Let's brainstorm a list of frugal guidelines to try and live by

-Before you buy something ask yourself: Do I have something similar at home already? Can I find a cheaper alternative? Do I really need this?
-Get to know your local library (free books, movies, cd's, magazines, craft time, story time)
-Look our for free family entertainment in the paper.
-Don't throw food away. Use it up or transform it into a new meal.
-Use coupons wisely (double check you can't save more money by buying the generic version).
-Don't pay full price. Look for sales, clearance racks, consignment or thrift stores.
-Don't waste gas. Plan your errands so you don't waste gas. If the weather is nice and you can walk there go for it.
-Before you buy a big ticket item ask if it will be going on sale soon.
-Ask yourself "Can I make it cheaper?" This could be clothing, cleaning products, snacks, or other grocery items.

- unplug appliances when not in use.
- use baking soda and vinagar to clean with instead of buying all kinds of fancy cleaners.
- hang clothes to dry.
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-use less (less laundry detergent, less toothpaste, less gas)

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It's not what you make; it's what you spend.

Join the Budget Scrapbooking challenges and earn a discount to the CC store!

use washable clothes to clean with instead of paper towels and clorox type wipes.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.

I absolutley think the #1 rule of Frugalism is 'Do you really NEED it?'. If the answer is no, obviously, put it back.

I tend to buy in bulk with as many coupons as possible. Makes items last longer and are generally cheaper in comparison.

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~Missy~Mommy
Meghan9.Samantha7,Cameron5

New England Mommysavers Social Group, Join us!http://mommysavers.com/boards/group.php?groupid=10

-Live within your means.

-Don't use a credit card unless it's an emergency.

-when you have to buy clothes make sure to never buy dry clean only-

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"Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts."
~Unknown~

The three R's.......

R-Refresh (ie clothes)
R- Refurbish -( furniture, curtains)
R- Reinvent - (leftover food, clothing, paper items)

thanks to all for these ideas..this is quite new to me. Alot of these ideas i have done in the past, but needed a reminder to get back on track..thanks

Where I work I print alot and by our fax machine we keep the confirmation sheets stacked up. In my desk I keep a hanging file folder just for paper that has been used. When it gets really full I take it home and reuse it. I take clases online and I frequently print. I just use the other side as it is a fresh sheet of paper. I haven't bought a ream of paper in a really long time!

Also, once a week my kids bring home worksheets and stuff they did in class. I have to sign that I saw them and then they can hang them up (coloring/art projects) or chunk them. We keep them and cut them in half and staple them at the top and they each get a new notepad each week to do practice math, spelling words, writing or whatever.

Also, I buy my ink cartridges through inkjetsuperstore.com. They sell cartridges that have been refilled (recycled) and are alot cheaper than buying them at Office Depot or Walmart. And the quality is no different. Flat rate shipping of like $4.95.