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Post subject: Dollar stretchers
 Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 12:26 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Posts: 12264
Location: I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend.--Abraham Lincoln
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I have noticed that many of us are struggling to make ends meet these days. I wonder if any of you would like to share some of your creative ways to save pennies and stretch dollars.
I know there are websites out there that focus on these issues. Perhaps if there is one that you like, you could post the url to it here.
One way I have found to stretch a buck is to make my own bread. The least expensive store bought loaf costs around 1.25. For that same amount of money, I can make one batch of bread dough and get two loaves, 6 rolls, and have enough left over to make a pizza crust.
As far as time goes, I figure by the time I got into the car and went to the store to buy bread, I could already have the dough made and in the process of rising.
Anyone else care to share? |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 01:52 AM
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Member
Joined: Aug 30, 2005
Posts: 14104
Location: Jaw Jah
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I have a clothesline in the back I have never used.
You can't really see it, so I could get by with it. 
I've had to run my A/C more than I want to in this 100+ heat.
My next Ga. Power bill is going to be thru the roof.
Like I always said...
If you don't use your A/C in this heat, why did you buy it?
However, depending on where you live, I can imagine
sh!t hitting the fan in certain other neighborhoods when
the neighbors get a gander at real human activity.
Like a clothesline
Example 
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/lifest ... 02/276372/ |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 02:31 AM
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Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 12357
Location: CA
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I don't know Sue...it just seems to come natural to me, since I grew up dirt poor. I can live on $2,000, or less, a month, covering everything, BUT Health Insurance and since I have lost total faith in the Medical Profession here and don't go to Dr.s, even when I broke my foot, it would be wasted anyway.
I am a coupon queen and I buy canned goods when they are on sale and back stock them. I eat Veggies and rice allot, only consuming Chicken, Turkey and fish for meat...also only bought on sale and frozen for later.
I don't use the Box Stores, like Costco, because I did a study for myself for a year and found the $50 membership did not even out on any of the pricing they had there. Not only were the prices to be found at other stores, including the gas prices, but they require bulk buying and then one runs into spoilage.
I turn the lights off, except for fairy lights...you know, the string lights used at Xmas...or nightlights....I can see quite well enough to get around the house with those. I use Solar lights outside. I only run the TV, or computer, when I am using it...I admit I used to use it for background noise to take my mind off the Tinnitus, but no more. I dress in layers, so that hot or cold, I can adjust. I buy large bags of GOOD cat Food, on sale, with Coupons...they eat less of the good stuff and it is better for their health, so less Vet bills. I handle allot of their medical care myself, as you know.
I used to make my own bread, but I am lazy, last time I made frybread...I was floured from head to toe ...  ....I have a bread maker, but the mixes are YUK...I did find a really good seed bread for $1.38 a Loaf that I am hooked on, but then I don't always eat bread daily.
I don't; go on trips, go to the Movies, eat at Restaurants anymore, but with the quality of Food served lately, I don't miss it.
I DON"T DRYCLEAN anymore...it became too costly and I don't like the chemicals anyway...I use the DRYELL kit. I hand wash allot of delicates anyway.
I walk as much as I can....I eat blandly for my IBS...I don't know, I really don't mind cutting back. I am clothed, I am clean, I am fed and I live in a comfortable house,surrounded by those who care for me....
In spirit ...I am rich. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 03:15 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2003
Posts: 7461
Location: NSW -Australia
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| Quote: | | I walk as much as I can....I eat blandly for my IBS...I don't know, I really don't mind cutting back. I am clothed, I am clean, I am fed and I live in a comfortable house,surrounded by those who care for me.... |
I could have written this 
I make all my winter tops and jackets etc, also some trousers for (around the house) only draw back is I love Malden mills fleece from the US, but the postage!!!!!
In the winter I have this huge pan of vegetable soup on the go, this is just some legumes to thicken and I freeze some of it . make it on the weekend lasts all week for lunch.
A/C I do not run them all day and night as some do. and yes this is a Hot country. I have to leave my door open as long as I can bare it. then it is shut about 11 in the mid morning. as soon as the sun goes down I open back and front doors, and this lets real air into my home. I never run it at night. and I have a ''thing'' about being closed in all day. this is more a health thing not a cost thing. even now on a winters day the door is slightly ajar.
TV is off all day may pop on DrPhil while having lunch then it is off. until the evening. computer is a newer one that switches off when not in use . I have 1 low voltage light on in the dark.
I take 3 minute showers:) I use all left over's, never throw anything away.
I have always lived within my means. and I don't buy just for the sake of buying. I look at something, covert it, and then say do you really need this, and the answer is NO!!!
I have to admit since living Rural here I have managed very well. even to taking an overseas trip every year.
Like littlestar I grew up dirt poor. after world war 2, it was a hell on earth for many years with poverty in the UK. the era of rationed food. could you image this today!!! I lived in Newcastle and it was leveled like London in many parts.
I also got rid of my car. these do keep you poor:) and shop every 2 weeks . late in the evening with my son. it is also a good time BTW to pick up bread meat. and hot chickens that are cut to the bone price wise to clear the shelves .
we notice a few folks waiting for this moment. I have got the odd chicken this way, but leave these things for the folks who are really in need it. I am not rolling in money but I have more than enough to live on with my medical needs covered.
It is not that we cant manage . it is we just have to get used to the new way to live.
Daisy |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:03 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought. |
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rdb |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:52 AM
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Member
Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1339
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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This made a big difference here- several years ago we applied solar film to our windows. It cut down on the amount of heat coming in the house enough so that you could tell the difference (and the air didn't run nearly as much during the day).
Put all of your "wall warts" (power supplies) on a power strip and switch them off when you're not using them. That saves a lot of power if you have more than a few. (I admit- I haven't done this yet.)
If your TV has a "vacation" switch- it will turn off the power to the tube (that is, if you're not running Plasma or LCD). That saves some power.
Fluorescent lights instead of regular lights save a lot of power (and when they finally come out with the LED "solid state" lights, it will be many times more efficient!!!)
SHADE TREES. Every little bit of shade around your place will make the yard (and the house) that much cooler. Cooler means less AC, less electricity.
A microwave uses less energy than a standard cookstove, and a dishwasher actually uses less hot water than hand-washing (according to what I've read).
Add insulation around your hot water tank. That will usually save a lot of energy, because once heated up the water will stay hot longer and the heating element won't cycle as much.
This is a biggie- drive no faster than 60mph if you can (on the interstates, that could be dangerous). The gas mileage of all vehicles goes down significantly above around 55 mph- at which speed wind resistance starts becoming a factor. The ideal speed is around 50 mph- 45 for bulky or big vehicles. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:12 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2003
Posts: 7461
Location: NSW -Australia
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| Cat wrote: | | If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought. |
I watched the garden show on sunday and they recon a lot of home owners are doing this getting rid of some of the huge lawn and putting in vegies. and even mixing it with some flowers to make it more like a country garden , a great idea. but a lot to learn when starting out to get high yields:) and saving your own seeds etc. worth having a go, if you have a garden.
Daisy |
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vampyregirl |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:20 AM
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Member
Joined: Oct 26, 2002
Posts: 1243
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA
Status: Offline
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I'm a coupon "queen" too!!! I also shop at Aldi. Much cheaper--and they're currently the #1 grocery chain in America! I don't get all of my things there, though! I am picky about some things, and will get the "name brand"--using a coupon, of course!!! There is a Dollar General at the end of my street now, and I get most of my paper products and laundry detergent there too--and they take coupons!!! The good thing is, I can walk there to get the stuff I need!
I make sure and ask myself if I really actually "need" an item or is it just a "want". I do indulge still, but not any where near the level I used to!!!! |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:38 AM
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Member
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| daisydownunder wrote: | | Cat wrote: | | If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought. |
I watched the garden show on sunday and they recon a lot of home owners are doing this getting rid of some of the huge lawn and putting in vegies. and even mixing it with some flowers to make it more like a country garden , a great idea. but a lot to learn when starting out to get high yields:) and saving your own seeds etc. worth having a go, if you have a garden.
Daisy |
I wish our yard could be made into a garden. It's a very small lot, with big trees, so no place for gardening unless we cut down the trees. I have thought of using some of the new hanging inverted planters for some veggies, but there is a rather large initial outlay of money. Not sure if it is worth it or not. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:42 AM
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Member
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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| rdb wrote: | This made a big difference here- several years ago we applied solar film to our windows. It cut down on the amount of heat coming in the house enough so that you could tell the difference (and the air didn't run nearly as much during the day).
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Bob, I wonder if that solar film could be used on sky lights? That is our biggest problem. Our house faces North/South, and was very dark, so we put in a lot of large sky lights. The light is wonderful, but you get a major greenhouse effect in summer, with the temps being higher inside than out. It's nice in winter, our house stays warm, but it's just awful in summer. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:47 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2003
Posts: 7461
Location: NSW -Australia
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| Cat wrote: | | daisydownunder wrote: | | Cat wrote: | | If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought. |
I watched the garden show on sunday and they recon a lot of home owners are doing this getting rid of some of the huge lawn and putting in vegies. and even mixing it with some flowers to make it more like a country garden , a great idea. but a lot to learn when starting out to get high yields:) and saving your own seeds etc. worth having a go, if you have a garden.
Daisy |
I wish our yard could be made into a garden. It's a very small lot, with big trees, so no place for gardening unless we cut down the trees. I have thought of using some of the new hanging inverted planters for some veggies, but there is a rather large initial outlay of money. Not sure if it is worth it or not. |
Thats what I always say as well However I did see one where the guy used hydroponics around his shed walls etc using PVC pipe large plumbing kind, (can be found also at the local tip:) and just a $20 pump off Ebay to water the plants regularly he mainly had lettuce and tomatoes, But I loved this idea it was so clean:) and with a bad back you can put them higher up than a garden bed:) liquid fertiliser just added now and again.
Daisy |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 06:52 AM
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Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 12357
Location: CA
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| The film kind will work on skylights...only trouble is, the natural condensation that forms so often on them...breaks down the film quicker and it's not cheap |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 07:20 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2003
Posts: 7461
Location: NSW -Australia
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actually the one I like uses just water and the holes are small but the pvc pipe is the right size
daisy |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:21 PM
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Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2002
Posts: 12357
Location: CA
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| Who has lots of experience with Camellia Bushes ? |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 05:42 PM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Posts: 12264
Location: I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend.--Abraham Lincoln
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| daisydownunder wrote: | | Cat wrote: | | daisydownunder wrote: | | Cat wrote: | | If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought. |
I watched the garden show on sunday and they recon a lot of home owners are doing this getting rid of some of the huge lawn and putting in vegies. and even mixing it with some flowers to make it more like a country garden , a great idea. but a lot to learn when starting out to get high yields:) and saving your own seeds etc. worth having a go, if you have a garden.
Daisy |
I wish our yard could be made into a garden. It's a very small lot, with big trees, so no place for gardening unless we cut down the trees. I have thought of using some of the new hanging inverted planters for some veggies, but there is a rather large initial outlay of money. Not sure if it is worth it or not. |
Thats what I always say as well However I did see one where the guy used hydroponics around his shed walls etc using PVC pipe large plumbing kind, (can be found also at the local tip:) and just a $20 pump off Ebay to water the plants regularly he mainly had lettuce and tomatoes, But I loved this idea it was so clean:) and with a bad back you can put them higher up than a garden bed:) liquid fertiliser just added now and again.
Daisy |
Cat, Have you looked into container gardening? Some veggies do nicely in big buckets or even planters.
Daisy, I would love to try hydroponics. I love the way Disney's Epcot center does theirs (or course they are on a much larger scale).
A number of years ago, Bob built a square foot garden box for me (nothing more than a 4ft by 4ft wooden box) and put it up on a couple of saw horses. It was just the right level for me. There was room for a small metal shelving unit under the garden box where I kept my gardening tools (just simple hand tools). Believe it or not, I grew a lot of veggies in that small area: everything from beans, potatoes, squash, radishes (good old radishes grow just about anywhere), and a variety of lettuces. It was a lot of fun. I am hoping to build another one. (hint, hint to Bob  ) |
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