Tag: Frugal Living Tips

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 use cash when shopping. I take out so much cash and put them in envelopes marked grocery, spending, utilities, and other areas. I buy a gas card for myself and hubby to use each month since we get discounts on gas when using the store gift card. Since I have been using cash to buy the groceries, I have noticed I spend less. I still find that I can overspend even when I use my debit card. If having cash makes you nervous, then get a gift card to use. Once the money in the envelope is gone, then I quit spending for the month. This has been the best method I’ve tried for making myself accountable for my spending.

I have really missed posting these daily tips. Today’s thrifty tip is have a well stocked pantry. This helped me tremendously after Hurricane Gustav barreled through my area. I had close to 10 gallons of drinking water, canned goods, and many other basic staples like flour, sugar, rice, baking supplies, and such. I was able to feed my family well for several days. We did leave after four days since my mom had electricity at her house. Because I was prepared, we didn’t have to panic about how we were going to eat since it took several days for grocery stores to reopen. There will always be a natural disaster anywhere you live from snow, earthquakes, hurricanes, or something else. It is always a good idea to have at least 1-2 week supply of food in your pantry.

Today’s thrifty tip is visit your local library. I live in a pretty small town, but my library can get me most books I want, even if it’s at another branch. I can rent VHS and DVD movies for free. I’m impressed with how many newer titles are available. Over the summer, they had a reading program for the kids. My son won a few prizes, and he met his 25 book reading goal. You can also use the computers and internet as long with your card. Check it out today.