Comments on: What Do You Do?

By: rosie_kate

rosie_kate — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:01:02 +0000

I have numerous frugality tricks, since we live on a very tight budget. I produce as much of my own food as I can and make things myself whenever possible. But as far as shopping, a friend of mine shared her trick of only getting groceries once a month. I was skeptical, but when I tried it, I found it works great. I buy things in bulk anyway, so this just adds another dimension to that. I order from two co-ops, and shop at a grocery store. I spend the same amount in each place each month. Then I have a certain amount that I spend on some things that I buy in my neighborhood, like milk and eggs. And just like that, I’m staying in my budget. In the last week before grocery day, I have to be more creative to use things I have on hand. As far as veggies, we eat very seasonally depending on what’s in the garden or cold storage (or freezer) at the time.

By: billeater

billeater — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 05:20:42 +0000

I suppose this one is well known, but the simplicity of it surprised when I first heard it.

Go grocery shopping right after eating. Since you are full, the likelihood of “impulse” buys goes way down. You aren’t hungry or craving anything, so you think about what’s not in the pantry, versus what’s not in your belly.

billeater’s last blog post..reduce your cell phone bill minutes by using uma wifi calling

By: Leah

Leah — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:34:42 +0000

Right On! Limiting oneself lends to a creative menu. I think as the primary “cookers” of the family we tend to be more critical of “weird” dinner combinations…kids and husbands will eat what’s served, and usually not complain. I’ve been on a black bean kick and lately thought of trying an “eat like the world eats” day where we consume the staple of most of the people that we, the more economicaly fortunate, share our small planet with. I was thinking beans+rice for 2 or three meals that day. It is a conciousness raising tool as well as a budgeting technique. Maybe I’ll give that a try this coming week.

By: Angela V-C

Angela V-C — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:30:56 +0000

My "aha" is simply not going to stores to shop — if you aren't there you can't buy anything! Of course, one has to go to the grocery store and occasionally to other stores as well, but I try really hard not to go into stores unless I really need something…

Angela V-C's last blog post..Last Year's Carfree Camping Trip

By: Maria

Maria — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:22:01 +0000

I wish I could plan meals for two weeks. For some reason I can’t think past one – just what I’ve always done.

Do they have consignment shops where you are at? That is mostly how we shop. Love taking in any old clothes that are still in decent condition and getting credit to purchase new (consigned) ones.

By: Zhu

Zhu — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:45:00 +0000

I can’t just wait two weeks between shopping trips but I do try to plan meals ahead in order to 1) eat out less 2) pack lunch everyday but Friday 3) set a food budget.

Frequent grocery trips are bound to make us spend more… for sure.

Zhu’s last blog post..Old Beijing (???)

By: JoMama

JoMama — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:40:15 +0000

Milk: when I used to buy fresh milk, I would buy it as inexpensively as I could and freeze it in quantities. I am now back to buying powdered milk for us as the youngest in the family is old enough to drink fat free. And if you mix two containers of milk–one for now, and one for when it runs out, then it's always COLD, which tastes best!

The Tightwad Gazette is such a phenomenal book for expanding your concept of frugality. I love it, and refer to it often for some of the "recipe" guides.

Little Boy Pants–I kept my older son's clothes labeled by size in copy paper boxes just in case I needed them (I did 8 years later!) I also share in hand-me-down, and I always shop at kids consignment shops before I buy new…and try to get them on sale when I can!

I love your blog, and hope to get back for a visit to France one day. My first trip was as a chaperone for a youth trip. For now, our frugal family is making memories here in Alaska.

By: Alison @ This Wasn't In The Plan

Alison @ This Wasn't In The Plan — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:31:52 +0000

My most recent A-ha moment came when I was running short on dryer sheets. I knew I wouldn't make it to the store in the next few days to get more, so I ripped the few I had left in half so I could last until my next trip to the store. And now I always rip them in half, and ultimately I'm saving quite a bit of money. Why did I not think of this sooner? Alison @ This Wasn't In The Plan's last blog post..Meal Planning by the Month

By: Uncommonadvice

Uncommonadvice — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:51:35 +0000

After reading "Your Money or Your Life", I began to question every single purchase and decide whether it added any value to my life or not. Since then I've drastically reduced my personal spending.

Uncommonadvice's last blog post..The Middle Class are Being Squeezed Out of Their New Cars

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:35:19 +0000

Everyone has good suggestions! Kelly, I definitely like the idea of setting a routine and sticking to it. In fact, that's what I'm doing for groceries now. I just did my first bulk-shopping trip! Amy's last blog post..My Big Bulk-Shopping Trip