MY TIPS

[karmagl]

Here are some things that I do to save money. If anyone wants any of the recipes all you have to do is ask.

I make my own laundry soap

I make my own cleaners

I use cloth diapers

I breastfeed

I hang dry everything

I do not buy premade foods

My biggest petpeve is shredded cheese, you save so much money shredding it yourself

I heat our house with a wood stove

I make our own soaps shampoos and lotions

I use and make mama cloth

i use and make cloth paper towels (no more paper towels)

i use and make cloth snack and sandwich bags (no more ziplock)

I use old tshirts for cleaning rags instead of disposable

[catherine595]

Thats pretty neat that you can do all that. I would love to do that.

[Annehart]

I admire you, Karmagl!But dare I ask, what is "mama cloth?" I used cloth diapers and very very few paper products, too when my kids were babes. I also had my last 3 at home but with a mid wife. I can't imagine unassisted! Wow. If you don't mind my asking; how many kids do you have? I have 8, but only two still in school. Great reading your tips -- thanks! I have to respectfully disagree about the grated cheese, though. At my costco, at least, the grated cheese is actually cheaper. Suprising

[Freckleface78]

"Mama cloth" is cloth wipes for adults...

I do many things to save money.  So many that I don't even think about them all.  One of the more significant things I do is to buy good quality toys / tools and the "right tool for the job" instead of things I'm going to use for a bit and toss / replace.  Cloth diapering is part of this concept.  I'm working on sewing my own cloth diapers now, actually.  (I have a 4 month old.) 

I made my own bread, and make a whole lot of other things from scratch.  It doesn't always amount to cheaper but it DOES amouth to healthier!  We have cut way back on having chemicals in our food.  This in turn does make for healthier people so I think it cuts back on medical costs.

I've been learning to do coupon matching with sales, too.  I have some websites I prefer (Fabulessly Frugal is one of my favorites).

I've also been trying to reclaim many lost homemaking arts.  I.e.  Cooking from scratch / bulk / freezer cooking, sewing, homemade cleaners, budgeting, bulk buying, homeschooling, reusing what I have, wood working, and more.  I'm not good at all of them, but I'm learning and trying to make them work for me!

[busymom212]

I am interested in making shampoo..