Viewer Tips to Help You Save More Money

[@juliezaugg]

When I retired, my neighbor asked me if I would let his dog out in the middle of the day while he works. In return he snowblows in the winter and mows my lawn in the summer. Win-win situation.

[@Tending2Entropy]

This may be silly, but it helps save money on small garbage bags and the environment. When opening a large plastic bag of something like toilet paper, cut it open cleanly and use it to line your small bathroom garbage bin.

[@monica-2918]

I do this too, I don't even use my bin anymore

[@cchoi108]

I do the same! Another thing I do is I use a cardboard box as a trash can. Double bonus: just throw it away when it gets smelly. No cleaning. Then just go to Costco and get another one. I'm constantly scoping out the cardboard boxes at Costco for suitable trash cans lol of all sizes.

[@idahospudgirlidahospudgirl4998]

I have started showering at work after my shift ends. I work at a hospital and the employee locker room attached to the gym works great!!! Save save save on hot water !!

[@KC-dr3cg]

I know people who carry their own little baby with soap washcloth and a small towel and go into a gas station to take a sponge bath to save on water at their house

[@CMarie404]

that's a huge one for sure. Glad you have access to that- what a savings on hot water! When I belonged to a gym, I always used the shower and sometimes I would pop in to pretty much just use the shower. I didnt always do workouts that warranted a shower (some days just walking the track to stretch my legs), but I'd make use of the facilities before heading home.

[@rosemarie3908]

we did that too. use the gum showers. it cut the water bill way down low. deltona florida is known for the very high water bills unless u have a septic.

[@rosemarie3908]

i also knew a couple. they did their laundry at the laundromat. they calculated it was much cheaper and faster doing laundry there then at home with the cost of water and electric. and in the summer time they hung most of the laundry out on a line. only towels socks and undies went into a dryer

[@hopedodson8058]

Instead of “chip clips” or bread ties, I use clothes pins. $1.50 for a lifetime supply!

[@cbass2755]

This is how I donate. I donate to the curb. After calling Salvation Army and being told they won’t take my perfect wingback chairs from the 80’s because they needed to be in “ pristine condition “ (not my word)…I was shocked and then angered. Pristine!! What! Why would I give away pristine furniture? I put them at the curb on a nice summer day and they were gone in a half hour! No rips, no stains…to heck with Salvation Army! They just needed to be cleaned from being in the basement

[@charleneherman5609]

When I use a bowl that doesn't have a lid I put a saucer over the top when putting it in the fridge

[@arleneporter2317]

I donate to Disabled Veterans. They send me a flyer when they will be in my neighborhood and they are grateful for everything people give them

[@rg-mi5hh]

Exactly right. Reupholster it? Someone saw the value in them.

[@jeannehunter5344]

My neighbour, a teacher who had collected many textbooks, put unwanted books out on the pavement when she retired. We live near a university and students (and some parents) were happy to find some free books.

[@samanthadudley6412]

I had a similar experience with goodwill I tried donating a couch and love seat that had a few places that had tears but the pervious people had sewed back up and they wouldn't take them because of that but I had seen other furniture in there that was in way worse condition even tables that were literally falling a part in the store and they wouldn't take the items I brought them, so ever since I won't donate anything to them, I donate stuff to other places and furniture I sit on the curb with a free sign and let whoever get it and if no one gets it after a while if it is wood we put on the burn pile if it is something else then we will take it to the dump

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I had a college professor who had a bidet. He used to call it "old faceful!"

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

For 20 years I kept chickens for eggs and bug control. During those years we did not even have to have garbage service saving almost $1,200 a year. Any food scraps went to the chickens first then if there was anything left over of the scraps (like watermelon rines for example) went into the compost pile and turned into great soil for the garden. ALL metal, cardboard, glass etc was recycled. In the fall we raked dried leaves up put them into large paper bags and then use those leaves ALL winter long under the chickens instead of expensive straw. These leaves (and poop) went into the compost as well. I always shopped second hand first or just did not shop at all. NO GARBAGE PICK UP fees and no garbage bag costs either. When I saw a tree being cut down along the roadway I would stop and ask for the bark chips for my garden. More than once I had two dump trucks full of bark chips dumped on my property to use a mulch on my gardens. No cost mulch as well!! I also propagated a lot of perennial plants for my landscaped beds by planting the tiny "starts" that popped up. I would dig them up, plant them in plastic pots grow them for a year or two and once they were big enough, I would transplant them into my garden beds -another no cost item.

[@SavingMoneyAndLivingLife]

Love the chicken tips!

[@plantlady1227]

One of my cousins used to cruise the dumpsters around the colleges at graduation time - she would often find chairs, linens and desks among other things that students who were graduating and moving back out of state got rid of rather than trying to lug it with them.

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Beach houses too

[@jeannehunter5344]

My son is studying post-graduate in Germany and found that his residence kept items such as used reading lamps etc. in the basement for new students (all international and not so picky) to use. He also got some items on the pavements, because once a month people may put out furniture etc. for removal. He cleaned up those items and is happy at not having to spend those Euros.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Now with things like bed bugs I would never ever touch used furniture

[@cchoi108]

That reminds me, I need to locate a new printer mine broke.... Thanks for the reminder!

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

I cut my dryer sheets in thirds. A third of a sheet works just fine. I cut the whole box at once so they are ready when I need them.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

I do the same thing and don't use them often since I use vinegar instead of using liquid fabric softener

[@KC-dr3cg]

I don't use dryer sheets I use wool balls with a dab of essential oils..three of them in my dryer if I EVER even use a dryer.. but when I am in a Southern state with high humidity I do use my dryer

[@rosemarie3908]

i donthat too. i cut my sheets in 4th’s. works just as well. those dryer sheets r pricey too. 1 box lasts over a yr. or abt a year.

[@donnao2930]

When any of my electronics, microwaves, anything that would have nuts,bolts, screws, washer in them dies , I will open it up, unscrew and harvest them and than if you need a screw, nut, bolt or washer you have it! Don’t be afraid to take apart a dead appliance and salvage the inners! Keep saving!

[@taishagonzalez1947]

Thank you for this!

[@M_SC]

Innards

[@S_H9260]

Good idea! Just be careful with microwaves (possibly other items too) because they can shock you even though they are unplugged if you touch the wrong spots.

[@samanthafreeman4315]

​@@M_SC fnaf reference?

[@KenzNurse]

For years now, we feed our dogs all the table scraps and leftovers that we can't consume and supplement with dry meat based dog food. We eat whole foods plant based like you, so I know they are eating highly nutrient dense foods! This has actually been in practice for 100's of years, commercialized dog food is a fairly new concept. I love that this greatly cuts down our food waste, plus keeps them healthy! When people say that dogs shouldn't eat human food, I question what highly processed foods they are consuming. I also like storing personal sized portions in the freezer for a quick lunch, because often, if I make a large dish for supper than my small family and I get sick of eating it before it's gone. Masking tape in my kitchen has been a game changer! EVERYTHING gets a label with the date on it. It's easy to spot and comes off very easy leaving no residue, I love being able to tape over food labels on my repurposed containers. Love your channel!!

[@crazyauntshan5716]

My friends and I have accessory swaps. We get together and bring purses, jewelry, etc that we no longer use and trade with each other. It's a great way to refresh your wardrobe without having to spend anything

[@sheila3936]

I’ve heard of people doing that with house decor too. Refresh your decor without any cost.

[@valeriehobart9491]

We have done this with kids toys and clothing too!!

[@kerryjames6312]

Roses like Banna perls

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Your sofa story brought back a sweet memory. When I was first living on my own, in Boston, my roommate and I needed to furnish our empty apartment. Low and behold, someone left a sofa in the hallway when they moved out. We were thrilled and named the sofa mana. I am in my seventies now and still remember that sofa as a gift from heaven.

[@Rach_M]

So much of this is how us low-wasters are living! Love seeing these tips shared - so frugal & environmentally friendly. Just makes sense.

[@laurenyost1526]

I bought the small decorative pumpkins at Kroger for 2 or 3/$1 in their reduced section and used them to decorate my table for Thanksgiving. After the holiday, I roasted them, mashed them, and froze the pumpkin puree. It will make great bread and cookies this winter!

[@evelinharmannfan7191]

Some decorative pumpkins are poisonous, they contain a toxin called cucurbitacin. It tastes bitter and can cause severe food poisoning. So before you prepare season or seweeeten it, try and taste it. If it is bitter, don´t eat it. But you can use it as an insecticide.

[@cbass2755]

I do the same…good stuff

[@melanienicholson2834]

Good video. Something I do in the early spring is I save all the gallon milk jugs, cut them almost in half, so it's still attached, put a few holes in the bottom. I then add potting soil and seeds. Water and tape jug back together. There you go, a mini green house.

[@quietpeasant]

I use these every year --works great!

[@brg2743]

We start plants in milkjugs in spring too in our closed in breezeway that gets a lot of afternon sun. Saves on buying plants.

[@jlhmyers75]

You can also cut the bottom out, and put them over plants already in the garden.

[@melanienicholson2834]

@@jlhmyers75 yes your right. They work great for that also.

[@tryingtogetby]

One of my favourite frugal things is to never say no when someone is offering you something for FREE. If you say No they will stop asking you. I recently, as in 3 days ago got 4 new to me coats from a neighbour, she gave me the first coat and them said she was getting rid of some other things to the charity shop but gave me first refusal on any of them, I just offered to take the rest to the shop for her.

[@robertburns3014]

My late father-in-law, who was very frugal all of his life, taught the same tip. He said "never turn down anything that someone offers you free of charge. If you do say no, they may never offer a freebie to you again!" Even if you don't want what they are offering, you can almost always find someone who does want the item. The next gift your generous friend offers you may be something you really want. Great advice!

[@cchoi108]

That's a great idea to offer to take what you don't want to the thrift store for her! This is great advice.

[@elizabethanderson5578]

I use old dresser drawers for my raised garden beds. Keeps them out of the landfill and saves so much money!

[@cchoi108]

That's a brilliant idea

[@yerneedsry]

Tip: buy whole milk and take out 2 cups or 1/4 th of gallon and add water now you have 2% milk and use the 2 cups of whole for coffee cream....

[@KC-dr3cg]

One of the best ideas ever

[@verreal]

Not exactly. It has less milk solids, protein, calcium. If you mixed whole milk and skimmed milk 50-50, that would be 2 percent. But it wouldn't be a whole lot cheaper, at least I think not. I'm not in the US so I don't know your prices.

[@kathleenkline4622]

Tape bubble wrap over windows in winter for added insulation. Use painter's tape for easy removal. Works better than plain plastic sheeting.

[@sheila3936]

But then you can’t see outside?

[@rg-mi5hh]

Will have to try this. We use plastic and it really helps.

[@splash4891]

@@sheila3936 true, thats why I haven't done it, I use the thin plastic w/double sided tape so you can stretch the plastic out nicely and barely notice its on the window, which insulates pretty well due to the pocket of air you trap...I keep mine up for the summer too, keeps the place more cool..but I cannot open any windows, thats the drawback, upside, is less bugs/spiders that come inside

[@denisepruitt7796]

you dont need to tape just sprint the window with water and it sticks have had some up for yrs and they are still holding.

[@HappyLife-wv5ms]

@@sheila3936 that is the downside, so I only use it on windows I don’t care if I see out of. The light still comes in though. It really does insulate well.

[@hollycolbath6273]

Growing up my mother would put all egg shells in a gallon of water and she would water her house plants. She swears by it, it's a great fertilizer

[@Kirbygal55]

When you mentioned the pillow slips for Christmas wrapping reminded me of my childhood. I was raised in a family of five children. On Christmas mornings we would all wake to find a pillow slip filled with gifts next to our beds. They were only cheap plastic type toys. Our bigger gifts under the tree we unwrapped later, but we just loved digging into our pillowcases to discover the treats placed within.

[@pamdee8454]

I buy the extra large square plastic kitty litter tubs. I repurpose them for many storage ideas. I fill a jelly jar with crisco. I put a birthday candle in the center; used as the wick. These candles can burn one week. Plus, you have a lid for your jar.

[@elaines5179]

Use an old blanket and sew your quilting pieces directly to that as a base. I did a whole quilt both sides, hand stitched, while watching the Gulf War coverage years ago. Used heavy fabric and corderoy, just big squares. rectangles, and triangles.

[@M_SC]

❤ this idea

[@S_H9260]

One of my favorite blankets was done this way. It had been on the bed in the spare room at my grandparents house my whole life and eventually became mine. It had a sewn patchwork top tied down in spots with yarn and a polyester (?) solid backing. Very heavy, very warm. Over time it got rips in the top and that's when I saw that the interior was made of old baby blankets sewn together.

[@desertfish6239]

My mom worked for a company in CA that would credit a couple hours of time off each time employees would carpool. Employees could save up the time and take it when they wanted. Mom took full advantage. Wish other companies would do it.

[@KC-dr3cg]

This Christmas I am taking pictures of my decorated house and I am sending an electronic Christmas card to people that says "From my house to yours ..Merry Christmas!" . Other friends of mine are doing the same thing and they are taking pictures of red Cardinals or beautiful pine trees after the fresh snow is glistening on the trees

[@helenapereira8547]

I bulk cook beans, rice, vegetables and meat to freeze... When I make food not to freeze, I make plenty of it and keep it in fridge to eat in a few days

[@KC-dr3cg]

Perfect way to avoid the temptation to eat boxed food that is expensive or go to a fast food place

[@lavondacarter7228]

When waiting for my water to get hot in my bathroom sink, I catch the cold water in a pan, pour water out of dehydrator in a pan also , pour in commode tank, when I flush commode.

[@Shannonphone1719]

Be careful of those bananas boxes. My moms work friend granddaughter got bite by a spider and got serious ill and almost lost her foot. So make sure to check them over very well

[@Beingnessing]

Also roaches

[@CMarie404]

I use shop towels. But I may need to buy some huck towels just to see how they compare. I use shop towels (very similar) for use as napkins. I dont care for linen napkins. I like an absorbent cotton. Yet I dont want just a terry washcloth. The shop towels are great, and I grab for them to do quick counter wipe downs, but I think the huck towels may be something to try. Oh yes, save all the wrappings, bags, containers from other food items. Have a drawer of nicely folded bags, as well as a container of twist ties, rubber bands, tape, and bread clips ( i use those to close bread, frozen vegetables, etc). I still buy zip lock bags, but that is more for added protection for freezer storage. I always wash and reuse. Been doing all this through my entire life.

[@sequoiaserenity9669]

My mom used to make cleaning rags out of ripped towels and she would also put liquid fabric softener on a rag and have a reuseable fabric sheet.

[@mompofelski4191]

I buy the preformed hamburgers and freeze in bags of 2 (husband and I) to be used for hamburgers, tacos, mini meatloafs, chili or to add to soup or pasta. I buy thick cut bacon and cut the entire package in half - when we have 2 pieces of bacon it is actually just one piece making it last longer. My husband adds pasta or rice or dumplings or pierogi to soups homemade or storebought. I reuse greeting cards (putting address label over their signature and then signing my own name & sentiment) (cutting card in half and using front to make homemade postcards - which stamps are less than regular stamps) (also using greeting cards to make placemats or christmas ornaments). Trimming my own bangs, girls' long hair split ends, cutting husband's hair & cleaning up the back of his neck. I save autumn leaves in bags /and beg, borrow & steal them from others - to add to soil in spring. Doctor up frozen pizzas with veggies/meats/cheese you already have. Set a monetary limit on gifts for birthday/Christmas - and that is that. (we do $30 - little kids like small things, but tweens and older are happy with cash to pick out something). Bed sheets make pillowcases. Replace ordinary buttons with cute novelty buttons to remake clothing. When Grampa passes - I've seen people make quilts from his old shirts - or teddy bears - or Christmas ornaments. Libraries check out books, videos, music, games and even art. No spend days encourage "thinking - do I really need this"... as do No meat meals regularly during the week. Handkerchiefs instead of Kleenex...less money & don't leave lint in the dryer.

[@seekingjoynow1722]

As a retired nurse I am familiar with Huck towels. We could take unused extra towels from the surgical kits. Used them for dust cloths. I Ike microfiber towels even better. Buy large bags of them from the big box store. Yellow ones for dirty jobs and blue ones for kitchen and house cleaning. Really cuts back on paper towel usage.

[@nelliedean7088]

I tip my ash daily from my wood burner straight into my garden daily and it makes great compost.

[@chandlersreloved8751]

WOW This lady had GREAT ideas. Things that you just wouldn't think of. How nice of her to send these to you!!

[@lisas7389]

I use old tires for gardening. A few stacked up painted makes a cute wishing well decor

[@chrisl418]

Nice to share ideas. We all don't have the same circumstances! Nice to see you and how lovely a couple you are.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Added weight in a vehicle may lower your mpg. I do buy bagged (on clearance) potting soil for winter weight & donate it to elder planting projects come spring🌱

[@littleanniegirl1568]

My dad had me throw bags of rock sale in the back. This was in the 80's. When spring came I gave it to my parents to use in their water softener! He was a depression baby & always had common sense solutions to everything.

[@botialoach1]

I totally agree with you Larry and Hope , if I am going to put some item outside my house it must have some life in it for somebody else , if not I travel to my local recycling center when I have a box full of really broken items. It is great that the viewer gave us so many tips so we can pick and choose which ones we can follow.

[@Nanna-Lesley]

I made a raised garden bed with a old wooden wardrobe. Ideal size You can make vegan bacon with banana peel, I’ve seen it on KZbin but not tried it.

[@UndertheMedian]

I've made the vegan bacon with thin strips of carrot. It tasted pretty good, but if it's in the air fryer too long, it burns.

[@evelinharmannfan7191]

be careful to use only organic bananas, the others have their peels treated with nasty chemicals. 🥋🤮 🥓🥓Another way to make vegan bacon is to fry smoked , sliced and seasoned tofu.

[@kazaanderson7790]

I love the idea to wrap presents with rags. Sustainable and you could make it look really nice. The handkerchiefs was a good idea too.

[@heidiann2435]

I live in NC and I mow my grass once a month. We mow it high and the grass is very healthy, and green. Most people don't even know what grass really looks like.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

my best frugal tips. save food storage containers,like from yogurt,cottage cheese,etc wash well. instant Tupperware save old pill bottles for sewing needles ,straight pins,buttons. different bottles,obviously

[@yerneedsry]

Put up a shop light in your spare bedroom and you can grow lettuces for the winter time just use a little fertilizer also..with lettuce prices now days..

[@deliadee4686]

What’s a shop light? Is it one of those rectangular fluorescent types?

[@yerneedsry]

@@deliadee4686 yes 5000 warm light ya need

[@deliadee4686]

@@yerneedsry Thank You 😊

[@yerneedsry]

@@deliadee4686 yes its 5000 bm or some letters idk...warm light or daylight bulbs you can even get led lights now cheaper to run..

[@yerneedsry]

I would also keep a fan on them low so mold doesn't form...water from the bottom only..

[@air.b3ar]

Reach out to local coffee shops for burlap coffee sacks. They are usually cheap or free and are food safe and great for growing potatoes

[@splash4891]

those re-usable shopping bags work well for that too, when they are getting stained and droopy

[@air.b3ar]

@@splash4891 Are they food grade?

[@splash4891]

@@air.b3ar IDK, you would have to look that up yourself

[@air.b3ar]

@@splash4891 Ah no worries, makes sense.

[@robynirons194]

Also ask them for used coffee grounds as they make a great addition to your compost bin.

[@kimo2327]

Lots of great tips!! Here's mine for internet connection monthly fee. We've been with one company for at least 20 years, mainly because they have the market in the town where we live. When we first started with them the price was like $30 a month and it slowly crept up. I think the average we would pay was like $35 a month. One month we got a bill saying it was going to be raised to $50 a month! We called and threatened to switch (to the ONE other competitor) and they said if we stayed with them we could keep our $35 a month rate for a year. Well, the next year they tried to raise us again and we did the same thing. My husband basically does this every time they threaten to raise it on us and they have always given us our cheaper rate. With that said, last month we qualified (based on our income) for reduced internet (some new program that is out via the government). We do not receive any other type of government benefits, food stamps, etc. but this program our income fell within the range so now we will be paying only $20 a month for internet service. Not sure how long the program goes for but we are utilizing it while it's there!!

[@susankilstrom6852]

Thank you so much for posting this. I didn't know about this. I checked and we qualify!

[@mariannewesten3638]

I Love Patchwork/ quilting. Also from Öl clothes and bedsheets. From fabric rests,I make stockings for Christmas.And Other Christmas Dekoration.

[@chapman1569]

My grandmother made those braid carpet from old clothes, we still have many around , they dont wear easily. Unfortunately, they are heavy once wet, I have to wash them by hand in a basin outside and hang them to dry. My dog took a liking to one of them and he ate part of it. I might be able to salvage some of it by sewing it together, and disposing of the damaged parts. My grandmother had a great talent to blend the colors together, they are really nice to look at.

[@sheilafreisthler4421]

I have used huck towels! It is what we dried dishes with back in the ‘50’s & ‘60’s. I My daughter works at an in patient unit for our local Hospice. She frantically texted me saying they had no lapghans for the patients. As I crochet, I went to my yarn stash and had enough yarn to make three. It’s a good way to use up leftover yarn, and a nice gesture to Hospice. The lapghans can also be given to nursing homes.

[@UndertheMedian]

We love that you are giving to others in such a meaningful (and much needed) way.

[@angielay3313]

Have your daughter reach out to local churches- many have crochet groups as a mission. Our church does this and makes many “prayer shawls” for the sick. ❤

[@bhallmark3390]

I rarely buy new clothes anymore--I frequent thrift shops and think of it as a treasure hunt….😊

[@caroldolan1485]

Recently I saw that our electric/gas company offered a energy savings program….they come to the house and make recommendations AND replaced all our lightbulbs with LEDS!!! We do monthly averaging and our amount went down $5/mo since then (while everyone is complaining about increased energy costs!). Also the company sends an occasional energy comparison to other homes like ours….we are now always in the category that is using less energy than average. I’m happy about that! 😊

[@peterleprevost2154]

Many thanks to the lady who sent these tips and Hope and Larry for the platform to share from. Many of the ideas I already embrace and I picked up a few new suggestions. Will look forward to part II. from. What a generous community this is. from, Susan

[@Chnacatsnflr]

Many retailers offer discounts for active duty military and retired veterans. You can save on everything from eye glasses, automobile care, sporting goods, online classes etc. We frequently use discounts at Home Depot . Before you make ANY purchase be sure to check for participating stores and their requirements. Usually you need a military ID and driver's license.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

Lowes does military discounts

[@bengali481]

Lowes is good to vetersns. A discount and reserved parking!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Hope and Larry, I am a lousy gardener even though EVERY year, I start a garden. I have researched what I need to do to improve my garden but I am not often successful. I am probably the only one who sings Hallelujah when ONE tomato grows. LOL Here's an idea someone passed onto me about cooking. Sometimes your planned meals cannot be done because of life events that interrupt your day. Prepare your own packaged meals. Place items that are shelf stable in a container such as items for a pasta meal. Prepare enough packages for several days. You may have to boil water and add seasonings but the work will be minimal. These are to be used when you are really short time or you're tired. I call them my emergency meals because I do not have to think. Clothing idea: I have learned to shop my closet. From time to time, take 10 minutes to match/coordinate as many items that fit you well with a pair of slacks/jeans, dress, or top and take a picture of the outfit you have created for future reference. Taking a picture, saves time & energy when you are getting dressed for work or an appointment. This also helps when you need to purchase an item to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe because an item has worn out or was ruined. Take out your phone with the pictures while shopping so you keep within your clothing budget & style that works with the rest of your outfits. This saves not only time & energy, but lots of money. :)

[@katehorrell8732]

I saved my kids clothing one yr then made a "Grand Parents" quilt for the Grand parents for Christmas. Another tip is my neighbor, friend n I have the same taste so when we tire of something for the house we just exchange with each other. I have exchanged my outside bistro set for a sofa bed my neighbor was getting rid of, we also do this with clothes n shoes.

[@cristinaevans139]

I got rid of all my lawn and replaced with vegetables beds and fruit trees I’ve saved thousands of dollars on mowing…my gardener was not pleased as we do everything ourselves now and have heaps of fresh fruit and vegetables….boy not kidding my ex gardener was pissed big time …I’m saving money so I don’t care

[@melissaroot1092]

Me too❤

[@suebrittain4548]

My addiction is yarn from thrift stores. It may not match anything, YET. But the next time at the thrift store there will be more. Think blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves.

[@glendagrosjean477]

My kids use donated or cheap yarn to crochet gifts to save money.

[@donnabradshaw5200]

My mom told me that they used the comic strips from the Sunday paper to wrap gifts.

[@rosemarie3908]

i have done that esp at xmas time. also i took the plastic bags that u get from the grocery store or walmart put the gift in the bage tape it shut add a bow and a homemade name tag (like a bell or tree). tape that to the front of the gift and voila. under a homemade tree i made out of construction board paper (like the ones kids use for projects for school). i would color the tree and put small stickers as decorations on it. then tape it up on a wall and put an old sheet or throw blanket down in the front of it. and voila. tree is up. and presents under the tree. cheap? yes. been told its tacky. but i didnt spend a fortune for any of this. and day after xmas. it was all going out in the trash. including the. “wrapping paper” to wrap the gifts. so i figured there are other ways i can “throw” away money and give to charities or people or pets that would appreciate my frugalness. and ya know what? i stopped the frugal xmas gift wrappings and decorations on people who didnt appreciate my frugal ness so i could take some of the money and give them more gifts. now!!! i take that same amt of money and donate to the aspca/humane society/st judes/ronald mcdonald house. i know they appreciate the donations. and i have told the bah humbugs we dont celebrate and do gift giving instead we donate the money to charities and give to the food banks and soup kitchens and to those who appreciate our gifts of love. some people still dont get it. and still complain and donthe remebering of frugal rose and her cheap xmas decorations and wrapping papers. hmmmm. bah humbug to them. im happier now. and i know my charitable gifts r appreciated very much.

[@terrylynn9984]

Actually any newspaper was used as wrapping paper, my grandparents did that

[@cristinaevans139]

Shower caps can be used to cover bowls etc and can be washed for next time I hardly use any plastic wrap anymore ❤

[@monicaluketich6913]

I make new candles from old/partially used candles but I make them in fancy cups, small bowls, small tin cans, etc. as long as the container can withstand the heat. Some of the continers may be ones I had or ones I purchased at a resale. Makes a great gift, can sale them or emergency lights for yourself.

[@GoldRushd]

Hi, how do you do this? Do you melt the wax some way and mix it together and let it cool?

[@sheila3936]

@@GoldRushd you can melt the wax all together (I used a double boiler method). Have a wick in your container of choice and pour the melted wax in, it cools in there.

[@GoldRushd]

@@sheila3936 thank you 😊😊😊

[@monicaluketich6913]

Another way, if the candles are in holders, you can put them right side up on a cookie sheet, put it into a warm oven (forgot the temperature but it depends on what type of wax), and allow the wax to melt. Then, carefully, either pour the wax into a container to mix the wax and then pour into your new containers or pour each container in and allow it to set for a few minutes to create layers. This gets rid of the double boiler.

[@GoldRushd]

@@monicaluketich6913 thank you 😊😊😊

[@salomecostello]

I’m new here but I absolutely love you guys! So cute and so informative on living frugal! Also “no mo” had me cackling 😂 God bless y’all ❤️

[@carolmcneill2424]

I live in senior housing my friend and I make meals and split it into two and share.also we buy like celery split it also. Now we don't thro out food and save a lot of money

[@graceproby2662]

My husband has always trimmed our dogs although he brushes them every day. He also trims their nails. Get the correct equipment and it saves you a lot of cash. We have four dogs.

[@marycnhatch4934]

I use leftover slivers of bar soap in our laundry. I grate the sliver, save it until I have a cup worth of shavings, add 2 cups of laundry soda (different than baking soda), mix and use 2-3 Tablespoons of the mix per load of laundry. P.S. I use a grey water system to water our lawns. The outlet line from our washing machine is connected to a hose that runs out our backdoor to water our lawns. Most laundry soaps are environmentally friendly, so no worries. We save a lot of money using this system of watering our lawn. Added bonus: mosquitoes hate our grey water system. They can't survive in this water.

[@cchoi108]

For the slivers of bar soap, I soak them in a dish of water. They basically turn into soft soap and I just use it that way for showering.

[@S_H9260]

My aunt adds the leftover slivers of bar soap to a hand soap dispenser with warm water. Give it a little shake and hand soap for nothing.

[@CynthiaLamb-jf2md]

I have noticed people putting things on the curb for anyone to take for free so I started doing that with things I no longer wanted but were in perfect condition. It's amazing how fast they get picked up. It's a win win for everyone. 😂

[@StephanieGiese]

My favorite frugal tip is to just ask! We got a free gently used MacBook computer to gift our kids for Christmas last year because we asked the company my husband works for what happened to the old computers when updated ones are bought every few years. They have to update for new engineering software. Turns out they are just sent off to be recycled, so we asked if we could have one before it was thrown out. They said yes. It never hurts to ask!

[@aub5020]

Was there a limit, Like could you only have just 1 ? or did you only ask for 1?

[@StephanieGiese]

@@aub5020 we only asked for one

[@plantlady1227]

I'm planning the garden already - I start most of the plants from seeds which reuquires some extra lead time for germination and getting up to seedling size - that can start as early as Feb/March!

[@maryd7896]

Good evening! Thanks for another wonderful video! I love all of your helpful content! 😀

[@larryware1]

Thanks, Mary!

[@SauerPatchGardening]

I'm already planning my garden for next year. Seeds, and plots. It's what we do. Our hobby is all consuming when it comes to growing food. I have a green house in my basement. Can't wait for January so I can plant my baby seeds.

[@scoop2591]

I've heard to check any veggie/fruit boxes for hitch hiking bugs especially from foreign countries.

[@yerneedsry]

Yes and if you use cardboard boxes in your pantry mice love to eat them your helping the mice..

[@mangopuppybaby]

Cockroaches lay eggs in cardboard too 🥴

[@desireerailine8220]

My neighbor worked at a pallet place. He made sets of patio furniture for his wife and I from the pallets.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Love whoever invented Visa gift cards, Amazon gift cards. We are minimalists and have a specific Scandinavian style and like other family members and all our friends, we really do not need or want more 'stuff'. Especially stuff that doesn't fit our decor. Yet as a rabid non-fiction bibliophile family, we love books and for decades we have had a serious book budget each month. Visa, Amazon gift cards are used to buy books. Which we pass on to a few folks who are on a fixed income and cannot buy new books. We like most of our family, friends, neighbors living here in the California Sierra, love skiing, rock climbing, backpacking and kayaking, A dozen years ago some folks started, gear swaps' where folks bring used gear, often gear kids have outgrown, or when someone has upgraded their gear like tents, skis, ski poles, ski boots, kayaks, belay/rappel devices, harness, excess locking/ nonlocking carabiners ·helmets. They swap the used gear for items them may need. Some mothers started a 'kid gear swap' where clothing, toys, furniture, strollers are swapped for items someone needs. There is also a toy library where you can check out toys for a month. And a tool library where you can check out tools or all kinds and even lawn mowers.

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Check out Lamplighter Publishing,they publish old books that were printed in the 1800s - really great old stories

[@cynthia57169]

Hate paying the $4.95 activation fee per card. Will buy store cards instead

[@thriftyfoodplan]

What an incredible set of viewer tips! Kudos to whomever they are! Wow.

[@bria2596]

I, too, bought surgical huck towels, they are fantastic, they will last for years, and they come in a cornflower blue color.

[@roxanapadure6218]

The good one pallets are that one's that put the grain 🌾 sign on them, because they are heat treated, not chemical treated like the painted ones

[@dmittie9761]

Hi Hope and Larry! One thing that I make a couple times a week and I thought I'd share it here. For a quick breakfast or fast snack are oatmeal cups that I prepare ahead of time and keep in the fridge. I repurposed small 6 - 8 oz. jars, I add 1/2 c. almond milk ( sweetened or unsweetened) a 1/4 c. diced frozen fruit ( I buy bulk bags, they're cheaper and last a long time), a tsp. of raw honey ( you can add more or less depending on your sweet tooth :-) ) and 1/2 c. of oatmeal ( I've used both old-fashioned and quik oats but we prefer the old-fashioned). I stir the fruit, milk, honey a bit, then add the oatmeal, stir it around to get it all soaked, close the lid, give it another quick shake and store in the fridge. I leave them sit overnight to get all the oatmeal dehydrated but they're good to go by the morning. If you want to eat it for lunch or as a snack, I toss it in with some yogurt. It saves me time getting a breakfast together, it's a healthy food that's quick and doesn't leave me feeling hungry before noon. Thanks for your wonderful videos! :-)

[@sherylwesterman4987]

My Grandma called them "Daniel Boone baths." She would have us use a galvanized wash tub.

[@lindagbukvic9441]

If you have a Vocational or Trade school near by, utilize them. They have classes in: *Carpentry *Cosmetology *Animal care *Small appliance repair *Auto mechanics *Secretarial *Food prep. The students are always supervised and need real life projects to work on. They get the practice and you get a good price.

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Dental work too like cleanings👍

[@barbarad.517]

Great ideas! I love these kind of videos! Thank you😍

[@oletapayne3233]

I made food for the dogs one time and didn’t tell my mother. All good ingredients. Asked her to taste the casserole and she asked for a second bowl. Then I told her. Won’t tell you what she said to me! So funny. She’s been gone ten years now.

[@jeannehunter5344]

In my city we've run out of a certain brand of jellied cat food. My cats will only eat that so I've been looking for recipes to make my own with fish and chicken. Fingers crossed...

[@RomaniKiwi]

@@jeannehunter5344 My cat is extremely fussy and doesn't like any tinned meat... I now mash one (cheap) tin of 'sea' catfood with one (cheap) tin of fish. She LOVES it! I put half of the mix in the freezer to keep fresh. Half will last me a week... It's so much cheaper than the little packets of meat they sell these days...

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Just watched this again and thought I'd share a bit more. --cover the water heater in an insulation sleeve. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, (probably) Wal-Mart and Target and hardware stores. --catch the water that would normally go down the drain while heating up bath or shower water. Use it to flush, or water plants/gardens. --turn the shower water off while washing yourself. Get wet. Turn the water off. Wash. Turn the water on to rinse. You'll save a ton of money on the water bill. --all glass jars with a rubberized rim inside the lid can be used for canning again, or for airtight storage of goods. The kids need to have no defects like bends or notches. --use laundry, dish and shower soaps (liquid) and liquid hand soaps VERY judiciously! Each a can be diluted by at least 50% water. Then, a very small amount is needed to wash whatever you're washing. A few drops of dish soap is enough to make suds. A small amount of shampoo and shower liquid soap is need to get clean. Half a lid-ful or less of laundry detergent is sufficient to get laundry clean. As a matter of fact, if you have a front loading washing machine, if you can see soap bubbles during a wash, you've used too much soap and are at risk of damaging the machine--said a repairman who had to keep coming to my boss's house. --unplug everything you can until you need it, plus go to the fuse box and turn off everything for an hour or 2 a day. Don't open the fridge or freezer while they're turned off. An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening is good. 😄❤

[@bengali481]

A bucket on the shower o catch warming up water ANF overspay, which can be used for flushing. Also, a clean trash can covered with screening can be placed under rain gutters. The water can be used to water plants if an inexpensive spigot is installed near the bottom.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

@@bengali481 What a great idea to catch gutter water, too! Thanks for sharing!

[@glendagrosjean477]

My hubby sells excess plants that grow in his fish tank and excess fish too. We also got a push lawn mower for around $80 that works really well. It saves us money in gas.

[@rosemarie3908]

where we used to live at the little boy abt 10 yrs old had a push mower. and would mow everyones lawn for $10/each house each week. hebstarted at 6am. and would be done bu 9am. when the horrible florida summer heat became too unbearable. my son and i gave him $15/week. bc he was a hard working conscientious good kid. got good grades. and was a nice young man as well.

[@susankilstrom6852]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@pheart2381]

During the lockdown when I ran out of dishcloths I cut an old toweling bathrobe up into squares. As each cloth got a bit old I saved it for pet clean ups,spillages on the floor etc and used a new square for washing up. Thats a good tip anyway. Dishcloths that get a bit old and dirty,dry them and save for dirty jobs. Wall paint can be mixed,so instead of buying a new tub try mixing left over paint into one batch. Make your own unique colour.

[@doloreswilson6698]

Millie my Australian terrier mix cost ne. $85 for spa day. She is spoiled.

[@doloreswilson6698]

Haircut, ears cleanes.bath..teethbrush nails

[@harrythompson6854]

@@doloreswilson6698 I trim our cat's claws and shampoo her myself at home where she won't be frightened by going to a pet spa. Pocket the $85.

[@virginiadugan7852]

Love these tips!

[@bria2596]

I bought an Oster Golden A5 trimmer more than 20 years ago to shave my dogs for summer. There are clipper attachments for different heights, but I used the basic #10, and my dogs loved it the next day (not the day of the cut). That clipper is still going strong - the motor is still strong and fast.

[@harrythompson6854]

Be sure and trim away hair that grows between their foot pads. That will keep them cool because dogs actually sweat through their paws.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Was just making banana bread. I was doubling the recipe. Called for four eggs. Instead of that, I used two eggs and some mayo. The dough tastes so good. Mayo is made of oil and egg yolks so it should work. Used it in turkey tetrazini and man was that good! We had mayo that runs out soon, so this could be a way to use it up. Yay!

[@creditczar6979]

SPIT BATH -- I grew up doing those occasionally also. The first time I mentioned taking one to my young sons they were disgusted instantaneously. 😂

[@bluefoxblitz8416]

My mum called them a washer wash when we were kids. She only had a bath once a week growing up as they had to heat up the water using a wooden stove.

[@karleen6025]

Raised on spit baths… my kids have grown up in it too.

[@catslove3884]

Mum would put all 3 kids in the bathtub together. I would wash my hair in the kitchen sink.

[@CMarie404]

I call them "bird baths", Actually never heard the term spit bath until now. Interesting!

[@rosemarie3908]

mom called them hobo baths. but we all grew up having fast baths like this all the time. we never smelled nor were we ever dirty. and she even washed our clothes by hand if it needed it. and if the clothes were wrinkled she ironed them.

[@lindacox2541]

Great information. I am making a list of things to do. Lynn

[@dannyfeelgood1490]

Just had to like and say great to see people who enjoy a cuppa during their videos. Nice to see you sharing and ad-libbing and chatting rather than preaching at us and a hard sell. Keep up the great work

[@davidpotter9462]

I found a nice patch of asparagus about a half mile away, growing in an old fence along the road. Birds planted it about 3 years ago. So in the spring I'm going to dig some of that. It has a nice root system now. It's starting to spread down the fence. It's hard to find around here. You can use half a tank of gas trying to find someone who knows where to get any of it, so I was happy to see it growing close by for free.

[@s.torres242]

When we do use garbage bags we use recycled ones that breakdown & decompose. We compose & watch what is used to package items often buying those items packaged in recyclable or composable items.

[@bcase5328]

Our trash pickup service requires all items to be enclosed in a standard plastic garbage bag or they won't pick it up.

[@s.torres242]

@@bcase5328 these look like regular garbage bags with ties...I don't know if they would work for you or not...we have used them for about 4 years & haven't had any problems but good to know that it could be a problem.

[@KC-dr3cg]

I save paper grocery bags throughout the entire winter and summer season to use for putting my leaves in so that the garbage service that picks up yard waste at no cost will pick up those bags and I don't have to buy those huge paper Leaf Bags

[@roxannearcher8210]

Just joined your page, enjoying so far. Love this tips video

[@UndertheMedian]

Welcome to the Under the Median family. We're glad to have you with us.

[@lindagbukvic9441]

Be bold and step out in faith. *Try using out of date paper coupons. *I have found that grocery stores are less strict these days with their rules. *Trade paper coupons with a friend *Take baby coupons to the church nursery. *Leave coupons that you can't use at the store, so others can be blessed. Be creative when throwing a party. *Baby shower or kids party have kids and adults compete in: *Bubble gum blowing contest *Fastest or most balloon blowing *Jump rope or hula hoop Be fun and cheap. Hang laundry if you can, if you can't: *In the house you can hang on door knobs *Drape on furniture *If you don't have a cloth line, ask a neighbor if you can borrow theirs. *Broom handle in your shower stall *Hang socks on the sides of a hamper or tote and set out in the sun or even in the house by a sunny spot. Leftover food: *Cranberry jelly on toast, p & j, pancakes, etc. *Applesauce, sliced bananas on pancakes. *Save the juice from canned fruit and maybe veggie. Drink the fruit juice or mix with Sprite, veg liquids for soups, liquid for cooking other things. (also pickle juice) Make homemade donuts by cutting up tube biscuits, roll in a ball, cook, add different toppings. Top a baked potato with a variety of toppings, leftovers, canned chile, baked beans, etc. Ask other thrifty people for advice,. Grandparents are an excellent source for (old time) ideas. Make a jar or paper chain of fun, cheap ideas for fun or something to do. Roll your own coins. Banks give the rolling papers for free. A great project for the whole family. CoinStar charges a percentage for the service. Diluted leftover coffee to water plants (inside or out) I never pre-heat the oven, food prep always takes longer than expected. Just add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time.

[@pennyhexter3475]

This viewer had some great tips. Some are new to me and some are great reminders. Thanks so much

[@jacquibiggart1578]

My favourite frugal thing is making my own veggie scraps and making veggie skin “chips”. Also when I get food kits or prepared convenience items, any extra dips/sauces.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

to make candles last longer,freeze them to extend the life of batteries,store in the fridge. to stretch nail polish or paint that dried up,add a few drops of nail polish remover. get the professional grade soak off one.its like $4 at dollar general. buy quality items designed to last,and properly maintain them. yes,it will cost more up front,but it saves money by not having to be replaced constantly,which,in turn,reduces clutter

[@barbaratolker4366]

Many good ideas! Will use several of them.

[@bengali481]

I happened on a treasure bin of quality 10 cent cloth napkins. We have a lifetime supply of white linen and spring, fall and Christmas print napkins.

[@helenkathrynhoover7298]

My grandma also said "spit bath" with a laugh. You can also get a portable, travel bidet that is a squeeze bottle with long nozzle to skip a shower.

[@tracybishop7792]

I’ll add two tips. If you have chickens and raise eggs, a typical bread bag is the perfect size for slipping a carton of a dozen eggs into. This keeps the carton from opening and the eggs from falling out. The finials on old lamps might be worth a lot, so unscrew them (to sell) when you take the light bulb.