Tips for Frugal Living

 

Perhaps the best tip one can give and use is to be organized. Knowing what you have to work with and what you can substitute for items you don't have is absolutely amazing. Even with a well stocked pantry, fridge and freezer if you let things get out of control you waste good money. It took me a few years to learn this, but now for the most part I have this under control.

Instead of allowing food to spoil, chop it up and freeze it or if you have a dehydrator dry it. This year instead of allowing the potatoes we dug out of the garden to go to waste, I made fries and hashbrowns for the freezer. Yes, a few still went to waste but not as much as other years. We really don't eat as many potatoes as we used to. I also diced many a green pepper and got those bagged up and in the freezer. We just could not eat them all.

Rethink having meat at every meal. Since the cost of groceries has risen (especially meat) I have been introducing meatless meals, or meals that use less meat. Leftovers of the meals with meat are kept to be used in another meal or two as well. Leftover roast beef for example, a few slices can be used in soups, some can be thinly sliced again and used in a stroganoff meal (which can be eaten over noodles and the leftovers over baked potatoes). Lots of interesting ways to use up leftover roasts of any kind. 

Most times unless you are working outside, getting dirty and sweaty clothing (not underclothes though) can be worn for more than one day. This cuts down on washing loads.

Find things you can do for free in your city. I live in a very small city in my province and other than the library, walking tract, joining some groups like our Great Create and the Fiber group I recently joined there isn't a great many free things to do. Instead I do hikes around the city, and go to the two free movie nights at a park that we can enjoy. 

Definitely combine errands. Not only does it save you fuel costs, but time as well.

If you can do most of your bill paying online.

I have many free streaming services on my television, plus a mini computer which means I can stream even more free entertainment. Take advantage of those, where I live the winters are long, cold, and quite often stormy. This is our free entertainment, and since we do not attend the cinema our main source of viewing pleasure.  

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek

 

I am really needing to stay calm since this is the last full week of the month, and of course as is usual I gave myself way too many projects to try and finish. Most of the projects this month have been fairly large and there is hope that I will get a few more of the smaller ones completed yet.

It has been awhile since I shared any thrifty and frugal tips with all of you so I decided to share a few that I don't think (though one never knows as my mind seems to forget things) I have shared before. 

Here goes.

1. Never buy anything at full price if at all possible. When it comes to big ticket items, we never pay full price. Always wait for a sale if possible. Now, saying that, I always end up paying full price for my milk and a few other basics. This is because in Canada milk prices (at least where I live) never go on sale, and bread flour rarely. 

2.  Invest your money into quality items that you use all the time. While I did get many of my appliances on sale, I bought the best that I possibly could. My bread maker was fairly expensive when I purchased it 10 years ago to replace a less costly one (that one broke down in 4 years) and use it at least 3 days a week. Same can be said for the toaster oven and other such items. My hand mixer is probably 30 years old, and I am thinking finally might need to be replaced so I am looking at sales to get the best quality possible for the lowest cost.

3. Avoid purchasing convenience food. By batch cooking one can have homemade convenience food.

4. Use any credit cards for the points and pay the card off every month.

5. I also use old technology as long as I possibly can. This is especially true with our phones. Heck as long as they work who cares if they don't have all the bells and whistles of the new ones.

6. It isn't that I love working on my budget, but I have found that paying attention to it and tweaking it where I can makes a difference.

7. Save your change, and any change you find on your walks. I do this and what we have saved does pay for our family reunion every two years.

Hope those help and there are a few new ideas.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday Frugal Tips

 

I thought I would share a few more tips that have gotten us through some hard times in the past.

1.  Quit smoking. Harvey and I both smoked when we were first married. Heck both of us smoked up to 16 years ago, when we both quit. So glad we did this as the cost of a package is just ridiculous now.

2.  Wash your own car. 

3.  Use less meat. We go at least once a week meatless, or we do a fridge smorg which uses up the bits and bobs of meaty leftovers. 

4. Repurpose old item into new ones. This includes using product containers once they are empty. 

5.  Hang your laundry to dry. I love using the outside lines spring, summer and fall. In the winter I have some lines downstairs to use. While the downstairs lines don't hold all our laundry they at least hold two loads.

6.  Stock up on sale items. But don't stock up on items you will not use.

7.  Grow as much of your own food as possible. Then learn how to can, freeze or dehydrate the bounty.

8. Don't pay for tasks you can do on your own. As we age those tasks get to be fewer, but there is always some that can be done.

9. Buy reusable products instead of disposable ones. This can not only save you money, but leads to much less waste.

10.  Learn simple home repairs. 

11.  Turn old clothing into quilts, rags or rugs. Repurposing of old clothing saves you by using materials you already have. I also cut the buttons off and remove zippers to be used in other items. I have cut jeans up when they can no longer be repaired and the material scrounged is used to patch other jeans.

So there are just a few more frugal and thrifty tips for you. Most are very simple and things our parents and grandparents did to save money.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Tips

 It has been awhile since I shared any of my frugal living tips, so I thought I would do so today. Some I have probably shared before, so forgive the repeat.

1. Create a budget. You can use a notebook or like myself a spreadsheet on my computer.

2. Buy generic brands when shopping, or at least try a few out. I purchase generic frozen veggies, generic freezer bags, generic mushrooms and am pretty much willing to give other generic items a try. Some generic brands can save you up to 40%, especially when they are on sale.

3. Stick to your shopping list. That is unless you see something that you use, that was not advertised at a super discount. Then stock up if you are able.

4. Do batch cooking when you can, or even just make larger batches of things like chili, soups, or stews (probably more but just can't think of them right now).

5. Watch your water and electrical usage. Fix those leaky faucets and use LED lightbulbs to save on electrical costs. If you need to use the oven make sure it is full. The same with using your washer make sure it is a full load, and if possible hang clothing to dry.

6. Cook at home. One can make most of what a person orders for take out in your own home and for a lot less money.

7. Drink water instead of sugar laden drinks. Make your own to go coffee.

8. Make your own cleaning products for just pennies.

9. Learn to sew as then you can repair your clothing instead of discarding them and purchasing new. Make your own clothing, or upcycle old clothing into something new.

10. As all of you know I make most of my gifts to give at Christmas. Pretty sure I have saved a bundle doing so.

So there are a few of the tips I have used over the years to save money. More will be shared in later posts.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

P.S.

Got our vehicle back about an hour earlier than they had told us. The bill was about 1/2 of the first estimate, and because they made me wait an extra day.... I was only charged 1 hour for labour. Love my dealership.

Up next is Harvey's partial plate and then we will work on getting our friend to look at the oven. 

More Frugal Tips

 

I have been spending my days working in the garden, cleaning house, and of course finishing one mitten size and starting the next. 

Just thought I would share a few more ways that you can beat those rising costs. 

1.  Wash clothing in cold water. If that is not feasible always rinse in cold water.

2.  Always make sure your dishwasher is full.

3.  Use draft dodgers to keep your house warm in the winter..

4.  Have a no spend month, or a week every so often. I try for no spend days as I always consider bill paying, prescription costs, and grocery/fuel costs as spending. 

5.  Don't eat out as often, but if you do try breakfasts. That is probably the least expensive meal of the day.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Tips To Begin Your Journey

 

And perhaps a few that some of you haven't thought about before.

1.  Purchase your meat in bulk if possible, and you have a place to freeze the meat. Then once home package in smaller amounts to feed your family.

2.  Buy flour, rice and beans in bulk. Those are pretty easy to store.

3.  Make your own bread and buns.

4.  Cook in batches. Plan a batch cooking day or two and make meals to last for awhile.

5.  Grow your own herbs. These are easily dried in the oven, or use them fresh.

6.  Wash your own car. 

7.  Do all your errands in one day. Saves on fuel and time.

8.  Ask your employer if you can telecommute a day or two a week. 

9.  Always be decluttering. Things you don't use just take up room and perhaps could bring in some extra cash.

10.  If something breaks try and repair it first. Lots of repair videos out there on the internet. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty And Frugal Friday

 Thrifty and Frugal

It has been the regular frugal and thrifty week around the old homestead. Nothing really new is jumping out at me to post about. Instead I thought I just might share a few more frugal tips with you all. This time about how you can save on your home.

1.  Take the time to check and see if it is better for your to rent or buy a property.

2.  Define your needs before looking for a new property.

3.  Wait two or three years to accumulate a higher down payment when you decide you wish to purchase property.

4.  Perhaps purchase a smaller home that is close to transportation if you live in an area with public transportation. 

5.  Pay off your credit cards in full before buying real estate.

6.  Get your loan pre-approved.

7.  Don't purchase a home at the top of your budget. There are always unplanned expenses.

8.  Have the property inspected before purchase.

9.  Don't try and do all the renovations at once if you need to do so.

10.  Shop for home insurance and get the best deal possible.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek And Some More Frugal Tips

 

I had to sign in again before I could access any pictures, what craziness is blogger up to now!!!!

A few more frugal tips to perhaps think about adding to your frugal living.

1. If you get a tax refund put it in a special account to save to pay down more on your mortgage.

2. Make your meals at home. If you work out take a bag lunch.

3. Respect tax and payment deadlines as no one wants to pay interest.

4. If possible split your income with your spouse to save on taxes.

5. Start saving for your retirement early. 

6. Always pay your credit card balance.

7. Learn how to save fuel by changing certain driving behaviours.

8. Travel light, which is really necessary now that some air services are charging for checked bags.

9. Avoid small money withdrawals abroad and refuse automatic conversions into your own dollars.

10. Plan any vacation budget in advance.

11. Set a daily limit for spending.

12. Book flights as early as possible. 

13. Travel in "shoulder" seasons, avoiding school holidays as the prices will be better.

14. Plan a staycation and visit your own area.

Just a few ideas to add to whatever you are doing now to save on the rising costs.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

There has been a great deal lately about living a thrifty and frugal life like Grandma. Lots of people no longer have or never did have a grandmother or grandfather that grew up during the depression or during the war when rationing occurred. 

Because of this we rely on other's stories, and those who are lucky enough to continue the frugal ways of their Grandma.

Living an old fashioned frugal life gives you back control. Control of your cash and control of your environmental impact. 

You are no longer chasing the latest, best or biggest whatever in the neighbourhood. 

These tips and hints will probably be repeats of things I have mentioned in previous posts, but hopefully there are a few new ones that you can use in your day to day life. While I use all of these, it has taken me many years to incorporate them into my daily/weekly life, and I am still trying to make them all habits.

1. Cook from scratch.

2. Bake your own bread. You know exactly what is in each loaf. In our case we go through less as the loaves are larger and seem more filling.

3. Use cloth instead of paper towels. I just use paper for very messy clean ups.

4. Save eating out for celebratory occasions. Ordering in can be less expensive, and date nights are perfect for watching a movie with popcorn.

5. Meal plan around what you already have. I do a monthly menu plan and even though things get moved around I know what we will be eating. My shopping trips consist of purchasing dairy, veggies, fruit and sale items (meat) that will be used to plan menus in the coming months. It did take me awhile to get to this point.

6. Reuse plastic bags whenever possible.

7. Have a meatless meal or soup and sandwich meal once a week. Making your own soup is a great way to save.

8. Cut back on the portion size of meat. We all eat rather larger portions then we should. A portion is no bigger than your palm.

9. Make your own snacks and sweets.

10. Wear an apron to protect your clothing from stains.

11. When using your oven fill it.

12. Use butter wrappers to grease your baking tins. My Mom did this all the time.

13. Use residual heat whenever possible to cook things like pasta and hard boiled eggs. Bring the water to a boil, add the pasta or eggs, cover and remove from heat.

14. Substitute for ingredients you don't have.

15. Use all your leftovers. Freeze them if you need to. I freeze spoonful's of leftover veggies in a container and when there is enough use them in soup.

16. Reuse your plastic containers and glass jars. 

17. Mend your own clothes.

18. Make your own clothes using recycled fabric of purchasing on sale fabric from stores or yard sales.

19. Recycle old clothing, sheets, and pillowcases into quilts.

20. Learn how to knit or crochet so you can make mitts, hats, and scarves. 

21. Line dry clothing. 

22. Buy secondhand whenever you can.

23. Turn down your heat by 1 degree. It might not seem much but can save you a great deal.

24. Wear extra layers if you feel cold. I wrap up in a knitted shawl or snuggle into a quilt I made.

25. Grow your own food if possible. Many types of veggies can be grown in containers.

26. Learn how to preserve the food you have grown.

27. Use scrap paper and the blank parts of envelops for your shopping lists.

28. Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper. Make some reusable gift bags.

29. Exercise for free using books and DVD's from the library. Or if you have YouTube there are lots of exercise channels.

30. If you have a baby use cloth diapers instead of disposables. My babies couldn't wear disposables as their poor little bottoms would get bright red. My mom made me lots of diapers.

31. Combine errands to save on gas.

32. Make sure lights are off in rooms not in use. 

33. DIY whenever possible.

So there are a few of the ways I live a frugal life. I hope there are a few new hints in the list that you can use.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

The usual frugal practices once again this week and because of this I thought I would share a bit of my outlook on frugal living, plus a few of the tips that I have used over the years.

Being frugal to me means knowing your priorities and spending there, as well as being happy doing with out the other things.

It means being sensible with your money so you can have or do the things you love.

Frugal living is living in a more intentional way. It is a journey that is always evolving and changing as you travel the path.

Here are a few of the frugal tips I started the journey using. Many of you already follow them, and some I no longer use as the necessity doesn't exist.

1.  Build a capsule wardrobe. This is great for those that work. Now I more or less live in leggings and tunics/sweaters. If everything goes together you have much more to choose from.

2.  Take packed lunches and a thermos of coffee to work. I did this every day when I worked. Saved a bundle.

3.  Don't throw away leftovers. They can be eaten the next day (or day after that). Freeze them to use in meals later.

4.  Shop for veggies and fruits seasonally. Right now Mandarin oranges are on sale, as well as all baking supplies.

5.  Bargain hunt. This could mean shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, or just purchasing clothing at the end of a season. 

6.  A big one, that took me a while to get a handle on was avoiding late fees. When you live 25 miles from your bank paying things on time sometimes became a challenge. Now with online banking and bill paying things are so much easier.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 No pictures today of how far I have gotten on various projects. Hopefully tomorrow.

Today will be more of a roundup of a few frugal tips and tricks that we use around the Phillips Homestead.

All of us are concerned about rising costs (inflation) and perhaps a depression occurring. 

Those of us that have been frugal and thrifty are perhaps a bit more ready if things get bad, but many (I know lots of people that are still spending on extras and then complaining they have no money in the bank) are not thinking ahead to what may occur. My friend and her Hubby are in this category. Complain about rising prices, say they don't have the money but buy it any way on credit or on their line of credit with the bank. 

So, what are the frugal tips we use here on the homestead and use all the time. More will be shared later.

1.  We grow most of our own herbs and vegetables. Slowly adding various fruits to the garden and yard. 

2.  I have started to cook more meatless meals (or use very little meat as in soups).

3.  I have always cooked from scratch. Very little comes from a mix. Can't remember when I made Kraft Dinner from a box, I started making my own many years ago.

4.  I freeze, can or dehydrate all that I can.

5.  I am learning how to forage and slowly gaining experience in this area.

6.  Save bacon grease to cook with. It adds a unique flavour to whatever you cook.

7. Use your leftovers. Learning to use everything really stretches those grocery dollars.

8.  Use older fruit to make jams and jellies.

9.  Layer up rather than turn up the heat. Add blankets to the bed at night.

10.  Use bread bags, hand towels and the waxed paper like holders in cereal boxes to wrap things up. I also use beeswax covers that I made a few years ago.

11.  Mend your clothing. 

12.  Wear clothing more than one day.

13.  In warmer weather collect rainwater to use to water the gardens.

14.  Compost all that you can to add nutrients to the garden.

15.  Save your scraps from clothes to wood. You never know when and how you can reuse something.  I always remove zipper, buttons and snaps from clothing that I am going to cut up into reusable fabric or rags.

16.  Any old blankets are used as the middle of quilts. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless. 

Saturday Roundup

 This week my weekly round up will be slightly different. I thought I might share with you some of the ways I live frugally. 

Instead of buying the cheapest of items I will purchase the best quality I can afford. Durable items cost a bit more but will last much longer. I have boots, coats, and clothing (pants especially as they are classic cuts) that in some cases are 10 years old. The youngest is probably 4 years old. I also buy only what I really need.

Just because the coat you love is on sale 100 kilometers away for a savings of 50% off if by the time you add in the costs for travel, it puts it over the regular or close to the regular cost don't buy it.

Unplug your devices and electronics when not using them. It will help you save on the electric bill as most deviAces are on standby and still use power.

Always make a budge and stick to it.

Pay yourself first, meaning put money into a savings account.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, with some of your savings take a short trip, or go out for a wonderful meal. Being frugal does not mean living without enjoyment, it means living below your means and saving for the extras.

Check out second hand stores, garage and yard sales for clothing, hobby supplies, and household decor/small appliances. Most cities now have online garage sale sites that you can check out as well.

Preparing your meals at home results in big savings over eating out. Not saying you should never eat out or order in, just make it a treat rather than a regular occurrence.

Compare prices, but remember to factor in the cost of getting to the various stores. Check the unit price as that is the best way of knowing whether you are saving. Sometimes biggest is not the best price.

Stay out of malls and stores as much as possible. Since I decided to only shop every two weeks, I find I actually spend much less money. Little treats and extra items always found their way into the cart. Now I stick to my list, and while a few treats find their way in, most times I really do stick to the list I have written out.

These are just a few of the tips and things I do to live a frugal and fulfilling life. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.