Frugal Living

[VintageWife]

What are you doing to save money these days?  Are you driving less or breastfeeding to save the money spent on formula?  What are some of the things we can share with each other to save money for our families?  Please give me/us your best hints on saving on things like groceries, household goods, vehicle care and anything else you have the scoop on!!!

[mama4Christ361]

May. 3, 2009 at 2:54 PM

I stopped buying ridiculously expensive cleaners and started making my own.

Here's some hints:

Oxy clean is really dehydrated baking soda and vinegar. So fill the washer with clothes, soap and water then lift the lid, add a cup of BS and a cup of vinegar to the water and then close the lid. It makes clothes so nice and bright!!!!

Swiffer mops rock! But those clothes can be expensive. So I took old towels cut them into rectangles and then sewed velcro on the back. Now whenever they are used I just throw them in the washer! (See above for how to get them really clean! LOL)

We also know how expensive those bottles of Swiffer cleaning solution are. So instead of throwing away the empties, just open them up(use a man--those suckers are HARD to open the first time! LOL) and then pour in your fave cleaning solution. I pour in vinegar water and then sprinkle baking soda on the floor. Plus, the kiddies are so enthralled with the mini science experiment on the floor--they want to help! Yeah! Free child labor! LOL

I use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and ammonia for dang near EVERYTHING. Plus I get fragrance oils to add a few drops of to the bottles and they now are smell good cleaning things! LOL

Also, instead of buying kitty litter, which is expensive and not very good for the planet, get cedar chips, the kind that hamsters use. they are MUCH cheaper and while you do have to clean the box everyday, if you sprinkle baking soda on it, well the smell isn't bad. It really works well. Or you could go all Meet the Parents and teach ther cat to use the toilet! LOL

As for food, I don't buy convenience food anymore. it's too dang expensive. instead I go to the commissary, load up on fresh fruit and veggies, and meat and then use my crock pot. It works better than my stove top, which is gas, and I can just dump everything in and stir it every few hours. Now THAT is easy and cheap! LOL Esp, considering I can spend 20 dollars at the commissary and get enought meat to last the whole month--including lamb, steak and pork!

I also buy generic EVERYTHING> The only brand name I buy is diapers because dd has uber sensitive skina nd Huggies is the only kind that doesn't break her out. but you can bet I look wistfulluy at the Nice and Gentle at the PX everytime I grab those Huggies overnights! LOL

Another way I save money is by going on msn.com and searching for the areas lowest gas prices when I need to fill up. I save a bundle with that. I calculated it and last month I actually saved 70 dollars by doing this! I mean DANG! That's awesome! LOL

Also, i go to goodwill for household needs, like curtains, clothes, pots, etc. They have awesome deals, and I know I am helping a good cause. Don't underestimate thrift stores or yard sales.