Frugal Tips and Drawing

Happy Saturday Morning! I know that everyone is super busy this weekend so I really appreciate you stopping by and saying hi.

One of the best things I love about blogs is the ability of each of us to help each other come out of our block.....cooking block....sewing block....bill paying block......you get the idea.

Here is a short list I have come up with to be frugal. I really believe it is all about baby steps. Little things we can do all add up. I hope that you enjoy this list. Do you have anything that you and your family do to be frugal? I would love to hear.

Leave your best frugal tip and be put into a drawing for a Hugsandkisses Hair Goodie! This entry ends Sunday October 19th 6pm PST.

10 Things To Do Frugally

1. Utilize your local library. Besides books there are magazines, cd's, VHS tape, books on tape, and more. Some even have great children activities for free.

2. Plan your meals and grocery store shopping trips. Get yourself a cup of coffee or whatever your favorite beverage is and give it a try. At first it might take a couple of hours but the more you do the easier and quickier it becomes, seriously.

3. Pack your lunch, snack, drinks. If you will be going out on errands bring a snack and drink. If you go to work, school, or going to be gone for a bit of time pack your lunch and drink. Yes, it does take a bit of fore-thought but only about 5 minutes worth.

4. Make your own cleaning supplies. It is amazing how much cheaper it is and enviromentally wise it is to make your own. And you know what? It cleans just as well if not better.

5. Make your own gifts and cards. There are so many ideas out in blogland as well as tutorials. The receiver of these will be so grateful for the time you spent in creating something special just for them.

6. If something brakes ask yourself if you really need it and if the answer is yes than ask yourself if you can fix it instead of paying someone else your hard earned money to fix it.

7. Check out the Freecycle in your area. Whether you are looking for something or have an item to get rid of Freecycle is a great option. I found mine by going through Yahoo Groups.

8. Potluck. Have some friends over for a game night or movie night and make it a potluck night. This way you dont have all the financial responsibility to provide for everyone. You can just relax and have a great time with your friends.

9. Start a price book. What is that you might ask? Well, it a tool that you develope to help you keep track of the cheaper prices of your frequently and favorite grocery items. Having a page for the grocery store and then cost for the item will help you know what is the best buy when going over the weekly sales inserts. Here is a printable one generously supplied by Motherload.

10. Be on the same page as your spouse. It is so important for you and your spouse to be a united front otherwise if one is spending and one is trying their best to be frugal it wont do you family a lick of good.