July 14, 2010

  • Happily Living Frugal

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    I'm always on the look out for new ways to cut our budget and save us money.  I make it my goal to try one new tip, recipe, or method each week.  If I don't mind it, I keep it.  If I hate it, I keep looking.  Over time, I've implemented enough of the "don't hate it's" to save us some significant money. 

    I didn't wake up one day and make our laundry detergent, fabric softener, cleaning products, baby wipes...  I gradually, little by little added these into my normal routine.   

    The recipes are fairly simple and quick to make.  It doesn't help me to do homemade if I have to go buy that item at full price to last me until I make more.  When for instance my laundry detergent gets low, I pour the remainder in a jar.  I know I have two or three days to make more.  To help me remember, I bring the container to the kitchen.  I'll see it often there and make more when it's convenient for me. 

    The most important thing, is to find a method and system that works.  If buying these items on sale vs. making them homemade works better for you, then do it!  Be good at it!  Find the best coupons and the best sales. 

    If you hate it DON'T DO IT!  This homemade dishwasher detergent recipe was a disaster!  No matter how cheap it is to make, it's not worth it to me!  So, I'm always looking for coupons and sales.  Recently I purchased two large dishwasher powders and 20 diswasher tablets at Rite Aid for a total of $3.60.  That was a great deal! 

    New tips, recipes, and methods + little by little - the "hate it's" = money saved = debt paid = peace of mind!