Just Passing By

Gas prices are going down, sure, but with these uncertain times, one can’t really go splurging, yet.  I don’t know about you but I find that I still have to be frugal and save wherever and whenever I can. Here are some frugal tips that I personally stick to and maybe you can adapt too. I call them my own tipid-isms.

1. Hang clothes to dry when weather permits. On the weekends when I do my laundry, I hang everything outside and when the clothes are just a bit damp, I throw them in the dryer, and let them hang there for not more than 10 minutes just to get them soft and fluffy and to remove lint.
2. Throw laundry balls in the dryer too to untangle and keep the hot air circulating efficiently in between  clothes.
3. Stay away from Starbucks. And don’t buy soda from vending machines. Brew your own coffee and put in a thermos. Buy soda in bulk. Check for supermarkets having sales.
4. Buy groceries in discount stores. They may not be in keeping with my “fabulosity” image but heck, I’ll do anyting to save some bucks. Grocery Outlet carries most of the items we need. Just make sure you check for expiration dates.
5. Cook your own meals. TV dinners and fastfood takeouts are convenient, but pricey.
6. Bring lunch from home and store in Glad containers whenever you can. You only use sandwich bags for a few hours. They stay in the landfill for centuries.
7. Filter your own water. Brita pitchers with replaceable filters are amazing. They really do the job! We even bring our own pitcher when on vacation. Just fill the pitcher with regular tap water in your hotel room and voila! You have fresh filtered water for free!
8. Get everyone in your family a cellphone and share the cheapest family plan. Cancel your landline service. You can still reach everybody that way and you don’t have to deal with pesky telemarketers.
9. Don’t leave the water running when brushing your teeth.
10. Do your own manicures, unless you’re in the Philippines and you can get a home service mani-pedi for cheap.