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Since moving to New Hampshire a few years ago, I have been amazed by so-called Yankee frugality—and money-saving acumen.
The word frugal can have a negative connotation in today's world but it really means "economic in the use of resources," according to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. It's quite common for my neighbors to sun-dry clothes, give gifts wrapped in the funnies, and wear clothes with patches.
Of course, you don't need to live in my neck of the woods to live simply and economically. It's a state of mind—and one that many Old Farmer's Almanac readers seem to share. I'm always delighted by many of our readers' suggestions on how to better clean, garden, and live. It's full-circle learning.
I thought that you all might be interested in this quote from the American Antiquarian Society:
"If the almanac had a comprehensive subject, it was: How to get through life. The otherwise dissociated miscellany . . . (is) rather like that forming the contents of a person's mind as he gets through life each day."
So, how do you pinch pennies—ah-hem, oh, ur—I mean, live simply and wisely? What's your best easy, unusual, or wacky money-saving tip? Please share!
(To share, just "submit" your comment in the box below.)
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Empty 1 or 2 litre plastic
Empty 1 or 2 litre plastic soft drink bottles can be reused for building bird feeders. Cut the top and bottom out to make the cylinder to hold the seed. Scrap wood and one of these makes a nice feeder and you can see when it is empty.
Daily or weekly I take the
Daily or weekly I take the extra change from my purse and collect it in a cloth bag. At the end of the year I have a bag of money I take to the bank or a change exchange and add it to my Christmas money.
Use Sunlight soap bars. They
Use Sunlight soap bars. They sell two to a package - last forever. Great for dishes, surfaces, carpet stains, and fine lingerie.
I always decide if a purchase
I always decide if a purchase is want or a need,if it's a need ibuy it.But if it is just a want I put it back!
When you write a check round
When you write a check round up your check book to the next whole dollar. You will have saving sense and be saving cents and your accout will grow. I recommend this especially to all the young couples we know.
cut dryer sheets in half
cut dryer sheets in half
I use it up, wear it out,
I use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!
I leave the credit cards at
I leave the credit cards at home. If you can't pay cash, you probably don't need it. If you do have to use the card, pay it off every month to avoid the dreaded finance charge.
Don't carry a lot of money
Don't carry a lot of money around with you. It only burns a hole in your pocket.
Remember to turn off the TV!
Remember to turn off the TV! The standard CRT televisions and computer monitors use much more electricity than most other appliances (sans refrigerator). If you like the background noise, start using the radio instead! Put outdoor lights on timers.