helpful ideas that work or didn't

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kbugmom
kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
edited June 2014 in Humor and Games

Lets try to help one another. What have you tried to do to save money or failed.

I cut dryer sheets in half. It works just as well.

What I did that didn't work so well . Cheap dish liquid does not save me money. I use much more.

What about you?

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Comments

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009
  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 664
    edited October 2009

    Kbug--

    I also tried cheap dish liquid.  It was too watery and didn't hold up!

    To save on electricity, I stop my dishwasher before the dry cycle.  I crack open the door and let them air dry.  It saves on electricity and actually the dishes dry better.

    Lorrie 

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I try to run all errands same day.

    Just me here so I was by hand now.

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited October 2009

    I gotta try that one Lorrie, about the dishwasher.

    I turn the heat down and pile on the blankets.

    We recycle out bottles and other plastic and paper products, saves on garbage bags.

    Cheap dishwashing detergent does not save money.

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I buy scott toilet paper it last longer. If I buy most other kinds I use alot more.

    I have a friend who washes out bags and reuses I am like no way am I .

    I use coupons when I have em.

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2009

    I buy crackers and other food items at walmart when I can, they cost much less there.

    If you cook extra food for dinner, you can just reheat the next night and save electricity/gas and time.

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I love that my vacuum is bagless. No need to buy bags again.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    Double coupons. I also use Scott toilet paper 1000 sheets. DDs used to complain it wasn't soft enough. BOGO and freeze the second item.

    Shampoo & Cond in the same bottle.

    I love this thread kbug what a good idea

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    I always drank tap water

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    Thank you we need all the need we can get.

    I would use conditioner on legs to shave em. works and legs smooth. Right now have no hair on em.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    I use store bags for garbage

    Buy the things I can from 1.00 store  (NO food related)

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I use store bags in my small cans.

    The first turkey I cooked I left the giblets in it. lol I occasionaly buy turkey during the year when on sale for a nice change.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    turn off the lights when i leave the room, only use the one I am in.

    Dont use many different cleaning solutions

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I hang up some clothes.

    I buy the green scrubbies and cut in half.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    What are  the green scrubbies?

    I use dept store coupons that i get in mail

    Love Macys one day sales even if I end up buying 1 item.

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    scrubbies are the ones to scrub pots and pans

    If a store runs out of sale item can ask for a rain check

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited October 2009

    We would have made a good shopping buddies.

    I pay my bills on the phone when they dont charge a fee and i save the stamps. I dont use on line paying yet.

  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2009

    Energy efficient light bulbs.   They cost more at first, but I have  been in this apartment 3 years and 4 months.  Only one bulb has burned out so far.   The bathroom has 3 lights over the mirror, which would be 3 times 100 watt bulbs.   Energy ones are only 15 watts each, so total of only 45 watts.   

    I cut dish sponges in half and scrubbies.   Plastic bags from the store for trash.   Vinegar is a good window cleaner and room deodorizer and much cheaper than air fresheners.   Coupons, senior discount, AAA discount also.   Credit cards that give cash back.   One gasoline card gives 5% rebate on gas at its stations, which are the closest and most convenient for me and best price over all also.   Have late lunch at much cheaper prices than dinner cost at many restaurants, get doggie bag and have for dinner.   Farmer's markets - go an hour before they close and they want to get rid of stuff = make a deal = cheaper.   

    Dollar store gift bags - almost any size for $1.  plain colors can be used for any event.    

  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited October 2009

    Left over cheap dish soap - use to wash car.   

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    One grocery store runs sales buy one get two free. Yes two free. If something I buy that is on sale like toilet paper or washing powder I go ahead and get.

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2009

    I love energy saving bulbs and know they are expensive.  BUT!!!  I have found a couple discount stores that sell them for less than a dollar each!!  Ace hardware, Ocean State Job Lot, the Christmas Tree SHop are a few that have them for CHEAP!!

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2009

    Plan my menus according to sales. However, if something is on sale that I don't use, I don't get it. I know me well enough to know I'm not likely to use it.

    Only go to supermarket once a week since I always buy stuff not on the list. If I'm not there I don't buy it. The only thing I might run out of is milk so send dh if that happens!

    Only run the washing machine for full load. Wash in cold water.

    Leah

  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited October 2009

    Fresh fruits and vegetables work better if you eat them.                                                                    

  • LavenderNLace
    LavenderNLace Member Posts: 90
    edited October 2009

    Oh my leaf, I can't tell you how much 'fresh' produce has gone into the garbage because I forgot to use it.  I mostly do frozen now.

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2009

    I love checking out the thrift shops.  St Vincent DePaul is great!  Most things cost 1.00.  I have bought my kids Aeropostol Hoodies and jeans there, I just don't tell them.  Saves me a fortune!

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I have a habit of keeping a towel till it is so sad then goes in rag bag. I have plenty of towels just want to make sure I use it till rag bag ready.

  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited October 2009

    I hang my clothes from the washer up in my bedroom and open the windows.(I live in a temperate region.)  Haven't used a dryer in years, except when on vacation (camping) and can't leave the car windows open.  Even saves some ironing.  (Not possible in some climates, I know.)

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2009

    I hang my clothes in the cellar after washing.  In the winter time when the heat is on, the clothes dry really fast!

  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    Buying meats in bulk if on sale and dividing and packaging then freezing a way to save.

  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 664
    edited October 2009

    I love to shop for clothes at TJ Maxx.  They are much less expensive and I have always had good luck with the quality.  I occasionally visit a consignment shop for furniture.  

    I also try to shop once a week and plan a menu for the week.  It keeps me from over-shopping.  I also try to incorporate things in the cupboard that I didn't get use previously.  That way I don't have 5 cans of tuna or 3 cans of the same soup in the cabinet.

    I never shop online without getting free shipping.  It's not worth it!

    Lorrie 

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