Frugal, or not frugal? Have you quit buying certain things?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37474)
November 12, 2023 7:04pm CST
We talk a lot about prices of everyday items on this site. The price of gas, food, utilities, housing, even clothing and shoes and such. Prices are not just higher here in the US, but all over the world, so of course we are all concerned. As one member (sorry, can't recall which one!) said the other day, everything goes up except paychecks.
With the rising costs of utilities, I think we all watch our thermostats and turn off lights, etc. when we leave a room. Most of us try to conserve water by not letting faucets drip or run continuously. Many of us consolidate our car trips by organizing our errands accordingly.
I try very hard not to waste resources or money foolishly. I've always cooked from scratch, so that's not an issue. Not to brag in any way, but I am a decently good cook, and my kids say mom can make a good meal out of practically anything, so I do have that in my favor. I don't do aimless shopping and buying of things I don't need, I know how to sew and mend clothing. When I do have to replace a necessary item, I often can find one barely used for an excellent price. If not, I buy the best I can afford. I find often really cheaply made items are just that--made to last a very short time. I have some items that belonged to my grandmothers and my aunt that are old but look great and are very serviceable--a few pieces of cast iron cookware, some incredibly durable kitchen utensils, an entire set plus some of old Fiesta Ware that has lasted for years and years and still looks great.
Do you have tips to save money that you tell people about?
Do you use up leftovers and actually cook, or do you just heat things up that you buy all ready to eat?
Do you eat out all the time, or do you consider the cost of that and cook instead? Is eating out a treat for you, or just something you do every day??
I raised a big family plus a few extras. Being frugal at that time allowed me to save, to take the kids on memorable vacations, and to buy a few things we wouldn't have been able to buy. I constantly look for new frugal ideas, and new recipes (yes, I know we don't do recipes here) to step things up. I bake my own bread. I grow some garden foods in a small garden and freeze or can the extras. I always keep basic staples in my pantry and freezer, this allows me to search for items I use on sale and have ample time to do that.
My main question is, do you have any good, everyday type of frugal tips to share with everyone here? Maybe if we shared them, we could help each other save a bit!
19 people like this
15 responses
@JudyEv (339953)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Nov 23
I consider myself frugal but I don't know that I have any special tips to share. I check unit prices rather than always buying the bigger sizes. Sometimes the unit price is higher for larger sizes. If you're not too fussy about brands, there can be huge differences in unit prices of things like toothpaste and soap.
7 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I always check unit prices, too. Like you said, there are times the bigger size is not cheaper. I have done a lot of personal brand testing. Some things are better than others, of course.
3 people like this
@marguicha (223010)
• Chile
13 Nov 23
I never eat out except when I´m invited and they pay. But I can invite my friends to a home cooked meal as good as one from a good restaurant. I even changed the appetizers I offered them after I became a widow. My husband was the main provider and I wanted to live as well as we lived when he was alive. I never even go out for a cup of coffee. And I go to a beauty shop around once a year or less. I don´t often just heat leftovers but turn them into new dishes.
4 people like this
@marguicha (223010)
• Chile
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle I often dye my hair at home. But the last time (about 6 months ago) I wanted to have a treat and went to the beautician for a professional hhaircut and dye. It will have to last a lot 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
Going out is just so pricey, I know. The kids take me sometimes. Once in a while, a gentleman friend does. But I do not miss eating out very much. We never hardly did, anyway--just preferred to eat at home. My hair is long, my friend who is a retired beautician trims it for me when needed. I don't color my hair, so that's not an expense.
I know you are frugal with food. You are a good cook.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@marguicha
I understand. The salon prices appear to have risen a ton!
2 people like this
@Shavkat (139933)
• Philippines
13 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle I was looking for the containers to mold the jellies.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I'm sorry to ask--but are jelly molders, jars of jelly, or containers to put jelly in, or? Just curious, please forgive my asking.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@Shavkat
I thought that might be the case. Just wasn't sure and of course I am curious, so I asked. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106271)
• Marion, Ohio
13 Nov 23
No special tips I can think of. I do many of the things you mentioned.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I am sure you are frugal, I know how you plan your auction purchases and sell things to cover the expense. Smart lady!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@wolfgirl569
I know you do, and you are fortunate it's close enough to go to it so often. I love auctions.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
13 Nov 23
One important way we save money is that Dale is a hunter and we put ground venison in the freezer. Of course, I know that's not an option for everyone.
I hated wasting so many paper towels, so I cut up some old soft undershirts and use them for cleaning several things, then wash and reuse them.
If you have room, stocking up on canned foods on sale saves money.
When I buy meat that is less expensive in a bigger package, I separate it into portions to freeze.
Like you, we conserve trips to town when possible.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I had a good friend who used to keep us supplied with venison. But I moved away, it's not very convenient anymore, and he doesn't hunt as much as he used to. It was so nice to have.
I got all new washcloths, so I demoted my old ones to rags for cleaning and kitchen. It has saved me a ton of paper towels, I always have enough absorbent cloths now.
Yes, I take full advantage of canned goods on sale. Extras never hurt anyone, and are so nice to have on hand.
I make some burgers and freeze them on a cookie sheet, then I chuck them in a freezer bag. So, we can take out the required amount and the individual burgers take almost no time to unthaw. Last month, I found a great buy on pork loin. They were just huge,, I ended up buying two of them. I brought them home and cut each one into thirds and froze them. If I need more than a third, I will just cook two chunks. Otherwise, a third is plenty for a meal plus another meal.
I love suggestions on how to save. The more we share, the more we know! Thanks, Vicki.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
13 Nov 23
I have a money saving tips series ready to post...I just haven't done it yet. Hubby and I find that we are spending more on frozen dinners, etc. because neither one of us can walk or stand much anymore. I can't cook at all; and hubs rarely cooks. We get Meals on Wheels for 5 lunches a week; but they aren't too expensive. I use my survey and focus group income to go out to eat; so that doesn't cost us anything. Have a good week.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
Linda, I think saving money on what we can manage is on a lot of people's minds now more than ever. I'm sorry you can't cook now, I'm sure you miss homemade meals.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle Yes we sure do. Hubs recently made a pork roast and sauerkraut. It was sooo good after not having a home cooked meal in so long!!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@LindaOHio
Do you have a Crock-Pot? It is just so easy to throw in a pot roast or a chicken or whatever. Bake a potato in the microwave or toss some of those tiny potatoes in with the roast, maybe some little carrots. Throw in your seasonings and slap on the lid, so easy and so good. Just an idea since you miss homemade meals.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I think we are sisters in frugality. I do the same. It's just habit.
My main cheat thing is that although I have tried, I cannot sleep without the TV on. I've tried and tried. I know I shouldn't, but I can't manage it.
2 people like this
@Fleura (30392)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle Is that for the light, or the sound?
2 people like this
@Fleura (30392)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle Can you just use a radio instead? A simple radio uses less power as you don't need the screen to be active, obviously.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
13 Nov 23
Same as Judy, I consider myself frugal, but I do not have special tips to share.
I cook everything from scratch. I buy the ingredients I know that I use when I see there is an interesting sale.
I do not use two tablespoon of oil, when I know that a small one is more than enough.
I turn off the tap while I soap the dishes and I turn off the tap while I brush my teeth.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle - When our dishwasher broke, I decided not to replace it. I prefer to wash manually our dishes and pans.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
I do those things as well, with the exception of the dishes--everything but the pans go in the dishwasher.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@LadyDuck
Some people do prefer to wash their dishes that way. Maybe it comes from always having to feed so many every day, but I do like my dishwasher.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79858)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Nov 23
I love from SS to SS and have a strict budget, By doing surveys I get a nice little passive e income and then can get some extras for me and food for my cats, I just cashed in $15 gift card on Amazon and got a electric water kettle I needed, some instant soup, and cat food, These kinds of thing stretches my budget and other survey sites I get to cash out on and add to my account so then I manage just well,
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
That's good, you put your survey income in to things you need for you and your kitty. I'm glad you can do that, I'm sure it does help.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79858)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle oh yes, it works out great since I get the cats a 16 lb bag of dry food that last a long time and being able to get things also for myself is the cherry on the cake. That is why I tolerate taking all the surveys because I do not qualify for all of them but in the end it all works out just fine,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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17 Nov 23
I don't, either.
''Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without''~~I will purchase if there is a need for an item, but right now even that isn't always possible to either find the item, or when you do find it, it's twice as much as it was a year ago, so there's that!
@just4him (317041)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
13 Nov 23
I cook from scratch. I eat leftovers. Nothing goes to waste.
My bread making now is for special occasions.
I never had a garden. My thumb is black. I tried but nothing grew, so I gave up. Food is expensive. I'm thankful for the insurance OTC card that helps with groceries. Due to my healthy eating needs, food is a little more than the average processed food that doesn't cost much.
I live in a senior community. Every so often in the community room there are things on the free to take table. I've found some really nice things there.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317041)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle It sounds like a wonderful community.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@just4him
This is a ''bedroom'' community to a bigger city not far away. It used to be home to a huge Air Force base for years, the Air Force shut it down in the 90's. There are a lot of retired military here, and people raised in the military as well. Most are very friendly.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
I have had huge gardens, tiny gardens, grew vegetables in pots. Then I moved here, and the yard is really tiny. But I still grow some things to enjoy, I just love fresh vegetables. I know some people struggle with gardening.
I have healthy eating needs as well, and I stay away from processed foods. We have a big community center building not far from me--it's for anyone and everyone, they help people find needed resources, etc. Anyone can get bread once a week if they want to. When people have extra garden produce, they bring it in to share and anyone can help themselves. I've gone there for vegetables when they post things like ''we have a lot fresh corn, everyone please come and get some'' which is so nice. I've shared extras there, too. Kind of a give and take thing.
1 person likes this
@porwest (90876)
• United States
14 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle SOME do. And there are some that listen to me as well. But mostly it falls on deaf ears. It is what it is.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
@porwest
You never really know, I am sure some people read the tips and never say a word. Many people I know never discuss money or investments, etc. They just want to keep it to themselves, I think.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
I think there are people who like to hear about the everyday tips we all can share, that can apply to anyone. I have learned a lot over the years by observing and by reading of money saving tips. People do listen.
1 person likes this
@KarenAnne (257)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 23
I nearly always scratch cook. I have food intolerances which means I have to avoid some common ingredients and pre-made is often out of the question. Also, I've been learning about Ultra Processed Foods so scratch cooking is the way to go! It's not necessarily the cheapest but I think it is always best value for money.
For similar reasons we don't eat out very often, as having to carefully pick through a menu isn't much fun if you end up with something you could cook better yourself because it's the only "safe" option.
I do look out for bargains at the supermarket and things that have been reduced. Again I have to stick to basic ingredients but sometimes the reductions are really good.
I grow some foods in the garden and even go foraging on occasion.
I think meal planning as best you can is also good. If I buy a chicken (whole) there's usually a plan for several meals and I'll use the carcass for stock to make soup.
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
I used to forage quite a bit until I moved to where I am now. Blackberries, all types of nuts, mushrooms in season. My kids did that with me growing up.
A whole chicken is usually a good buy, as you say we can get several meals out of it plus the broth from t he carcass. I occasionally do a turkey that way as well--then I just freeze the turkey all cooked and diced up for casseroles, soups, noodles, whatever. Cooked chicken and/or turkey is a big time saver for me.
1 person likes this
@Noland (70)
• Indonesia
13 Nov 23
I also consider frugal to my self too, but I don't know it including success or not. Here some tips from me,
I love scrolling goods in a marketplace, and the when I found a one interest on me, then i check a label price, sometime I make a question back to my self, is this goods really really I want or I need? Yeah and try leaved them in several days or months maybe. If after all I still remember and focused to the goods, then I will check out.
Second, if you like to shop in marketplace, just uninstall the marketplace, ignore the discounts.
Third, I always set in my mind that, the discount only a lie. Kwkwkwk. Because that some offering trick for customers to buy goods more n more, so if you want to frugal more nego it, or go to traditional market, well you have negotiation skill in this area thus you will pay cheaper.
Fourth, comparing. Comparing the label from a seller to another sellers, that why sometime we have to spend time in a market because we comparing the price actually hehehe and choose the one which suit us.
I will back again later, something wait for me now
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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14 Nov 23
Every once in a while, I will see something I want to buy that I am certain I could live without. It might be at a store, it might be a household item or clothing or something for myself. But it isn't a necessity. Just because I want it doesn't mean I need it. I figure if I want it or need it badly enough, I will wake up the next morning and think about it. Funny how that works. Nine times out of ten, I never think of the item the next day!
@MarieCoyle (37474)
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13 Nov 23
With the prices the way they are, I know a lot of people no longer eat out.
