Money spent wisely

[katharina]

I'm not really changing anything much since I live pretty cheap anyway. I will have a bigger garden this summer.

What will you be planting? I wish I could decide what to do here. One year when we *did* have a garden, I had such an overabundance of zucchini that I swore I'd never plant it again.

But last year we had way too many tomatoes and I found plenty to do with them... besides just sliced and sandwiches, I did chili, homemade veggie soup, stewed tomatoes, spaghetti sauce... etc. etc. Can't wait until we can plant more!

 

[Taggart]

I'd add that while I'm on the lookout for good deals, I've been more cautious in the dollar stores after hearing of some products that had issues. I pay more attention to where the food comes from and where it's processed.

I'm more likely to buy recognizable brands there now.

 

[oldnamvet]

What will you be planting? I wish I could decide what to do here. One year when we *did* have a garden, I had such an overabundance of zucchini that I swore I'd never plant it again.

But last year we had way too many tomatoes and I found plenty to do with them... besides just sliced and sandwiches, I did chili, homemade veggie soup, stewed tomatoes, spaghetti sauce... etc. etc. Can't wait until we can plant more!

I will plant zucchini. I slice it thin and put it through a dehydrator for 18 hours. It shrivels up into tiny chips that are a good substitute for potato chips, and way better for you. Dehydrated, you can put several zucchini into a small sandwich ziplock.

I also grow the things that cost more in the store -- such as basil, dill, parsley, and other herbs. Some things it is easier and cheaper to just go to the local farmers market -- like tomatoes, sweet corn. A lot of vegs I dehydrate - they last a long time that way.

 

[Laughingmouse]

I plan ahead more. Luckily, I have been making my own cosmetics and skin care items for a while now, so there's no need to actually cut back. I just have to plan bulk purchases a little further ahead than usual.

 

[SageMother]

I plan ahead more. Luckily, I have been making my own cosmetics and skin care items for a while now, so there's no need to actually cut back. I just have to plan bulk purchases a little further ahead than usual.

I have a couple of friends who make their own beauty gear. Some use items from the kitchen pantry and others order in bulk, like you do.

It saves money regardless of what the economy is like!

 

[katharina]

I have a couple of friends who make their own beauty gear. Some use items from the kitchen pantry and others order in bulk, like you do.

I haven't even thought of things like this and probably won't. I am concentrating on food, heat, shelter, etc. Well I guess toiletries may be under the same category and I *have* thought of buying extra of those things when I can.

 

[chocoguy]

I'd add that while I'm on the lookout for good deals, I've been more cautious in the dollar stores after hearing of some products that had issues. I pay more attention to where the food comes from and where it's processed.

I'm more likely to buy recognizable brands there now.

I never thought of it!

Next time I will be careful on buying some items.

 

[SageMother]

I haven't even thought of things like this and probably won't. I am concentrating on food, heat, shelter, etc. Well I guess toiletries may be under the same category and I *have* thought of buying extra of those things when I can.

I find it easier to look after my shelter, food, and heat issues if my appearance draws a favorable response from other people.

When folks say looks don't count, they aren't being truthful.

 

[Twiceshy]

I don’t like to go buy those sale goods. Usually those are low quality and they are selling it because no one wants it.

I developed this habit of looking in the sale bins at the back of the grocery store, a long time ago and have maintained the habit. We also buy things like rice and dried beans when they go on sale, because they don't go bad and are easy to store.

I guess we have developed a fairly frugal lifestyle as a matter of habit. I guess we are pretty lucky, that way.

 

[katharina]

I developed this habit of looking in the sale bins at the back of the grocery store, a long time ago and have maintained the habit. We also buy things like rice and dried beans when they go on sale, because they don't go bad and are easy to store.

Sounds like a very good idea there, Twiceshy. I usually forget to look in those bins, but my store *does* have them. They also have a couple of carts out for bakery items that have gone past their sell date.