BellaOnline Forums Money Frugal Living Reducing Expenses

Hmmm. Too true, Lisa on the tomatoes.

Okay, herbs. Great idea!!! Maybe rosemary, thyme and basil. Although i never have luck with basil. But those three are herbs I use and they would scent the RV nicely. maybe lemon thyme.

This is a great topic! Good ideas all around! For my own part, I have to cut expenses everywhere. Sometimes it really bums me out because I can't buy the things I want to, but every little penny helps! In the interest of full disclosure, I am living paycheck to paycheck, so I've turned scrimping into a science. Here are a few things I do (also eco-friendly): *Air dry laundry. I have quarter wash machines in my apartment, so not only am I saving money, but the electricity isn't being used to run the dryer. The two racks I bought have long since paid for themselves and I'm going to ask my neighbor if I can use her clothesline. *Take advantage of thrift shops 90% of my clothes come from thrift shops because I just can't afford to buy new anything unless it's on clearance. Many shops are non-profit, so you know the money is going to something positive, another good thing. It is amazing what you can find! *Unplug! Someone already mentioned it, but I keep hearing, too, about how much energy is getting sucked from appliances that stay plugged in. I've heard that power strips do a great job, too, so I've gotten into the habit of turning that off when I'm not using whatever is connected to it and keeping things unplugged that I don't use with frequency. *For me, I have to buy groceries that are on sale or off brand. You can look for manager's specials, too. It's not my favorite option, because I would rather dreamily gaze over the organic selection, but I can't even afford to step into Trader Joe's anymore, so I just don't go. I hate not being able to eat the wholesome foods I know are better for me but cruise your store ads and you can still find good deals on the basics like bread, milk, and eggs. My mom plants a big garden every summer, though, so I take full advantage of that. I don't have anywhere to grow food, but I can buy some small herbs and grow those. My basil was out of control last year! *I don't make any unneccessary trips. Gas is going up, up, up, so I save all of my driving errands for when I'm already out or do it coming home from work. On my days off, my car stays put and I ride my bike into town if I need something. *Libraries! I re-discovered the library concept a few years ago! You can check out a book and not have to worry about having spent your money on it if you didn't like it. You can check out movies or CDs or books on tape/CD (great for driving long distances)and as long as you get everything turned in on time, it doesn't cost a dime! Also, I can't afford regular internet service, and libraries are a great computer resource, too. Last, but not least, (and this will not work for everyone) I don't even own a TV. I knew I couldn't afford any sort of cable, so the last time I moved, I left my TV behind. If my internet works, I can watch a lot online. Occasionally, I'll buy a season of something on DVD and that will get me through my cravings (I watch on my laptop), but I've found I just don't need it. *Household cleaners I don't have a whole cupboard full of cleaners. I try to keep it simple and as soon as I use up what I have, I'm going to try and go simpler. I've always used bleach for a lot of things (toilets, sinks, showers - a little bit with water in a spray bottle goes a long way). You can use vinegar and lemon juice for a lot of cleaning, too. Granted, I'm single and childless, so these things are probably easier for me to pull off. But it's a lot of little things that help. It just try to keep things simple. I'm grateful to my landlords who have let me split my rent this month (I've been staying ahead), so every pay period is an exercise in planning. I hope I can get out of it someday. I'm going to need an oil change soon and my tires are going to be three years old, so I know that's not far off, either. I have no idea where the money will come from for stuff like that, but all I can do is keep working!

Learn how to do basic maintenance on your car. I bought the plugs and wires at an auto supply and did it myself. Saved myself $200. But you need the right tool to get the plugs out. It's not that difficult. You can replace your air filter in about a minute. Mechanics really take advantage of a woman alone.

We're growing basil right now and they're growing very well - so give it another try! They seem to just need sunlight and not much else that's special.

Navigaar is right on target with learning to take care of your car! It's fairly easy to learn the basics, and can save you a TON of money. Plus it's very rewarding to think you can handle emergencies if you have to!

I've been really glad to see that one result of the current economic downturn is the increase in people buying at places like Goodwill or generally trying to live a more frugal lifestyle. I read that Goodwill is one business that is expanding in these hard times.

Maybe people will discover the joys of cooking at home, clipping coupons and reusing and recycling things! I think it's great.

IF you can afford it (wish I could), consider buying a few cases of MREs- They're great for emergencies, if the power goes out- you've got a meal all ready to eat!

Costco has cases of freeze dried meals too which would be great for emergencies.

Great ideas in the thread for saving money.

I read that with so many people learning to live on less, many are seeking more fulfilling and satisfying jobs too. They've learned they don't need to make the big bucks and they can be happier in the process.

Yeah, i am giving serious consideration to making a plan b for money. I think I need to figure out exactly what I need to live on, then decide the easiest way to make that amount each month.

Green goodness Stew: In crockpot- 1 pkg split peas,1 cup water or homemade broth, 1 pkg. frozen frenchcut greenbeans, 2 cans lima beans, pureed: cook on high 3 hours, add 1 finely diced onion, cook 1 hour more, add 1/2 tsp. smoke flavoring a pinch or two of cumin. Serve with a spoonful of fatfree plain yogurt. If you like the stew thicker, a handful of rolled oats can be added last hour of cooking.

Hi Jilly,

A remember when I was an engineer (which was unfulfilling for me) and I made lots of money every month. I was living on the mode where you have to make more money to do what you want in life. I have no idea where all that money went! Now I live on much less and still enjoy a similar quality of life. I'm much more careful and creative but it's kinda fun. Now I save money by being aware of it instead of making more. Funny how when you are watching, budgeting, and saving (or paying off debt) with discipline, you really don't need that much. I think the first step is to be aware of your relationship to money!