! I know some libraries even have e-books. You sign up for the service and can down load the book or audio book via the internet! Now that's handy!
Another good tip is if you are going to be using your dryer- save up a few loads that need the dryer to use in quick succession- that way you can move the laundry from the washer to the drier quickly and keep the dryer going without loosing the heat that has built up over the previous load. It might only be a few cents each time you do this, but I feel better not letting the dryer cool between loads.
I also usually only wash the dishes once per day. The kitchen might not look as neat, but I can use one or two sinkfuls of water instead of 3-6.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 04:59:15 AM
One thing I can't emphasize enough is to make use of your public library! They are a wealth of resources for you, only waiting for you to use them! Not only can you borrow books, but there are DVDs, magazines, free Internet, etc. (Has anyone figured out yet that I work at a library?  )
My splurge right now is that I've gotten hooked on handmade soap, after reading about it here on the different threads! I started using it last fall and can't stand the mass-produced stuff now! I just bought a big order from a company in British Columbia this week. I love it, and I'm also supporting a small home-based business, which makes me feel good. I figure with the little things I do to save here and there, it evens out.
I've started making my own green tea to take to work, or for the kids to take to school. Just make a pot of hot green tea, let it cool, add lemon juice to taste, and I usually add about a teaspoon of sugar. Refill bottles, and you've just saved a few dollars!
I also make my own yogurt, been doing that for 3 years. The yogurt maker was a bit of an investment, but it paid for itself in 3 months.
This week I used my crock pot for dinner (chili) and it felt so good to save money there; I had made extra cooked ground beef another day, and just froze it, so the meat was handy, already prepared.
Lori |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 9:55:43 PM
This is great ladies! Let's keep the ideas and actions rolling!
Nora and I share baths. It saves water and is fun play time for both of us. We all use the same shampoo and conditioner and simple soap works for us. I rarely buy make-up, but when I do, I buy Mary Kay from my sister. It will last me for months.
I do wash some of our clothes in warm water, so I will work really hard on breaking down that mental barrier and washing in cold more. I also need to get caught up on laundry so I have space to use my drying rack more often.
In the winter I re-direct the moist hot air from the dry vent back to the inside of our house. Sometimes the humidity builds up and sometimes it is a bit too warm- but it really helps reduce our heating costs.
I like to go to www.hillbillyhousewife.com and www.stretcher.com for extra saving tips.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| nouveau_farmchick |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 7:56:22 PM
Hi Alee,
I'm glad that you are addressing this. I would like to suggest the book "Tightwad's Gazette" it is full of wonderful ideas. I recently turned my washing machine to a cool water setting instead of warm. I soak hard to clean dishes in cold tap water instead of hot. I am using my wooden cloths drying rack all of the time instead of once in a third blue moon.
God bless Farmers |
| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 1:52:30 PM
Well Alee lets see.....
1.Growing, harvesting and storing up what we can from the gardens
2.Buying on sell and freezing
3.Planning meals
4.Getting the needs instead of the wants. This actually makesthe "wants" more enjoyable when you can finally get a few of them
5. Find ways to reuse things that other may think of as worn out. Like jeans. Great purses and rag quilts
6. Handmade gifts for the friends and family
7. Thrift stores. I bought my 17 yearold Express Jeans and Polo Shirts, and other name brand clothes for next too nothing. I look them over real good to make sure they look new. Then I do what most parents of teenagers must - leave out all of the infor I just say "Look what I got for you today". Then he says he can't believe I spent that much money on clothes for him . I truthfully answer that it really wasn't that much I got a great deal.
8. Pack lunches and cook meals.
9. Find contentment in everyday things....
small farms give big benefits |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 1:36:25 PM
1. Hanging most of my laundry (Trying to put up more lines in the garage)
2. I try to get two meals out of things like hamburger or chicken or make extra rice and stretch it to two meals.
3. Water- cooler showers and baths for Charlie. I use the same body wash as him, so it saves money.
4. I use vinegar, baking soda and essential oils to clean. I don't make my own laundry soap, but I use half of what is suggested, organic, earth friendly and I buy the biggest amount I can.
5. Buying in bulk- keeping to a list and getting what we actually use. I mentioned before how I do 2 major shopping trips a year. I keep my list with me and as I hit sales, find it for free, trade or thift, I scratch it off the list. I do plan around the times of year when to buy things like new linens or a winter coat, etc. Also, if they "thing" is on my list more than 3 months, I really decide if I can live without it.
6. I trim my short hair in between cuts to stretch my budget. My hair grows fast but I like my hair short, so it is a give and take.
7. I am turning over to re-usable bags for groceries and I am buying us some Kleen Kanteens for all of us (waiting on a little more money to come in)
8. Walking, playing in the park, or a shallow bucket of water at home, dancing to music, inviting the neighbors over to share in dinner, reading, watching DVD's and having Pizza night on Fridays, teaching Charlie how to handle the dog, flying kites...all FREE or little money to do!!! I comb the papers and websites for coupons for things like a free ice cream for Charlie. I can always bring fruit and water to supplement.
9. I sold a large amount of our un-used stuff. I made enough money to pay for one of my yearly shopping trips and a nice dinner out for me and hubby. I think less is more in life.
10. Share the wealth- donate, offer help, make someone smile...it is all frugal and free!!!
Cheers,
Heather
9.
FARMGIRL #90 |
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