Extreme Cheapskates on TLC

Have you watched that TLC show, “Extreme Cheapskates?” There is a lot you can learn about frugal living from it, but the question is, how much of it is good? TLC is an extreme phase. “Extreme Couponers” was doing well, and now they need to turn the shock value up a little more. As the producers of an exploitative show such as “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” this shouldn’t be a surprise. You know that you are mostly going to get played for entertainment and not actually learn much anything on The Learning Channel. Oh maybe there will be a … Continue reading

Three Ways to Earn Extra Money for Christmas without Getting a Job

It will be here before you know it. Already my kids are making their wish lists, and the stores are starting their holiday sales. As I mentioned before, our Christmas tree is more like a “couple of sticks with some green toothpicks on it,” as my son describes, and there is extra tithing and charity. All of these things aren’t normally in the budget. That is why we are employing some strategies to earn a little extra money this year. Some effort now will help avoid great debt later. Because our schedules are already packed tight with kids and work, … Continue reading

Poor Man’s Salad Spinner

How can you get your lettuce nice and clean without investing in the retail cost of a salad spinner? Here is an idea that works just as well, and a couple of tips on how you can get that spinner for less, if you really want one. We are on our second salad spinner. Both were gifts from my mother-in-law, who wanted to make sure that our kitchen had this useful tool. The first one had a sort of belt that you pulled in order to spin the salad. That didn’t last ling at all. The replacement version has a … Continue reading

Time Savings Tips to Prep Your House for Baby

Getting ready for a baby in your home involves more than just baby-proofing. Sure, locking away dangerous cleaners, protecting electrical outlets and blocking stairs are all good ideas, but you will discover that adding convenience for your sake will help you keep your sanity. Taking care of a baby takes up a lot of time, so anything you can do now that can save you time later will make mommy-hood that much easier. 1. Cut down on the time it takes to clean your hardwood, tile or linoleum floors by investing in a quality steam mop, if you don’t already … Continue reading

5 Ways a Crockpot Will Save You Money

The crockpot or slow cooker is a frugal person’s best friend. With this little unassuming device, you can really save money. If you don’t have a crockpot yet, I trongly suggest that you purchase one as soon as you can (Used is fine. My best crockpot was bought at a local thrift store). Then get some good recipes and fire it up to save. Here are five great ways that a crockpot will save you money. 1. It makes it easier to prepare dinner. Throwing a few ingredients into the crockpot in the morning before work, school or family obligations … Continue reading

Managing Your Stockpile

Having a stockpile of food and household goods that you purchase on sale makes good sense, especially now when the prices on things keep going up and up. For example, I purchased an extra bulk box of laundry detergent for $20. The price today is $30 for the same box. That is a 50% increase! The bulk organic flour I purchased cost me $25 for 25 pounds. Today the price is $50, a 100 percent increase! I purchased cans of pizza sauce on sale for 59 cents. The price today is 99 cents. You see what I mean. But one … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: October 13th Through October 19th

It is not too early to start thinking about the upcoming holidays. Early planning can often save you a bundle. You can take everyday ideas, such as making freezer meals and apply them for the holidays. Meanwhile, check out last week’s frugal articles. October 13th Five Little Grocery Shopping Tricks: Look Left and Right When it comes to shopping for groceries, we need all of the help we can get. Rising prices and reduced coupon values make reducing your grocery bill by 70 percent a thing of the past. And those grocery stores have plenty of tricks up their sleeves … Continue reading

Frugal Gifts for Hard Times

Practically everyone I know seems to be struggling one way or another in these economic times. With the holiday season approaching, it is more important than ever to practice responsible gift giving. This not only means reigning in the spending for yourself, but also giving gifts that are especially thoughtful during this time. Your gift can not only be a delight but also make a positive impact financially. Really think about what your friends, family and associates need. Is it another coffee mug, or would a basil plant in that mug save them money on cooking? Does your nephew need … Continue reading