Tag: Frugal Living Tips

Today’s thrifty living tip is extend the life of your clothes with simple alterations. What I mean is cut long sleeve shirts into short sleeve or jeans and pants into shorts. Of course you would either need some basic sewing knowledge or know someone that could do this for you. My mom is an excellent seamstress and does sewing jobs for me. I do know how to sew but I don’t have a machine, and I don’t really enjoy sewing like she does.

I mainly do this for my son’s clothes. This is really great for uniform pants so I don’t have to buy shorts since the pants are usually too short for the next winter. They will still fit nicely in the waist so this is ideal. I know I save at least $20-30 by doing this plus I donate them so less in the landfills. My mom does an excellent job hemming and you can’t tell they weren’t bought this way. I also have done this with his winter pajamas and jeans. I have bought a couple of knit shirts that were on a great sale, but I really wanted short sleeve. I paid $3 each and I wear short sleeve more since weather is warmer more during the year. Wear your favorite item longer with a simple alteration.

I hit a milestone today readers. This is my 50th TMR tip of the day. I really enjoy writing these, and I do apologize for not actually posting one each day. I’m trying really hard not to repeat any of these. Now, without further commentary, on to the actual tip.

Today’s TMR thrifty living tip is bring your own containers when you go out to eat for leftovers. My friend and I were discussing this the other day. She has a favorite Chinese restaurant, but they put her leftovers in a styrofoam container. We know this isn’t good for the environment. So she now brings in a small food container, which can be anything, that she has in her purse. They could care less, and it’s another small way to help with trash reduction in our landfills.

Today’s thrifty tip is keep your thermostat lower to conserve heat. For each degree lower it will save you 2% on your heating bill according to most institutes. I don’t run my heater as much during the winter since I live in sub-tropical weather. When I do have to run it, then I keep it set at 65 degrees during the day. It does get chilly in the house so I just wear warm clothing. At night I still keep it around 65 degrees. Many experts say you should turn the heat down to 55-60 degrees at night. My husband would never go for this. I am on natural gas so my bills aren’t extremely high. There are many days we don’t even turn on the heat like yesterday and today. My monthly average over the course of a year is right under $50/month. I pay $25 during the summer months for my gas water heater, dryer, and stove. I don’t use the dryer that much either except during winter.

Investing in a programmable thermostat is another great way to keep your house energy efficient. If no one is in the house during the day, then you program it to keep the house cooler during the winter and warmer in summer. You can also program it to have it start warming the house up right before you wake up in the mornings. Have it get colder when it’s time for bed. I need to invest in one for myself.

Today’s thrifty tip is use plain water instead of windshield wiper fluid. I use plain water and haven’t noticed any difference. I have seen many recipes where you can make your own using either vinegar, dish liquid soap, or rubbing alcohol. The problem with using any of those ingredients is it could harm your hoses and/or seals over time. I do buy windshield wiper fluid, but if I run out or can’t find a good sale, then I do use just water. I also don’t live in a climate where I experience freezing weather. I don’t have to worry about fluid or water freezing in my reservoir. I find the water gets the grime off.

Today’s thrifty tip is to invest in an extra freezer. My freezer on top of the refrigerator is pretty small so I can’t really put much in it. I love to buy in bulk when I see a great sale on meats, frozen veggies, butter, cheese, and such. I also like to cook in double and triple batches to freeze the extras in smaller containers. I know some people are worried about the costs of running an extra freezer. The one I own only runs me an extra $5/mo in electricity. The savings in stocking up on great sales and not eating out will pay for itself easily in the course of a year. I got mine on a great clearance sale (less than $300) six years ago. It still runs perfectly. We are a small family of three, but I still like to have meals ready to go on those nights we don’t feel like cooking or don’t have time to cook. I also freeze some of the excess of my garden or if I receive fresh vegetables from a relative or friend.

If you still think it’s too expensive to own one, then ask yourself these questions.

How much could I save in a week if I had a nice frozen meal to cook instead of eating out?

How much savings did I lose because I couldn’t take full advantage of a great sale?

How much could I save on fresh fruits and vegetables I could grow myself to freeze?

How can you not afford an extra freezer?