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50 Folks Who Have Mastered The Art Of Frugal Living Share Their Top Tips (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
Being rich isn’t about having fancy cars, a yacht, and a dozen vacation houses scattered around the globe. Being rich means managing your finances in such a way that you can live the type of life you want. And that means learning to manage your income, expenses, and investments well.
The ‘Frugal’ subreddit is a 3.8-million-member-strong online community that has been around for over 15 years. It is dedicated to frugal living and saving time, as well as money. We’ve collected some of their top pieces of advice to share with you. Scroll down to check them out.
Bored Panda got in touch with personal finance expert Rick Orford for his thoughts on budgeting, plus his advice for anyone who’s not sure what to invest in. You’ll find our full interview with the author of ‘The Financially Independent Millennial,’ about why even small savings and investments are important, below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Son Wanted A Stuffed Manta Ray For His 5th Birthday But I Didn’t Have Money To Buy One, So Instead I Converted His Old Baby Blanket Into One (Sewn By Hand)
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
He will TREASURE this plushie for life. Source: Me, a 41-year-old who still has her beloved plushie she got at age 5 XD
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
He's a little worse for wear at 36 years old, but he's still my best friend :) chace-657f...5a55c1.jpg 
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
My brother had a stuffed bear he named Ga. At the time, that's all he could say. I had the same bear when I came along. My brother could tell them apart. When I was twelve or thirteen, Mom packed up a bunch of our outgrown toys for the church nursery. By then I was helping watch the children during services. One morning, my brother came into the nursery to get me, and saw Ga. (He was fifteen or sixteen). Ga came back home. When my brother died, Ga was buried in the coffin with him.
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
This is one of the best categories on BP. I got so many new ideas. I hope you include this often.
RELATED:
#2
Repurposed Old Color TV From The Early 80s Into A Cat Apartment
sheetzy 2 years ago
Do be careful with old TVs, because even from the 80s and not plugged in for decades, they can still have active, high watt capacitors that can electrocute you
LauraDragonWench 2 years ago
Just like microwaves: they can be unplugged for days and still be capable of electrocution.
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#3
Picked Up A Used Cardigan That Turned Out To Look Much Better In The Picture Than In Person, So I Turned It Back To Yarn And Crocheted The Yarn Into A Cat Bed
Brittania Kelli 2 years ago
I know a lot of knitters who buy 100% wool jumpers at charity shops to unravel and reknit, so much cheaper than 100% wool yarn and good for the environment, too.
How much someone should cut back on their expenses or look for additional income streams will depend a lot on their situation at home, their lifestyle and current career, their job prospects, as well as where in the world they live. For example, in the United States, consumers have been spending a lot this holiday season. The job market remains strong and inflation continues to ease, though interest rates are still extremely high.
CNN reports that retail sales rose 0.3% in November compared to October, though economists expected a decline. Retail sales rose even more (0.6%) if you don’t count gasoline sales. In short, Americans are, on average, eating out more at restaurants, as well as buying more things in stores and online.
#4
Turned An Old Trampoline Into A Greenhouse
We bought it for our kids 5 years ago. The bouncy part and netting were no longer safe, but the frame itself was in great condition. Almost threw it away but as I was taking it down I started brainstorming and this is the result!
Nothing to see here 2 years ago
I've seen someone do this with an above ground pool frame as well.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
I have an above ground pool frame turned compost bin, and a soccer goal turned bean trellis.
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#5
Family Thinks I'm Frugal, I Just Like To Think I’m Helping The Environment. Any Time I Get Sealed Air Bags I Make A Slit On One Side To Put My Hand Through And Pick Up My Puppy's Waste
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I have two dogs. Two LARGE dogs (German Shepherd/Kuchi Dog and a Belgian Malinois.) They poop a lot and the poops are big. I like this idea; the air bags are thicker than most poop bag brands I've tried! (Yes, my fingers have ripped through poop bags many a time.)
SirWriteALot 2 years ago
poop bags are biodegradable and will rot in a landfill. Plastic bags will not rot. Recycle the plastic and use proper poop bags.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
These are not recyclable in my area, so using them once more before they get to landfill can only be a good thing
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Ace 2 years ago (edited)
Really bad for the environment. These sorts of bags should be properly recycled - putting them in the dog litter bins means that not only will that not happen but the dog mess will be unable to be properly treated as well. Use dedicated dog-do bags which are biodegradable instead. (EDIT: I'm probably assuming too much, Here in Switzerland everything's separated for recycling and there are dedicated bins on the street to put your picked up dog c**p bags into.)
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Here, things are separated for recycling, but then dumped in the truck together and sent to the landfill together.
Load More Replies... LauraDragonWench 2 years ago
For people saying these should be recycled and only biodegradable bags used, recycling only happens when the local municipality offers such specific, plastic bag recycling, and even then, only if that recycling is profitable and actually taking place. Many areas (and I'm speaking of America as that's the only place I've ever lived) give the appearance of recycling - with separate bins and such - only to combine it all at the end of the line and dump everything in the landfill. So, frankly, with the house fire we're currently living in, the OP's idea of reusing something which will probably end up in the landfill anyway is excellent.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
Yes. I read up on this the first time I heard of it. In most places (at least here in the US) it's just not cost effective. Many things aren't as recyclable as you'd think (dyes and such), then there's the cost of checking for and correctly separating materials (such as removing labels from cans). There's more, but that gives a start for the gist of it.
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Vera Diblikova 1 year ago
First my friends little boy stomped it for a Boom, after I use it to pick dogs poo.
yellowphantom 2 years ago
I suggest jumping on them instead of cutting a slit. The loud bang is very satisfying, especially if you have a kid there to do it with.
#6
For Christmas, I Couldn't Afford Individual Gifts For All The Kids In My Life (I Have 24+) So I Bought A $10 Silicon Mat And A $45 Bulk Box Of Crayons And I’m Making Them All Name Crayons
WindySwede 2 years ago
"What would you draw with a red crown?" (From another BP post)
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LJ Robinson 2 years ago
I watched my mom struggle year after year to get all of her students gifts. I wish she had known about this clever idea!
As Allison Morrow recently wrote on CNN, many Americans might complain about how 'bad' the economy is and how high many prices are when asked. However, their actions "tell a different story" when you look at their behavior.
"Despite higher prices and all-around sour mood, American consumers have been exceptionally willing to spend money on dining out, travel, concert tickets, and all manner of goods."
#7
A Soap Dish Made From Unused Takeout Sticks Using Glue And Thread
Bex 2 years ago
The store bought soap stands like this are made from the same bamboo as the chopsticks
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I Was Looking Online For A Product That Would Safely Hold My House Key While Jogging. Then I Remembered That I Already Had Such A Product
V33333P 2 years ago (edited)
I believe it is a Key Holder. /j Knowing some fancy shops they'd sell these for like $20
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Robert T 2 years ago
I remember keys like this from the lockers when going swimming 40 years ago!
David 2 years ago
Even more secure than a safety pin - undo shoelace back past first eyelet, loop through the key, redo eyelet. Also, I have used the safety pin trick to keep a key inside the tiny pocket in some swimsuits made for that purpose. I don't trust the pocket by itself as it is kind of flimsy.
naylene hess 2 years ago
Could just use a string to tie it around your neck like a necklace. Pins like that tend to open and stab tf out ofe
Crystal Spencer 2 years ago
I was gonna ask I i could be the hero that pops up and announces that it's actually called a safety pin...but I was beaten to it...by several very serious people...lmao
#9
My Friend Was Going To Throw Away A Torn Sheet, So I Saved It, Made It Into "Yarn", And Crocheted Myself A Basket. I Added A Bit Of Color With Rags Pilfered From My Mom's Bin
Let’s roll 2 years ago
Being able to knit, crochet and the rest of it seems to be a skill that at least I have underestimated. How resourceful it can be and I suppose when one learns it to a level where they can visualise opportunities from a torn sheet….well sir/madam… I take my hat off to you. I think I have found my resolution for 2024 and that is learning to knit and make my own clothes.
rullyman 2 years ago
Great for making stuff like rugs and hot pads for putting pots on too. Just make sure you use cotton or wool yarn, otherwise the heat will melt synthetic yarn
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Erla Zwingle 2 years ago
My mother made braided rugs out of fabric remnants. Corduroy was the best.
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
Our cat rescue gets a lot of torn sheets, old pillowcases, blankets, quilts etc donated. I launder them, then cut them into crate size pieces and sew up the edges using scraps of thread, almost empty spools etc. Stuff old pillowcases with the scraps. These make perfect kitty beds of all kinds. Cats don't know these aren't $50 beds from the pet store.
However, across the Atlantic Ocean, the United Kingdom is ringing alarm bells about the deepening state of financial inequality in the country. The Center for Social Justice think tank recently warned about the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots.
The BBC states that, according to the report, stagnant wages, poor housing family breakdown, crime, and mental health issues have widened the gap during the Covid-19 pandemic. The disadvantaged are “no better off than they were 15 years ago.”
#10
Join Your Local "Buy Nothing" Group On FB, If You're Able. I Joined Mine And Just Received A Kitchen Island For Free
Erica Ventura 2 years ago
There's a big difference between public free sites on Facebook and Craigslist and buy nothing groups. Craigslist is Hit or Miss at best, and public Facebook free groups can be so rude. I belong to a Buy Nothing group and it's private, local to my specific neighborhood and very valuable. Members can ask for things, post items for gifting, and it's a very nice community. We also ask for and give of our time and talents.
Kate 2 years ago
Yep. My sister just gave someone starting community college her old MacBook a few weeks ago in her Buy Nothing group.
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Nimues Child 2 years ago
The university where I work has had reuse, reuse-ask and reuse-sell mailing lists for decades. You can get the coolest stuff for free and we don't throw things out. Just post them to reuse and someone will take them! (Bonus PS: it is like Christmas when students move out / move in. So much free stuff they don't want to move.)
Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
If you have Apple, get the App Freebie Alerts, they search Facebook Marketplace and other sites for free items in your area.
Donna Gettings Apperson 2 years ago
We have Freecycle and Trash Nothing around here. I often give and occasionally receive.
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Yes, and… lots of time spent looking at the page for just the right thing. Most often, it’s random c**p that no one wants, and then how many of your hours were spent?
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
You've left over 10,000 comments on BoredPanda. You have plenty of time.
Load More Replies... #11
Couldn't Get Rid Of This Ugly Stain Right In The Middle Of The Shirt. Used Some Old Dye To Make A Cool Patchy Shirt Instead
AnnaRachelle 2 years ago
I got bleach on a t shirt. So I decided to sprinkle it in bleach. Wrap it for half hour then washed it . Gorgeous tye dye t shirt
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I did this once on my kids pants. He got some strange looks at 1st - then not long after the bleached tie dyed look came out and he was considered cool. lol.
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Helen Horrell 2 years ago
I splashed bleach on a sky-blue velour top and covered the splashes with sew on sheep patches!
Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
I have a tshirt dress that I spilled red wine on. Will be buying a cheap bottle of red to dye the entire shirt
Bret Sander 2 years ago
I've gotten oil on nice Ts and it's impossible to get out, even using engine degreasers. I just decided to paint the whole shirt in cooking oil, then wash with lots of soap. Even color and a bit of water proofing.
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
I do this too. No sense in trashing a perfectly good shirt when you can just tie dye it. And, if the dye job turns out terrible, oh well. It was ruined anyways, right? Lol.
Willy B Hardigan 2 years ago
There's a difference between being frugal and being cheap its plain tee just buy another one
#12
Save Sunday Comics For Wrapping Presents
JL 2 years ago
Their next "new" hack, using brown paper bags to make school textbook covers...
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This panda says ur worth it 2 years ago
Yeah, and people will want to save the paper to read the comics so I can reuse them!
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Kit Black 2 years ago
How is this frugal when the price of a newspaper subscription is sky high and is printing yesterday's news?
The danger, according to the Center for Social Justice report, is that the UK might slip back into a level of deep social divide the likes of which have not been seen since the Victorian era.
The think tank explains that for many poor Brits, “work is not worth it” because it is poor quality, offers little to no security, and gives little chance of progression. That’s why people turn to welfare.
#13
Use Nail Polish Remover (Acetone) To Get The White Rubber Part Of Vans/Converse Looking Good As New
David 2 years ago
Yes, can work well on other areas too. I've never done it but for a while my daughter was selling used clothing / shoes on Poshmark and it was really impressive how well she could clean them up. She never lied and said they were new but I saw the before and after and some of the shoes looked new by the time she was done.
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Little king trash mouth 2 years ago
Honestly, I was not floored by how the pink stuff cleaned my shoes. I bought it specifically because I heard great things but I found it to be meh at best.
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Green Shoe Laces 2 years ago
An old toothbrush and the left over liquid from a tube of clorox wipes or lysol wipes works really well!!!
Green Shoe Laces 2 years ago
A toothbrush and the liquid left over from empty tube of clorox wipes or lysol wipes works really well also!!!
I_am_Allan 2 years ago
Acetone removes a layer of the rubber. Use the Magic Eraser, as suggested below.
#14
115 Meals For $131
Total meals 115. $130.60/115meals = $1.14 per meal
From left to right:
2 meals in one round container of egg salad.
5 meals of Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Chunked Pineapple and rice.
5 meals of Spinach Feta Scramble
6 meals of Creamy Parmesan Shrimp with Spinach and Bacon.
9 meals of Parmesan Pork over Zucchini Noodles.
6 meals of Bangers and Mash.
5 meals of Korean BBQ Chicken.
8 meals of African Peanut Curry.
12 meals in six containers of Tomato and Carrot Soup.
6 meals in three containers of Chicken Korma.
18 meals in nine containers of Chicken n’ Dumplings.
6 containers of Green Chili Pork Roast.
9 meals of tacos.
18 meals of steamed boa.
I put about 3-4 days of meals in the refrigerator and the rest goes into the freezer. We stay on top of eating the meals "First In, First Out" to avoid spoiling food in the refrigerator and freezer burn on food in the freezer.
JJ 2 years ago
Nice but takes so, so, so much time. I used to do this when I worked part time for money and had to complete a full-time internship (no money) to start studying. I spend every Sunday cooking for the entire week and hated it after two months. 60 to 70 hours working plus like 8 hours cooking on the only free day to save money as I couldn't afford eating out or convenience food. Yikes. Nowadays I cook some dishes double portioned and freeze half. That's more sufficient to me.
grotesqueer 2 years ago (edited)
How many people did you need to feed? I cook for about half the week at a time, so two dishes per week. But I only need to feed myself, so one potfull is enough to last half the week. (Plus admittedly I am a lazy cook, so I mostly cook quick and simple onepot dishes and use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones, both of which, too, of course cuts down the cooking time.)
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WindySwede 2 years ago
Usually make "bolognaise" sauce, but then make 6 liter batches as a "to tired to cook" backup food in the freezer. But not 14 different dishes at once! Sounds exhausting?
Tjoori Vids 2 years ago
Great :) I usually cook WAY more than I can eat, and people always look at me like "Why don't you cook smaller portions" Well, I don't mind eating the same thing 3-4 days in a row, and I also freeze stuff I don't eat. Then, when I'm tired and don't want to cook, I have a home cooked meal without the effort.
Bex 2 years ago
It's also hard to make smaller portions when you are using cans of beans, tomato paste or tuna...they kinda determine their own ratios, so freezing is the answer
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Jp@nda 2 years ago
Right?! This is utterly amazing, I would love to be able to do this
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White Sauce Hot Sauce 2 years ago
You'd have to be okay with constantly eating soggy, microwaved food.
#15
For Cheap Insulation, Put Bubble Wrap On Your Windows To Help Keep The Heat In. Just Spray Them With Water And The Bubble Wrap Will Stick To The Window
grotesqueer 2 years ago
In the picture at least. But I'm a bit sceptical about how it looks in real life. I feel like it might end up looking like, well, like you've got bubble wrap in your windows. 😅
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Red Vespa 2 years ago
Single glazed windows in temperate countries suffer from condensation on the glass. This bubble wrap hack eliminates the condensation as the plastic and air in the bubbles isolates the cold glass from the warm interior. Before I discovered this bubble wrap miracle, I had to squeegee my windows every morning to remove condensation. But light condensation immediately returned so my windows were never completely clear of dampness. After using bubble wrap on the windows, no more condensation. And yes, it can act as a privacy screen. During the day or when the outside air is warmer, the bible wrap simply peels off the glass and rolled up ready for use later. Tip: Take the time to cut each bubble wrap so it fits the inside of the window frame as closely as possible. Also use a sticker on each bubble wrap to identify which window it belongs to.
ManyBrothers 2 years ago
I'll have to try this idea in my bathroom. I can get bubble wrap at work.
Barbara Kayton 2 years ago (edited)
It looks amazing, but not being able to see what’s happening outside is a big problem.
M3era 2 years ago (edited)
You could use leftover pieces from items you may order online.
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We asked personal finance expert Orford about the biggest barriers that people tend to have when it comes to saving money. He was kind enough to share some insights with us and stressed the importance of budgeting and even seemingly minuscule savings.
“In the media, it's common to hear ‘cut back on the little expenses’ to save money. Having been in a situation myself where I was spending far more than I earned, I recall asking myself, ‘How could saving $4 on this or that make any meaningful change?’ The fact is, every little bit helps,” the author of ‘The Financially Independent Millennial’ told Bored Panda via email.
“In my case, to be successful in spending less than I earn started with ‘paying myself first.’ This meant keeping three separate bank accounts: one for needs, one for wants, and another for savings/investment.”
#16
Save Your Butter Wrappers To Grease Your Pans. A Tip Learned From My Mom
Samantha Kalitzki 1 year ago
Für alte Mütter? Stimmt junge Mütter kochen/backen nicht 🙄
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Manda Hart 2 years ago
And store them (folded in half) in the freezer in a ziplock bag so the remaining butter stays fresh until use.
Josiane Roy 2 years ago
My mother and I use them to bake potatoes on the BBQ as well. Being a multi generational household and making everything from scratch we build a surplus rapidly. So we figured out ways to use the extras. Works well for small veggie packs, etc
Janet Lucy Mullender 1 year ago
Problem is the butter on the stored wrappers goes rancid and that is transferred to the tin.
Janet Lucy Mullender 1 year ago
Nope. The butter on the wrappers goes rancid and that taste is transferred to the food.
Janet Lucy Mullender 1 year ago
Nope, the butter on the wrappers goes rancid then is transferred onto the tin.
#17
Using Toilet Paper Rolls And Old Metal Takeout Containers To Start My Seeds
PFD 2 years ago
This is a great idea, especially the toilet rolls. You could probably plant them out as-is and let them rot away, but even if not it's less plastic.
Josiane Roy 2 years ago
Egg cartons too. We use ours for all sorts of stuff. Storing extra cables for various electronics. When camping we use them as fire starters. Bark and kindling in the middle. Works super.
Jill Bussey 2 years ago
This is a common trick with sweet pea plants, as they can be planted straight into the ground when ready.
Kelly Hartle 2 years ago
Egg cartons are great for this too. Just cut them apart when you're ready to plant.
censorshipsucks 2 years ago (edited)
I use toilet rolls to re-melt used candles and make new candles. Works well. Pour in a little wax to fill the bottom, let it set. Dip in a string held up by a toothpick to centre it. Then pour in the rest of the wax. Put it in the freezer. Once you remove the outer cardboard to reveal the new candle, that cardboard can be used to light BBQs.
#18
Long Live The Yellow Sticker. My Mum Just Got This All For Under £2
Lauren S 2 years ago
The yellow sticker must be like our store’s “manager special” items that will soon expire. We get these all the time, many things get frozen.
Awkward lady 2 years ago
Yellow stickers are for items that are on their sell by date, so you're right!
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Anouk T 2 years ago
Yes but you have to be super lucky to get good finds that cheap - and also you never know what you’re going to get (eg meat would Not work for vegetarians) plus different shops do the yellow sticker discounts at different times. Still worth checking the discount shelf every time you’re in the shop !
Krysta Pandoo 2 years ago
Guarantee none of these items alone were under £2. Even if it expired last week, they only take off 30%
Danielle 2 years ago
Could be a Good to Go bag, I've had ones for a couple of quid that have been crazy good.
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Ace 2 years ago
Yebbut, you only buy the carrier bag once, right, and reuse it every shopping trip for years to come?
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Frozengeckolover 2 years ago (edited)
In my area it's a bright green sticker. I've taught my husband to look for those stickers while grocery shopping. He's so cute! He will bring me weird clearance items and say, "Can we use this?" Of course we can! The real question is: do we WANT to? If it's kale, put it back; we don't eat that, so it doesn't matter how good the discount is. Lol.
Himory TheDreamer 2 years ago
In my part of Brazil that only happens with processed food, they don't do near expiration sales on meat and vegetables, wish that was a thing.
Verena 2 years ago
These stickers/special coolings and bins for not to be cooled stuff in combination with to-good-to-go and similar apps are not only frugal, but also good for the environment. And even healthy, because very often they provide an excellent mix of various food items, often a good trigger to try something new. I am a bit lenient with local fruit and vegetables, they could have a useful second life as compost. But throwing away meat and fish? No way, if you kill an animal, you have to eat it, especially if the only reason to raise it, is becoming food.
Orford explained that his ‘needs’ included necessities like rent, insurance, and groceries. Meanwhile, his ‘wants’ included going out to eat at restaurants, going shopping, and holidays—things that usually meant he was spending more than he was earning. His solution to the problem was to create a budget.
“My needs money stayed in the needs account, and I moved a portion of the remainder to my ‘wants.’ The key was sticking within the ‘wants’ budget, and not going over. I recall my in my first month with this exercise, I ran out of all my ‘wants money’ after the first weekend! That meant staying at home for the remainder of the month—and that got me thinking, ‘How can I go out more, have a life, while not over-spending.’ The answer? I found a balance. I didn't go out as much, didn't shop as much, and before I knew it, I had money left over in the ‘wants’ account at the end of the month. This is the monthly surplus.”
#19
Turned Damaged Vintage Levi's Jeans Into Shorts, Hat, And Scrunchies
Lauren S 2 years ago
I grew up with scrunchies. Such a fan of their return! Also, people on here have amazing talent!
Tabitha 2 years ago
I did this last spring with jeans and khakis that were frayed or damaged on the bottom, or were otherwise not going to be worn as long pants. I now have several pairs of shorts that will last several summers. The denim and khaki that was cut off is now in my rag bag, and will find a use at some point, even if only for cleaning.
Susan Reid Smith 2 years ago
I made two layer rugs out of old denim, then sewed the layers together to learn how to quilt.
#20
I Needed A Very Large And Sturdy Desk And Didn’t Want To Buy It New, So For The First Time I Tried To Build Furniture. I Think It Looks Pretty Good
Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
That’s the thing I don’t get about computer desks that are being sold. You don’t work 100% of the time on your computer. Sometimes you have to read, write, or transpose something from a book or paper worksheet, so you need the desk to be deep enough to push the screen and keyboard back to give you space to work. Yes, I know they make things you can hang paper on to type from, but that doesn’t help when you have a book or ledger to refer to. Yet computer desks are all tiny and narrow, as if you never need to physically write something down. There is still a lot of paper being used in business, so business desks need to accommodate the necessity of reading and writing, as well as computer entry.
Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
I took a hospital cart they serve your food on that I got from a friend and I put marble contact paper on it. The paper only cost $7 and it gave a beat up table new life. The paper, like above, and what I got, is not very expensive and you can find it on Amazon. You get a lot on a roll. I just used more of it to make a beat up cabinet for my bathroom that I got on Marketplace look better. It had coffee stains, chips, etc…, now it looks new.
#21
Our Brand New Bed Broke. I Salvaged The Wood And Turned It Into A Planter
Cecile Visscher 2 years ago
The frugal thing to do would have been to take the brand new bed back to the store for a refund.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
True… Unless it was just the slats that broke. Only need to replace the slats with thicker wood and make this planter with the old ones, which is what I’m guessing is what happened
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Julius Zuke 2 years ago
Wood is expensive. No-longer-needed furniture can be proken down as saved for projects around the house.
Mimi La Souris 2 years ago
no wonder the bed broke with the thickness of the wood :/ cute planter, good joob :)
naylene hess 2 years ago
Those are slats meant for lining the frame of the bed like a box spring
Load More Replies... Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
I think if it were brand new, you might actually be able to return for refund or replacement. But you do you
The personal finance expert told us that he then moved this surplus to his third “and most important account” meant for his savings and investments. “Growing this account was the key to becoming financially independent,” he opened up to us.
According to Orford, the ‘every little bit counts’ philosophy applies not only to reducing one’s expenses but also their savings and investments.
“I believe the money is best spent buying a home, even with higher than normal mortgages. But, the home should be affordable: so that means perhaps living with parents, or in an economical rental as long as needed until one can buy the home,” he gave some advice on what to invest in first.
#22
My Aunt Requested Crocheted Face Scrubbies To Replace Cotton Pads/Balls. She Asked For 24 So I Put Them In A Repurposed Candle Container
LillieMean 2 years ago
I've done these too. I chose a thread that can withstand washing at 60 degrees so that I can wash them with towels. Quick and easy to make even if you are not a good crocheter.
#23
I Finally Understand Why People Buy Large Cuts Of Meat When It Goes On Sale
Trying to be more frugal, we got 2 large top roasts for "buy-one-get-one-free" processed it, and cut it up at home ourselves. Now we have meals for days.
HTakeover 2 years ago
It took a few years but I think I finally have my mom converted to use her sealer for this purpose. She's always just left it on the foam tray, and eventually I convinced her to portion out the ground meats into 1lb increments. But the sealer... that took forever.
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Mary Kelly 2 years ago
the real trick to keeping it is to get all the air out to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals...you don't need a vaccuum sealer....careful rolling and a good sealing bag work....and, if you store things like soups and sauces flat, you can store a lot more a lot more neatly in the freezer than in convential storage containers...
Arrien 2 years ago (edited)
When I was a child, My mother would pack me and my dad in the truck with all the Ice chests we had and make a road trip to this one butcher she knew. We would spend all day there buying a half cow and getting it cut the way she wanted. I have no idea how much it cost all total, but I do know it was cheaper in the long run as it would last our family of 3 for most of the year.
Gracie Mae 2 years ago
and again, pressure canning foods will make them shelf stable for years!
L Coffeen 2 years ago
My local store had BOGO free for pork shoulder butts. I had never cooked that sort of meat before but bought it anyway bc sale. I ended up using them to make pulled pork and made sliders tacos and nachos with it. I ended up freezing half of the meat bc it was so much. Oh but so tasty 😋
Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
Also works very well with tenderloins. Our local Aldi and Lidl stores have good pricing on the reg and even better sales to allow you to cut into boneless chops of your desired thickness. Love to get these to make butterfly chops. Then again, they are also really yummy when left whole, seasoned and cooked on the rotisserie.
#24
I Made Reusable Gift Bags For The Holiday Season
Nimues Child 2 years ago
My mom did this when we were growing up. I still have some of her bags from the '60s or '70s. It's like passing along a memory of her when giving a gift to a sibling wrapped in one of her bags.
Jude Laskowski 2 years ago
I check my building's recycling bins right after Christmas for gift bags and pretty wrapping paper.
Cassie 2 years ago
I use cheap bandanas and a method called furoshiki. For larger items, I use a pillowcase tied with ribbon. For even larger items, they go in a plain box and I have a festive stamp to decorate the box with. All of these can be reused over and over. I save brown paper I get in packages for wrapping things I send off in the mail. The festive stamp can also liven up the brown paper.
Lunaofthenest (She/they) 2 years ago
This might be my favorite, so far. I hate spending upwards of $50-100 dollars on gift bags and wrap that we just end up trying to "save" only for it to look extremely obvious that we recycled it from the previous year/s.
“Once the home is purchased, the next step is to evaluate whether the goal is to pay it off fast or invest it in other things. Some say mortgage debt is bad, but I'm not one of them,” Orford told Bored Panda.
“That said, paying off a mortgage faster results in immediate savings as the funds will go toward the principal, thereby reducing years of interest payments,” he said.
“On the other hand, investing the money into a low-cost S&P 500 index fund, for example, historically returns 10% on average. In the end, I wouldn't fault anyone for making either choice as the money is put to work regardless.”
#25
Here's Another $500+ Haul From My Favorite Dumpster. I Haven't Purchased Groceries In Years
Anga 2 years ago
It's forbidden in France. Stores have to give it to organizations to feed homeless and low income people.
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Molly Whuppie 2 years ago (edited)
A lot of US stores throw away good food. If you search on youtube there are tons of dumpster diving videos showing people finding good quality sealed packets of food that are not always expired. The meat and milk most people don't take unless it was only just thrown out, or its been cold/snowing and the food has been kept cold as a result. But stores seem to regularly throw out canned food, soft drinks (canned), chips, candy, fruit and veggies (which are fine if you wash them - most have skins that protect them) and boxes of cereal, cookies etc. I'm really not sure how supermarkets get away with it. Here in Australia our big supermarkets donate those food products to ozharvest and other organisations who redistribute it to those who need it.
HTakeover 2 years ago
It's because of the insurance and liability nightmare they'd face because of the potential for the food to be tainted. If they gave the stuff out, and someone got seriously ill or food poisoning, or even death, you can bet everybody will be suing the store for all they're worth. That only applies to stuff already past their sell-by dates though.
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HauntdGamr 2 years ago
Sadly, in most of the US, major grocery stores lock their dumpsters to detract dumpster divers from getting "free food".😡
Craig Boddys 2 years ago
I take it by saying "dumpster" and not "bin" the poster is american, and i dont know if its the same there as it is here in the uk, but ive known people get charged with theft for bin-diving. If its in a bin, its the property of the owner/hirer of the bin, and therefore removing ANYTHING from it is theft and you could be prosecuted. Obviously it doesnt always happen like that, and if anything, especially food, is useable then it should be given to people who need it. My company lets the staff have any food they want thats hit the expiry date, so theres very little, if any, food waste.
#26
I Have Been Looking To Buy One Of These For My Morning Coffee But Ended Up Making It With Items I Already Had
Lori Fuqua 2 years ago (edited)
Gesso it (or acrylic medium or glue mixture) like paper mache style, then paint it and varnish, equals more sturdy, prettier and waterproof
Cat Chat 2 years ago
A lap tray, often used for eating while on the couch (as opposed to a tv tray set on the floor in front of you).
Load More Replies... #27
Frugal Win. I Extended The Life Of My Grubby-Looking Converse Shoes With A Bottle Of Black Dye
Holly D. 2 years ago
A QUICK CYCLE IN THE WASHER WITH SOME OXY DOES THE TRICK TO LOOK LIKE NEW!! ALSO, AS FAR AS DYING.....THE FABRIC IS COTTON..THREAD IS POLY WHICH IS WHY IT STAYS WHITE.
Lunaofthenest (She/they) 2 years ago
I think they look even better than the original! I love the "weathered" black they came out as! Well done.
Your Majesty 2 years ago
I fear that if you're out in the rain, your socks and feet would turn black.
Diolla 2 years ago
Not if you do it properly. The dye will be fixated and you can even wash them. I've dyed countless pieces of clothing, bags, etc..
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FromageFeet 2 years ago
Don’t know if I believe this. The thread hasn’t been dyed anywhere, not sure how you’d achieve that.
The r/frugal online community covers a lot of different aspects of frugal living. As the moderator team behind the project points out, everyone has their own definition of frugality, as well as their own reasons for being frugal.
It’s something to keep in mind so that all those friendly discussions about saving cash, time, and energy don’t turn into fiery arguments. “Discuss and debate, but don't fight over it, or be condescending to those who do not share your particular view on frugality,” the team shares.
#28
Don't Throw Away Your "Empty" Lotion Bottles
CoMa4 2 years ago
I do the same to any bottle you can cut into or scoop out. There's always so much product left at the bottom that won’t come out!
Let’s roll 2 years ago
I know, it’s almost criminal what gets left behind. I always hope it’s not an intentional design flaw but a design flaw it is.
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Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
Powder, shampoo, and conditioner too. They always package stuff so there’s an inch or two left on the bottom that won’t come out. I have been cutting tubes and containers for decades to use up every bit. For too many of those years I was young and struggling. You never forget being poor, and the frugal habits you pick up can be hard to break.if you even want to break them, that is. I don’t.
Rita Frost 2 years ago
Odd. It’s easier to turn containers upside down when possible, or if not, eg a tube of hand cream, cut round it in half and slide the 2 halves together slightly overlapping to keep moist
Verena 2 years ago
Replace the pump with a normal lid. If you store the bottles upside down, you'll get 99,9% out without cutting. Then screw off the lid when nothing can be squeezed out any more. The lid contains the rest, which is good for one last go. And only then you start a new bottle. The picture above is anything than frugal. Why have so many bottles of the same stuff open at the same time? Mixing different types of unknown origin might result in a very strange smelling goo.
Skip62 2 years ago
I feel so dumb.I never thought of just replacing the pump lid.
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Robert Larson, LPN, JD 1 year ago
Buy those lids that let you invert the bottles! I have like five and use them for everything so I get the last drop out.
April Pickett 2 years ago
I just hate throwing the bit that's still in the bottle away. If you are recycling, you have to clean it anyway and this makes it easier to clean.
#29
My Public Library Tells You How Much Money You’ve Saved By Checking Things Out Instead Of Buying Them
JoNo 2 years ago
This is good in theory. The problem is most people would not have bought all those books I have read from the library. I have read them because they are free.
Niamh Nomen 2 years ago
The point isn't actually to tell you personally how much money you saved. It's to show what a valuable service the library is. You received all this value that you paid for with a few dollars in tax.
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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Our library delivers to shut ins. I always have something to read.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I purchase books from re-sale shops and donate them to the FREE little libraries.
Megan Curl 2 years ago
In the U.S., most libraries now use the Libby app where you can download books on kindle. At the end of the borrowing time, they are automatically returned. Many also give a certain number of free movie/video rentals through the Kanopy app.
Jovita A 2 years ago
Well, I love that they have this option, but can't read the e-books. Just not the same, I guess I'm old 😂
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Randy Sanders 2 years ago
I wish more people would use their libraries. Vast repositories of useful information.
SoshiDragon13 2 years ago
I read books at the library and I buy them if I loved it and want my own copy 🤷
Xenia Harley 2 years ago
I got hooked on the digital library during the pandemic, and now read from it all the time!
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but a PSA. Bed bugs have been found in library books (the spines especially) having been read in infested beds. 2018 New Jersey, 2023, London UK, and a huge problem now in France. Libraries have closed and reopened after fumigation and treatment. Just check your library books, folks and inform staff if any seen. Only takes a few seconds.
April Pickett 2 years ago
If it's a popular book, you can wait months before you can read it (some of those books have a very long waiting list). I buy the book, read it, and if I don't like it I give it to the library. I like to own copies of books because I usually read them over and over.
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
We have one of those street libraries (box which is waterproof but otherwise unlocked), where you bring a book and take a book, works well for me.
#30
I Had A Stain In My Jeans That I Couldn't Get Rid Of, So I Covered It Up. Iron-On Patch Reinforced With Stitches
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
One other difference in the 60's we would have NEVER bought jeans with holes in them. We used these patches to hide the fact that we had actually worn them out.
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Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
I have a cute pair of jeans that I just bought two roses patches for. I plan on putting one on the top of one leg, and one on the bottom of the other. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thought of bringing patches back for jeans!
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I had a hole in my work out leggings. slapped a patch on it. Just had a woman in my class compliment me on them (the leggings are probably 15 yrs old),
Rachel Parker 2 years ago
Yes, I have a lovely fox patch on some jeans I really like that got a hole.
Kelly Hartle 2 years ago
I've also seen people use patterned socks for this, making it look like little animals are peeking out.
Rebecca R 2 years ago
We didn’t have a lot of extra money growing up, my duffel bag we used for trips got a hole burned in the top and my mom found a coordinating fabric and sewed a heart over the hole. She also made me a valentine one year out of fabric scraps she cut into graduated hearts, I still have it 💕
Meanwhile, it helps to remember that the online community includes internet users from all over the globe. That means that general advice and personal finance philosophies might appeal to (nearly) everyone. However, tips about specific stores, products, or deals might only be helpful to folks living in certain countries.
The more specific someone is about their particular situation, without revealing sensitive overly personal information, the more accurate the advice they receive can be.
For some more frugal living hacks, take a peek at Bored Panda’s previous features. But before you do that, why not share your own tips on saving money and living frugally in the comments? We always love hearing from you, dear Pandas!
#31
Reusing Sheet Pouches As Cable Organizers And Reversed The Inserts For Labels
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
Sometimes when you buy a set of sheets they come in plastic bags with zippers.
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Vivian McBride 2 years ago
I use sheet pouches to store sweaters or other out of season clothing.
Half Prince 2 years ago
I’m pretty sure most sheet pouches are toxic and should be disposed instead of reused. So I’d double check before following this.
Linda Riebel 2 years ago
Yes, they're too good to throw away! Good for packing for trips, too.
#32
Fellow Parents Of Small Children: Join Your Local Parent Groups
Someone with much more money than me decided to just gift the piles of new diapers (300+) their kid had outgrown. They posted it on our city’s parent Facebook group. A 25-minute roundtrip drive saved me over $100 worth of diapers. A frugal win for sure!
Queeqec 2 years ago
My private parts have been wrapped in cloth, that was washed and reused. Now 40+ years later I still use some of them as rags for cleaning. So they last a livetime and don't go to landfill.
Jan Rosier 2 years ago
I've seen this come up a few times already. And again, seriously wondering what is more expensive and what is the more eco friendly choice : throwaway diapers versus having to wash the cotton versions at high temp to get them clean enough for re-use?
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Wende Avontuur 2 years ago (edited)
Or better... Use washable dipers. I know it has a stigma, but its so easy, friendly for the baby, and good for the environment. I was sceptical, but I wouldnt want to go back. It saves money too.
#33
We Get Fresh Fruit On Sale, Cut It Up, And Freeze It For Smoothies
A big bag of frozen pineapple goes for $16 - $19 where I live. We filled this big ziploc with 3 pineapples we got on sale for $1.99 each.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
We started doing this and it works pretty well. But if you're using the fruit for anything else then don't bother with strawberries because they go soggy when they're defrosted so only good for smoothies
CSC 2 years ago
You can use the strawberries for jam since you have to cook them down. Yum!
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Manda Hart 2 years ago
I was floored when I learned that bananas can be frozen (ok, so I really do need to get out more lol). Sliced and frozen a handful makes for a quick sweet snack instead of chips or sugary desserts, healthier too and refreshing when the weather is sweltering.
Lisbeth Guz 2 years ago
They are great for making banana bread too, I put them directly in the blender with eggs, milk and other liquids.
Load More Replies... Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
I've just recently started making pre-made "smoothie packs". I mostly use clearance fruit and veggies. Super cheap and easy! Now I can just grab a pack from the freezer, throw it in the blender with some milk (or juice) and have a yummy smoothie whenever I want.
Lisbeth Guz 2 years ago
Yes, I always freeze bluberries, strawberries and apricots for making crumble in winter months. Even apples and pears work
Gracie Mae 2 years ago
dehydrating and pressure canning or water bathing will keep them shelf-stable for years
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
Pineapples here (SA) are grown in our KwaZulu province. Cost is about $1.50 each.
Little king trash mouth 2 years ago
My kids eat strawberries with their packed school lunches but I swear, no matter what, by the end of the week the strawberries in our fridge look awful (we have even tried products that claim to keep fruit fresher). We used to just dump like 5-6 strawberries every week. Now, as long as they're not moldy, I cut up the rest and throw them in a bag in the freezer. We do this with bananas too (unless we make banana bread!) Once we have enough frozen, we make smoothies!
#34
Pro Tip: Freeze Your Old Candles For A Couple Hours To Easily Remove Excess Wax And Repurpose
Kristiina Männiste 2 years ago
Old candles are excellent fire starters for the fireplace. If you want to be fancy you can make fire starter roses out of cardboard egg cartons and red candle wax.
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
AND stuff the egg cartons with the lint from your dryer.
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Tjoori Vids 2 years ago
I always grab the leftover wax and make a new candle when I have enough wax piled up. Oh, and the glass or other container the candle was in? Washed and repurposed. Also... you don't necessarily need to buy wicks. Use matchsticks (long or short, depending on depth) instead. It works.
Vonny 2 years ago
Frugal is a better adjective. 'A penny saved is a penny earned' . ;-)
Load More Replies... #35
Made Christmas Cards This Year Instead Of Buying Them At The Store
Brett Layton 2 years ago
I dont even care if it looks as good.The fact that someone sat down and took the time means so much more than a throwaway card they bought at the grocery check out for $5 because its a social expectation.
Julius Zuke 2 years ago
Our senior center has monthly card-making sessions. All of the materials are donated. The cards look professionally made!
George Costanza 2 years ago
Trader Joe's has cards for $1. I'm fine with that price, and the massive amount of time it saves me instead of trying to be crafty or artistic. Which I'm not.
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
Yes--save all your Christmas cards. There's so many things you can do with them next year.
Kay Christensen 2 years ago
I've made greeting/holiday cards and gift tags for years. Also gift bags made from brown paper bags decorated with glitter and ribbons or pieces of scrapbook paper. Rubber stamps and a couple of stamp pads are a quick way to go. It's a great activity to do with the kids and encourages their creativity! I have a friend who spends as much for gift bags as she does for gifts--a total waste of money.
#36
No Tree? No Problem. Lights, 3 Hooks To Anchor The Lights And Ornaments I Already Had
Glen Ellyn 2 years ago (edited)
This is almost identical to my Christmas decorations this year. Having the lights indoors instead of outdoors means taking them down and putting them away will be done in warmth instead of outside in the cold, snow, and wind. I have six windows decorated this way.
#37
I Repurpose Sheets And T-Shirts That Aren’t Used Any More Into Rugs And Baskets And More
arthbach 2 years ago
If you want to make yarn in this way, don't use scissors. Use a rotary cutter. Your hands will thank you for it.
Lunaofthenest (She/they) 2 years ago
I've got to learn how to crochet something beyond a scarf. Well, scarf might be a little strong- more like ongoing brick of yarn.
#38
Turned My Dad’s Old Jeans Into A Bucket Hat And Shorts
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
Old denim is perfect for so many things. Never throw them away. If you can't sew, someone near use probably can.
#39
I've Been Using This Rock As A Lint Roller For The Past Two Years
Didn't have a lint roller, saw the rock and its rougher edges, and just pictured it helping a little, but it did a better job than I thought! We use it as decoration when it's not a lint roller.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
If it's a flint rock, you might end up with hot pants.
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Heather Nicole 2 years ago
I just dampen my hands... works better than any roller I've ever had... then you just... wash your hands
Arian Arian 2 years ago
I use duct tape. It's hugely less expensive than the rollers (per meter) and works better. Have been using it for years. It cleans even dust and leaves no residue at all.
Cassie 2 years ago
You can still get reusable lint removers that are designed for the purpose. There are the old "magic lint brushes" (usually red) that work pretty well and now there are ones that are sort of a plasticy cling material that rinses easily of lint and fur (use a mesh drain cover to keep it from clogging your drains). Use a squeegee to remove fur from soft surfaces like furniture.
Heather Nicole 2 years ago
you be fair... it might be easier for some to fund a rough rock than unfurling something and knitting it into something else
Load More Replies... #40
Reminding You All To Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Side Of The Road Freebies/Yard Sales. This Particular Popcorn Maker Goes For $250 And Works, Got It Completely Free
Pam Ives 2 years ago
It's amazing what you can find. My BF brought home 13 sealed boxes of laminate flooring
George Costanza 2 years ago
It's free because it takes up a massive amount of space and only does one thing - pops popcorn. But yeah, one man's trash is another man's treasure and all that.
Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
I remember my dad getting an entire roll of carpet for free when I was a teen. He was going to the carpet store to see what they had and when he pulled in, workers were putting a roll in the dumpster. He stopped them and asked what was wrong with it and they said it had a little stain on it. So he asked if they would put it in his car instead of the dumpster. They just shrugged and said sure. He gave each of them $20 as a thank you and carpeted our entire house for $60. The stain was hidden beneath our couch in the living room. I think this was early 80’s?
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
I wonder if I will be able to program my driverless car for curb shopping.
Alastair Prescott 2 years ago
I have always felt that whatever you want in America, someone is throwing it away
Cassie 2 years ago
If you live in a college town, know when students will be moving. A lot of these kids spend mommy and daddy's money on decent furniture, gadgets, and artwork and just leave it behind when they move out. A lot of these areas will have a "stooping" account on various social media platforms where people can post what they're putting out.
#41
My Belt Broke At Work Several Months Ago When I Only Had $4 In My Account. Shortened A Ratchet Strap To Improvise. Best Belt I've Ever Had. Unlimited Adjustment Options
Monstarr the Divisive 2 years ago
I need one of these haha! I've got a leather belt that I wore during the half year I actually did some exercise and watched what I ate... A few of the holes started to combine and it's useless now - wouldn't happen if belts worked like this.
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
Ooo. Leather punches are fairly cheap. We used them at the clinic for our leather muzzels we had to adjust for those dogs with hard to fit faces.
Load More Replies... Mo Poppins 2 years ago
These types of belts cost about a buck at the surplus or school uniform type stores, so if you need a belt like this and don’t already have the hardware, it’s very affordable
HalcyonVampire 2 years ago
There are such a thing as seatbelt belts, I love mine and have worn it daily for 6 years and running
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
I like the web belts where you can punch the tongue through wherever is a perfect fit for you. The ones I have also tell me how much weight I'm losing off my waist. When I bought them I had about four inches to tuck under the first loop. Now I'm pulling it out to almost 7 inches. Progress is happening.
Sven Grammersdorf 2 years ago
Lots of belts work like this and are cheaper than a ratchet strap
Ozzie Ogawa 2 years ago
I bought this one few months ago, one of the best purchase i've made. https://shope.ee/9KIIREreCX
#42
The Name And Store Brand Tomatoes Literally Come From The Same Factory. $1.19 vs. $0.79
Tabitha 2 years ago
I have been comparing name brand and generic/store brand items for decades now. Just read the ingredients list and you’ll see they’re usually exactly the same thing, though sometimes there are slight differences, usually some proprietary something or other the name brand has a patent for. But tbh, the taste is usually the same. If it isn’t, then the money you save buying the exact duplicate of other products can pay for the couple of name brands you like better than the cheaper knockoffs.
Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
I do this too. If I want to save money, I look to see if there’s a generic option. If there is, I look to see if the ingredients are the same. If they are, I will try it. Almost always, it’s perfectly fine.
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mommamarmar 2 years ago
It amazes me how many people don't realize this. I do have a few things that I am ride or die for in the name brand (Ragu spaghetti sauce and my toilet paper; I have not found anything comparable to them outside of the name brands), but otherwise we get what is cheapest!
Layla Kilpela 2 years ago
Not true for these. The ingredients between them are different. Often true, but not in this case.
marcelo D. 2 years ago
this is true of many things, but remember, same factory doesn't necesarily mean same quality of ingreadients or even same ingredients
M O'Connell 2 years ago
Particularly when it comes to produce! It may all come from the same farm, packed in the same plant, but the name brands are usually picked and packed first and are higher quality because they haven't been sitting under their own weight all day like the store brand that gets packed last.
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Jane Hower 2 years ago
Same with appliances with usually only a small change in some of the specs.
Gracie Mae 2 years ago (edited)
I found out yrs ago that 'store brands' are made by big name companies--and sometimes are better due to the store company having certain stipulations in the making of 'their' product. For example, one of our major local grocery chains has their 'brand' of chicken noodle soup, but the company has to put a certain amount of chicken in it--and it's more than what the major company puts in their own!
Kelly Hartle 2 years ago
This goes for all staples, like sugar and other baking goods (though my great aunt, who was a great cook, always swore by one brand of flour).
#43
It’s Getting Hot In Phoenix, Az - $4 Length Of Cloth From Goodwill For A Sun Barrier On My Patio - It Keeps My House 10 Degrees Cooler
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
In Phoenix with the lack of humidity that will be dry in a VERY short time, but it might work initially.
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Miliukov Oleksandr 2 years ago
I finally understand why US is so stick to F! In C you would only be 5 degrees cooler
Cassie 2 years ago
When we were poor, we used cheap fleece throw blankets as curtains or along walls to improve insulation in our trailer. You could get them for a dollar or two back in those days. I just checked the Walmart website and they're $3.00 each now. When we didn't need them for walls anymore, we kept them as blankets and pilled them up for our dog to sleep on. When we bought her a dog bed, she showed a preference for the pile of cheap blankets. Our dog has since passed and now we use them on cat trees as washable covers where they like to lay down. These are all the same batch of blankets, btw. The cats are using the ones we bought nearly 30 years ago. They've gotten a lot of use for something so inexpensive.
Gracie Mae 2 years ago
I've always done stuff like this, to the point of putting old blankets over doorways during the winter to block off heat going to little-used rooms to cut down the electric bill
Mary Kelly 2 years ago
you can get heavy weight canvas drop cloths for practically nothing at the hardware store...want to take it up a notch?....you can put rivets in it to hang as curtains and use sealant to make waterproof...spray paint to decorate to match your decor....this technique can also be used to make inexpensive couch covers, etc.
#44
Made A Scrubber With Leftover Materials. Made This From Leftover Flannel Fabric, Old Bra Inserts, And Netting Fabric In Under 10 Minutes With My Sewing Machine
#45
Wrapped Presents With Reusable Wrapping “Paper” This Year
Marilyn Holt 2 years ago
Yes. All that expensive wrapping paper usually just gets torn apart and thrown away.
Daya Meyer 2 years ago (edited)
Most of the time I sew bags from fabric scraps, sometimes I wrap a present in a reusable things like tea towels, scarfes, shawls or towels. Used cardboard boxes are great also, they can be painted or decorated with stickers.The magic word is furushiki 🙂
grotesqueer 2 years ago
Just to point out in case someone didn't realise it, but the painted or decorated cardboard boxes are also supposed to be reused time and time again. Otherwise you might just as well use wrapping paper, since paint and stickers use up resources as well.
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#46
Probably An Obvious One, But I Save The Fruit My Kids Don’t Eat In A Ziplock In The Freezer And Use It For My Weekend Smoothies
Annie Persson 2 years ago
Also, use reusable ziplock bags. Or tiny plastic boxes that other food comes in
Pittsburgh rare 2 years ago
My daughter used to give me the candy she didn't like... after tasting 🤣. I don't see the problem with small, healthy kids . Your own, of course.
Load More Replies... #47
We Live In Canada And Get Our Milk In Bags. After We Are Done With The Milk, We Wash And Reuse The Small Bags For Snacks And Other Small Items Instead Of Buying Ziplocks
JJ 2 years ago (edited)
Serious question from the EU where you get milk in tetra-paks or glass bottles: Does milk in bags stand in the fridge while open? Or do you have to fill it in a bottle once opened? Edit: Thanks for all the answers. I was really curious.
Sue Garnhum 2 years ago
Place the bag in one of these and cut off a small corner to pour... download-6...00e031.jpg 
Pa Pa Panda 2 years ago
Beatrice brand. The name Beatrice is from the name of the town it was founded in Beatrice Nebraska USA. I know useless information I'm just nerding out!
Gracie Mae 2 years ago
I re-use the heck out of my baggies (we don't have bag milk) unless they've had meat in them. Rinse, if necessary & re-purpose
I_am_Allan 2 years ago
We (in Ontario, Canada) use the outter bags as boot liners in the winter, in case our boots have leaks.
Sweetie Dahling 2 years ago
I've lived in Canada for six years now and I've never seen bagged milk. Must be a regional thing
#48
I Saved $70 Off This Grocery Haul By Using Coupons And Shopping Sales! I Only Spent $120 And It's Even More Than What It Looks Like In The Picture
Linda Tisue 2 years ago
Most coupons are for expensive brands or highly processed foods, you ain't missing much.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 2 years ago
Coupons and store loyalty cards save me a bundle when it comes to groceries. Print off paper coupons or save them digitally in your phone, and keep an eye out for good sales by checking out the store’s weekly flyers. If they’re having a kickass sale on something, buy a lot of it—-but only if you’re able to store it. We have a freezer and a reusable freezer bag sealer, so if the store is offering a really good deal on meats or frozen/freezable foods, we stock up. But that’s because we have the space and the freezer. If we didn’t, we’d have to figure out alternative storage.
Robert T 2 years ago
I got a nice little offer from Nectar to double my points that I had been saving all year - £50 of points bought £100 of shopping. They were electronic vouchers for fixed amounts, so kept adding stuff to my trolley until I only just got over the limit, so one week I spent £60.38 and paid the 38p. I did even better the week before when I got my entire shopping for free in M&S simply by swiping my Sparks card - one person per store got free shopping that day and it was me - I was grinning the rest of the day. :D
Happy Homemaker 2 years ago
I remember when stores used to let you double coupons, even the $1 coupons, plus they had the buy one, get one free deals. My greatest haul was the time when I went to Publix armed with coupons and I bought $160 worth of groceries and I only paid $43. My ex’s friend had given me a ride and his eyes were bugging out of his head. We both couldn’t believe it if we didn’t see it. I get why stores have put a stop to it, but man did it help when I had no food and almost no money at the time.
B 2 years ago
I use digital store coupons then have 3 apps on my phone that I scan the receipts into for money back or points. My husband gets about 30 bucks a month transferred to his pay pal account from one app. I just got free movie tickets from another then use the 3rd & transfer the money saved to amazon gift cards. PLUS a 4th pays out quarterly. I get about 500 a year from that one. It takes time but I save hundreds per year
Almost sunny 2 years ago
I recently spent $300 Aussie dollars on groceries and it looked as big as this!
#49
My First Time Using The "Too Good To Go" App At One Of The High-End Donut Shops In My Area. 45$ Value For Roughly $16
George Costanza 2 years ago
Lots of specialty bakeries/doughnut shops charge $3-4/donut. They're usually much larger and better than Dunkin/Tim Horton's/etc.
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Bmo 2 years ago
every time I check to see if stores are participating in this near me, they never are.
Little king trash mouth 2 years ago
There are literally 3 stores that participate near me. I'm not exaggerating. 3. A soft pretzel place, a pizza place, and a boba tea shop. I wish more places would join the app!
Load More Replies... Panda Pandemic 2 years ago
Saving means not spending. I've always hated how companies use the word save and make you think you are saving money. When in reality you are not saving money at all. You're spending it but being made to think the product is $100 and if they sell it to you for $50 you have saved money. Nope, you spent less money than you thought. But we are not saving any money, more like being tricked into spending money.
TruthoftheHeart 2 years ago
$16 for a dozen is too much even let alone 45 just make your own donuts
Mary Bank 2 years ago
I love Too Good to GO! Flash foods in Canada is DOPE as well. I have gotten some really great steaks for stupid cheep doing this!
Pittsburgh rare 2 years ago
Too Good to Go is tanking in Spain because shops saw the opportunity to get rid of food you wouldn't even give to your dog, so there's that. Greed killed another good idea.
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#50
I Used The Traditional Japanese Art Of Kintsugi To Repair My Cracked Toilet Seat Instead Of Throwing It Away
Erla Zwingle 2 years ago
I understand the concept, but you saved money on a new toilet seat by repairing it with gold?
Nina 2 years ago
Also not sure if Japanese intended it for such things 😅 Afaik it's usually done on vases or pieces of china
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Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
As much as it seems to have upset many of the commenters - I have started to do this with many "broken" items. I have always been one to repair and usually the repairs are ugly. This is a way to add a bit to the repair. I understand it was originally used for pieces of art and things that are considered expensive. But Why not repair and add a bit of whimsy to our everyday life.
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
I do something similar with ceramics (e.g. plant pots, coffee pots, etc.) that break. When they break I superglue them together and repair the cracks with plaster of paris or similar chalky filler. You then polish, sand it down, and spray it with paint. Result is almost indistinguisable from new.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
I assume they didn't repair it with lacquer and gold dust, but gold-colored 5-minute epoxy and some tape.
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#51
Poverty Win: Got A New Job With Free Weekly Produce At My Local Farmer’s Market
#52
Apple Chips Made In A Dehydrator Are Less Expensive And Tastier Than Those From The Grocery Store
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Sure, but how much is a dehydrator? And didn’t we just used to do this on a cookie sheet in the oven?
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
Awesome! I used to buy cinnamon sugar apple chips when they were on sale, but they were still super expensive. I bought a mandolin slicer and started making my own. A friend of mine dredges hers in kool-aid powder for different flavors. Personally, I didn't like the taste of those, but her kids love them.
Miliukov Oleksandr 2 years ago
Are you sure about the price? I tried to do math in my local prices and homemade are at least as expensive as store bought if you count the power for dehydrator and not even include you work time spent
#53
A New Pair Of Shoes Wasn't In The Budget, But A Black Sharpie Was (Left- Sharpie, Right- Sun Faded Black)
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
I've done this. The smell dissipates quickly.
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Trond Hermansen 2 years ago
Doesn't the sharpie-ink come off? Wouldn't a textile-ink have been a better option?
grotesqueer 2 years ago
Yes and yes. Or better yet, dye, for even results.
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#54
In My City, People Often Get Overwhelmed By Their Apple Trees And Leave Boxes Of Them Out By The Sidewalk
Annik Perrot 2 years ago
I do that every year. I add a roll of small garbage bags in the bin so people can carry them away easily Got some very nice thank-you notes, and even flowers, once ;-)
PlaguePanda 2 years ago
We do this with our apple tree. Also quick tip, if someone has an apple tree don’t be afraid to ask for some. We have a tree in our front yard and always are willing to share
Rachel Parker 2 years ago
Excellent for making applesauce, which has loads of uses outside baby food. Can be used for baking instead of oil, butter or sugar.
#55
We Have Been Overrun With Plastic Bags. I Decided To Save Money On Crochet Yarn, And Just Use Grocery Bags To Make Reusable Bags. Result Turned Out Better Than Expected
Red PANda (she/they) 2 years ago
Plarn! My mom got into a plarn hyperfixation years ago and we still use the bags she made
arthbach 2 years ago
This is not a good use of resources. The plastic starts disintegrating very quickly. The whole bag will end up in tatters within a couple of years. Far better to stop accepting plastic bags. Instead take an old t-shirt, cut into strips, and crochet a bag with that. It will work far better.
MantisGirl15 2 years ago
I have a bag like this that my great aunt made at least a decade ago and it is still as nice as it was the day she made it!
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#56
Every Birthday And Holiday, I Fold And Save These (As Well As The Bags) And Reuse Them. It Helped Me Save Money Too
Mariotevez 2 years ago
Welcome to being Hispanic, pick a nationality, we're all basically the same but love to quarrel and throw shade...
#57
I Turned A Ripped Sheet Into Reusable Disinfecting Wipes And "Unpaper Towels". Stored In Containers I Already Had
Roxy222uk 2 years ago
I love how people are reinventing using cloths, flannels, serviettes, and hankies, like we did when I was a kid before disposable paper products became all the rage.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
Cavepeople used leafs, and twigs, and whatnot. That's why they all walked bow-legged.
Load More Replies... grotesqueer 2 years ago
What's the difference between a regular kitchen rag and an "unpaper towel"?
#59
This Little Reusable K-Cup Not Only Saved Me A Whole Lot Of Money But Also Reduced My Plastic Waste. 240 Cups Of Afternoon Coffee And Counting
marcelo D. 2 years ago
and that's why you shouldn't buy a pod coffee maker, regular espresso machines are so much better to use, and don't require plastic pods (or reusable pods)
#60
Steeping Hot Tea In The Honey Jar To Use Every Last Bit Of Honey
Jan Rosier 2 years ago
Empty jars of jam, chocolate paste... a piece of you preferred bread and a fork and have fun. Empty jar of mayo... few fries on your fork, and again, go for it ! Cleaning them out like this is much more fun than using one of these flat rubber thingies on a stick...
#61
Decided To Stop Wasting So Much This Year And Had Extra Yarn. Knitted Swiffer "Cloth" (Machine Washable)
grotesqueer 2 years ago
Put the wrong word into the quotation marks. 😄 It is a cloth, but not Swiffer.
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
Nope. The quotations are in the right place. The Swiffer is still a Swiffer you put the cloth on, but the "cloth" isn't really cloth in this case.
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#62
Changed Out All The Bulbs In Our New Place For 9 W LED Ones. Considering Some Of The Old Ones Were 75 W, I Assume The Previous Owners Were Millionaires
Approximately $80 was spent on 12 new LED globes. Expect electricity usage for lighting to reduce by at least 50% across the board. The expected saving is over $100 for the year so will recoup my cost within the first year and the bulbs have a lifespan of 4-6 years or longer so a big saving. Plus easy and quick. Did the whole house in less than an hour including going to the store to buy the bulbs. A big payoff for minimal effort.
Ace 2 years ago
Rubbish, Modern domestic LED bulbs are available in several different hues, and some of them even able to adjust to your preferred hue settings.
Load More Replies... Kit Black 2 years ago
Those light bulbs don't last any longer than traditional ones did and cost five times as much - which negates the minimal savings they give you on the electric bill.
Robert T 2 years ago
Which "those"? The energy saving fluorecent tube thing saved minimal energy and gave out awful light. Modern LED bulbs use 10% of the power of an incandescent bulb and last 10 times a long. Having changed all my bulbs to LED years ago, I am struggling to remember when I last had to change a light bulb. There are exceptions - my MIL's house eats light bulbs - we replaced hers with LEDs and they do last longer, but not the same life that I get - it is either the rural power distribution getting a lot of fluctuations (the cooker clock rarely keeps time for a month) or the house wiring is extremely tired.
Load More Replies... Mrs. Dearly Regret 2 years ago
I found a 100 W bulb in the basement from the previous owner of the house. We used it for about 20 years before finding out and changing it.
Wintermute 2 years ago
Debbie Downer time. No matter how much you try to conserve on lighting costs, planned obsolescence was pioneered in the light bulb industry, and remains the cornerstone of their profit structure. Those new LED bulbs are chipped to disable themselves at a certain point in the future that may or may not actually equate to what they promise, even if they have a nearly infinite lifespan. So they're destine for the landfill, just like the old incandescence. And while they spend less energy to run, their manufacturing cost is much higher, so... yay capitalism?
day light 2 years ago
that sounds like a conspiracy theory yet I wouldn't put it past corporations to pull something as scummy as this. do you have any sources?
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
LED's will last for years - ROFLMAO - we are replacing them every year. If you think they will let you get away with long lasting = less profit - you are not paying attention.
#63
My Birthday Freebies
You must download all the apps and create an account for each of the businesses. No purchase is necessary for these. I only wanted to do freebies with no purchase necessary. Make sure you give yourself at least a week before your birthday to download the apps and create an account. Tomorrow is my actual birthday so more freebies will be loaded onto my accounts. Bummed I missed out on getting my free Starbucks. For Starbucks, you need to have made one purchase and you need to be signed up at least 7 days before your birthday.
Mjskywalk 2 years ago
I’ve been doing this for years, but I’ve noticed the freebies going downhill. For example, Famous Dave’s (American BBQ chain restaurant) used to give you a free entree for your bday. Now it’s just a free dessert.
A dude who likes to drum 2 years ago
Yeah famous Dave’s is my moms all time favorite restaurant and we go every year on her birthday :/
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#64
Each Year For Christmas My Wife And I Get Each Other 3 Gifts From Dollar Tree Instead Of Buying Big Presents. It’s A Fun Tradition And Saves Money
The Jesus thing is a candle she got me as a joke. The thing to the left of the puzzle is a needlepoint crafting tool and to the left of that is a door alarm.
Tammilee Truitt 2 years ago
Yes pip of an idea. When my kids were teens we'd go to dollar tree with each having $10-$20 to spend on gifts. Then we spent the rest of the day wrapping and trading info on what you were giving. Christmas morning was fantastic with each getting so many gifts. We didn't have alot of money but we lived like kings!
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago (edited)
I did that - but instead of buying a lot of cheap cr@p from china - I got books for the kids. I also got them science "toys". and things to stimulate them. Yes they got some "cr@p" but it was kept at a minimum. I was and still try to be, a not buy a lot of things from china. Lmost bought a walking stick - HUGE american flag on the tag - in small print made in china sold in the usa (Sorry for the Cussing bp)
Load More Replies... #65
I Made Our Christmas Tree Out Of Books This Year
My husband and I were both in academia so we have a lot of books around the house. We wanted a cozy festive glow in the living room, but didn't want to buy a live or fake tree for many reasons. I've seen libraries do this before, so voilà! A free tree with household items!
A dude who likes to drum 2 years ago
Tbh this looks amazing and seems very very cozy for a book nook or something
#66
Produce In Jars With Water Last A Lot Longer In The Fridge
These carrots were soft and pliable when I put them in the Weck jar with water in the fridge. They firmed up so much they popped the lid and I had to put them in a Mason jar with a screw on lid.
grotesqueer 2 years ago
The proper storing method really depends on which produce we're talking about. These carrots were just dehydrated.
#67
If You're Going To Order Something From Starbucks, Get The Barebones Version And Then Add The Syrups Separately. It Will Save You Money
Shetland Tony 2 years ago
And if they gave up their avocado toast they'd be able to afford a house!!
Load More Replies... #68
Am I One Of The Only Ones That Washes My Ziploc Bags?
Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
I do this, but usually finally throw them out after X number of uses, depending on the contents and the sturdiness of the plastic. I just use a marker to make hash marks on them each use. BTW, you let them air dry in the dish rack, then use absorbent reusable cloth towels to completely dry the inside, including the corners. Then nearly fold them and store them.
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
Personally, I find this to be unsanitary. I've simply cut down on single use bags altogether. But, to each his own. You do you.
MotherofGuineaPigs 2 years ago
I do this. I also use resealable bags instead of tupperware. It's easier for mixing things and easier to stack them in the fridge/freezer, If you rollover the top of the bag, you can avoid getting stuff in the zipper and also helps the bag stand up.
Rita Frost 2 years ago
No, but fortunately I have a shelf over the boiler to dry them on once have drained.
Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Depends what was in it previously. Some OTC supplements come in ziploc bags, so they're really useful.
#69
After Thanksgiving Is The Perfect Time To Stock Up On Meat
Manda Hart 2 years ago
A turkey will stay ok for 2 years in a freezer. But after 1 year it loses texture, flavor and taste. I would want to see the original labels under that sale sticker though. Was it frozen before or after the BB date?
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago (edited)
They sell them Frozen where I live. They arrive at the store frozen.
Load More Replies... #70
Frugal Laundry Bags That Save Space And Allow You To Separate Your Laundry
#71
I'm Reusing Wrapping Paper To Wrap Fragile Items For Storage
grotesqueer 2 years ago
Leftover from opened presents? Otherwise this would have the opposite effect.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I have used old clothing. Old fabric does a great job of padding glass.
#72
Printed This To Drain The Cup Back Into The Jug Of Laundry Detergent. Works Like A Charm
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
There's one at our city library. You just have to pay for materials.
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JLN 2 years ago
Since I have an old top loader I rinse it in the running water for the machine, my forgetful a$$ would forget it was in the wash and it would end up in the dryer and probably melt...haha
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Purple Sprinkles 2 years ago
I just add the cup to the washer each time or with my new washer, I just pour it directly into the dispensor and recycle the cup.
#73
It’s Frustrating How Many Tissues I Go Through During Allergy Season, But This Year I’m Prepared. Made Some Reusable Tissues From An Old Duvet Cover
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
One should consider the water/soap cost/wastage/water pollution for this one, since I imagine they're intended to be washed.
RedPepper 2 years ago
The water footprint of single-use tissues is bigger than you imagine. As a comparison, making a single roll of toilet paper requires roughly 56 - 140 litres (15 - 37 gallons) of water. The few litres of water used for washing reusable tissues are of a completely different order of magnitude.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 2 years ago
My SIL cuts up old burp cloths from when they were babies - the kids call them snot rags. :)
#74
Found A $200 Whiteboard For $10 At A University Surplus Store
#75
Enjoy A Wallet And Earth Friendly Cleaning Hack
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
One should consider the water/soap cost/wastage/water pollution for this one, since I imagine it's intended to be washed.
Jan Rosier 2 years ago
Don't understand why this genuine question got downvoted. Noone seems to be able to answer what is the cheaper and more eco friendly option : throwaway wipes, against washing to re-use. Same with the diapers higher up in this listing.
Load More Replies... #76
I Saved Up 24 Deodorant Pieces Over 4 Years And Melted Them Back Into A Full Stick
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Clever to a degree°… but four years to save MAYBE $6, and they’re taking up all that space? 🤷🏽♀️
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I remove the end and use it till the plastic "scrapes" my pits.
#77
It Is Not Much, But I Reused An Old Milk Box To Send A Package Through The Mail
#78
I Repurposed An Old Pottery Barn Curtain To Wrap A Gift For A Friend Who's Expecting
#79
I'm Trying To Cut Down On Using/Buying Paper Towels. Reused An Old Towel And Cut It Up Into 16 Smaller Hand Towels To Be Used For Regular Cleaning Purposes
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
OMG! We all did this! It’s called “making rags” the idea just skipped a generation, I guess…
Wintermute 2 years ago
I think what really skipped was the ownership of a sewing machine. Most towels will fall apart without a hem after they're cut. Sewing is really becoming a lost art.
Load More Replies... Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Used my old cotton nappies / diapers for years after the kids no longer needed them. But I sewed a big black (thread) cross on them so the neighbours knew they were rags on the washing line and not badly washed nappies!
MotherofGuineaPigs 2 years ago
I spent summers with my grandparents in the 70's. I learned a lot of frugal things
Crissy Newbury 2 years ago
I remember doing something similar when I was breastfeeding. I cut up a plastic shopping bag and added it to the square so the outside was wet proof. Saved me £££. On store bought pads.
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
I do the same from fabric scraps for spillings in the kitchen and old towels for cleaning floors, windows dusting.
#80
The Nice Thing About Salvation Army In An Expensive Neighborhood: Huge Monitors And TVs For Under $50
Megan Curl 2 years ago
They also will no longer take TV’s more than five years old, so you know it’s not very old.
#81
Checking Kids XL Clothes From Now On
Kirsten St John Brown 2 years ago (edited)
I do this too! No VAT in the UK like another commenter said, but the main reason why I do it, is because the kids clothes have better designs too! YOU try to find a women's fit Sonic the Hedgehog jumper in Primeark 🤣. It's like all my favourite nerdy stuff only comes in kids or men's sizes!
Purple Sprinkles 2 years ago
I can fit into kids shoes, they usally have the adult styles in smaller sizes for 1/2 the price!
#82
I Got My Four Kids' Christmas Gifts For $5 Each At The Dollar Tree
A dude who likes to drum 2 years ago
Yeesh I know that people should be grateful but Christmas is once a year and I don’t know very many people who would be happy with fake legos y’all can downvote me if you want but I think I have a point here.
#83
I Used Some Scrap Fabric To Sew Some Reusable "Cotton Rounds". It Should Save Me Some Money
#84
Can't Afford To Buy A Bunch Of Produce/Bulk Bags, So I Just Save All My Bread Bags
Roxy222uk 2 years ago
When I was a kid people reused bread bags all the time. It wasn't uncommon for someone's sandwiches on a day out to be wrapped in a bread bag.
cdubaya 2 years ago
my mom (I'm gen X) used to save bread bags for "sock covers" to keep our feet from getting wet during the fall/winter months when our shoes/boots weren't waterproof. We'd put them on over our socks and shove our feet into shoes/boots.
Load More Replies... MotherofGuineaPigs 2 years ago
I have a bag of bread bags inside of plastic shopping bags inside a comforter zipper bag.
grotesqueer 2 years ago
I don't quite understand this one. Why does the flour need to be transferred into a bread bag?
#85
Fabric Samples
#86
Christmas Gift Wrapping Frugal Win
Roxy222uk 2 years ago
They do look lovely, but I don't understand how it is frugal. Textiles cost a **lot** more than wrapping paper.
#87
Don’t Pay For Public Laundry. Look Up "Portable Washer". It Pays For Itself Eventually
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I used one of these to wash my dog's diapers/wraps when he had distemper as a puppy. They're great for small spaces or people who don't have the money for the full-size appliance, but keep in mind that you might need 3-5 wash cycles after the initial wash cycle to get the soap rinsed out, as they don't usually have "rinse cycles".
Kit Black 2 years ago
Use less soap - try cutting the amount in half, most of the recommendations on the soap bottle are much higher than you genuinely need for that size load.
Load More Replies... Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
I have one of these. I love it. It works better than my old full sized washer, but I still have to wash blankets somewhere else. You can actually fit a lot in there.
Himory TheDreamer 2 years ago
How about handwashing? My family's always done that and I was raised being told how to handwash stuff, it isn't that hard.
#88
I Bought This For £1.50 And Reused For 4 Months. Plastic Free
grotesqueer 2 years ago
Why only for 4 months? Glass isn't particularly eco friendly to make. It needs to be used for a long time before it gets ecologically better than plastic.
#89
Double The Cheese For $0.30 Extra
Mimi La Souris 2 years ago
I don’t know if you have that too, but in the stores where I go in France, there is the price per kilo too. very convenient to compare the price of different packaging (and as lauren says, the biggest ones are not always the cheapest :/ )
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
At my Wal-Mart it's $2.22 for an 8oz bag, $3.98 for a 16oz bag, and $3.68 for a 16oz block. Definitely keep an eye on the price per ounce/gram on the shelves, or pull out your phone and do the math yourself. Sometimes Wal-Mart's tags are incorrect.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
*sigh* So many of these call for skills or executive function/energy that I just don't have... depression and ADHD are b*tches.
day light 2 years ago
I get you I get you, I have chronic fatigue and joint problems so there's not a I can do, but picking up the occasional thing has definitely done me well! it's more expensive to knit a sweater, but it's warmer and lasts longer
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Alas, only about 2 of these are new ideas. The rest are basically common sense, and what we all did as kids… 🤦🏽♀️
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
Kids these days! They act like they invented the wheel and all they did was re-discover old ideas. Lol. I'm not prone to violence, but I'm about to smack some of my younger cousins. If I hear them say, "Oh, you must've seen that Tiktok!" one more time, I'm gonna lose it!
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I had to stop - I saved $$$ buying all this plastic cr@p at the dollar store. This junk will end up in a landfill within a week. Stop with the cheap china junk. Give the kids books, art supplies, things that will last longer than a minuet.
Isaac Nemo 2 years ago
The point of the post is to be (financially) frugal, and people are complaining they take time. Yes, that's very frequently the trade off! Saving time is convenient which you pay a premium for. Go complain on a list of time saving tips, then.
Allistrata GG4 2 years ago
Don't forget to check if you have a local tool library where you can check out tools for free rather than buying them.
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
In the southern US we just make friends with a Bubba. They've got ALL the tools, and they'll show you how to use them. Lol.
Load More Replies... Jude Laskowski 2 years ago
Look for sewing machines at estate sales. There's always one there.
Load More Replies... Anon822209 2 years ago
These are great ideas, but a lot of them assume you have the time/space/equipment to do them. Unfortunately, not everyone does.
Evie Mason 2 years ago
I love how the 'Frugal' showcases creative and practical ways to live a fulfilling life without breaking the bank. Repurposing old items like turning an old TV into a cat apartment or converting a baby blanket into a stuffed animal not only saves money but adds sentimental value. Thanks to EMUCoupon, I've found great deals on DIY materials for such projects. Has anyone else tried budget-friendly DIYs inspired by the 'Frugal' subreddit, and what was your favorite money-saving tip?
Jude Laskowski 2 years ago
My coworker used to spend $3 per day for coffee at our cafeteria. I have a jar of instant from the supermarket so I save a lot. I finally got him to buy a jar of coffee and he admitted that he's saved a lot of money. I make it in my 20 year old insulated travel mug.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
*sigh* So many of these call for skills or executive function/energy that I just don't have... depression and ADHD are b*tches.
day light 2 years ago
I get you I get you, I have chronic fatigue and joint problems so there's not a I can do, but picking up the occasional thing has definitely done me well! it's more expensive to knit a sweater, but it's warmer and lasts longer
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Alas, only about 2 of these are new ideas. The rest are basically common sense, and what we all did as kids… 🤦🏽♀️
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
Kids these days! They act like they invented the wheel and all they did was re-discover old ideas. Lol. I'm not prone to violence, but I'm about to smack some of my younger cousins. If I hear them say, "Oh, you must've seen that Tiktok!" one more time, I'm gonna lose it!
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I had to stop - I saved $$$ buying all this plastic cr@p at the dollar store. This junk will end up in a landfill within a week. Stop with the cheap china junk. Give the kids books, art supplies, things that will last longer than a minuet.
Isaac Nemo 2 years ago
The point of the post is to be (financially) frugal, and people are complaining they take time. Yes, that's very frequently the trade off! Saving time is convenient which you pay a premium for. Go complain on a list of time saving tips, then.
Allistrata GG4 2 years ago
Don't forget to check if you have a local tool library where you can check out tools for free rather than buying them.
Frozengeckolover 2 years ago
In the southern US we just make friends with a Bubba. They've got ALL the tools, and they'll show you how to use them. Lol.
Load More Replies... Jude Laskowski 2 years ago
Look for sewing machines at estate sales. There's always one there.
Load More Replies... Anon822209 2 years ago
These are great ideas, but a lot of them assume you have the time/space/equipment to do them. Unfortunately, not everyone does.
Evie Mason 2 years ago
I love how the 'Frugal' showcases creative and practical ways to live a fulfilling life without breaking the bank. Repurposing old items like turning an old TV into a cat apartment or converting a baby blanket into a stuffed animal not only saves money but adds sentimental value. Thanks to EMUCoupon, I've found great deals on DIY materials for such projects. Has anyone else tried budget-friendly DIYs inspired by the 'Frugal' subreddit, and what was your favorite money-saving tip?
Jude Laskowski 2 years ago
My coworker used to spend $3 per day for coffee at our cafeteria. I have a jar of instant from the supermarket so I save a lot. I finally got him to buy a jar of coffee and he admitted that he's saved a lot of money. I make it in my 20 year old insulated travel mug.
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