Are YOU Frugal?

[Captain Steel]

For the New Year (or one month in anyway) - let's discuss Money Saving Tips!
And personal finances, simplification of lifestyle, and let's find out if you think you're a cheapskate or compulsive over-buyer who engages in "retail therapy"!

[Swan]

No, I'm Swan.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm the most frugal person around! I dare anybody to prove otherwise:p

[Gatsby]

I spend a lot of money on food and a little bit on movies, but other than those two instances I'm an Asian version of Scrooge.

[The Gunslinger45]

I am saving money for retirement, but I must prioritizes the essentials. Food, rent, high powered firearms, and plenty of ammunition. :D

[Captain Steel]

Some cold cuts at my supermarket come in plastic bags that are basically zip-lock sandwich bags. I don't reuse ones that had meat in them - but I don't buy much meat, I do like to get cheese. So I wash the bags and dry them. I haven't bought a box of sandwich bags in years!

[Captain Steel]

I'm going to give away one of my major secrets.

Have you ever bought window cleaner? Expensive, right? Yet, what you're paying for is dirt cheap. I once worked in a picture frame shop and we'd make our own glass cleaner. It's one part Rubbing Alcohol to three parts water - then add just one or two Drops of Dish Washing Liquid.

You can also use White Vinegar in place of the Alcohol, or go half & half with each. You can use the green, mint scented Alcohol to give your cleaner a greenish hue and minty scent. And if you really want to go crazy and have it look like Windex, you could add blue food coloring.

[Nausicaä]

Speaking of vinegar, I use white vinegar as weed killer in the garden, works too! Can use it as weed killer at the front of my house too and not worry about dogs sniffing about. :)

All you need is a plastic spray bottle and a cheap bottle/jar of white vinegar that comes to about £1ish for the lot and off you go.

[The Rodent]

I can be frugal with some foods but that's through life experience.


I worked security at a factory that makes baked beans.


Asda "own brand", Tesco "own brand", Lidl "own brand", Morrison's "own brand", Aldi "own brand", Sainsbury's "own brand" and Waitrose "own brand" baked beans... and the top brands, HP, Heinz, Branstons...


ALL COME FROM THE SAME HUGE VAT OF BEANS!!!!


All they do in the factory is change the roll of labels in the tin-labelling machine and tell the machinery to change the amount of sauce it adds to the tins compared to the amount of beans it adds :D


Yet, it you shop in different places, a tin of baked beans ranges from 12 pence, all the way up to £3 per tin.
Absolutely true.

[The Rodent]

The only thing I do spend a lot of cash on when it comes to food is coffee.
I'm like Jimmie in Pulp Fiction :D

[Chypmunk]

I always bite my biscuits in half so I get twice as many for the same price :)

[Captain Steel]

Speaking of vinegar, I use white vinegar as weed killer in the garden, works too! Can use it as weed killer at the front of my house too and not worry about dogs sniffing about. :)

All you need is a plastic spray bottle and a cheap bottle/jar of white vinegar that comes to about £1ish for the lot and off you go.

I started doing this last summer. You can find recipes for the homemade weed killer on YouTube. They advise adding Dish Liquid and Salt to the White Vinegar (the dish liquid is supposed to help the solution stick to weeds and the salt helps to kill them).

It doesn't work as well as Roundup - but I stopped using that since it's highly toxic and they found it causes cancers. You have to use a lot more of the homemade kind, but that's okay since it's cheap to make.

[Yoda]

Yeah, definitely.

Two years ago I'd have said I was extremely frugal, because back then my wife and I spent significantly less than we do even now, and would go long stretches (like Lent) buying basically nothing outside of relatively necessary things. But losing weight has led to new clothes, and playing softball has entailed buying some equipment. We've also flown to Seattle the last couple of years for PAX and gotten a dog. But we both make a bit more than we did back then, which is probably part of the reason we've felt comfortable loosening the metaphorical belt a bit.

We still live below our means, though, and we're paying down our mortgage quickly. And I think with the clothes and softball stuff relatively stabilized, we'll probably spend significantly less this year than the last couple.

[matt72582]

I am the most frugal.

When it comes to things I have to purchase, things I can't get around with (airline tickets, concerts).. However, I have never paid money more than a total of $20 for clothes as an adult. I wear things that are very old, and in the past, if I needed something nice, I'd go to Goodwill... A few cheap $5 concert t-shirts... I also prefer a bargain - why pay more if I can get something cheaper?

[cricket]

I shop around and use coupons, but I don't hesitate to buy what I want. The good thing is that I don't want much.

[Citizen Rules]

Matt might be frugal, but the rest of you guys:suspicious:....

Let's see I:
don't have any TV service
don't own a smart phone
don't buy movies
don't eat in restaurants
don't smoke
don't drink expensive wine or liquor (no wine or hard liquor actually), don't buy meat
don't go to Starbucks anymore
don't go to the theater
don't have movie services (except an $8 a month Netflix)
only have one car that's paid for
make my own food
never spend money on tech items

Why, cause I don't have any money to blow:p

[rauldc14]

The amount of bills I have makes it impossible to be frugal since we pay them more than they are worth :(

[Captain Steel]

Matt might be frugal, but the rest of you guys:suspicious:....

Let's see I:
don't have any TV service
don't own a smart phone
don't buy movies
don't eat in restaurants
don't smoke
don't drink expensive wine or liquor (no wine or hard liquor actually), don't buy meat
don't go to Starbucks anymore
don't go to the theater
don't have movie services (except an $8 a month Netflix)
only have one car that's paid for
make my own food
never spend money on tech items

Why, cause I don't have any money to blow:p

Rules, your frugality also sounds like a health plan (don't smoke, drink, eat a lot of meat, don't eat out but make your own food). I mentioned that last part because a lot of people get sick from eating out - it's probably safer to make your own meals and eat at home.

[Citizen Rules]

I was never really big on eating in restaurants, but now it's ridiculously expensive! and not all that good of food either. Hell I can cook better than some of the meals I have.

What's weird is our grocery bill for me and my wife seems expensive, but there's only the two of us. I cook all the meals, so no expensive frozen dinners, just the basics but it sure adds up.

[Movie Max]

However, I have never paid money more than a total of $20 for clothes as an adult. I wear things that are very old, and in the past, if I needed something nice, I'd go to Goodwill... A few cheap $5 concert t-shirts... I also prefer a bargain - why pay more if I can get something cheaper?

In the popular grunge years, it was just cool to do that.:cool:

[Captain Steel]

When I'm done with a tube of toothpaste I cut it down the side with a blade - there's always a couple more brushings' worth inside.
Same with muscle rub or anything else in a tube. Even if you think you've used it up, when you cut it open there's always at least one more application's worth inside.

[doubledenim]

Doesn't everyone reuse Ziploc bags? I would bring mine home from school lunch. The question is, do you lay down a piece of tape so you can write and remove?

I don't think that eliminating meals or the theater is exactly being frugal. There is a lot of worth in a "special event" . My take on frugal would be how often you do it. I don't know what the line is between frugal and austerity.

Making sure to utilize Flexible Spending Accounts is a good one. You will have out of pocket health costs during the year and depending on how much you put back, you could save a lot.

In addition, if you leave or terminate you still have full use of that money (within a small window of time) without having to pay it back. ;)

Changing your own oil. For the price or less of a dealer or service shop to do it, you can buy a higher quality filter and oil (Royal Purple :D). Anyone. Anyone can change oil.

Pay the premium one time, instead of constantly buying cheaper versions. My example would be a pair of Doc Martens that I have had since high school. I've bought countless pairs of boots that have fallen apart, but the DMs will be here after we all die.

[Captain Steel]

Doesn't everyone reuse Ziploc bags? I would bring mine home from school lunch. The question is, do you lay down a piece of tape so you can write and remove?

I don't think that eliminating meals or the theater is exactly being frugal. There is a lot of worth in a "special event" . My take on frugal would be how often you do it. I don't know what the line is between frugal and austerity.

Making sure to utilize Flexible Spending Accounts is a good one. You will have out of pocket health costs during the year and depending on how much you put back, you could save a lot.

In addition, if you leave or terminate you still have full use of that money (within a small window of time) without having to pay it back. ;)

Changing your own oil. For the price or less of a dealer or service shop to do it, you can buy a higher quality filter and oil (Royal Purple :D). Anyone. Anyone can change oil.

Pay the premium one time, instead of constantly buying cheaper versions. My example would be a pair of Doc Martens that I have had since high school. I've bought countless pairs of boots that have fallen apart, but the DMs will be here after we all die.


I know a lot of people who don't recycle zip-lock or sandwich bags - they just keep buying boxes of new ones and feel it's "dirty" or "unsanitary" to reuse them even if they are washed first.

I have some reasons I don't change my own oil (which is a good idea), but I'll save them for later.

[matt72582]

When I go shopping, I re-use those small plastic bags to put over my little garbage bin.... I hardly ever buy mouthwash, but my mom's store was closing, and even when I was running low, I just added water.

The one thing I won't do is drive all over the place to save a few bucks. I try to do everything in one drive, with everything on the way. It saves gas and time - something you can't buy..

Someone mentioned oil changes... I know a mechanic who said you don't need to change it every few thousand miles. He told me if I had no money, to check and make sure it's not low (so the engine doesn't burn) and put a few quarts of oil.

[doubledenim]

The oil change is one that has always been subject to a lot of debate. Many agree that 3k miles is too soon. With synthetics (Royal Purple :)) you can go anywhere from 7k-10k miles. What most don't talk about is the oil filter, which would be a train wreck if you changed it without changing the oil at the same time.

My belief is that the one thing you can do more than anything else to maintain a car is to change the oil. I float in around 7k nowadays running synthetic. To most, a car is the biggest or 2nd biggest investment they have. I think to err on the side of caution is the best course.

If anyone buys bulk toilet or paper towels, the packaging they come in makes great liners for smaller trash cans.

[matt72582]

That's another thing I'm cheap with - my car. I always spend under $900, and I won't spend money to fix it. For example, I once paid $350 for a car, drove it for 10 months, and when it needed a new cradle, I thought it wasn't worth it, so I sold it as scrap for $200, so it was like I drove a car for $150, for almost a year.

I took my car to a franchise shop, and instead of taking my money, they quoted the work to be about $4,000, and then told me it wasn't even worth to fix. So I'm going to drive it until it dies, sell it for scrap, but this time, I don't plan on buying a car - I hate driving!

[Roy C.]

Matt might be frugal, but the rest of you guys:suspicious:....

Let's see I:
don't have any TV service
don't own a smart phone
don't buy movies
don't eat in restaurants
don't smoke
don't drink expensive wine or liquor (no wine or hard liquor actually), don't buy meat
don't go to Starbucks anymore
don't go to the theater
don't have movie services (except an $8 a month Netflix)
only have one car that's paid for
make my own food
never spend money on tech items

Why, cause I don't have any money to blow:p

Wow...I do all the same things, except that I do buy movies and shows on DVD, and meat. Why would meat be considered on that list? And I might be the only man in America with a flip-phone bought from the supermarket.

[Citizen Rules]

Meat is expensive to buy! that's why.

[matt72582]

Wow...I do all the same things, except that I do buy movies and shows on DVD, and meat. Why would meat be considered on that list? And I might be the only man in America with a flip-phone bought from the supermarket.

I have a flip-phone bought for $20 at a grocery store. Last time it broke, I bought the same one.

[Roy C.]

Meat is expensive to buy! that's why.

Ahhh....but it's worth it! How do you eat burgers, chicken, etc.? I couldn't live without chicken. I eat it in numerous forms.

[Roy C.]

I have a flip-phone bought for $20 at a grocery store. Last time it broke, I bought the same one.

Beats being brainwashed by a handheld device that turns people into habitual slaves. ;)

[Citizen Rules]

Ahhh....but it's worth it! How do you eat burgers, chicken, etc.? I couldn't live without chicken. I eat it in numerous forms. I don't eat burgers, red meat, seafood, fish or pork. Sometimes I get teriyaki chicken from a take out or buy it in small amounts to use in cooking. I do use bacon bits in soups, rice dishes and as a pizza topping. At a regular grocery store even a small about of bacon bits is expensive, so I get the super size bag at Costco for just about the same price, it last forever...well almost.

[Roy C.]

I don't eat burgers, red meat, seafood, fish or pork. Sometimes I get teriyaki chicken from a take out or buy it in small amounts to use in cooking. I do use bacon bits in soups, rice dishes and as a pizza topping. At a regular grocery store even a small about of bacon bits is expensive, so I get the super size bag at Costco for just about the same price, it last forever...well almost.

I get the pre-cooked bacon strips at Costco. I get a lot of things there. Bigger size, smaller price. I was about to think you were a vegetarian because you don't eat seafood, red meat, or pork. But since you eat chicken and bacon (though bacon is pork), then you couldn't be vegetarian. I don't eat straight pork, like chops. Bacon I eat like twice a month. And chicken many times a week. I don't eat fish because I hate it, even tuna. Other times I eat hot dogs, burgers, steaks, hamburger helper, etc. Some things I can't live without.

[Roy C.]

I do buy tons of DVDs...I have a library card but I haven't been to a library in almost 30 years.

[Citizen Rules]

..(though bacon is pork)... You pass the test! I wondered if anyone would catch that I said, I don't eat pork but I do eat bacon bits:p

[Movie Max]

I don't expect a frugal guy to buy real and expensive bacon bits. I have a feeling the cheap bulk ones contain no pork. Here is the Great Value Walmart brand bacon bits ingredients list...

Great Value Bacon Flavored Bits:

Gluten free
Reclosable

Ingredients:

Ingredients: Soy Flour, Soybean Oil With Tbhq Added to Protect Freshness, Salt, Less Than 2 Percent of Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Yeast Extract, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Potassium Chloride, Dextrose, Inactive Dried Yeast, Caramel Color, FD&C Red 3, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (Hydrolyzed Soy and Corn Protein, Salt), Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor. Contains Soy.

[doubledenim]

You beat me to it. The major national brand are soy.

[Citizen Rules]

You beat me to it. The major national brand are soy.
It's real, I just checked the package

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91x8GtOr%2BCL._SY450_.jpg

[Chypmunk]

Phew - glad it's real after all and therefore you can put it bacon the menu :)

I'll get me hat, coat, scarf and gloves!

[Captain Steel]

As promised - reasons I don't change my own oil:
My driveway is rocks, so I'd have to put down a blanket to lay on it.
I can't fit under my car (this is pretty much the primary reason!)
It's difficult to find a place that will take and properly dispose of the old oil.
The lube places are quick and easy and do more than just change the oil (they replace the filters, check the fluids, put air in the tires, etc.) So, for me, although I hate the cost, it's worth it to take my vehicle to the lube place and pay $30 - $40 three times a year.

[Movie Max]

Do you guys have this flavour?

http://i5.walmartimages.ca/images/Large/027/141/999999-60410027141.jpg

[Movie Max]

I've given Citizen's list some thought and I've come to the conclusion, that I'm not that frugal.

I have free OTA TV and Roku.
I don't own a smart phone, but, there is an ipad.
I do occasionally buy DVD movies for $5 or less.
I don't eat in restaurants much, but, take-out and delivery do happen.
I don't smoke.
I drink local whiskey and imported beer.
I buy some meat, in moderation.
I don't go to Starbucks, but, we have Starbucks coffee at home.
I go to the theater at least 4-5 times a year.
I have Netflix.
The American brand car is paid for.
I do make my own food.
I sometimes spend money on tech items.

[doubledenim]

Rules is sellin' wolf tickets. Those aren't bits, that's bacon. :D

[matt72582]

As promised - reasons I don't change my own oil:
My driveway is rocks, so I'd have to put down a blanket to lay on it.
I can't fit under my car (this is pretty much the primary reason!)
It's difficult to find a place that will take and properly dispose of the old oil.
The lube places are quick and easy and do more than just change the oil (they replace the filters, check the fluids, put air in the tires, etc.) So, for me, although I hate the cost, it's worth it to take my vehicle to the lube place and pay $30 - $40 three times a year.

Back in the day, early 2000s when I started driving, oil changes were $12.95, and they would occasionally send a $5 off coupon. After I would use the coupon, I'd ask about the price, and then say "I think I have a coupon at home, I'll go and get it" - knowing they'd say "Ah, don't worry about it" and I'd never pay for more than $5..

[Captain Steel]

Back in the day, early 2000s when I started driving, oil changes were $12.95, and they would occasionally send a $5 off coupon. After I would use the coupon, I'd ask about the price, and then say "I think I have a coupon at home, I'll go and get it" - knowing they'd say "Ah, don't worry about it" and I'd never pay for more than $5..

The oil place I go would give you a coupon for a free car wash - which was right next door. So it was usually automatic that as soon as I got the oil change, I'd get the car washed (pretty much the only time my car would get washed except for occasionally giving it a quick spray with the hose in the summer). But they stopped giving out the free car wash too. :(

[Citizen Rules]

I change my oil once a year. I use to do it myself. I've done brakes and tune ups myself. But these days with a coupon you can get your oil changed as cheap as if you went and bought it yourself.

[Captain Steel]

Since Home Remedies can also be a huge part of frugality (saving you money on healthcare and medicines), what are some of yours? (Plus, they're really interesting!)

[Citizen Rules]

Since Home Remedies can also be a huge part of frugality (saving you money on healthcare and medicines), what are some of yours? (Plus, they're really interesting!)None, that I can think of. But...I do make my own espresso drink each morning vs going to Starbucks, which saves me $1200.00 a year, not to shabby:p

[gbgoodies]

This isn't a home remedy either, but building on what Citizen Rules said, Hubby and I don't buy drinks when we go out to dinner, (anywhere from fast food like McDs, Burger King, etc. to upscale restaurants). We just order water, (not bottled water), and we bring flavor packets, (available at any supermarket, Walmart, Target, etc., and even some dollar stores), and make our own drinks.

We also keep a cooler in the car, and we bring our own drinks when we go out shopping so we don't have to buy drinks. We also bring our own snacks if we're going to be out most of the day. You would be surprised at how much money that saves us throughout the year. :)

[Dani8]

Interesting thread.

One that springs to mind immediately on this board is movies. Where we are movies are a lot more exy than USA. couple that with parking it's a very $ adventure. I always say no to drinks, popcorn etc.It's cheaper to go to a restaurant than buy snacks if mr Dani is hungry. There's a sushi train right near the cinema. I tell him to go there rather than the daylight robbery at the cinema. I mean really, eat real food.

[Dani8]

Make your own stock. Tastes much better than the package crap and if you make friends with your butcher you'll get bones, chook carcasses for next to nothing. Dead easy, and really nice to make on a lazy weekend for you northerners having a bitch of a winter.

[Dani8]

OK one more while I'm on a tight ass roll. Make your own morning tea and lunch to take to work. When Mr Dani worked for the last company I would send him off with a lunch box with a thermos of coffee, morning snack and lunch (yes I'm a good lil ole stepford wife). Now we have our own business he buys it because he thinks he looks like a dork taking a lunch box when working with clients. I do the books. Not counting treating clients to morning tea or lunch I hate to think what coffee, muffin and a sandwich tallies up to yearly. Not a biggy because we claim expenses, but it really adds up for those of you wanting to cut down on burning a hole in your pocket.

[Citizen Rules]

Hey that's a frugal way of posting...a Totem Poll.:)


Do you know that term? on my old board people would talk about totem poll posting, that and 'sniping' a lot. Ahh, the good old days.

[Dani8]

LMAO. I looked up urban dickshonary and choked on tea at some of the explanations. Is that when I respond to myself rather than edit? I;m just lazy. Easier to just hit reply.

[Sarge]

Me and Mrs Sarge are total opposites when it comes to money.

She is very frugal and like to save and I am...

https://media.giphy.com/media/l41lFvtuqmey9QTAY/giphy.gif

[Citizen Rules]

I remember one poster would commonly do 5 in a row, that was a super totem poll:p

It's funny how every board has it's on board-speak, and then if a person goes to another board they never heard the phrase. Sniping on my old board was very big. It was active enough that big threads would go into 1000 range post and people would call out 100 snipe, 200 snipe, etc...when ever they got to that point in the tread. Sometimes there would be stiff competition to make a big snipe like when the thread got to 999.

;)None of this is really frugal I know! So let's see, umm...I know:
Making your own pizza from scratch not only saves money but taste great:p

[Dani8]

Home made pizza YAY.

Back to sniping, I call sniper attack or slam dunk when someone gets pawned.

Back to home made pizza with anchovies.

[Captain Steel]

On the subject of Home Remedies - I can't say enough about the preventative measures of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and raw Garlic.

ACV (the kind with "the mother") is not cheap, but it's health benefits both internally & externally could equal a lot of long term savings. You're going to have to look up all the stuff it can do because it's too much to list here (but there are entire YouTube videos devoted to the stuff).

I love garlic - and it's cheap. Since I've been eating both raw and pickled garlic, I never seem to get sick (and if I feel something coming on I eat more of it and the feeling only lasts a day or two at most). It is a natural antibiotic and has different health properties whether pickled, cooked or raw. (Warning, if you go the raw route, best to chop it up and eat it with some honey, because it's "hot!")

I'm making a list of common "superfoods" (due to their super health properties) that can be incorporated into a diet in various ways and purchased at any supermarket:

Garlic
Lemon
Ginger root
Cinnamon
Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar

When I make juice (I don't use an expensive juice machine, just an old blender) I include a little of each of these along with the main ingredients: Water, Apples, Pears, Grapes, Bananas, Oranges, Carrots, and any other fruit I have on hand.

[Dani8]

Huge Huge fan of garlic and apple cider vinegar, and lemon and lime. Becareful drinking ACV and citrus though. I checked with my dentist about this. It can erode enamel very easily.

Bicarb - miracle worker.

http://www.thankyourbody.com/uses-for-baking-soda/

Turmeric. I use it a lot. I don't believe the hype it prevents cancer, obviously, but it's a nifty little spice.
Olive oil extract. This has been sworn by a couple of people in my burb to help prevent man flu.

for juicing, I splashed out on a cold presser after years of burning out the old style. The cold pressed juice is so much better, and lasts longer. Doesnt get the nasty browny green froth.

[Dani8]

And ginger for an upset stomach, car sickness, or added to your morning juice for some zing. Gives a bigger hit than coffee.

[Captain Steel]

Huge Huge fan of garlic and apple cider vinegar, and lemon and lime. Becareful drinking ACV and citrus though. I checked with my dentist about this. It can erode enamel very easily.

Bicarb - miracle worker.

http://www.thankyourbody.com/uses-for-baking-soda/

Turmeric. I use it a lot. I don't believe the hype it prevents cancer, obviously, but it's a nifty little spice.
Olive oil extract. This has been sworn by a couple of people in my burb to help prevent man flu.

for juicing, I splashed out on a cold presser after years of burning out the old style. The cold pressed juice is so much better, and lasts longer. Doesnt get the nasty browny green froth.

True about ACV and teeth. Always rinse after using it. I've heard of people using it as a mouthwash to make their teeth shiny, it does work, but of course you have to rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid the caustic effect it has on teeth.

It's powerful stuff, but it goes a long way since it is used sparingly, so even though it's a bit pricey, a bottle should last a long time.

Also, for those not already in the know - don't drink ACV straight, if taken as a tonic it must be diluted in water or other drink. Same when using it as a skin treatment, dilute it at least by half with water.

[Dani8]

Yeah dont brush within two hours of drinking ACV or citrus, and if using bicarb as a tooth polish, not every day.

Oh so nice I've found a fellow hippy, Cap.

for anyone who has a lemon tree and gets a glut - juice and freeze. If blonde or wanting to go lighter, use as a rinse after a shampoo.

[Captain Steel]

And ginger for an upset stomach, car sickness, or added to your morning juice for some zing. Gives a bigger hit than coffee.

This is true too! Personally, I don't like the taste of ginger (so I only use it sparingly as an additive), but there was even an episode of Mythbusters where they were examining the best cures for nausea and sea-sickness. Ginger beat out all the medications they tried (and sailors can get it in pill form). I make ginger root tea for my mom since she suffers from stomach problems.

I'll need to try some for the "hit" effect as my usual state is one of chronic fatigue. (I know I sound like a health nut, but I haven't revealed all my bad, gluttonous habits that counteract my health efforts). ;)

[Dani8]

Ooh Ooh I'm allergic to pineapple so cant have this often but one of my nieces who was then working in a hipster green grocers recommended juiced pineapple, lime and ginger. Big hit. Massive infact. Bit of turmeric or paprika sprinkled on top.

for your mum, have you tried umeboshi plums? Japanese pickled plums. many moons ago I had morning sickness and the health food shop guy who was a friend recommended them (his wife is japanese). If your mum can't stomach the taste (I freaking love them) all she has to do is place one on her navel. I kid you not.

[Dani8]

OK one more frugal totem pole stream of consciousness before I go and finish 205 of The Path. Not loving this show but not hate watching.

Years ago I lived in a country town. Good friends of mine lived on a property with tank water only. Being a city girl this was a bit distasteful but now back in the city and living on one of the driest continents we pay for water usage, so this makes sense. My husband doesn't approve because he's a precious snowflake, but we have his and her bathrooms so I tell him not to use mine. The saying is

'If it's yellow let it mellow; if it's brown flush it down'.

Or they would pee in a bucket and pour it under citrus trees. Saves on buying fertiliser. Not advised for people on meds, though. My dad came to visit when I first bought the place and asked where the toilet was. I told him to go pee under the lemon tree. He was on chemo at the time and said the poor tree would explode like chernobyl.

[Citizen Rules]

Two in a row...not a totem poll;)...you need at least 3 in a row.

[Dani8]

I thought of another frugal tip but it's goneski.

[Captain Steel]

OK one more frugal totem pole stream of consciousness before I go and finish 205 of The Path. Not loving this show but not hate watching.

Years ago I lived in a country town. Good friends of mine lived on a property with tank water only. Being a city girl this was a bit distasteful but now back in the city and living on one of the driest continents we pay for water usage, so this makes sense. My husband doesn't approve because he's a precious snowflake, but we have his and her bathrooms so I tell him not to use mine. The saying is

'If it's yellow let it mellow; if it's brown flush it down'.

Or they would pee in a bucket and pour it under citrus trees. Saves on buying fertiliser. Not advised for people on meds, though. My dad came to visit when I first bought the place and asked where the toilet was. I told him to go pee under the lemon tree. He was on chemo at the time and said the poor tree would explode like chernobyl.

I only have one sink in my kitchen and no dishwasher - so, after making pasta, I keep the big pot that I use to boil water in the sink and use it as a dish bucket. I wash the dishes in it (which helps clean the pot as well). When it's full of soapy dishwater I then use it to flush the toilet.

Now, don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean I don't flush the toilet with its built-in flusher when necessary, it's just a way to utilize the dishwater, cut down on some flushes, and not waste as much water.

[Dani8]

You are a kitchen goddess, Cap.

I read one tip about reusing teabags - put them in your sink with greasy cutlery and plates etc and add boiling water. Let soak and it degreases. I tried it but I think my teabags must be a bit weak after I wring out all the tea into my cup. I stick in the fridge for an eye mask later.

[Captain Steel]

You are a kitchen goddess, Cap.

I read one tip about reusing teabags - put them in your sink with greasy cutlery and plates etc and add boiling water. Let soak and it degreases. I tried it but I think my teabags must be a bit weak after I wring out all the tea into my cup. I stick in the fridge for an eye mask later.

And then you can put your teabags in the compost. You DO compost, don't you?

[Dani8]

I used to compost but years ago three of my dogs got into it and ate mould. I didn't realise this could happen but they ended up in intensive care at 11pm and days later only just pulled through. Scary time.

[Captain Steel]

I used to compost but years ago three of my dogs got into it and ate mould. I didn't realise this could happen but they ended up in intensive care at 11pm and days later only just pulled through. Scary time.

Good excuse. (But you can get a man-made one that is sealable. My brother has a giant above-ground compost spinner!)

This reminded me of a cool thing I saw once on TV - off-the-grid / self-sustainable homes. And one cool thing was that the pipes were arranged so that all the drains from the sinks and showers went into the toilet. So the water in the toilet was called "gray water" (meaning it's not potable and has been used once). So there was no excess clean water wasted with flushing (which is one of the biggest wastes of water in most homes).

[Dani8]

it was actually a worm farm and the lid was covered in bricks to stop possums ransacking it. I have no idea how three small dogs managed to remove the bricks.

OK frugal tip - coffee grounds. Sprinkle around plants to prevent snail invasion.

[Sir Toose]

Unfortunately, I am not. Can't seem to learn life's most important lessons. If I have it, I spend it... Or give it to my kids. Someday I shall learn to be prudent.

[edarsenal]

I'm not frugal - I'm just broke! :D

[Bht88]

Since Home Remedies can also be a huge part of frugality (saving you money on healthcare and medicines), what are some of yours? (Plus, they're really interesting!)

for headaches : I man it out
for colds : see above
for physical pain : see headaches
for sunburn / thermal vision protection : globs of fresh mud
for open wounds : heat sword for 15 mins apply on wound
for a temperature : jump into a frozen lake
for keeping warm in cold weather ::love:


http://i63.tinypic.com/2dvolqo.png

[Captain Steel]

for headaches : I man it out
for colds : see above
for physical pain : see headaches
for sunburn / thermal vision protection : globs of fresh mud
for open wounds : heat sword for 15 mins apply on wound
for a temperature : jump into a frozen lake
for keeping warm in cold weather ::love:


http://i63.tinypic.com/2dvolqo.png

for headaches : Vicks Vapo-rub or Ben Gay applied to the temples, neck & base of skull (be careful to avoid eye area), brush teeth, then drink a glass of water, lay down and apply a warm wash rag over the eyes for 20 minutes while practicing meditation and deep breathing in a dark, quiet room. Eat a handful of raw almonds if able.

for colds : take half a large clove of raw garlic (finely chopped with a teaspoon of honey) once or twice daily, also take hot tea with lemon & honey or hot water with lemon and honey. Apply Vicks Vapo-Rub to chest and neck and cover nightly. Take ample amounts of rest and increase fluid intake and citrus fruits & juices for duration. And of course; hot chicken soup.

for physical pain : see headaches + engage in daily stretching & relaxation meditation. For immediate injuries apply ice intermittently for first few hours, later apply heat.

for sunburn / thermal vision protection : Apply Noxzema, or raw aloe (direct from plant), or an Apple Cider Vinegar (raw with "the mother") solution diluted with water to burned areas, get increased rest, increase water intake. Bathe at least every other day, preferably in luke warm or cool water (an oatmeal bath can soothe skin). Stay in cool darkened interior during healing. Avoid further exposure to direct sunlight, heat or hot showers. Preventative: avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, protective clothing & UV-protective sunglasses.

for open wounds : Thoroughly flush & clean wound. Apply raw honey and bandage tightly for minor wounds that don't require stitches, or do same with OTC antiseptic / anesthetic. Always keep wounds bandaged. Ice lightly over bandage for pain (but don't allow bandages to get wet). Use a diet that promotes healing.

for a temperature : Take bed rest and increase fluid intake (including hot lemon water), used layered covering for bedrest to "sweat it out." Take an NSAID if home remedies don't work. If temp continues to increase over multiple days or goes over 102 degrees fahrenheit, seek immediate medical attention.

for keeping warm in cold weather : loose layered clothing, keep head covered, use thermal underwear, heavy socks, mittens, make sure no skin areas are exposed, exercise, drink hot liquids.

[ynwtf]

Not at all. But I used to watch the Frugal Gourmet as a kid on public broadcasting.

:D

https://youtu.be/EfigPIvycCc

[lenslady]

Hey Dani8, I thought I was the only person in the world who is allergic to pineapple. I don 't like it much so it doesn't matter.

And I realize now that I'm not frugal, I thought I was, but don't do any of these thrifty things. I try to watch my spending, but sometimes I do seem to have more week left over at the end of my money.

[Dani8]

Hey Dani8, I thought I was the only person in the world who is allergic to pineapple. I don 't like it much so it doesn't matter.

I do, lady. Not a serious allergy but enough to back me off it. It's a real shame because one of my nieces put me onto p[ineapple lime and ginger juice for a bit of breakfast ZING. Oh wow, really gives you some lift off but whenever I get the craving I have to be a bit sensible. Canned pineapple doesnt give me a reaction but I just dont really like it so avoid anyway.

[matt72582]

I don't know anyone on here personally, but I would guess I'm the most frugal... For example, I've never spent money on clothing as an adult, with the exception of three cheap concert T-shirts.. I have spent a lot of money but usually for things that can't be duplicated - a concert, standup show, airplane ticket, etc.

[Captain Steel]

My father used to say:

"If you do nothing, a common cold can last up to about 14 days! But if you go see a doctor, you can get rid of it in just 2 weeks!"

[matt72582]

My father used to say:

"If you do nothing, a common cold can last up to about 14 days! But if you go see a doctor, you can get rid of it in just 2 weeks!"

Haha exactly... I never go to the doctor, I just deal with it myself.. The last thing I'd ever do is leave my house when I'm sick, but they wanna make money.. If people were all healthy, they couldn't make their millions holding Americans hostage before a major surgery.

[Captain Steel]

I don't know anyone on here personally, but I would guess I'm the most frugal... For example, I've never spent money on clothing as an adult, with the exception of three cheap concert T-shirts.. I have spent a lot of money but usually for things that can't be duplicated - a concert, standup show, airplane ticket, etc.

I'm very similar. I'd say 80% of my clothing is second hand (not including socks or underwear). Except pants - that's only because I have to buy a particular size with the right waist to length combo (with shirts, there's only about 4 general sizes). For my shirts, about 95% are pre-owned, hand-me-downs, freebies (obtained from jobs) or gifts.

As a kid almost all my clothes were hand-me-downs from my 2 older brothers or cousins (sometimes, at the end of summer, my mom would take me to get some new outfits for school.)

I have a story about the last suit I bought, but will save it for another time.

[Captain Steel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArckTW3t9yE

[Captain Steel]

Everything's too expensive! I need more frugality tips!

[hell_storm2004]

I would call myself a little bit frugal. I only live by one rule, "Its better to have something and not need it rather than need something and not have it".


Clothes being my special weakness!


So i spend a lot of needless stuff, one time use stuff. It all adds up. The only i have done in recent months, is going out two times a week instead of three. But to be honest, the bartender knows me well. She only charges me 12-15 bucks for 10-12 Jamesons. So it isn't really that expensive. Uber is the killer! :)

[Dani8]

I was looking for this thread the other day and now I can't remember why. Oops.

[gandalf26]

Yes, attempting to save 30% of my paycheck every week for the whole year to boost savings a bit.

Managed so far, get paid every 2 weeks and thankfully June is one of 2 months of the year with 3 paydays so will help me out.

[nebbit]

I'm pretty good with money :yup: but my weakness is 👠👠👠👠👠

[Mr Minio]

but my weakness is 👠👠👠👠👠 Wait, your weakness are two other females wearing red high heels and one one-legged female wearing a red high heel?

[ash_is_the_gal]

no, i suck at being frugal. but i'm too scared of my bank account being negative, so i always shove money into a savings every month so that i wont be tempted to spend it.

[cat_sidhe]

but my weakness is 👠👠👠👠👠 Wait, your weakness are two other females wearing red high heels and one one-legged female wearing a red high heel?

Most desperate stretch I've ever seen. CONGRATULATIONS!

[ynwtf]

I thought it was a string of deflated wind socks. Or perhaps five cropped 8th notes.

=\

[ynwtf]

Also, I don't think I'm frugal. But I did used to love watching the Frugal Gourmet on PBS. I have a feeling though that I may have already posted that here.

o.O

[Dani8]

* BUMP

I remember what I forgot. A girlfriend dropped in last week for a cuppa and chitchat. I told her she always looks like a million bucks. She is a total clothes and shoes addict. Everything she buys come from the Salvos stores. She says $ has to be 20 bucks or not happening.

The first time I went to Indonesia my daily budget was $10 a day. It was doable until I got to lengthy overnighters, especially because it came with an overpriced meal voucher. I'm not a fan of anything but a coffee at 1am so that was always money wasted.

I might have posted this already. I met up with a friend in a country back in 1997.he was Travelling on one dollar US a day. He was tight beforehand so it wasn't difficult to stick to the habit. Lucky guy has seen more of the world than anyone I know and I don't think he's stepped a foot in South America yet. A wife and child... You get the drift.

[Captain Steel]

Bumping this thread now that we are in another bout of nationwide, runaway inflation.

I'm always looking for new tips or creative ideas on how to save money!

Also welcome are any tips on conservation, reducing, recycling, reusing and repurposing!

[Citizen Rules]

Bumping this thread now that we are in another bout of nationwide, runaway inflation.

I'm always looking for new tips or creative ideas on how to save money!

Also welcome are any tips on conservation, reducing, recycling, reusing and repurposing!Captain, my tip for you is the same as last time...or did you already do that?

[Captain Steel]

Captain, my tip for you is the same as last time...or did you already do that?

Which one, Rules? (Looking back you had more than a few.)

[John McClane]

I’m semi-frugal.

Best thing to do is find the things you can’t live without and work backwards. For me, eating out is a big part of my budget because I like the social interactions.

And my guitar lessons are a new can’t live without item. At least for the foreseeable future.

EDIT: best advice tho is don’t get sick

[Citizen Rules]

Which one, Rules? (Looking back you had more than a few.)The storage locker thing.

I’m semi-frugal.

Best thing to do is find the things you can’t live without and work backwards. For me, eating out is a big part of my budget because I like the social interactions.

And my guitar lessons are a new can’t live without item. At least for the foreseeable future.I've seen your post about all the stuff you buy, you're cool🙂 but you spend like Mr Howell:p

[John McClane]

I've seen your post about all the stuff you buy, you're cool🙂 but you spend like Mr Howell:pAll the stuff I buy? Besides, I said semi-frugal

And you don’t see all the things I return ;)

Another great piece of advice; don’t be embarrassed to return something you bought yesterday. :lol:

[Citizen Rules]

...And you don’t see all the things I return ;)
Another great piece of advice; don’t be embarrassed to return something you bought yesterday. :lol:I'm with there! I've gotten $$$ money back by returning everything I don't need, even little crap. I figure if I ain't going to use it, it don't or I don't like it, send it back!

[Captain Steel]

The storage locker thing.



Yeah... no. It's a long story. I've looked into a smaller one, but the place I deal with said there are none available.

Plus, I have basically a small house or apartment-worth's of stuff I do not wish to part with so it might not all fit in a smaller unit (nor would I know how to part with things too big to sell on ebay - that are buried under things too heavy to move or that I can't sell at yard sales). I contemplate having my own place again one day and I'd have some necessities to start with rather than having to buy all new stuff.

It is a drain, I know. Which is just one reason I seek to save money in other areas.

Speaking of yard sales - did one at a neighbor's this past weekend - the weather was perfect (for a change - almost every yard sale I've done comes with rain or wind that blows most my items half way down the street!)

Friday was a bust - made 2 dollars!
But Saturday was good - made 94 dollars!!! :D
...which pays for about 1 week of my storage unit... :(

[Stirchley]

Definitely wouldn’t describe myself as frugal. Spent a tremendous amount of money during the decade I lived in Manhattan, but my life is much quieter in Connecticut. If I need something such as my tv needing replacement last month I just buy it from Amazon. If it fits the bill, I pay whatever it is.

I have an iPad upstairs & downstairs, which is rather luxurious.

Don’t need clothes. Skincare is Clinique, but, otherwise, very basic items I share with husband.

I go in & out of the streaming services. When I’m done with any site’s offerings I opt out of my subscription until next time.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm still the king of frugal! I posted this almost 4 years ago on this very thread...let's see how things have changed? Or stayed the same!

I'm the most frugal person around! I dare anybody to prove otherwise:p


Let's see I:
don't have any TV service
don't own a smart phone
don't buy movies
don't eat in restaurants
don't smoke
don't drink expensive wine or liquor (no wine or hard liquor actually), don't buy meat
don't go to Starbucks anymore
don't go to the theater
don't have movie services (except $8 a month Netflix) no longer have that
only have one car that's paid for
make my own food
never spend money on tech items

Why, cause I don't have any money to blow:p And I still don't have any money to blow!

[CringeFest]

If i weren't frugal, i would be wading in garbage 24/7, so its kinda a must unless you were born 100 years ago.


Money saving tips...uh, f*ck real estate? Is that legit enough?

[John McClane]

Library movie rentals

And on that note discounted digital movie rentals 99¢

[gbgoodies]

Bumping this thread now that we are in another bout of nationwide, runaway inflation.

I'm always looking for new tips or creative ideas on how to save money!

Also welcome are any tips on conservation, reducing, recycling, reusing and repurposing!


I recently noticed that one of the ways that I save money on unnecessary items is by being indecisive. When Hubby and I go shopping, and I find a few things that I want to buy, I try to save money by narrowing it down to only one or two things.

But the problem for me is that I usually can't decide on only one or two items, so I usually just give up and decide to buy nothing. :shrug:

[gbgoodies]

I’m semi-frugal.

Best thing to do is find the things you can’t live without and work backwards. For me, eating out is a big part of my budget because I like the social interactions.



The pandemic helped us to stop spending money on eating out. Hubby and I stopped eating out when the pandemic started, and we just haven't started going back to restaurants yet. We haven't even gotten any take-out since the start of the pandemic.

[gbgoodies]

Speaking of yard sales - did one at a neighbor's this past weekend - the weather was perfect (for a change - almost every yard sale I've done comes with rain or wind that blows most my items half way down the street!)

Friday was a bust - made 2 dollars!
But Saturday was good - made 94 dollars!!! :D
...which pays for about 1 week of my storage unit... :(


Friday yard sales are usually very slow, but I'm surprised that you didn't make more money on a Saturday. My co-op had a community yard sale a few months ago. I wasn't able to sell on Saturday, but I set up a few tables of stuff on Sunday, (which I was told by my neighbors was very slow compared to Saturday), and I made about $300.

Yard sales have been going later than normal this year. Hubby and I went to a community yard sale this weekend that had over 150 houses participating. We bought a lot of stuff, (including more than 50 DVDs), but everything was cheap. :)

[Stirchley]

But the problem for me is that I usually can't decide on only one or two items, so I usually just give up and decide to buy nothing. :shrug:

See, I’m the opposite. I would have bought everything. :rolleyes:

We bought a lot of stuff, (including more than 50 DVDs), but everything was cheap. :)

Where ya gonna put those DVDs gbg? :p

[John McClane]

The pandemic helped us to stop spending money on eating out. Hubby and I stopped eating out when the pandemic started, and we just haven't started going back to restaurants yet. We haven't even gotten any take-out since the start of the pandemic.Yeah, I saved quite a bit of money those first few months of the lockdown, but after getting vaccinated I started eating like before. I just decided this weekend that I am going to stop eating out and put that money towards savings for a house purchase. I'd say in about 10 years I'll have enough :facepalm:

[Stirchley]

Yeah, I saved quite a bit of money those first few months of the lockdown, but after getting vaccinated I started eating like before. I just decided this weekend that I am going to stop eating out and put that money towards savings for a house purchase. I'd say in about 10 years I'll have enough :facepalm:

Why not start with a condo? Smaller down payment.

[John McClane]

Why not start with a condo? Smaller down payment.We don't really have condos here except down near the lake, which means they are all horribly overpriced.

And I have an 80 lb dog.

My first home is probably going to be a manufactured one the way things are looking. Give me a single wide out in the country and I will be happy AF, tho.

Or something like this...

[Captain Steel]

We don't really have condos here except down near the lake, which means they are all horribly overpriced.

And I have an 80 lb dog.

My first home is probably going to be a manufactured one the way things are looking. Give me a single wide out in the country and I will be happy AF, tho.


The place in your link reminds me a bit of the house I rented for 10 years - but mine was a bit smaller and not as nice. (I called it a shoe box due to it's shape - it had only 5 rooms including kitchen & bath - it was what some might call a bungalow.) It had a big back yard though.

I miss that place. The house no longer exists as my landlords kicked me out so they could build a mini-Mcmansion on the lot for their daughter.

[Stirchley]

Not bad at all for the price. Good buy if you have fixer-upper skills. Oof, love how the hardwood floors are wrecked. (Very fixable though.)

[gbgoodies]

We bought a lot of stuff, (including more than 50 DVDs), but everything was cheap. :)

Where ya gonna put those DVDs gbg? :p


Right now they're just in boxes in the corner, but Hubby and I are planning to rearrange the furniture to make room for another bookcase for DVDs.

[Captain Steel]

The hoarding has begun again at supermarkets.
This time it's not so much panic over the pandemic as panic over the inflation and supply chain disaster.

Are you "stocking up" on anything?

[Citizen Rules]

The hoarding has begun again at supermarkets.
This time it's not so much panic over the pandemic as panic over the inflation and supply chain disaster.

Are you "stocking up" on anything?OH...MY...GOD! what timing Captain! I was planning on going to the grocery store and stocking up today, no kidding. But I got a late start this morning so decided to go tomorrow. Now I suppose there won't be any time toilet paper left....again!

[Captain Steel]

OH...MY...GOD! what timing Captain! I was planning on going to the grocery store and stocking up today, no kidding. But I got a late start this morning so decided to go tomorrow. Now I suppose there won't be any time toilet paper left....again!

Don't panic, Rules.
I was at my local ShopRite today and, despite reports on the news, things were still pretty well stocked. Surprisingly, they had a lot of reasonably-priced chicken (wasn't there a chicken scare at the start of the summer where they said it would be hard to find and cost a fortune?)

Seems the stores wised up after last year and have limits on how much a single customer can purchase at one time on some goods (such as paper products)

What IS noticeable is the price increases!

[Citizen Rules]

Don't panic, Rules.
I was at my local ShopRite today and, despite reports on the news, things were still pretty well stocked. Surprisingly, they had a lot of reasonably-priced chicken (wasn't there a chicken scare at the start of the summer where they said it would be hard to find and cost a fortune?)

Seems the stores wised up after last year and have limits on how much a single customer can purchase at one time on some goods (such as paper products)

What IS noticeable is the price increases!Have you noticed your grocery store being out of different items at different times? I have and at different stores.

[Captain Steel]

Have you noticed your grocery store being out of different items at different times? I have and at different stores.

Yes. But that's been the case during the whole pandemic, and even before.
For me, it works like this: if I discover a new item I really really like (new to me that is)... it will quickly disappear and be discontinued. The more I like it seems to determine how quickly it will become unavailable! ;)

[Citizen Rules]

Yes. But that's been the case during the whole pandemic, and even before.
For me, it works like this: if I discover a new item I really really like (new to me that is)... it will quickly disappear and be discontinued. The more I like it seems to determine how quickly it will become unavailable! ;)
Ha I can relate to that!

[Agata01]

I'm not frugal at all. I spend money quickly and I don't know what for. It's a terrible quality in me.

[Stamina888]

Yes, and no.


I am frugal toward most things. But I do spend money on what I truly care about.


In my life experience, I've known the feeling of spending a lot of money on something, having an expectation on how happy I'd be with that, and then after the high wares off, I realize that I'm not really any happier.


I'm also a minimalist and I hate clutter.

[doubledenim]

Did we just become best friends? I’ll get to work on the bunk beds.

[Captain Steel]

OMG! Someone bumped one of MY threads?
Now I'll have to resign as President of the Thread Killers Club! (Or did my posting this just kill this thread?) ;)

https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=47741

[Captain Steel]

Since we are in a current fuel inflation crunch here's some tips I picked up over the years that may save on automobile gas usage.


Keep tires properly inflated - if they aren't, they say you'll be using more gas.


Drive slowly, safely and steadily - peel outs, flooring it, rapid lane changing, sudden breaking, and speeding all use & waste more gas.


Remove excess weight from your car. (Also, if you can remove any exterior accessories like racks or anything that creates wind resistance).


Choose the shortest route (this goes right along with ideas like drive less, cut out joy rides, walk, bike ride or use mass transit when you can to avoid driving).


Don't idle - turn the car off if you're stopping for any length of time beyond a minute.


Don't spend time warming your car up - except for personal physical comfort with the interior heater, there's no reason to "warm your car up" except in exceptionally frigid temperatures. A misconception is that cars need to warm up - they don't need more that a few seconds in warm weather and only about a minute in cold.


Check your gas cap, especially after fill ups. Make sure it's always tight. I live in NJ where it's illegal to pump your own gas, and some attendants don't fully tighten the gas cap. A loose cap can cause gas to evaporate quicker or even spill out.


Avoid gas stations near the highways - they tend to be more expensive. Try to find the cheapest in your area. (If you live near a state line, gas may sometimes be much cheaper just by buying it in a different state!)


In hot times of the year, park your car in shaded areas if possible - this also helps reduce evaporation. (If you have a garage, use it.)


Practice regular maintenance - keeping your car running more efficiently (oil changes, filter changes, engine tune ups) will use less gas than a car that is not maintained.


Windows open or AC? This one's a trade off - in warm weather the AC uses more gas, but driving with the windows open creates drag and uses more gas. The general rule is open windows uses less gas than AC, but both use more gas... unless you really want to sweat it out by driving in the heat with the windows up and no AC! ;) At least it's not an issue in winter months!


Try momentum driving - this is really difficult anywhere there is traffic, and it's a potential speeding risk - but the concept is that your car burns more gas going up hills, but doesn't need to waste gas going down hills, so the idea is to increase your speed on the flat plane before approaching a hill and let that momentum carry you up so you're not depressing the gas pedal so much, then let it coast down hill. Again, this tactic is nearly impossible if there's traffic in front of or behind you, and if you want to maintain a steady speed.

[Stirchley]

peel outs

What the heck is a peel out?

Remove excess weight from your car.

LOL. Good excuse not to drive with the MIL.

[Citizen Rules]

What the heck is a peel out?
That's a car that's been hot waxed but not buffed out;)

[Stirchley]

That's a car that's been hot waxed but not buffed out;)

This doesn’t help because I still don’t know what it means.

[Citizen Rules]

This doesn’t help because I still don’t know what it means.I was joking:p
I'm sure everyone has heard The Beach Boys, Christmas song: Little Saint Nick...the lyrics will explain the meaning of 'peel out': https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/beachboys/littlesaintnick.html

[Captain Steel]

What the heck is a peel out?



LOL. Good excuse not to drive with the MIL.

Hi Stirch. A "peel out" is when someone floors or nearly floors the accelerator of their car when the car is in a stopped or nearly stopped position - this usually causes the tires to screech loudly, creates smoke (either from the tire friction or out the tail pipe), leaves marks on the road and (IMO) makes the driver look very immature.

Some people will do this at stop lights to try to "beat" traffic, intimidate other drivers, make believe they are a drag racer (or something) or they feel that the smoke & noise "peeling out" creates makes them look "cool" and will impress others - when all it really does it reveal them as a gas waster, someone who adds needless wear & tear to their vehicle (especially their tires), and a reckless driver.

[AgrippinaX]

This doesn’t help because I still don’t know what it means.

Thank you for making me feel less alone.

[Rockatansky]

I believe "peel out" is a noun. The expression for the act of doing one is "peel your cap back".

[John McClane]

I peel in and crawl out.

[Captain Steel]

I believe "peel out" is a noun. The expression for the act of doing one is "peel your cap back".

I'm thinking it could be a noun or verb depending on usage.

To perform "a peel out" would be a noun, but if you said "Hey, let's peel out, man!" then that would be a verb.

[John McClane]

I'm thinking it could be a noun or verb depending on usage.

To perform "a peel out" would be a noun, but if you said "Hey, let's peel out, man!" then that would be a verb.
Yup, and this is why English is so English.

[Citizen Rules]

What's a noun?

[Citizen Rules]

and verb? is that French. I verily know English:D

[Captain Steel]

What's a noun?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0m89e9oZko

[Captain Steel]

and verb? is that French. I verily know English:D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrfZCvTe-Ko

[Stirchley]

Hi Stirch. A "peel out" is when someone floors or nearly floors the accelerator of their car when the car is in a stopped or nearly stopped position - this usually causes the tires to screech loudly, creates smoke (either from the tire friction or out the tail pipe), leaves marks on the road and (IMO) makes the driver look very immature.

Some people will do this at stop lights to try to "beat" traffic, intimidate other drivers, make believe they are a drag racer (or something) or they feel that the smoke & noise "peeling out" creates makes them look "cool" and will impress others - when all it really does it reveal them as a gas waster, someone who adds needless wear & tear to their vehicle (especially their tires), and a reckless driver.

Captain, thanks! Gosh, I hate this kind of driver. As a male friend of mine always says “Is this really necessary?” when we’re taking a walk together & some idiot (never a woman) is peeling out. (I feel so cool now for using this term.)

I'm thinking it could be a noun or verb depending on usage.

To perform "a peel out" would be a noun, but if you said "Hey, let's peel out, man!" then that would be a verb.

Totally correct.

What's a noun?

The opposite of an adjective. :D

[Citizen Rules]

...The opposite of an adjective. :DDoesn't help:p

[Stirchley]

Doesn't help:p

Because it’s not true. :p

[Captain Steel]

Doesn't help:p

You are a noun, Rules.

That's not quite right either... "Citizen Rules" is a noun; more specifically it's a "proper noun."

While "you" is a pronoun (that is of course if you support nouns, but if you are against nouns then you are an anti-nouner). ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koZFca8AkT0

[xSookieStackhouse]

whats frugal =/?

[Wyldesyde19]

whats frugal =/?
It means to be especially careful with your money

[xSookieStackhouse]

It means to be especially careful with your money

ohhhh okay thank you :D

[CringeFest]

This thread title always reminds me of this :D

83194

Maybe it's just because someone named CaptainSteel is asking, I don't know!

[EsmagaSapos]

Enjoyed reading Citizen Rules takes on his frugality.

I can't say I'm frugal, but people around me say I'm too frugal, my colleges, my mother.

Obviously, they don't say that when:
1. I spend a paycheck on a present, or give away what usually three people give in a wedding;
2. Pay my share and other people's share to the guy driving his own car/gas on a 150km journey, in a country with one of the lowest minimum wages and most expensive gas prices;
3. I take it personally when the dinner bill comes and they want to divide the wine price between them and not with me since I didn't drink wine, it's a dinner, I don't mind the bill be split equality. Although I don't like getting invited to dinners because I eat well at home;
4. I don't ask and even forget the money I lend.

I don't like to spend money, and people nowadays like to spend money, maybe because they have a lot of places to spend money. When I spend money, I try to buy quality, the price is important but is almost secondary. Food is in what I most spend money on quality. Also, it's like Tarantino said: I like to taste my coffee.

I also like to dress in average quality clothes, brands like C&A or Springfield when the prices are 35-50% discont. Just bought this jacket (https://postimg.cc/BP228sLH) for 40€, the price was 70€. The last jacket I bought from this brand lasted more than 10 years. If 40€ lasts another 10, that's 4€ a year, you can't buy a decent jacket for that price. Also, I usually do an investigation of what I like from these two brands, I've been searching for a rain jacket that is thin for almost three years now, I hate the two pockets in the front but I'll have to live with it.

If I go to the movies, which I don't, I can get them all online, for free, the tickets are overpriced anyway, but if I go to the movies, I don't buy the Coca-Cola and popcorns, if I want popcorns I go to the supermarket, get them for 1/5 of the price, sneak them inside, and eat them. The Coca-Cola is full of ice, and overpriced as well. Nowadays the only place concerning this that I spend money without crying for it is in independent movie houses. Usually there's a day in the week that the entry is free, I try to take advantage when the movie is suitable, last week was Portrait of a Lady on Fire, I skipped it.

I don't go to fast food chains because it takes a lot of food for me to be satisfied, the food is good in the mouth, not in the body, is expensive when you add stuff around it, the drinks, the dessert, the chips full of salt, and it doesn't feed, I get thirsty all day long. In my lifetime I went five times to a fast-food chain, still, I'm fat, go figure.

I don't go out and take a breakfast, or go to the pub. We have the greatest breakfast places in the world, everyone says our bread is from the gods. But you pay for it, 1/3 of the cost of eating in a bakery is eating in there, take the bread home. The same goes for pubs, you're paying everything doubling because someone is serving you, and you are in the designated place to be drunk, go be drunk at home.

I try to drive my vehicle the less as possible, this means I have a notebook with the places I need to go. I use Google Maps to see how each route can collide. It's not of my liking to drive around, I stop the car somewhere and go walking, good exercise and I can see what's around slowly. All my activities to do on my own are free. The ones I feel compelled to do are the ones I pay money, they involve company, mostly from work, that I tend to avoid, and that's why they call me cheap.

Frugality is something you learn, things like:

How to spend less water taking a shower, the army shower, showerheads that drip less water. Learn what human parts you suppose to spend time cleaning;
Buy in bulk, everything you can, hair washer, everything you can;
The energetic efficiency of the electronics you buy;
Buy extension cords with a switch, easily unplug appliances you're not using;
How to save gas driving a vehicle... the essentials to maintain it, take care of your tires;
How to take advantage of internet investigation to fix things around the house;
How to make meals that are nutritious with the cheapest vegetables;
Drink water with your meals, if you like juice, take a lemon and cut it, don't squeeze it, if you cut it and just add water it last much longer. If you like wine, the price doesn't tell how good the wine is;
Learn what appliances spend less doing more. Pressure cooker, slow cookers, rice cookers, electric kettle, the list goes on and on;
Where to buy your fish, what fish to buy, for instance, sardines are the most nutritious fish around, a can of sardines is cheaper, also, frozen sardines are not as bad as people think;
How to take care of your boots, the leather conditioner is not expensive;
A garden is a great way to see things grow and also eat what comes out of it;
Dryer is a electricity magnet, it consumes so much electricity, hang clothes on a clothesline to dry;
Everything you do, do it when it's full, washing dishes, washing clothes, make it full;
Whatever you use to eat the water to take a shower, insulate it;
Don't use anything disposable. Those who shave frequently, buy a Safety Double Edge Razor with some Russian Blades, it's more comfortable, shave better and much less expensive long term;
Don't give money to the banks, it's okay to buy stuff and pay it for three months, take a look at how much they're going to take for themselves;
Renegotiate every contract you have, internet, cellphone, television. Nowadays you almost just need internet.

There's so much you can save, ask your grandmother, she'll probably know better than me or anyone here. What's most important in all this is: Learn to value what you have, if you do, you'll probably question if you need anything else, that's called gratitude, it's born out of awareness and it's scientifically proven to be the key to happiness. What more do anyone needs?

[Stirchley]

I should probably look at the cost of things more. Went to buy Sensodyne toothpaste from CVS & noticed if I bought 2, one would be half-price. Then I looked at the price of this stuff that I have used forever & was surprised to see that a tube costs $10. Too lazy to get up & see the size of this stuff that I bought, but, basically, a largish tube.

I had no idea that a tube of toothpaste could cost $5 let alone $10. I’m very out of touch.

[Captain Steel]

Enjoyed reading Citizen Rules takes on his frugality.

I can't say I'm frugal, but people around me say I'm too frugal, my colleges, my mother.

Obviously, they don't say that when:
1. I spend a paycheck on a present, or give away what usually three people give in a wedding;
2. Pay my share and other people's share to the guy driving his own car/gas on a 150km journey, in a country with one of the lowest minimum wages and most expensive gas prices;
3. I take it personally when the dinner bill comes and they want to divide the wine price between them and not with me since I didn't drink wine, it's a dinner, I don't mind the bill be split equality. Although I don't like getting invited to dinners because I eat well at home;
4. I don't ask and even forget the money I lend.

I don't like to spend money, and people nowadays like to spend money, maybe because they have a lot of places to spend money. When I spend money, I try to buy quality, the price is important but is almost secondary. Food is in what I most spend money on quality. Also, it's like Tarantino said: I like to taste my coffee.

I also like to dress in average quality clothes, brands like C&A or Springfield when the prices are 35-50% discont. Just bought this jacket (https://postimg.cc/BP228sLH) for 40€, the price was 70€. The last jacket I bought from this brand lasted more than 10 years. If 40€ lasts another 10, that's 4€ a year, you can't buy a decent jacket for that price. Also, I usually do an investigation of what I like from these two brands, I've been searching for a rain jacket that is thin for almost three years now, I hate the two pockets in the front but I'll have to live with it.

If I go to the movies, which I don't, I can get them all online, for free, the tickets are overpriced anyway, but if I go to the movies, I don't buy the Coca-Cola and popcorns, if I want popcorns I go to the supermarket, get them for 1/5 of the price, sneak them inside, and eat them. The Coca-Cola is full of ice, and overpriced as well. Nowadays the only place concerning this that I spend money without crying for it is in independent movie houses. Usually there's a day in the week that the entry is free, I try to take advantage when the movie is suitable, last week was Portrait of a Lady on Fire, I skipped it.

I don't go to fast food chains because it takes a lot of food for me to be satisfied, the food is good in the mouth, not in the body, is expensive when you add stuff around it, the drinks, the dessert, the chips full of salt, and it doesn't feed, I get thirsty all day long. In my lifetime I went five times to a fast-food chain, still, I'm fat, go figure.

I don't go out and take a breakfast, or go to the pub. We have the greatest breakfast places in the world, everyone says our bread is from the gods. But you pay for it, 1/3 of the cost of eating in a bakery is eating in there, take the bread home. The same goes for pubs, you're paying everything doubling because someone is serving you, and you are in the designated place to be drunk, go be drunk at home.

I try to drive my vehicle the less as possible, this means I have a notebook with the places I need to go. I use Google Maps to see how each route can collide. It's not of my liking to drive around, I stop the car somewhere and go walking, good exercise and I can see what's around slowly. All my activities to do on my own are free. The ones I feel compelled to do are the ones I pay money, they involve company, mostly from work, that I tend to avoid, and that's why they call me cheap.

Frugality is something you learn, things like:

How to spend less water taking a shower, the army shower, showerheads that drip less water. Learn what human parts you suppose to spend time cleaning;
Buy in bulk, everything you can, hair washer, everything you can;
The energetic efficiency of the electronics you buy;
Buy extension cords with a switch, easily unplug appliances you're not using;
How to save gas driving a vehicle... the essentials to maintain it, take care of your tires;
How to take advantage of internet investigation to fix things around the house;
How to make meals that are nutritious with the cheapest vegetables;
Drink water with your meals, if you like juice, take a lemon and cut it, don't squeeze it, if you cut it and just add water it last much longer. If you like wine, the price doesn't tell how good the wine is;
Learn what appliances spend less doing more. Pressure cooker, slow cookers, rice cookers, electric kettle, the list goes on and on;
Where to buy your fish, what fish to buy, for instance, sardines are the most nutritious fish around, a can of sardines is cheaper, also, frozen sardines are not as bad as people think;
How to take care of your boots, the leather conditioner is not expensive;
A garden is a great way to see things grow and also eat what comes out of it;
Dryer is a electricity magnet, it consumes so much electricity, hang clothes on a clothesline to dry;
Everything you do, do it when it's full, washing dishes, washing clothes, make it full;
Whatever you use to eat the water to take a shower, insulate it;
Don't use anything disposable. Those who shave frequently, buy a Safety Double Edge Razor with some Russian Blades, it's more comfortable, shave better and much less expensive long term;
Don't give money to the banks, it's okay to buy stuff and pay it for three months, take a look at how much they're going to take for themselves;
Renegotiate every contract you have, internet, cellphone, television. Nowadays you almost just need internet.

There's so much you can save, ask your grandmother, she'll probably know better than me or anyone here. What's most important in all this is: Learn to value what you have, if you do, you'll probably question if you need anything else, that's called gratitude, it's born out of awareness and it's scientifically proven to be the key to happiness. What more do anyone needs?

I missed this post first time around. Lots of good stuff here. Thanks!

[KeyserCorleone]

I am saving money for retirement, but I must prioritizes the essentials. Food, rent, high powered firearms, and plenty of ammunition. :D


Remember all them canned goods for the zombie apocalypse, kids. So buy Chef Boyardee!

[doubledenim]

Frugality is definitely open to interpretation, but I don’t think some of the rationales listed are frugal and that’s fine.

My definition is basically “want” vs. “need”. In the true spirit, wants are eliminated regardless of how good a deal they are. Then you value shop the need.