13 Frugal Living Tips From My Viewers That You Will Use Every Day!

[@poodlegirl55]

I am a retired hospital dietitian so I run a tight ship in my home kitchen. I wipe out my refrigerator every week before grocery shopping and take stock of what I need to use up. I keep my pantry tidy and put new products in the back. I basically aim for zero waste in the kitchen. Any leftovers get used in another meal. I also do home canning and gardening plus buy from a community garden. We shop at Amish bulk stores.

[@2KADz]

Poodlegirl55... can you do a list of healthy foods to get Cholesterol down?

[@poodlegirl55]

@horsesRmine oats, flax, almonds, beans, walnuts, apples. Anything with soluble fiber, it binds with cholesterol and takes it out. Also take psyllium fiber or Metamucil daily.

[@2KADz]

Thank you sooo much..!! Really appreciate it..

[@bonniedurie3050]

I enjoyed your video. I was living in my apartment, living paycheck to paycheck after a divorce. A friend suggested a challenge. Perhaps I could lower my electrci bill by unplugging any device that I didn't use often & wouldn't cause issues. Each day before work, I unplugged my tv, so did my friend. I saved $3 the first month. After that, I unplugged anything that didn't have to stay plugged in. Now, remarried, not living in debt, I still unplug items. I specifically unplug the washer and dryer as I only do laundry once a week. Our electric bills this summer have been the same as last year. It works. Along with unplugging items, I have 3 to 4 layers of blinds, sheers, curtains, etc. to help with energy bills. it works.

[@lindabeard488]

That’s the first time I’ve heard someone call them go to town clothes, Amen. That’s what we have called them for years and been made fun of. Around the house and yard we had our work clothes on and then put on our go to town clothes and went out. My mother made our school clothes and dress clothes. We took pride in them and treated them with respect and care. Thank you for some good ideas. ❤❤❤

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

It sound very southern to me except we live way upstate NY. It’s cute! I love this and thanks for watching!

[@buckeyedav1]

thats what I called them too. AnnaInOho

[@cissylanier7035]

Yes amen 🙏 🙌 👏 ❤️

[@terrylynn9984]

Also for eyeglasses, keep your old frames, they can be reused in a few years time and have new prescription lenses put in, saves a few hundred dollars. I did this a few times over the years

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

This one is a little bit tougher. Many places will not do this around here. If there isn't a lab on site and they have to send the frames out to have lenses, they won't do it. But it doesn't hurt to ask!

[@terrylynn9984]

​@@saraconklinfrozenpenniesmy optometrist has sent the frames away, worth asking

[@buckeyedav1]

My place does that if you bought your frames there. AnnaInOhio

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I am upcharged for reusing an old frame! Lol They want u to buy a new frame

[@nevermind7253]

FYI Walmart has a glasses shop inside most of them...they will do this. I bought a pair of sunglasses really inexpensive because I loved the frame. They did it with those and made me my Rx, turned out perfectly ​@@saraconklinfrozenpennies

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I have semi-hard water so I had about 1/3 cup of baking soda to the wash water and use less detergent. It helps get the clothes clean with less detergent.

[@blairseibert1778]

I met with an image consultant years ago when I worked for a corporation. She told me I should only wash my hair every third day. Our hair follicles need the oil that comes to the shaft when we don't wash our hair daily. It will be a little oily the first week as it gets used to the change in schedule. My hair never looks oily now and I only wash it two to three days a week. Also we only need a quarter size amount of shampoo. Spread it around with wet hands. I get lots of compliments on my hair so these things work.

[@KerryJames-l6z]

Sweety glasses should be bought at eye doctor it's medicine for your eyes please!

[@KerryJames-l6z]

I pay $45 at the eye doctor for my prescription glasses here in Australia

[@GypsysMom]

I haven't used a clothes dryer for almost 20 years. My clothes last longer, stains that you have missed don't get set in by the dryer and it saves electricity.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I fluff many of my clothes for a few minutes to get the big wrinkles out, then hang to dry for the same reason. I do dry towels in the dryer.

[@mares4636]

I air dry everything except sheets (because I have no place to hang them) and towels. I have an indoor rack and hang everything on hangers to dry.

[@reginabahten4228]

I fluff my laundry in the dryer for a few min then hang inside on a clothes rack. It's too humid to dry anything outside. I am already using my dehumidifier on the "dry clothes" setting. That takes a load off my AC so I can set the temperature a few degrees warmer and still be just as comfortable. And it's nice to get a couple of gallons of extra water, especially in a drought.

[@debeckersley3850]

#6 Laundry: I learned this trick 50 years ago from the proprietor of a commercial laundromat. My husband was working in the West Texas oil fields, and he came home almost every day soaked in crude oil. I was told to add 1/2 cup Pinesol to his load of work clothes to remove the crude oil from his clothes, and to also keep the crude from sticking to the inside of the washer and components. It's works like magic, and the clothes don't smell, nor does the washer smell. I now live in an apartment complex with a communal laundry room, and I still use 1/2 cup Pinesol in each load of laundry. Why? If you've ever found a diaper in your load from someone else's load, you know why. Do your clothes smell like pine trees? No. Just fresh. Pinesol is also a disinfectant, so washing your clothes with it, as well as using it as a household cleaner, helps to get rid of germs. Just don't use it to wash dishes. Not good for dishes.

[@jeweldenile8995]

I want to try this. So, it’s just Pine Sol; no soap detergent at all?

[@cissylanier7035]

She said to add it to his load so that means add that as an extra. Anyone should know ù have to have soap to do laundry. Duh and Duh

[@CristinaEvans-w2m]

You can clean anything with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda ,costs almost nothing ❤❤❤

[@maureensamson4863]

Wouldn't use vinegar on a stone worktop , for instance , or on metal objects, unless it's something like a dish , which could be properly washed .... vinegar is corrosive !

[@cathymillar9900]

We had pork chops this week. I took all fat and bone, put it in crockpot and cooked for 24 hours on low. Made the best broth for my pot of vegetable soup. We have a bowl every meal. Cuts down on portions and fills us up with nutritious vege’s and lentils, barley, or beans.

[@alycemaloney-rn1sn]

I have been showering less and putting the plug in my bath tub when I do shower. I keep the water in the tub and use it to fill a bucket to flush my toilet every day until it is gone. I take bird baths in the sink until my tub is empty, and then I disinfect the tub & repeat the process of showering again and saving the water. When you have to pay for water and electricity for the water heater, it saves a bundle. I still shower 2 or 3x a week and also clean my whole body daily.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

What a really great idea! Thanks for sharing!!

[@alycemaloney-rn1sn]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies You are welcome & thanks for all your ideas also. I relisten to refresh my memory daily!

[@dotsyjmaher]

I turn off my water heater except just when I am about to shower...then right back off again..that has saved a lot.

[@leslieclifton7625]

Our summer heat is intense in Phoenix. There is NO cold water from the tap from mid June to mid September. Turn off the hot water heater. A shower can be mild to hot, depending on time of day. The Dishwasher makes it's own hot water. I was once told, the hot water tank accounts for 30% of the electric bill.

[@janmargaret7972]

Hello I am in England. I am seventy one and I love your tips, such common sense. Many of these tips are things my mum taught me but had forgotten. I eat OMAD to lose weight and it also saves me money. We shouldn’t be grazing on food all day it is really bad for the body. Thank you 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@ruthanndietz3764]

I eat on meal a day too. It saves SO much time!!!

[@ladycactus110]

With lots of fatty meat. Carnivores rule!

[@janmargaret7972]

@@ladycactus110 Yes bacon and steak. Yummy.

[@katydidiy]

I'm OMAD too. I'm 74, single and hate the idea of cooking 3 meals a day. One chicken breast is enough for 3 meals. I buy skin on and on the bone so I can freeze that until I have enough to make broth along with celery tops and onion trimmings. Cheap but delicious.

[@janmargaret7972]

@@katydidiy 👍🙂

[@shirleyparker4969]

When I was using liquid detergent, I always just threw the measuring cup in the washer to get out all the soap out. 😊

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

We do this too!

[@DCB938]

I do store most of my leftovers in a container. I find glass containers in thrift stores for a fraction of what they cost at regular stores. Granted, most of them don’t match, but I don’t care. Lol But when I do use plastic baggies I wash them after each use. I normally get about 3+ uses out of them.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Love the containers at the thrift stores! Brilliant!

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

I have one end of my closet for clothes that I wore an hour or 2. That way, I know they're not freshly laundered. But they're not dirty enough to put in the hamper that's a great idea

[@letty5515]

Love the soup idea.

[@debbiedorsey2371]

I was happy to hear you say shower every other day! I love your videos!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Yay! Let’s here it for Team Shower Every Other Day!!!

[@marlenerichardson4429]

I recently got a quote to have scratches removed from my wooden floor and was shocked at the price but the guy did tell me to buy some walnuts and use them to rub over the scratches. He was a friend of a friend and I was so grateful for this tip and it worked beautifully x

[@mlee6847]

Mineral oil works just as well on wooden floors, tables, etc.

[@donnafreeman5435]

great job Sara!

[@flonotflow]

Earlier this year I bought a set of the silicone ziploc style storage bags. I wish I had kept track of how many times I've washed them to figure out how many disposable bags I've saved from the landfill. One of the best inventions ever! The only things I won't use them for are meats or onions. Otherwise, they are used for all sorts of things in my kitchen. And yes, let's make wearing clothes more than once before washing a normal thing! My post surgery walker (now that I dont need it) makes a great place for me to hang an outfit over so I know to grab it again.

[@linbron2018]

I reuse my zip bags, frozen one. I add water to everything, yes I add less soap in washer when I do buy. I make m own detergent way cheaper.

[@Intentional-frugality]

Okay I love you for saying shower less 😅❤😂

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

LOL! Thanks! :) And thanks for watching!!

[@beth3535]

Works better in the winter.

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

😮😂

[@josiesanchez4407]

Love it because S I get older, the less I want to shower.😂

[@michelldurbecq2901]

So one of the tips for not smelling like your old person is to bath frequently the oils and fatty acids that are excreted by our skin oxidizes more rapidly Also not to re wear you clothes for the same reason

[@marnasletten3988]

The best way to eat less often, for me is to eat Ketogentic diets. Sometimes I only eat every 12 hours, and don't snack. By cutting down on carbs is alot healthier for me too. I am starting to reverse my diabetes and other health issues. Taking less med, and boy does that save me money. Take care all and remember to let Food be thy Medicine.

[@loriliberty2706]

I did ketogenic OMAD for 5 months until I noticed my clothes fitting very loosely, I didn't own a scale. I bought a scale and found out I weighed 97 pounds (I'm 5'5"). And this fact scared the heck out of me. Be careful with keto OMAD because your body may become used to burning fat for fuel and gaining some weight back may be difficult - at least it has been for me.

[@einat1622]

Zenni optical is another glasses online company. They ship internationally (based in China).

[@TreasureDeal]

They are AWESOME!

[@karengilchrist3854]

I have horses so I keep a basket with my barn clothes that I use to clean to barn and change out when I come back to the house. I generally clean them every four days when they tend to get too smelly.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I really love this idea. Super smart!

[@gillscott34]

Thank you again for your brilliant tips. After a divorce, moved country and had to begin from scratch, I have become the most frugal person on earth (try my best). However the one thing I do use money on when I need to is my eye wear. The place I go to (Uk) Specsavers a chain, but they have good deals and also look into eye health as well, which is important as I am 60. So Im not cutting back on that, but great tips on everything else you mention, thank you. P.S another tip I can add is that the house I moved to had a bidet attachment to my toilet, best invention ever. I don't sweat a lot to have a shower every day but the other lower area for hygiene health is important and this little device is super good.

[@verenamaharajah6082]

To save water and energy, [ electricity/gas] I only wash the dishes once a day, in the evening. I live alone so it’s not a lot of dishes and pans. However if you are a family, it’s worth noting that using a dishwasher machine at the end of the day, actually uses less water and energy than washing up by hand several times a day.

[@barbarabruce7648]

Sounds cliché but buy seasonal produce. It's spring here in Australia and Lettuce and berries are dirt cheap so that is what we are eating. Also learn a few tastey ways to use barley, lentils and polenta for main meals. They are so cheap but can be delicious. For example, Polenta with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and garlic tastes amazing and costs very little.

[@wandahall4435]

Great value ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so very much!!

[@cgt6497]

Try Zenni Optical as well. The glasses start at about $15 for single vision. I have gotten some progressives for about $60. They have fashion frames but you can get cheaper too. I had my optometrist check them and the lenses were great! P. S. Just get regular progressives, you don't need the fancy ones. I did both and can't tell any difference.

[@mares4636]

[My] library has museum passes that can be checked out and borrowed just like books and movies. Sometimes they offer free seeds too.

[@lcdesigns6145]

Same here in Georgia 😊

[@beverlyobrien7954]

I've showered and shampooed every other day since retirement. However, if Ive done strenuous or dirty work or have used a public toilet, the skip-a-day is not going to happen,

[@TraceyBergum]

YES to all the tips Sara : ) Would you be interested in doing meal and prep videos? Showing the meals you make for family. Or vlog like videos?

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so much! I have thought about it. I feel like a vlog style of my life would be super boring! LOL!

[@reginabahten4228]

Along the lines of adding water, you can get a liquid soap dispenser that turns your liquid soap into delightful foam, which is the state where soap actually works. The liquid soap is diluted about 1:4.

[@katydidiy]

I add water to the bits of shampoo left in the bottle then into the former.....works!

[@marcymorris9635]

I got gifts of these and I have saved hand soap bottles from Bath & Bodyworks and refilled them with a water/soap combination.

[@claremiller9979]

The note about kids snacks is so true. I switched to making them popcorn and putting in reusable ziplock bags ($6 for 3 and they are so cute and easy to clean). That's probably $1.50 for at least 6 lunchbox serves so15c a serve, compared to $3-5 for a six pack of single serve chips, 85c a serve and all that plastic waste! I must admit I don't go frugal on everything, but little things can make a big difference over time for sure. Making your own cleaners is definitely one, I want to do it more.

[@KerryJames-l6z]

I make freezer soup it's so yum

[@andersonomo597]

Great tips! And YES, only shower when you need to! In the summer sometimes I have quick showers twice a day - because I'm dirty and sweaty. Also, in the summer, I often turn off the water after stepping under it, scrub myself really well and then turn the water on to rinse off. Saves water, body wash and I get REALLY clean. Cheers from Oz!!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Great tip about turning off the water! Happy you stopped by!!

[@dotsyjmaher]

Water is the thing I am not frugal with...my landlord was supposed to have electricity included when I moved in... one year in...NOT DOING IT... SO.....to make up for that major loss I wash everything by hand ...and don't have to worry about showering less...lol The Federal felon landlord pays off the politicians cheats on everything..doesn't repair... SOooooo....he forgot to pay the water bill twice...lol... So the bill was really high... Lolololol..he called us all up and told us to stop flushing the toilet after "number 1" LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL... I will enjoy my "free" water..

[@leslieclifton7625]

Move your shower to middle day. Came in from the chickens and it's 118 deg. Take a cool shower to not have heat stroke and clean up.

[@kimwieczorek1879]

I shower 1-2 times a week.

[@andersonomo597]

I bought some white microfiber cloths and they are brilliant for a quick refresh when I don't want to have a full-on shower. They really get off all the dirt with just water. I toss them in the wash - and I know the white ones are only for personal use, not housecleaning! Cheers from Oz. @@kimwieczorek1879

[@silmuffin86]

I have severe myopia, and when I tried cheap glasses I could totally tell the difference in the quality of vision... Never again, some things are worth the money, and your health is one of those

[@Faizaahmadpak]

😢 Why dont you get a surgery for strabismus.

[@silmuffin86]

@ISLAMMYCHOICE3451 I don't have strabismus, just myopia, and I'm not a good candidate for Lasik nor PRK 🤷🏻‍♀️ I could have an artificial lens inserted into my eyeball, but I don't want to. Not that it's any of your business why 😅

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I was going to caution, if you have astigmatism, be careful about where you have your eyeglasses made. I hade problems when my insurance changed and I went to a new doctor. Also, my friends would ask me why I never had problems with missing screws or broken arms. I guess sometimes cheaper isn’t always better. These two friends used a chain store I won’t name and always had problems they had to run back to have fixed. Time is money too.

[@lignaquy]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@elalogar7340]

@@TheDriftwoodlover With glasses and similar items, I follow the mantra: "I'm too poor to buy cheap." My eyesight is poor, and I have sensitive eyes, so I need photochromic lenses. The previous prescription glasses that I wore for +10 years, cost me 500€, and the one that I bought just last month was 680€. It is the price I'm willing to pay, especially since I know they will last me for a long time. And if I miss a screw or the nose pads need to be replaced, the seller that I bought the glasses from provides those at no charge, even after 5 years after the purchase. So yeah, I can't afford cheap glasses bought online.

[@lindadorman2869]

My tip is to shop at thrift stores. I started thrifting and reselling online a few years ago and haven't bought anything at a department or specialty store since. I find new with tag or gently worn clothing, accessories and home furnishings. Some things I keep but most of them get resold at a profit, usually 10x what I paid for it. For example, today I sold a pair of brand new leather ballet flats for $250 that I got for $5. In the first five days of this month, I've already sold over $1000 and my cost was under $100.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Such a great idea, and what an amazing little side hustle! Well done! Around here, our thrift stores are not great, so a few times a year, I go to my Mama's house in Connecticut, and we spend an entire weekend! I would absolutely do this if I lived where the thrifting was good!

[@SusieQZee]

Where do to you resell?

[@magalydiaz9073]

I do the same 😊

[@magalydiaz9073]

@@SusieQZee I resell on Poshmark, Ebay, Mercari and Facebook Market Place.I work full time and this is a great side hustle.I actually enjoy everything about it.

[@doriscondor1243]

I use my dryer sheets 2 times

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Good thinking!

[@janeandrews1790]

You can tear your dryer sheets in thirds and each will be just as effective as a full sheet. And you can also use those twice.

[@sjordan7085]

If the weather is fine, just blowing in the wind makes washing smell fresh and clean.

[@rhondashephard-z7p]

I use dryer balks

[@janejdough2230]

Zennies are great

[@preparingformountainlife]

We use safety razors...they last so long if you clean and store them correctly.

[@de3182]

I learned to groom my own dog. I found a nice set of clippers on a flash sale for $35. The first time I used them to groom her, they paid for themselves. I use tide pods because I'm very allergic to any other brands. The box says use two pods for a large load. Nope, always one unless they are dirty farm clothes.

[@reneerose1525]

I bought wahl dog clippers to do my husband and son's hair. They are much better quality than regular clippers and pull "snag" the hair so much less. I can't suggest this enough!

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

Oh my goodness, you are right. I have wasted more money buying duplicates of something that I didn't know that I already had. Because I couldn't find it how spot on this point is

[@nevermind7253]

I have recently purchased the newer type laundry detergent... they are small sheets that dissolve on water.... they look like a dryer sheet! I Love them 😁🤩😁 They save space They have No plastic The small box is compostable AND they save so much MONEY 🤑 Seriously.... there's a company that offers a sign ip for Auto delivery which i don't want to do. I got mine on Amazon and Walmart online has them to. I love their small footprint in my home, clothing is clean...each sheet i have can be split into two parts, use one half for a regular load or both for a larger or more soiled load.

[@lorettawatkins5024]

yes,yes,yes to this. It cleans every bit as well as the liquid detergents and the pods.

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

Your hair looks so cute like that

[@crybebebunny]

About the gift cards, there is times of the year that the gift cards go on sale. I think that it is in the fall just before the winter holidays. About eating less often, most people are sick because we eat too much and too often. I gave up eating for 5 days and my health improved. The thing is that it requires lots of self-will. That is why I don't do it. I think that I would be cured by now if I did it once a month, since I personally found this out in my personal experience.

[@marnasletten3988]

I agree. Also, I have found by cutting down on my carbs I am not hungry as much. I usually eat twice a day without snacking. My health is improving.

[@lyndamuller2025]

Thank you for the great tips! I am trying to reduce costs for my family of 4. I shoot for a grocery/household budget of $400 a month (Canadian), but usually end up around $600. All your tips are greatly appreciated!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

It's definitely a challenge. I normally spend a little under $600 (US) a month for a family of 4 adults on just food. It's doable but it will need time, dedication, and creativity to get there. Keep going! You are doing great!!

[@terrylynn9984]

400 is on the extreme low end for Canada. Places like BC where groceries are more expensive that wouldn't get you far. I live in Windsor, across from Detroit, in Ontario. My realistic grocery bill for my family of 4 was 300 to 330 a week, that includes food, cleaner and all household necessities like toilet paper etc. Lots of fruit and vegetables in there as well. I do Walmart grocery pick up for the bulk of it, and I shop mid week at Freshco, a discount chain owned by Sobeys. My food grocery bill is on par with what the Canadian govt estimates to feed a family of 4 in Canada. Now that my oldest at 22 has moved out a few months ago, our grocery bill is consistently 50 to 75 dollars cheaper a week. Stores to avoid in Canada, Metro, Zehrs and Sobeys, way over priced.

[@gingermate7490]

These are great tips!

[@NdnUrbanCat]

I add water to my Juice drinks

[@maryleekolarik5548]

Instead of buying bleach, I get pool shock. One pound of pool shock is about $8. Then refill your bleach bottle with water and mix in about 2 tablespoons of shock, and shake well. Now bleach is about 8 cents a gallon.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Such a really great tip!

[@shirleydenton4747]

I would think also in the dry form of pool shock it would keep longer without losing its strength. Regular bleach loses potency if stored too long.

[@janetwunder3000]

Where to buy pool shock. Never heard of it. Thank you.

[@watchmethriving]

Here's a tip that saved me HUGE on car insurance. Shop for insurance with a broker!!!!!! The big named companies usually base your rates on credit score, not driving record. I went from $242/month for full coverage and no renters insurance to $110 for far better coverage AND renters insurance. Brokers represent multiple small companies.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Yes! Such a good idea!

[@deborahjackson6108]

But how well do these small companies pay out when you have a claim? I’ve found that they don’t pay out well.

[@buckeyedav1]

yes. AnnaInOhio

[@marnasletten3988]

@@deborahjackson6108 Sometimes the big name companies don't pay well either.

[@lindatexas5906]

Brokers charge a fee, I tried that already

[@paulahastings7865]

Great tips!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thaks so much for watching!

[@sandramorgan732]

Soap foamers for hand washing savers an immense amount of soap.

[@KayleneNugget]

I skip on fabric softener and dryer sheets. Adding white vinegar to my wash softens the clothes every time. Also helps boost the detergent.

[@flonotflow]

The wool dryer balls work great too, in fact I find they are actually better than dryer sheets for certain clothing.

[@bundydata]

You can add water to latex paint

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

When making soup/pasta topping always make a big pot and freeze portions in glass, (jam jars or the like) rather than plastic containers. Never fill jar to the top since any liqiuds expand in freezing process.

[@lorimarable128]

I recharge my lights and electric matches in my car while I'm doing errands...no electricity costs

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

So smart!! Love this tip!

[@patticanning5053]

I really need to save on glasses help!

[@kathybell4719]

I manually wash all of my laundry with a wash tub and washing wand. Excepting blankets, pillows and heavy winter clothing. I have always used napkins or rags and never even with my kids bought paper towels, I make my own antibacterial reusable wipes, don't buy fancy cleaners as Dollartree cleaners work well. I have an extra freezer and buy discount or extreme sale veggies and freeze them. We don't have cable we have internet, we do not have data plans on our phones we use wifi. We don't buy snacks, we make them. Bleach and dishsoap are main household cleaning supply, laundry bar soap for heavily soiled laundry. I purchase all foods in bulk as much as possible even large cans of cat food instead of small and use lids and refrigerator. We don't eat out, we make better food and I make our own gourmet cappuccino etc. We use reusable and washable mop and dust mops. No brooms. I reuse all of old clothes and make hand-sewn creative things. We make our own sauces and don't buy fancy. We use wood pellets for cat litter which costs us $16 a year instead of clays or other. Our litterbox never smells! I make our cat and dog collars. We do not buy new in store retail clothing except winter coats and personal clothing items. Everything else is thrifted. I made our own cat scratches from a used chair and discount piece of carpet. I don't buy magic erasers, we use a rag and baking soda. Our toothbrushes come from Dollartree. Medical items come from Dollartree like bandaid, hydrogen peroxide. I don't use a dryer to dry clothes, I have an extra tensor shower curtain rod high above the bathtub and hang everything today. If needed I use a household fan on high to circulate the air in the bathroom. We don't buy fancy crackers, or ready made foods. We do not buy brand name items and never pay regular price. And we use crock pots, toaster oven, electric teakettle, we rarely ever use stove top, much less electricity cooking.

[@anitaluevano9643]

I add water to laundry soap dish soap it helps

[@kelliprevich4323]

Make your own laundry soap, even cheaper. I’ve done it for years. 50/50 Borax/ Washing soda and a graded up bar of Zote or Fels Naptha

[@frugalnanny]

put bar soap into a mesh bag and never have soap pieces again, just add the new bar and use as aleays.

[@marypoe6709]

creaclips!

[@katydidiy]

I lost 2 sizes eating OMAD. It takes about 3 to 4 hrs to eat even 1300 calories.

[@sandramorgan732]

Costco is also a great place to buy glasses. Different Costco’s carry different frames based on the community they are located in

[@Dit1160]

Silicon mat instead of parchment paper, Navy showers, cut coffee to one cup a day ( made at home) then switch to tea, save veg peels & scraps for home made broth ( this works onion& their skins, carrot peels& scrapings, pepper scraps and a lot more you can add seasoning …certain vegetables don’t lend to this, simmer but don’t stir as stirring clouds the broth then freeze or use, unplug everything when not in use, charge phone and tablet when driving your car, sweep before you vacuum clean to reduce time cleaner is in use, analyze everything you then consider how to make it easier and less costly.

[@jelkel25]

If you clean shave a safety cutthroat razor and a leather strop would be a good idea, you can even make the strop yourself out of an old leather belt, lots of people on YT who instruct you on stropping razors for free. The skill carries over so you're half way to sharpening knives, chisels ect. There's people who use a knife until it's dull then throw it away. If you are washing things like greasy overalls or white just about anything make the second tablespoon you put in the laundry soda crystals instead of more detergent, it's cheap and will get rid of grease and stains better than any detergent. It's cleaning your washing machine while it's cleaning your clothes too. Just don't use it with laundry where you care about keeping the colour because it will fade (slightly) said colour.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Such great tips! Thanks so much!!

[@coya8coy]

Used to buy glasses online, even tried many sites. At the end of the day, my local shop just did a much better job. It’s difficult to find a place that makes glasses I can actually see out of, even other brick & mortar shops get it wrong.

[@doraray9964]

Hello fron Bakersfield ca. ...you have no idea how much water you save when you have a bucket in your shower, capturing the water that splashes all over and use it for your toilet or your plants

[@hanahudcova891]

We don't have food banks here in Sweden unfortunatelly. Perhaps in the capital some churches can provide food for poor. It is even illegal to take old food thrown to the trash by somebody richer and supermarkets destroy old food before throwing it to the container just to avoid poor people could take it. Or they lock their containers inside so people cannot dive in it. I think it is a shame.

[@katydidiy]

Here in the USA most states have adopted "good Samaritan laws" which de-crminalizes what is referred to as dumpster diving. However, the amount of food waste is in itself criminal. All our local grocers and convenience stores donate to our food banks, thankfully.

[@mikeandloria]

Sad really 😞

[@ekaterinasergeyeva453]

Here in Russia anything past expiry date is considered a potential health hazard, so a store has to make sure nobody gets expired food. And close to expiry they will just try to sell it with a discount, they will want to save some of the money invested into that food. I wonder how are those food banks filled? Donations from stores or manufacturers?

[@maureensamson4863]

We don't have food banks in India either , though many religious institutions do feed the poor .. A food bank would entail a lot of co ordination and cooperation so that nobody gets ill by eating spoilt food ... I do agree with wastage of food being shameful when so many go without .😢😢

[@misslinda772]

My idea of showering less is 10 minutes versus 30 minutes. Surely that would give me some credit? LOL ❤

[@HeronCoyote1234]

This is my very low cost laundry detergent: mix equal parts OxyClean (I use the powder Free…3lb container is under $10, equals about 100 Tbs), and Arm&Hammer Super WASHING Soda (3 lbs $5, again, about 100 tablespoons). I combine one cup of each in a big bowl, use a potato masher to break up lumps, store in an angled cookie jar, with a tablespoon size measuring spoon in the jar. Each load uses just one tablespoon of powder, and it works fine. And no grating soap into it.

[@ekaterinasergeyeva453]

As for hygiene, I would say, people should adjust their routine to their individual needs at their age and circumstances. A 13-16 year-old may need to shower twice a day (hormonal changes). Menopause can bring about hot flashes and sweats - again, more showers. But a stable hormonal state, no strenuous work, temperature-controlled environment - no sweat, basically. As for laundry: detergents are of very different quality (at least, in my country), so I'd say - start using a little bit less than usual, like 1/4 or 1/5 less. If the result is still good, cut further. I use approximately 2/3 of recommended dose, no more, and the results are fine.

[@StephsHealthMatters]

Hi Sara, where did you get the name frozen pennies, and what does it mean. Love your show

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Ah...this is a great story! Almost 6 years ago, around Christmas, my grown niece was telling me about this crazy year-long spending freeze that she was wrapping up where she didn't spend any unnecessary money on anything. I was super intrigued and thought, "I could do that! I love a good challenge". My youngest son, who was 16, said, "You should blog about it too" (he knew I had wanted to start a blog but never knew what to write about). S, spending freeze = Frozen Pennies! And the website has grown into something amazing, allowing me to run my own online business. KZbin has become a part of that successful venture! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@StephsHealthMatters]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies sounds like a great story to kick off a spending freeze in 2024

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

@@StephsHealthMatters Love this!!!

[@mariaterezadosanjosferreir4703]

I need to wear goasses to drive as I don't see well in the distance. Instead of getting brand new glasses, I only had new lenses made and reused the same frames that were still in good order. New glasses would have cost me around 8/900€ (about same amount in USD). New lenses cost me 170€. Low cost glasses were all over 200€. I made a substantial saving. PS: I live in Portugal

[@sue8319]

Thanks for the information…….,however a germaphobe here…..town clothes are washed after warning. Shower daily, if I leave the house. Use paper towels for hand drying because it’s fresh each time. However, I save the used paper towels for spills on the floor and cleaning windows , mirrors & bathroom ceramic tile. Also washer in basement and takes great effort and energy to navigate the stairs. Just my spin on things. Waving to you from Michigan. I too do less than mfg suggestions on laundry detergent amount. My area has more expensive energy use 2PM-7PM Monday -Friday June to Sept so I am very careful at those times on usage. I gather my flower seeds for the next year. Toothpaste tube appears empty however it is not…..use a box clip to fold over & squeezed it don’t discard. Instead cut off the bottom up to 2-3 inches from cap see 3-4 days of product. Cover the open end with a paper cup to keep the dust out. I must admit Inhave passed up grocery coupons because I can’t afford to save money at that time.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so much for watching and thanks for checking in!

[@buckeyedav1]

I have heard of these low discount glasses before but I wonder how that works? When I get glasses at my doctor's they measure the glasses to fit on my face last year they did not measure correctly and I felt like I was space walking had to go back in and have them readjusted. I've had my glasses measured to my face for years so I don't understand how they can work without those measurements? I don't mean just sitting on your face but they actually measure where my eyes are lining up on the lenses when they make the glasses. I use Eyemart Express where I get my glasses in a hour after giving them the prescription. And I have no line bifoculs which I guess are called Progressive Lenses now days. Anna In Ohio

[@janejdough2230]

you ask for a prescription with the PD distance (pupil distance).In Canada they have to give it to you and then you fill out the on line form.

[@kelliprevich4323]

That’s exactly how it works! I’ve done this for years. If the PD is not on your prescription, just ask them for it, you PAID for this examination, it’s YOURS, they have to give it to you!

[@BRuthable]

We didn't have a lot of money so it was "school clothes" or "church clothes" when I grew up.

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

A timer for the hot water heater is genius. The only problem is if your frugal husband has the timer on such a limited time that you don't have enough water for your newborn. Baby, that's a problem other than that. A timer is genius.

[@ThePantherproof]

5. Go outside when it rains!

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

And bring soap 😀

[@bettyhappschatt3467]

No to adding water. It dilutes the taste / effect and sometimes it causes the product to grow microbes. I would rather drink the water. Yes to the rest of the tips.

[@dixiebell7011]

Sauces that contain vinegar will taste better with a little vinegar NOT wayer. I used to help at Foos Bank for food also. Different Food Banks have different rules. Most personal Hygiene and cleaning products do recommend too much consuption. We should all so laundry like we have to go to the laundry mat and can't afford it. America's Best has good deals on glasses 2 for $99..I had bad luck trying to get glasses online. Thanks

[@surekhagalagoda4047]

If i plan on wearing clothes for a second time i hang them in the bathroom.the good thing for me is i hv a spacious bathroom and i live alone

[@judymurray191]

How do you get your eyeglasses adjusted to your face if you buy online? I have one ear higher than the other so I need that service.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

You can take them anyplace to have them adjusted. Most will do it for free. Try Walmart or any optical place and ask for an adjustment.

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

$65. for progressive lenses? Great price!

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

Actually one time I had to go to the laundromat. Because my washer broke and I didn't bring my laundry detergent. So I washed my clothes without the laundry detergent and it did fine. I was shot it was just fine

[@lcdesigns6145]

Absolutely fine. All the detergent doesn’t rinse out every time, therefore, at least once a month I’ll run clothes without adding detergent.

[@kerryjames6312]

We have covid i had long hot shower washed eveeything in hot water mopoed floor tgere goes my fugual day

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Oh no, Kerry! I hope everyone is on the mend!

[@kerryjames6312]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies feel shit

[@lisak7757]

Use a washer ball. Don’t even need to buy detergent. They last at least a year.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

What's a washer ball? I'm not familiar

[@hazelnutbix]

I have an Eco Egg. You add new pellets every few months, depending on how often you do laundry. I have had mine for 7 years now and hardly spend money on doing laundry. only the electricity and water.

[@dl4126]

? Haven't heard of this.

[@dizzysdoings]

That's horse chestnuts, not regular chestnuts. They're not in the same family. I got my glasses from America's Best. I got 2 pairs of glasses as well as an eye exam for just over $100. Another thing I've done is just get new lenses if the frame is still good.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Ah. Thanks so much for that!! We don’t have Americas Best. But I’ve heard good things!!

[@dizzysdoings]

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies I'll be taking an older pair to them soon and seeing if they can replace the lenses. They're the only pair I have that fits under safety goggles. Years ago, I had the lenses replaced in a pair I got from a regular eye doctor. So I'm hoping they'll do the same. Other than Dollar Tree cheaters, I can't buy glasses from wherever. The prescription isn't the same for both my eyes.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

@@dizzysdoings Goggles for you asks for each eye Rx when you go through the process. My eyes are not the same either. I have quite the astigmatism in only one.

[@nomad7540]

Like Sara, I am very nearsighted and need progressives. America’s Best was one of the most expensive quotes - over 500 for 2 pair. One pair was not much less. EyeMart was under 100 for the same thing.

[@dizzysdoings]

@@nomad7540 we don't have them around here. The last pair of glasses that I got from a regular eye doctor are progressives. I can't read with them! So I went to America's Best and got 2 pairs of readers. When I needed to get new glasses, I didn't even bother going to the one covered by my insurance. I just went to America's Best. It cost me about the same for the progressives as it did for the eye exam and glasses. And I like the frames much better. If I had wanted something different from the eye doctor, I would have had to pay a lot.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Wow! That’s really some discounted price for glasses. Usually we pay several hundred dollars at the eye doctor. But what if you have a problem? I’ve had to have my glasses remade.

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

In the winter I can go a day or 2 without showering. But in the summer no I want to shower everyday

[@claudettekennedy7842]

I dont wash my hair everyday. This saves on shampoo and conditioner ane i don't use a hair dryer. I do use a straightener. I don't use many plastic bags if i do i wash them and air dry. Of course if it's raw meat I don't do that.

[@janeandrews1790]

For some products adding water alters the texture too much. I’d rather just use less.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

No conditioner No fabric softener (wool dryer balls) No shave cream (conditioner works well and MUCH cheaper)

[@claremiller9979]

Absolutely agree about conditioner not shaving cream! I use up hotel conditioners for shaving my legs because usually I don't like those for my hair anyway.

[@patticanning5053]

I’m 67 what about bifocals?

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I would suggest getting your eyes checked by a doctor and getting the script to order online. Try the places I mention. Call around to see which doctor has the best price!

[@frugalnanny]

no one ever says we should use pump bottles and sray bottles to measure uses of detergents, shampoos, dish liquids, bleach, alcohol and such!!!

[@AmberV1978]

Add water to it? To everything? 🤷‍♀️ Strange... Shampoo is already 95 % water. You better use a shampoobar and then add water to it, that makes more sense 😊

[@2KADz]

Our Bodies are designed to eat every 3 days..!!

[@donnalindsey611]

🤔😒

[@donnalindsey611]

🤪🤐

[@andrea9797mdd]

Shower every other day? OK gross, sorry

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Agree ! We usually aren't aware of our own body odors as we are used to it ; however , stand in line at the grocery store next to someone who needs a shower or shampoo ... whew ! If the body isn't clean , why bother w/ putting on clean clothes, underwear or pajamas ? What about not showering daily then sleeping on the same bedding for a week ? Just sayin' ...

[@sue758]

Hmm, I guess the people who shower only in the morning are doing it all wrong then. They put clean pajamas on a dirty body and sleep in that bed like that for about a week. Not everybody takes a shower at night. I would be willing to bet that most people don't shower every day and you would never know it.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

@@sue758 We will never know each other's " true lives " , right ? My career was farm / barn / horse work so my day ended w/ a rewarding , relaxing shower or a soak in the tub followed by a quick shower rinse - pure heaven ! I know many people who shower both am & pm , so we just gotta go w/ what works for our lifestyle . Even if I shower before going out of an evening , I may shower again before bed to " erase " the smell of an environment , such as a restaurant or being near someone who smoked . ( my husband says my nose is more sensitive than our black Lab's ... 😂 )