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Across the Fence:  Frugal tips that actually work for you?  |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
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herb19355
True Blue Farmgirl
321 Posts
Debi
Danielsville,
GA
USA
321 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 07:31:51 AM
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One that has made a big difference to us... is putting a large dry towel in the dryer when drying clothes. It has cut the drying time almost in half.... the theory is that the towel will help absorb some of the moisture and re-distribute it.
Debi
herb19355
GA Farmgirl #2515 |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13666 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13666 Posts |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 08:19:00 AM
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We use energy efficient light bulbs instead of the old fillament style. The next round of lightbulbs are going to be LEDs as they are even more energy efficient. We also wear a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat and open blinds instead of having lights on. When I run my dryer I let it exhaust into the house (electric) so the moist/ hot air gives us a moisture boost and keeps the thermostat from kicking on.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 11:05:33 AM
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I posted a reply on the blog about my love affair with vinegar. I've got a book called "The American Frugal Housewife" by Mrs. Childs (no relation to Julia) from the 19th century that includes everything from recipes, to frugal tips, to parenting tips designed to help a young victorian era american housewife with running an effective, thrifty and happy household. I've got a dream to rewrite and modernize the work for publication someday.
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
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Simple Living
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Joan
Staten Island
NY
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 11:29:38 AM
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Hi Kristina: I just became a follower of your Pioneer Woman!
Happy Trails
Farmgirl 3842 |
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DeborahLee
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
Deborah
Starkville
Mississippi
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 12:16:10 PM
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If I had to pick one frugal tip, it would be to avoid debt. That bargain, picked up on a credit card that tacks on a high interest, is not a bargain. I've been debt free (insert shout out to Dave Ramsey here!) for three years and it has made a tremendous difference. I found I had to replace all four tires on the Jeep before Christmas---cheaper than a new car but not a "cheap" option---and it was so comforting to be able to pull the $$ from the replacement fund and not have to go in debt. I know some folks are having a tough time but in the long run, debt-free is a big money saver.
Of course, I shop thrift shops, have down-scaled the amount of items I purchase, and use coupons. But the debt-free approach has easily saved me the most $$.
My two cents worth!
Deborah
Professor, librarian, writer and farmgirl!
Farmgirl #2970 |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4759 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4759 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 12:18:57 PM
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I use cleaning rags instead of paper towels.
I make my own laundry detergent and use 1 gallon containers of vinegar for rinse.
Make my own laundry spot cleaner and food spray.
Turn lights off every time a room is empty and have the heat programmed to go to 65 during the day and late at night.
Make my own bathroom cleaners.
That's all I can think of for now! Great topic, I'm going to try the towel in the dryer trick!
Dawn in IL |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 1:04:22 PM
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When cooking, I cut down a bit on the amount of sugar I use in a recipe. Instead of using, say, one cup of sugar, I use about 3/4th of a cup, maybe a bit over. Since I cook a lot, it helps. There are other things you gals have written already that I do too.
Oh, almost forgot, told hubby this summer, we're putting up a clothes line. I loff sheets that have been dried on the line!
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com . Now with pictures!!
Also, http://lostadventuresincooking.blogspot.com is back up and running! Please check it out! Puh-leeze...??
My newest experimental blog: http://lostadventuresingreatdeals.blogspot.com Check it out!!
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mommatracy
True Blue Farmgirl
490 Posts
Tracy
My. Olive
NC
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 1:10:02 PM
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I am going to put the towel in the dryer. Smart idea!
www.cottagebythebay.blogspot.com
~Trust in the Lord...but row away from the rocks~ |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 3:57:45 PM
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Debi, I am totally trying the towel-in-the-dryer trick. The dryer in my building's laundry room has gotten really temperamental lately, and I hate wasting quarters to run a load twice.
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 6:50:17 PM
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Debi, the dry towel in the dryer is a wonderful idea. I, too, will try that. Thanks!
I want to put in a word (as I do periodically) for the wool dryer balls to replace fabric softener, and also re-using empty Downey balls for adding white vinegar to my wash water. Both of these tips came from fellow farmgirls right here. Never gonna not love you all! :) |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 9:22:19 PM
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Our biggest money saver has been turning off cable/satellite. It's been 2 years now and it saves us $100 per month. We have Netflix but have also thought of switching to Amazon plus. We watch Hulu and other free sources. We spend a lot more time outside and reading now. We are much more active which has health benefits. We have a garden and that helps to pay for groceries. We follow Dave Ramsey's plan and will pay off both cars this year.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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sjmjgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
566 Posts
Stephanie
Mt. Vernon
Iowa
USA
566 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 10:06:57 PM
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My tip would have to be to remember to comparison shop and dont be afraid to ask for a better price. I recently went looking for a new pair of headphones and the only ones I could find that I liked were going to be $50. Well, I decided to shop around online and I finally found the same exact ones for about half the price!
Farmgirl Sister # 3810
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
- Dalai Lama |
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Across the Fence: Frugal tips that actually work for you? |
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Frugal tips that actually work for you?
