Frugal Friday

Reduce * Reuse * Recycle

Seems like a simple concept, right? Well… easier said than done. I am learning to be a better steward of our money as well as establishing a more frugal lifestyle for myself and family.

Here are a few easy (basic) ideas that help me and our family be more frugal:

Reduce – An obvious choice to be more frugal is to reduce your, well, everything. Here are some items you can “reduce”:

Eating – We as Americans are overeaters and many of us are overweight (myself included). A simple way to reduce our eating is to manage our portion control. I saw this add in a magazine for a portion control plate. I don’t own it *yet* but am considering purchasing one and them making a similar version myself.

Electricity – Turn off unused appliances. Duh, right? Use a power cord and completely turn off the power to the unused appliance (TV, computer, toaster oven, etc). Line dry your clothes. Turn off your lights when you leave the room. Turn down the heat and up the airconditioner.

Reuse – This concept goes along with the recycle tips… but you can also reuse many “trash” items around the house to save money… as well as be environmentally friendly.

Cardboard pizza boxes – you can use these boxes as plant boxes to start seedlings for your garden

Wine Bottles – these can be used as candle holders, flower vases… and I am sure many other creative ways.

Water bottles – of course just refilling a water bottle helps save money on purchasing a water bottle when you are out and about.

Left overs – Eat your left overs! Simple enough, right? You can either have another meal from it, or make another similar meal from the left overs.

Recycle – One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Gross? Maybe. But definately could be true.

Local Thrift Stores ~ you would be amazed what great deals you can find at these places! You can find awesome antiques, name brand items… or just household necessities for bargain prices!

Craigslist.com – This is like an online garage sale! You just sit in the comfort of your own home (in your pj’s if you like) and browse the local listings … and then pick up the item(s) you desire to purchase (at garage sale prices). Many sellers are willing to negotiate their prices, which means a better score for you too!

Freecycle.com – Similar to craigslist.com, this site offers FREE items from your local area. Some people are looking to give away good quality items, while there are others that you can just look over. But it is a great opportunity to check and see what is out there for a great bargain.

Check out what others are doing to be more frugal at Biblical Womanhood.