27 Non-Obvious Frugal Living Hacks to SAVE OVER $1,000/month

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Mentioned links: Bulk yeast: amzn.to/3unhf6D, Verizon class action lawsuit: www.verizonadministrativechargesettlement.com

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I have every issue of The Tightwad Gazette Newsletter. Would you like them? Postage in on me 😊

[@Mntdewmania1]

What was that plant??

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

@@Mntdewmania1 it’s called a pothos!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

@@kenyonbissett3512 Oh my goodness!!! To be honest, I don’t think I’ve got the room to store every issue. 😂 But I will admit to a wild curiosity about what they looked like! I would be very grateful for a single copy, if you don’t mind breaking up the “set!”

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@Homegrown_Hillary each newsletter is 3 sheets of 11X17 paper folded in half, making it a 6 page newsletter. She did this on purpose to keep the cost of postage first class. Back then that was 29 cents, I believe. Each issue cost $1. All black and white, no color. Stacked they are probably 4 inches tall. I would prefer to send them all and then you could do a “viewer giveaway”, sell them on eBay or trash them with my blessings. I admit that until the last few years, I still reread them once a year (I’m a voracious reader and read quickly). She had to edit the newsletters to fit the book format so their is information not in the books. I’m in the process of Swedish (Death) Cleaning to spare my son the trouble in a few years. Let me know if you change your mind

[@ruthespiritu502]

Girl you gamified frugality. I think half of the fun is figuring out creative ways to save money but at the same time be self-sufficient (or learn a new skill)!

[@sarajane46321]

I absolutely love your videos. I'm a 54 year old grandmother so as a young mom I followed Amy Dacyczyn. YOU my dear, are the Amy for this generation! I have all of her books and I also used to get her newsletters! (Boy I wish I had saved those!) Thank you for all the work you do. Mom's these days (and anyone wanting to save) really need someone to guide them in this day and age of consumerism. My daughter and her young family will definitely benefit from your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Ok, you win the kindest comment ever award!

[@JackieKiadii]

Oh my gosh, @sarajane46321! I remember Amy! I'm getting in my feels a little bit.

[@cathylombard964]

I loved the “Frugal Zealot”. I had her books and used to get her newsletters. I always looked forward to them arriving in the mail.

[@DebiGoldben]

I’m 66 and also have all of her books, the updated ones that contain all of the information from her newsletters. We have not used paper products in my house for probably 30 years. No paper plates, no throwaway cutlery, I purchased cloth napkins and we use, an assortment of rags or cut up flannel sheets for towels in the kitchen, I have a huge stack of hankies that replace facial tissues, and we have a bidet on each toilet, so that we are only drying off and we use flannel for that as well and just wash it. I was the only one in my area not scrambling for toilet paper during Covid. We probably save at least $1000 a year simply by eliminating paper products. I also have drying racks for the house and clothesline outside so that I don’t need to run my dryer very often. Many years ago, I went five years without even having a dryer because we didn’t have the money to buy one.

[@MMPutnam77]

My mom saved all of her newsletters too! She gave them to me in a binder about 10 years ago. I love them and read them periodically.

[@katherinesmaha1678]

Bag up half of the kids toys and books. Then swap those out every few weeks and bag up the original toys left out. I use to rotate toys out all the time when I ran daycare in my home. kids loved the "new" toys every few weeks.

[@RayF6126]

I'd leave out the toy your child always sleeps with. Though I like the idea otherwise.

[@GoingApeCostume]

When I was saving money big time, and expecting a child, I layered old tshirts, zig zagged around the edges, and had burp cloths. They weren't cute at all but they sure were great at icky messes. I made shoulder sized ones and full sized ones, which were great for laying under the kid while changing. That kid is 25. I'm STILL using those rags. I've repaired them from time to time, but yup, still going strong.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

This is such a cool idea!

[@joannejordan2510]

This is my go to baby shower gift. I do 4 out of fat quarters + terry cloth or if I have some old towels that are ready to be repurposed. The first couple I gave them to let me know that it was their favorite gift, their kid is now 2 years old and they still use them daily.

[@glendaschilder3048]

When I was pregnant I hand washed laundry at home

[@K0HAKU_97]

About a plant that spreads and survives everything, SNAKE PLANTS! My husband wanted a plant in his office to make the space feel more relaxed, so I bought one snake plant for him. It started putting out a second offshoot plant from its roots, so I cut it from the main plant and potted it for me to have in the kitchen. His plant keeps putting out offshoots, right now his pot has 5 different shoots coming from the main plant! We only water them once or twice a month, but they’re thriving. At this point he’s actively trying to neglect it for science, but it continues to amaze us with its resilience. Absolutely an amazing indoor plant! (We have tried to transplant one outdoors, but it rains too much here and it melted after the frost. The outdoor cutting didn’t make it long)

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Yes!! I've been keeping my eye out for snake plants in my local buy nothing group!

[@evage99]

"Actively neglect for science" is how I take care of my plants too... 😂

[@veggiezz]

oh my goodness... I left my snake plant in a dark corner for seven months with no watering... I think it went into stasis but it looks as green and healthy as ever! I added more soil and started watering it, so I assume it's happy again now? But who knows, it looks exactly the same XD

[@hillaryvasquez9651]

Present day economy makes living below your means seem impossible but it is still very feasible. Money is just a tool, use it to create the life you want

[@SecretSquirrel-gp7kz]

Can't agree more. It can be done but it takes work and dedication

[@sophinakhan4130]

I love the idea that frugality is for the purpose of saving money on things that don’t matter as much to us and allowing us to spend where it does matter. For example, I am frugal in many areas of my life but I spend on an expensive gym membership. I go 5-6 days a week and love it. I will not work out at home (I tried for so long)! It is so important to understand what is worth it for each of us. Thank you for the tips!

[@arabianknights7391]

Regarding laundry, the washing machine and dryer in my apt building both charge $2. After 5 months residence, I have yet to use the dryer. As a single non athlete, I do two loads a month and have a drying rack that dries everything in a few hours, even in the winter. The rack cost $25 and has paid for itself. Bonus is that I have saved a couple of trips up and down stairs to load/unload the dryer.

[@missavakittytv]

2$....? I wish our Apt building charged 2$. Which is still expensive. Our Apt complex charges 6$ to wash laundry. Luckily I already had a portable Black and Decker washing machine and I have a detachable clothes line. Which I have to yet to figure out where to put... but most of the time I hang my clothes in the closet and point my fan at them.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

This video is creative and refreshing. Every time I watch one more "10 ways to save" I hear the same boring things I never bought or cut years ago. But you came up with some really great ideas to implement. Love the potato bar idea. One person recently shared they used some leftover chili from the freezer as baked potato topping....mmm!!! I didn't make my Thanksgiving turkey so sometime this year will be enjoying that meat I bought on sale...and some new room in the freezer.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

My family loved Chili. It eventually evolved into Chili Week. Monday was chili with cornbread and toppings Wednesday was chili with macaroni & toppings Friday was chili served on hot dogs in a bun with French fries. Occasionally we would have chili on baked potatoes, though some serve chili over rice my guys liked it least of all so we stopped having it that way. But have added a can of drained corn to the chili.

[@qq1651]

consider cooking your turkey on a weber grill ! cook it under indirect heat. Best turkey you will ever eat!

[@jeana3937]

Your ideas are fantastic. I tried the pantry challenge in January. I spent $100 less than my budget for food. I usually went over budget consistently. In the entire budget I saved over $500 and paid it to a bill. I now am mindful on how much I spend and plan more. I think that is the key thing to remember.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Oh my goodness! This is amazing!

[@amandawille8438]

I did awesome ❤ I paid off 3 credit cards and saved so much money my goal is to be debt free in 6 months. I had some spending issues last year but found frugal spending ideas and I am going to save tons of money. I am also organizing and spending less..going to sell all my unwanted stuff. I literally saved 3000 on my frugal ways. It's helps that I grew up really poor like we had no heat chop your own wood for heat poor. I love your video it's fantastic ❤.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

This is amazing!!!

[@dianegravesable]

You are doing great! One thing I do that gets a few looks from friends/family. During COVID-19, my husband would purchase Clorox wipes. I'm okay with that... what i did not do was throw the remaining liquid away. I put the liquid in a spray bottle and would clean my counters... with towels that we had a bunch from when my husband had a cleaning business. 😊

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

That’s a good one! I’m gonna share that in an upcoming video I’m working on, if you don’t mind!

[@dianegravesable]

Absolutely 😊

[@TheReflectivePerspective]

If you find you accidentally have dried up wipes (cleaning/bathroom/ facial/ baby), don't just throw them away. Some can be revived, but they can all be used for cleaning those areas where a disposable option really is more hygienic. The texture of many of them makes them better at scrubbing than something like a paper towel as well.

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@TheReflectivePerspectiveI have poured water or rubbing alcohol into the container (depending) and used them like you said.

[@lindacgrace2973]

The plastic scoops provided in protein powder and collagen powders are also (I measured it) exactly two tablespoons. I just use the old collagen powder scoop. Super convenient.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Nice! A standard coffee scoop, like you sometimes get with Folgers cans, works too!

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@Homegrown_Hillary Coffee scoops are a dying breed. I haven't seen one in years! But if they're still provided for you - go for it!

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@Homegrown_Hillary Gosh, I haven't seen a coffee scoop in years! But you're right, it'll work just fine.

[@amandawille8438]

I love this idea ❤

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@amandawille8438 Yeah, it's great when I can re-purpose something instead of donating it to the landfill. 😊

[@aaaaaaa-yb6uq]

Switching to a safety razor was life changing. Closer shave, cheaper cost, less irritation. It's really fantastic and I will never shut up about it!

[@rebecca55371]

I bunch all my errands together too. Not because I’m trying to save on gas because I hate leaving the house, unless I ABSOLUTELY have to! 😆 Thank you for the Verizon idea, I saw it in the mail, but I’m always leery that it’s a con.

[@bettyparker3317]

So many people don’t know about the Amazon warehouse, or the little box on the site where they list returned items for big savings. Many times the only “down side” is a torn box. Sometimes it may be a dent, scratch, a cosmetic thing that doesn’t affect performance at all. Everything I got there worked great, and cost way less.

[@Joce123]

I am acutely aware of the nutritional value of the food that I buy, like red cabbage has 10 times the nutrients compared to green cabbage, and I looked very carefully at how much nutrition does an individual need every day..

[@spedding120]

Oooh any more tips?

[@happygardener28]

A point about public libraries: you can borrow a book before buying it to determine if it's useful to you. T-shirts can become rugs as well as rags, Mats for the work shop and char cloth to help start fires (if they are cotton and Not a polyester blend. I buy whole bean coffee and store it in the freezer, I use half the amount suggested and grind it extra fine.

[@Mntdewmania1]

I don't cut up T-Shirts but I do cut up old towels into 4's that way I get 4 dish towels to use!

[@lessabledwoman]

I too cut up towels, they make a great floor cloth, then when absolutely ragged they go to the garage for cleaning greasy oily stuff, then the bin. T shirts just go to the garage. Old carpet pieces for laying on cold ground fixing cars/bikes. Also carpet pieces for layering between heavy car parts so no damage.

[@brg2743]

Instead of changing the grocery amount per week when there is a five week month, we just averaged it out. Instead of $100 a week, it becomes $$80. Another idea on you tube I heard was just use the fifth week as clean out the freezer week. We just try to do that every few days and that works for us.

[@hdgml00]

The little measuring cup on the top of cough syrup holds30 mls, which is just very slightly more than 2 tablespoons. Plus, the cup itself can go through the wash, getting every bit of detergent into the load.

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Another idea with milk that is about to go out of date or even if it has gone “bad”, is to use it as you would buttermilk. Making pancakes or muffins or cakes. if you think about it, this way we eat sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, etc. It is actually good for the gut.

[@rubylady7126]

My powder Tide stretches very well with only 1Tbs per load. If it’s a bad load, like soiled towels, I add some oxi-clean. It all comes out clean both ways. So much cheaper than Tide pods, and I recently bought a large box of Tide to restock, and it came with a $10 store points rebate!!!

[@ParkDari]

My mother in law cuts holly branches and picks up pine cones for her winter Christmas decor. She just puts them in the compost pile in January $0😁 great activity for kids too

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Yes! We do this with pine boughs!

[@glt-e3n]

Make pancakes with old milk and put a big batch of pancakes in the freezer for later.

[@lsnoss]

If you cut off the sprouting potatoes and stick it in soil, you can get a whole plant that might yield a few pounds… from one sprouting potato part!!

[@cynthiablodgett1882]

I did a no extra spend January. Paid bills, bought budgeted food and gas. Only bought scrapbooking supplies with a birthday gift card. This month using gift card for dinner out.

[@AK-gh6cp]

Hello from across the water! (Writing you from Nova Scotia, Canada) :) I just want to say how much I enjoy your content. Your positive energy and resourcefulness are really encouraging and inspiring! Thanks for being on here!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Hey hey neighbor! 😊 Thanks so much!

[@MrsBrit1]

Fyi, milk freezes beautifully! I have taken to buying what we need for the month, sometimes buying already reduced milk, and stick it in the freezer.

[@deniseodaniels7356]

yesterday i got up early and went to the food pantry. one time i was 110 in line. yesterday i was number 8! yay! i got so much free good food! then out in front of the food pantry...they lay out tons of free stuff. i got a free skirt,free dress,and two free shirts. There was two carts full of xmas decorations. i already have enough or will make some xmas decorations but i didnt get any of the ones for free. there is so many ways to save. its so fun! i love your channel! u are so bright and hope filled!

[@RayF6126]

If there is a day where the pantry is required to throw out veggies by law to prevent spoilage, you can go a lot of beets, cabbage, squash, or potatoes when they don't care about rationing for the rest of the week. My time is 4:10 pm on Friday. I already have almost all the dry goods they have available.

[@ruthespiritu502]

If you like hot pot, that’s a good way to reuse veggie scraps, chicken bones, fish bones, etc. Make a nice broth with it! Then you can buy different vegetables, meats, ramen noodles, anything you want… it’s a good meal to share with people!

[@sashawilkinson6978]

Yeah for safety razors, I made this swap a while back and my god it saves so much money plus helps the environment is a bonus. Changing to a toilet seat bidet was also life changing, never having to buy toilet paper again has been a great month saver, and I feel cleaner because at the end of the day if you had poo on your arm you wouldn’t just wipe it away with toilet paper now would you? 😂 that’s apparently $182 dollars a year in savings

[@smc7929]

I’ve been looking into one.

[@memyself4627]

I also use cloth diapers and it has saved us sooo much money. Also detergent can be made for very very cheap!

[@marshatomkins7989]

I woke up to the “2T of laundry detergent” recently. I measured 2T of water into the detergent lid and marked the level on the outside of the lid with a Sharpie. Done.

[@Cosigirl]

I also only purchase loss leaders. I have been solely using pantry and freezer items. I'm saving loads of money. Thanks for the video. I'm going to get museum tickets from our library this month.

[@NomadJane]

You look at your January savings a bit differently than what I have ever thought of - loved it. Way to go making ricotta cheese, maybe do a video on that sometime. Glad you are feeling better.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

@jenniferjomurch covers the cheese making WAY better than I ever could, believe me!

[@Canny-Octopus]

I really like you. You're real and relatable - I totally get your using baby snack foods so you can cook. Being frugal with kids is a challenge, and you're doing so well.

[@RowenMyBoat]

Plants help clean the air. Peace Lily’s are good too.

[@bnbtemple5936]

Hi Hillary! Congratulations on such a productive month in spite of being sick! And, secondly, how beautiful your hair is! And those curls!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Aww, thank you! That's what all day in a French braid will do to my hair 😂

[@DebiGoldben]

I bought a reusable pod for my Keurig and don’t have to purchase the prepackaged K cups and also get to use my favorite coffee for a fraction of the cost

[@kaleyjanenigh]

GIRL! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HEADS UP ON THE VERIZON SETTLEMENT! My family qualifies! THANK YOU! ❤

[@glt-e3n]

Amish general stores will save you quite a bit. Canning supplies, kitchen utensils and pans, toys, winter gloves, gardening supplies, etc. So worth the drive!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

We've got a verrrry small one up here, and it basically just has food goods. But I'd love to try one of these the next time I'm passing through Amish country!

[@glt-e3n]

@Homegrown_Hillary We're fortunate that they're all over Michigan.

[@Joce123]

We use hand towels instead of bath towels because you can hand wash hand towels

[@JC-kj7ng]

Love this inspiring content! I’m a frugal person who loves hearing new ideas for frugality. Thanks for putting this list together from your everyday life. And great job being frugal!

[@Joce123]

Love the hopscotch idea!..

[@rachelkmac]

I love these ideas! when you said extra milk, ricotta was the first thing that popped into my mind- So good! We buy the McCafe coffee from the grocery store and it’s really good. We never go to Dunks unless traveling and no other options. I remember when a cup of coffee went over $1 and I was done buying those. Hubby used to buy an iced coffee every afternoon but I’ve rubbed off on him & he now saves coffee from the morning instead. 😊

[@Joce123]

I'm retired and only spend one gallon of gas per month because we in Minnesota are having an extremely warm winter...I live 2 miles from the store, library. post office..I really plan my errands. I also get insurance by the mile from Allstate or Nationwide..I got a home warranty..my son had the plan for 2 years so that I know that they are a good company

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Ooh! Potato bar! We love that, and haven’t had it in too many months. Gonna let my friend know right now.

[@katherinesmaha1678]

Kids food - a can of pumpkin puree is precooked with no additives. Make great baby food and is nutritious

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Yes! We’ve done this too!

[@DemureSpectabilis]

A Can of pumpkin purée and a box of chocolate muffin mix mean you can skip the other wet ingredients, and your final product is yummy, but not too sweet!

[@jodiweiss8705]

Thanks for the visual with the laundry detergent! Like you, I thought my estimate was on target. Now I know what it should really look like!

[@rufuslynks8175]

Use surplus and home tailored wool blankets in winter for curtains and window covers for much warmer spaces.

[@bex438]

Hey Hillary, I'd love to see a video on spending guidelines 👍😊

[@anaveragemuppet]

Plant the sprouted bits from the potatoes, you might grow some more!

[@emmahelman3897]

you can make your own laundry detergent as well. you will get more and spend less. Dry: 1 bar of castile soap, finely grated (or any natural soap bar like a zote bar which is cheaper; or 1 cup pre-grated soap flakes) 2 cups washing soda 2 cups baking soda 2 cups borax (optional)

[@CatBru]

I don't drink a lot of milk but sometimes I get a hankering for cereal or mac n cheese. I bought a gallon back in March and froze them into little 20 ounce bottles. I think I have half a gallon left. I need to check if they're still good, if not, I'll move it down to freezing a half gallon.

[@jacintamcmillan4218]

Hi Hilary glad you're feeling better. Having worked with children forever and having my own children and grandchildren. I've noticed they waste food. Just taking one bite of sandwich pizza cake biscuits. So for littlies I divide everything much smaller into bite portions. Great for parties etc and sometimes fussy eaters eat more. Hope you don't mind me sharing my experiences❤

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Not at all! It lines up with what I see. I also make a rule that I eat after the kids, so I’ll scavenge what they didn’t want. 😂

[@jacintamcmillan4218]

@@Homegrown_Hillary 💕

[@mikalacamero6480]

Just started rationing out my laundry detergent now! Thank you!

[@sandraoxford883]

Glad I found you today! I can relate to the bin story but it’s a toilet brush holder. I bought a beautiful one for secret Santa and my father in law bumped it off the top of the pile. It was ceramic and it cracked and broke. I super glued it and turned it the other way around, and kept it for my bathroom lol it was too nice to through! A beautiful green flower shaped holder with a gold handled toilet brush inside, from Kmart. It also made me love it more, it has history now 🤣

[@DebiGoldben]

Thrift stores, especially those run by church, charity organizations, our excellent places to find that only used items, but especially holiday decor. We picked up a bag of ornaments that looked brand new and only paid a dollar for about 50 ornaments. Most of them have an abundance of books that are often less than $.50 each and kitchen items and bedding that is almost like brand new. In my community, most of the retired folks, donate to church, charity, thrift stores, rather than Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, because their prices have gotten higher whereas the church thrift store prices are still very low. My daughter has started getting involved in clothing, swaps and swaps for household goods, and has acquired some amazing things for no cost at all. When we lived in a town where there was a university, we could find great stuff for nothing at the curbside when students went home at the end of a semester, because they leave everything out by the curb when they clean their dorm room. We have also lived close to some affluent, subdivisions and driving through on trash day have been able to find amazing, almost new, items that were out for garbage.

[@beckyshell4649]

Great tips ,every tip doesn’t have to save tons of money,it all adds up. I don’t like the I cut my cable bill $150 now it is just $200.I am sure those type tips are good for some people but ,I have no cable to start with.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

If you dilute laundry detergent by 50% water before you measure it out, you'll save double what you save when you just cut thee amount of detergent you use.😊 Would definitely like to see your budgeting process. Fabulous sayings, girl!! Go YOU!!! 🎆

[@DebiGoldben]

My mom actually diluted even farther so that it is 75% water and the clothes come out justice clean.

[@LindaASJ]

I did a grocery challenge January and February and saved $675! I do it every year.

[@MispelledOnPurpose]

My coffee maker went out in Jan. The one I replaced it with has a strong brew button. I can cut out one scoop of coffee every time by using this mode.

[@kittylavender]

Just found you and love this video. Became a new subscriber. My besties and I, instead of going out to eat, we would go to one of the bin stores that became popular a few years ago. We keep an eye out for each other and I found one of them a whole scuba diving suit…for $2.00!!! We got a mini tent for $6.00. So random and such a fun way to hang out w my ladies.

[@quiltanon]

Another great way to save on electric bill is to hang clothes on a portable clothes rack. I save $30 a month.

[@shirleydenton4747]

Yes, I got 3 portable clothes drying racks at thrift stores. In winter I place them over my furnace registers, and they dry speedily. In summer a bird problem, so place racks in front of south facing window and overhead fans to save $, so dries efficiently. Some complain washcloths and towels are too rough, but as an older American I remember when your cool beauty magazines encouraged rough washcloths and towels for exfoliating; Just imagine the savings over buying expensive exfoliants.

[@quiltanon]

@@shirleydenton4747 I love this! Thank you for sharing :) and as far as the crinkly washcloths...it doesn't matter because they are going to get wet again!

[@francesmelendez1303]

Amazon Warehouse has saved me hundreds of dollars 💰. I really don't mind a worn down box, if the item is new inside.

[@Canny-Octopus]

I watched this video while clipping fresh herbs from my garden that are about to start dying out in the fall. I hung them to dry from a spot where people often hit their heads. I'm hoping to give bunches of herbs to friends for an upcoming house party, with ribbon from my stash. Saves $15 on a bottle of wine!

[@julzb6047]

T-shirts rags are a great idea! During covid and the "great paper product shortage of 2020", I started using my big stack of kitchen towels WAY more. (I mean - I had them, why wasn't I using them?! Duh!) However! In this crazy economy, and trying EVERYTHING I can to pinch pennies, I also discovered that I could cut up old towels (instead of t-shirts as mentioned) and get a TON of rags also, which I use in place of paper towels - saving even more money. Another tip I started doing is - despite having solar panels, our electric bill the past 2 months has been SO high - so I decided to make sure that I only run the dishwasher and washer/dryer during the day when we're getting free energy.

[@KerryJames-l6z]

Sometimes for washing clothes I don't add detergent clothes come out clean

[@AishaMBudgets]

Wow, great job! New sub here. Love your personality and cute way about you. Can't wait to dig into your past videos and see more new videos!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Well thank you! Plenty in the archives and plenty more new ones coming out 😊

[@thedabler8470]

I never used the recommended amount of laundry detergent. Based on recommendations by my repair man. How ever when I started hearing that two tblsp was enough I was skeptical….I have been blown away by it! Not only does my laundry get just as clean, my washer doesn’t get the build up and musty odor it used to get. I also stopped using fabric softener forever when I saw how moldy the liquid that never even made it to the wash left my machine. These are great tips!

[@qq1651]

Ive actually never actually purchased a water bottle or thermo cup. Some how I just acquire them; people leave them at my house, people give them away in my no buy FB group and on Marketplace, Ive won a few in drawings or just being present some where, and I was given several when I worked in an office setting as well. Lol If I ever needed a new one, though, I would buy one from a thrift store. I dont care if it does keep my water cold for 7 days and 7 nights - which aint nobody need that anyway lol - Im not spending more than a couple of bucks on it, for fear that I might forget it somewhere, it be stolen from me, or dropped or broken some how. You could probably have purchased 20 thermo cups at the thrift store for the cost of that one flask. But to each his own. You have amazing ideas though, and your monthly savings more than paid for your new cup anyway! 😉🙂

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Way to go!! Yeah, I’d been hunting for one in the thrift store for a month or two now, but no luck. That’s awesome that you’ve got so many freebies!!

[@kencurtis2403]

I’ve never purchased a water bottle either. We always get freebies from events, work conferences, etc. - so many they are falling out of the cabinet.

[@bellav7093]

You are sweet and fun and your tips are actually useful-thank you! BTW, would love a video with you demonstrating how you make bread.

[@stowie7733]

As part of my “frugal no-spend” January, I decided to do a pantry challenge. I inventoried my pantry, freezer and fridge. I listed the item, how much I had and the expiration date. I then listed each item in my excel spreadsheet (I’m old school). I gave each area its own sheet and then combined the lists into one spreadsheet. I then sorted it by expiration date and waa-laa…I have my meal plan for the month. This allowed me to use up the older stuff before it went bad along with clearing out some much needed shelf space. My freezer was packed and even though I have made a dent in it, it is still pretty full so I will be continuing my pantry cooking into February and possibly March. I realized that all the stock up items I bought during the pandemic were going to expire between June and December of 2024. I’ve come up with some interesting meal ideas but it has all been delicious.

[@leiatyndall8648]

A lot of foods will last months or even yrs past the printed "best by" or "expiration" dates, esp meats & veggies/beans. Tomato & sweetened condensed milk products should be used up closer yo those dates, though. Also most medications will also survive well past their dates, too; most might lise some potentcy, but a few will increase potentcy w/ time. The medicine info is according to military data, as I recall. I've actually been eating some canned food that is 4-8+ yrs past the marked dates, & have only had to throw out some cans (mostly spaghetti sauces or diced tomato). Recently made some black bean burgers from cans marked 2012 (yeah, they'd gotten buried awsy, somewhere, bit absolutely no problems! Completely firm top, no bulging, just dusty, tasted fine).

[@wendywelsh8729]

Impressive!

[@libertywest5835]

So nice to see someone from Maine have a channel about being frugal… We live in a very expensive state 😅

[@rufuslynks8175]

Libraries are awesome. Suppor them nearly painlessly by buying an extra copy (or donating your first one) of newly released and popular books. Somewhere there is a person that will apprecaite it. I prefer broken paperbacks in my collection, so I'll buy and donate the hardcopy and pick up the paperback later on, if I think of it again.

[@rebecca55371]

Pathos! Plants really help here in Minnesota when it becomes a long winter it helps clean the air .

[@anav4473]

Is that the plant shown on the video?

[@rebecca55371]

Yes, not my favorite, but it grows so easily. My favorite is Philodendron and it grows just as easy but the leaves look more like hearts.

[@anav4473]

​@@rebecca55371 thank you!

[@jmilkslinger]

Ricottaaaaaa!!!! 😍 It looks gorgeous! Also: love the kitchen floor hopscotch.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Ahh thank you!!❤️❤️

[@kelleyjogirl]

I had a washing machine repair guy recommend using 1 Tbsp of liquid detergent per load. I usually use a bit more because I do ginormous loads. Those measuring lines on the detergent caps are rudiculous! We actually had problems with our machine due to "oversudsing"

[@anitaluevano9643]

Yes the libraries Are the best😊

[@lupecisneros7580]

Thank you for the blackout curtains because I was about to wash them . Thank you for sharing & blessings to you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

You're welcome! Though I can only speak to the cheap kind with the plastic coating on the back. I'm sure a higher quality of blackout curtain, just made with a tighter weave of fabric and no coating, would wash just fine!

[@rosebuddanielle967]

We were on vacation and staying for 3 months at a vacation rental condo. We went to one of the local thrift stores and found a thick lined cloth curtain to black out the light coming into our bedroom window which only had a venetian blind. We fastened it up on the curtain rod with some clamps we found at a dollar store. It worked great!

[@brg2743]

We got blackout curtains on Amazon. Thermal quality. They have really kept out drafts this winter. We got them on sale near Christmas. That is when we found the better prices. They seems to block out some noise too from highway traffic and hopefully will do the same with loud mowers.

[@elizabethewing8701]

Buying the reusable baby pouches and filling with yogurt or homemade purees is a great way to bulk prep.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Yesssss reusable baby pouches were one of the best $12 I ever spent!

[@lemongeth]

Early in the video in the plant part. I love hardy plants!! My snake plant has lived for years somehow

[@pirateslife4me]

Great video! If potatoes with eyes are toxic, I've died 1397 times 😄

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

🤣🤣

[@cynthia57169]

😂

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

I just picked up “fun” coffee today not on sale, no coupon ( which is very unusual for me) but it’s still cheaper to make it at home so I’ll get over it

[@RayF6126]

I pre-ordered a year worths for four people of Earth's Breeze laundry sheets, and I'm a 2 person household. I live in a small space and the laundry jug takes up so much room. I have probably 3 years of laundry soap in a mylar bag.

[@stuntalicious]

I love the to hunt for list... going to start doing that.... Thanks !!!!

[@marthabowers9045]

Just found you! I saved all my Tightwad Gazette newsletters and books. Still good. I keep a monthly savings sheet of things I save on. You have great ideas. Am a retired lady from central Texas.

[@misfit7610]

Great tips!

[@DollarsMakeSense2Me]

New subbie, Here watching and supporting🎉❤

[@MsDoglover02]

I participated in a no spend/low spend January and ate from my freezer/pantry. I was so thrilled at how much I was able to save, that I'm going to focus on Frugal February too. I'm still buying loss leaders to restock the freezer but still have a lot. I have been incorporating some meatless meals in but not consistently. Thanks for another upbeat and informational video!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Ha! Well then you might be interested in next week's video with 20+ meatless meal ideas 😂

[@lauramitchell6725]

What is a loss leader?

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

@@lauramitchell6725 great question! I’ve got a whole explanation in my “how to save $500 on groceries” video from earlier this month if you want a quick run-down!

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@Homegrown_Hillary 👍

[@kaleyjanenigh]

I just switched to safety razors, too, for eco low waste purposes! This is your first video of yours I've seen, I love your personality! Subbing!

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Hey, thanks! 😊

[@dianemedina5814]

Thank you. I love your ideas. Very helpful.

[@Judith-b3t]

Great ideas and encouragement.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Thank you :)

[@cynthia57169]

If you want a big quantity of yest, ask your grocer if it’s possible for them to get Saf-instant vacuum sealed yeast. It’s nearly a quart of yeast once air is introduced to the package. Store it in a quart jar in the refrigerator and it’s good for years.

[@cassandrahodgen6103]

On yeast: I made bread for a few months using yeast, but by the time you've calculated the flour and salt and everything along with that, I was only saving about $0.50/loaf (Aldi bread prices). Then I started looking into sourdough. It may seem more "bougie" to some at first, but you actually don't have to buy yeast and therefore are cutting the cost of making bread. At its basis, it's flour, water, and salt. The starter is literally water and flour, and it takes about 5 minutes of your day for a week or so to make your own. Then you can store it in the fridge. I've never had to discard any. To start, I only bought a kitchen scale (~$10), a bread lame (~$5), and a bench scraper (~$5). Having been doing this for a couple years now, you really only need the bench scraper. I like my scale, but you can just use standard cups. I've also never owned proofing baskets; I just use a mixing bowl and then shape it into my regular loaf pans. The bench scraper has come in handy SO many times for many other duties, namely gnocchi (because I refuse to pay $5/lb for potato and flour) and general dough-cutting needs since I make literally all of our bread products at home. So has the scale. The lame, not so much; that's pretty much only got one task, and if I just let it rise longer and bake at a lower temp, I don't even need it. I hope this (long) nugget is helpful to someone : )

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Yes! I loved my sourdough starter! So much fun.

[@suzanwright83]

I have 2 Hydroflask water bottles used almost daily for 7 years and they do great, just a few scratches. In case you ever need a thermos I recommend Stanley, also have it for years.

[@Homegrown_Hillary]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Another idea with the eyes of the potato is to put them in some water. Let them root a little better, and put them in the ground for more potatoes.

[@elainetaylor233]

I am glad you talked about the challenge. I have watched some of the challenges &the person has talked about the pre-challenge shopping haul which to me seemed to defeat the purpose of the challenge. I live in Australia & whether it has to do with our climate it is a well published that your canning/preserving stock should be just a little over what you would use in a year taking into consideration that food in season would also be eaten fresh so I am a very surprised person when I read that people are preserving up to 1000 jars a year especially when the video stated a two person family