Tightwads...Have any "How to save money and live on less money" ideas?

Question

I am now making close to poverty wages...maybe $12,000 or so?

I did see that Tightwad Gazette book on ebay...sounds good..

Answer 1

Make casseroles with cheaper cuts of meat. Casseroles stretch a buck, instead of say 4 pieces of meat for 4 people, you can get away with using 2.

Water down your shampoo. Take an empty bottle and fill it half way with shampoo from the new bottle. Fill both with warm water and shake gently.

Bake your bread. There's a great recipe that I've been using for 6 years at www.allrecipes.com called "Amish White Bread". It has no milk in it, use only half the sugar it calls for, it's very sweet if you don't. Instead of buying cereal for breakfast, make raisin bread using that recipe. Just roll out the bread, sprinkle cinnamon and raisins, roll it up and place in your pan to rise, then bake.

Use less laundry soap and hang your clothes to dry whenever possible. I hang mine right in my living room because I can't outside (apartment). I paid $14 for the rack and it more than pays for itself every year.

Buy fruit when it's on sale and freeze the things that can be frozen. Grapes are good frozen. Bananas, peaches, pears, pineapple and berries are great for smoothies or baked goods.

Shop at thrift stores. You'll be surprised at what you can find. If your toaster dies on you, check there first. Always check there first.

Cheese can be bought in bulk, then grated and frozen on cookie sheets. When it's firm, you transfer it to bags and use as needed for casseroles, homemade pizza...anything that will be cooked.

Figure out which store brands are just as good the real deal. My kids actually prefer store brand mac and cheese over Kraft.

If you know anyone with a Costco membership, go with them and buy stuff like toilet paper (stuff you know you'll need) with their card. Don't spend the $$ on the membership yourself. Make sure the toothpaste tube is really empty before you chuck it. Roll that sucker up, cut it open. Get everything out of there. Every little bit helps.

Clip coupons but only for things and brands you would normally buy. It's no good to save $1 on a $5 pack of tuna if it's just gonna sit there, or if another brand works out to be cheaper.

For Christmas, instead of buying a gift for everyone, ask your family to draw names among adults instead ($50 limit) and then just buy for children ($10-20 limit).

If you drink bottled water, stop. It's a waste of money. Reuse your bottles to fill with tap water, buy a Brita water filter for your tap if you must. We just got rid of our water cooler and it will mean a savings of $90 every 4 months.

Adding: check your phone bill and make sure you're only subscribed to the feature's you use. I got rid of their answering service and bought an answering machine for $15 and it saves me $11/month. Check your long distance plan. Everything, even if you only save $5/month, that $5 is better in your pocket than theirs.

Answer 2

Look for a book called "The Tightwad Gazette" by Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced "decision") I think there are several volumes but there is one book where they have combined all the volumes. TONS of tips to spend less. Like making your own cleaning products, how to shop smart, how to use what you have on hand, etc. I find something new to do every time I look at that book!

Answer 3

Always listen to and obey The Mistress and her answer below.

Answer 4

find another job?? ; ;education?? ; volunteer if possible for experience to add to your resume