haha. I don't reuse ziploc bags for two of my main Frugality Principles:
#1: NEVER do anything to save money if it compromises health/safety. (You should not reuse freezer bags that had raw meat -- they are not designed for this, even if you do wash them out.)
#2: Time = money. Don't spend a lot of time to save a few pennies (i.e. four hours to make your own marshmallows when you can buy a bag for $.79). Alternately, don't spend a lot of money to save a few minutes (i.e. all those expensive Swiffer products -- like honestly how much longer does it take you to run hot water and a splash of Pine-Sol into a bucket??). To me, my time is very important and it isn't worth the effort to wash out baggies since I can get a box of them for $1.50.
#3: Money = money. Don't think "I may as well buy the brand name since it's only thirty cents more" -- think "I'll save thirty cents by buying the generic". The old cliche is true, it DOES add up.
So here are things I do to save money:
- buy generic/off-brands when at all possible with household, beauty, and food products. The most expensive makeup item I buy is my face powder, which costs $2.50.
- I don't run the air conditioner in my car or house. (but DH often puts his foot down and turns the AC on in the house)
- If I buy something and don't like it, I use it anyway.
- All of my clothes are purchased off clearance racks and from thrift stores/consignment shops. General rule of thumb is that I won't pay more than $3 for a shirt, $2 for a skirt, $10 for pants.
- I cut my own hair.
- Most of my laundry is hung up to dry instead of thrown in the dryer. (I do this inside, not outside, so can do it year-round.) I do not buy clothes that have to be dry-cleaned.
- I have a very strong sense of "want" vs "need". I will use an item until it is no longer of any use, not just until it starts getting shabby and/or until I'm sick of it.
- I make sure to treat myself, but since I don't make a habit of spending money unnecessarily, my treats are small -- a pint of soy ice cream, some IBS-safe candy, a handful of books from Goodwill's, renting a DVD. (One of these, not all!)
- My thermostat is set at 66 in the winter.
- I buy some clothing from the boys' and girls' section (bigger kids, like sizes 6-16) since they are so much cheaper.
That's all I can think of right now. My main philosophy is not to spend any money I don't have to!
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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