logo

The Global Domain Name (url) Families.com is currently available for acquisition. Please contact by phone at 805-627-1955 or Email for Details

How Far Will You Go to Be Frugal? (1)

a whispered secret Do you know someone who is extremely frugal? From using coupons on groceries to raising chickens in the city for free eggs, a frugal person has to find her own level of frugality.
Here are some of the more extreme ways I have heard about, when it comes to being frugal. Some of these ideas may just leave you shaking your head and thinking, “There is no way I would do that!” Or, you may just be inspired by some of the things people do to be frugal. Either way, this is going to be fun.

Rather than letting your washer’s rinse water go down the drain, bail it out with a bucket and use it to water your plants. I haven’t tried this, but I like the idea of saving water.
In the summer shut the furnace or hot water heater off and take cold showers. I have to confess that we did try this last summer for about a week. The cool shower in the heat wasn’t bad, but I loved having the hot water back.

Raid the grocery’s store’s dumpster for food. Some people have reported great finds from “dumpster diving” at the grocery store, such as canned goods with torn labels, and holiday cakes and cookies. I will probably never try this one, as I am far too picky and squeamish when it comes to food.

Save salt, pepper and ketchup packets from fast food places and use them at home. There is some debate on the ethics of this one. Some people just like using what they already have, while others like to “stock up” on the condiments.

Have a family bath night. Fill up the tub once to bathe everyone, one at a time, without draining the water. For a quick tub bath, I have bathed my two year old and then added more water for my five-year-old. By the time he was done, though, the water was too soapy for anyone else.

Do you have any frugal ideas that others think may be going a bit too far? Please share!

Related Articles:

How Far Will You Go to Be Frugal? (2)

This entry was posted in Hall of Frugal Fame and tagged , , by Mary Ann Romans. Bookmark the permalink.

About Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot. The author of many magazine, newspaper and online articles, Mary Ann enjoys writing about almost any subject. "Writing gives me the opportunity to both learn interesting information, and to interact with wonderful people." Mary Ann has written more than 5,000 blogs for Families.com since she started back in December 2006. Contact her at maromans AT verizon.net or visit her personal blog http://homeinawoods.wordpress.com