Category: Frugal Living Tips

Today’s thrifty tip is have a date night with your spouse or significant other. All couples should make this a priority, and especially if you have children. I know it’s harder to get out when the kids are younger so just have a date at home. Put your kids to bed early, and just snuggle on the couch watching a movie. There are lots of quality ways to spend time together as a couple. You might not want to do some of these on a date, but it’s just an idea of how you can spend more time together connecting as a couple. I think one problem is that many couples don’t make enough time to be together as a couple.

1. Play board games
2. Watching a movie
3. Cooking a nice dinner
4. Listening to music in front a fire
5. Talking to each other (remember how you met)
6. Folding laundry together
7. Snuggling and kissing on the couch (like teenagers)
8. Laying under the stars on a blanket in your backyard

There are so many great ways to spend time with each other. I hope some of these ideas have helped. My husband is off all next week on vacation, and we already planned a lunch date. We will also paint the kitchen so we will get lots of quality time together. Though remodeling can be a tad stressful so it won’t be all roses.

Today’s thrifty tip is to use fruits or items from outside to decorate your house. Colorful apples or oranges look great displayed in a bowl. You can eat them or cook with them before they start spoiling. You could make a very colorful wreath using leaves, pine cones, or other items. Display pine cones in a bowl for a more earthy look. There are lots of ways to decorate for fall without breaking your budget.

Today’s thrifty tip is invest in a battery recharger. The cost upfront does seem a little pricey, but I still use mine on a weekly basis 7 years later. I have the AA recharger and 8 batteries. I use 2 AA batteries for my digital camera. I used to sell on ebay so I was definitely using a lot of batteries each week. Now I don’t use them as often, but they paid for themselves in the first few months of purchase. I know many people can get batteries for free or almost free at CVS and Walgreens, but I still save more money with my rechargeable batteries. It’s also convenient to just recharge than to run to the store to buy more batteries. That will save money in gas not wasted. I usually keep several charged so I just pop them in when needed. It’s also good for the environment with less trash in the landfills. You can call it “green” if you want, but it’s just smart if you ask me.

Today’s thrifty tip is make a grocery list before you go to the store. I know that sounds like common sense, but many people think I only need 1 or 2 items and I won’t forget. Then you end up buying something you don’t need and not the actual item you really did. I’ve done it and more than once. I also like to look at the sales papers to decide if I could use extra of an item that is marked cheaply. If I have coupons, then I can usually get the item almost free or free. Don’t overlook the drug stores like Walgreens and CVS. Sometimes they have a better sale on groceries than the regular stores. Make a list and don’t forget to take it with you. Yes, I have also done that more than once.

Today’s thrifty living tip is extend the life of your shower curtains. I wash mine in the washing machine on a short cycle with vinegar and hot water. I also throw in a towel to help weight it down. The curtain comes out clean and it’s easier than scrubbing it by hand. I have been able to keep a curtain for at least 2-3 years. These are the cheap vinyl ones. I do eventually throw them away once they start ripping or starts looking like swiss cheese.