1. This week I turned down the heat on our hot water tank by one notch. He has taken a couple of baths plus a shower in the last three days and didn't even notice.
2. Go around the house unplugging things on a regular basis. When you leave items plugged in that are not used very often they still consume some electricity. This is a very painless way of saving money on your utility bills.
3. Buy items close to expiration date-on purpose-at a discount. Yesterday it was hot dog buns to go with our easy Friday night supper. We will use the remainder of the buns tonight as garlic toast to go with a hamburger casserole that I am making tonight. Two months ago I found a whole bunch of cheese that was right at expiration for half price. People pay extra for aged cheeses. I cut it into chunks and froze the whole lot. We are just using using up the last bit now and I just noticed a cheese sale that fits into our budget so will stock up as I will not pay more than $1 per 100 grams of cheese. A few weeks ago I bought yogurt with two days to expiration that was marked half price. I will go a few days beyond expiration with yogurt and it tasted fine.
None of these things have hurt our standard of living in any way yet each of them added up helps us stay on budget. We are now living on 1/4 of the amount of money that we were two years ago - by choice. We are self employed, have time to do the things in life that we want to - and no, we are not retired. We figured out what kind of lifestyle we wanted to have and live within our means to accomplish that.
Do you frugal on the sly? Am I the only one?
I swear all husbands leave things plugged in and turned out for no reason. My pet peeve is if he's upstairs on the computer and the TV is still on downstairs. They just don't get it. I just turned around and noticed his Nook charger is still plugged into the wall....
ReplyDeleteThe lights! I'm constantly shutting off lights. It's practically a full time job.
DeleteBTW, I love the photo of the mossy tree. It looks like something from a fairy tale.
Alex M: Hubby is pretty good but leaves the tv and gas fireplace on sometimes when he gets sidetracked to his office. Chargers are big drains on power.
DeleteClamco: That photo was taken on a walk a few weeks ago, the most was growing very weirdly in rings. Maybe Alice in Wonderland?
I admit to being the one who WASTES while HE constantly unplugs and turns off things. I could do so much better on just about everything if I tried. And reading your blog always makes me WANT to try harder!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot on your plate Linda - I think taking care of all those Grandbabies takes whatever energy you have!
DeleteThat is a cool picture of the mossy trees! In our house we all try to do that kind of stuff. Sometimes the 12 year old needs a few gentle reminders. I buy off brands and we keep our heat pretty low and wear warmer clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I definitely believe on putting on a sweater too. I do think as hubby gets older (he is 51 in June) he is less able to keep warm. We do have an electric blanket which has individual controls for each side which is wonderful at bedtime.
DeleteMy grocery often puts meat that expires within a day at 30% off, I freeze it or use it that day, it's a great saving!
ReplyDeleteMe too - I am on the constant prowl for pink and yellow stickers.
DeleteAs I live close to the Canadian border and lot of them come down here and shop. They tell me dairy product is high there.
ReplyDeleteA two pound block of cheese (sorry I didn't figure the weight in metric) will run under $10 dollar in American
Coffee is on.
We have at least one trip, maybe two planned for the USA this year (my cousin's wedding in Oregon in September) and we plan to stock up on over the counter meds and cheese, being some of the most expensive items in our shopping budget.
DeleteYes I buy meat near the expiry date , cheese or whatever I need that is at a deep discount.
ReplyDeleteI always look in the liquidation rack for some over ripe bananas, or stale bread....
I lower the thermostat and if it's colder we just wear an extra sweater.
We have to do what we have to do!
I buy the overripe bananas too - leave them to eat for a few days then freeze them for banana muffins which is a staple in our house. Exactly - "do what we have to do!"
DeleteI just turned down the thermostat on the furnace, at night by 2 degrees, and by day by 1 degree, Monday of this week. And no one in the family has even noticed. If I tell them, they will suddenly feel cold.
ReplyDeleteNobody notices every unless you tell them. I am glad I am not the only one!
DeleteI don't do thing on the sly as Mr Sft is aware of how frugal I am.
ReplyDeleteHe's well trained about buying reduced items at stores to save money.
We could save on electricity but then I am on the computer a lot so I'm sure I use just as much as him.
Sft x
I turn down the heat, use a fan to circulate air in the summer and buy marked down food all the time. I live frugally and enjoy the challenge. It is a must on my retirement income but also I'm lucky in so many ways and I know it.
ReplyDelete"We are now living on 1/4 of the amount of money that we were two years ago - by choice."- You are my frugal hero!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have things plugged into one outlet(using a power strip) and then use the light switch to kill the power to everything in that room.