Some Favorite Money Savers

1. Dryer racks

I have three of these purchased at Walmart for $9.97 each.  Three is enough to handle multiple big loads of laundry, in conjunction with #2.

2.  Rolling Clothes Rack

I hang pants, jeans, dress shirts, blouses, sweat pants, etc. on this to dry.

3.  My Big Freezer

This is a big one! I’ve talked about it before, but I can’t emphasize the importance of this one enough.

4.  My computer

Frugal websites and blogs are big money savers.  Comparison shopping is much more convenient.  Online Bill Pay saves lots on those evermore expensive stamps.  It’s cheap entertainment, too!

5.  My checkbook, Budget, and annual Plan. These keep me on-track with my goals.

6.  My Iron

Ironing is not fun. But it saves a lot to do it yourself, rather than have someone else do it for you.  I don’t care to have my husband or myself look scruffy just because we are Frugal!

7.  My Kitchen and all the Stuff In It

My kitchen is well equipped.  Among my favorite gadgets are my breadmaker, slow cooker, KitchenAid mixer, VitaMix blender, and pressure cooker. These are all fairly expensive items. But I use each of these items at least weekly, and sometimes multiple times daily.   Every time something is used, that brings the cost of it down.  The KitchenAid mixer and VitaMix blender I purchased new (NOT on credit), but it wouldn’t be so hard to find good used ones. The rest were gifts from my wonderful, generous family (see #12).

8.  My jeans

I have two pair of good looking, name brand jeans bought on sale at Kohl’s.  These two items of clothing get me through 98% of all social and public occasions I find myself in.  True, I lead a pretty casual life. But it is amazingly easy to dress up or dress down jeans with  blouses, t-shirts, accessories, and footwear.

9.  My motor scooter

This takes the guilt out of small trips.  Everyone needs to make them sometimes.  Also, it’s a great source of entertainment.

10.  My personal library

Because I love to read, I own lots and lots of books.  Many were purchased used.  I try to be as selective as possible with my book purchases, and so most of the books in my collection have been read numerous times. I have a GREAT reference collection.  It’s a pretty eclectic mix so I can always find something good to read.  I love the public library but I know I can skip the trip and pick something from my own personal collection.

11. My Sneakers

They’re my membership to the Earth Gym. I buy good ones on sale- almost always New Balance - then proceed to walk the heck out of them.  I’ve had the current pair for almost a year, and the soles are pretty worn down.  Looks like I’m almost ready for a new pair.

12.  Luck (and my genes?)

You really can’t discount this one in living the Frugal life. Here are just a few ways that I am lucky:  I got that great deal on turkeys;  I think Frugality is fun and challenging, rather than restrictive and degrading; I was born in the U.S.A; I love to read; I have a cheerful disposition; I don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs; I have a great family; my parents are Frugal; I have a good education; I met my husband; four dogs and one cat decided to come live with me; I am a housewife.   I could go on and on, but as you can see I am one lucky gal.