| Living on One Income | |
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Even during the best of times it can be difficult trying to make ends meet on one income. Saving a few cents here and there can make a big difference at the end of the month. In previous articles, our readers shared their frugal tips. This week, I would like to share a few more tips that parents have submitted. Thanks to everyone who has sent in their frugal hints!
From Marcie:
Use Dawn dish detergent to get out stains in clothing instead of spray and wash. The Dawn stretches farther and costs a lot less.
From Anna:
We shop at one of those low cost/bag it yourself food stores. I spend about $160.00 per month, for a family of four! Plan ahead! I do so a month at a time. Each night of the week, is given a specific-meat day. For instance, Mondays...chicken, Tuesdays...ground beef, ect.. Add rice, veggies, pasta, ect for the side dishes. I know exactly what were having at any given time, with out much thought. When you break it down, we only have, say, chicken..4x per month...no boredom! This works great, and my family really looks forward to Fridays...fish night! I also keep 2 or 3 laundry baskets in the back of my minivan, to carry items from car into the house; this eliminates the need to ever have to spend time "bagging". Just place in baskets and transport where needed.
From Patty:
I have two children, and hope to have more. In preparation, (I started with my first child) I buy as many clothes unisex as possible, especially, snowsuits, sleepers, onesies, white or gray socks. This way, you can buy the nice quality stuff once, and use it with all of your children, Same goes for crib bedding, stollers, car seats, etc. The only thing you don't want to do this with is shoes or sneakers for everyday use (dress shoes are o.k.), as it is not good for a child's foot development. Use cloth diapers too, the all-in one's are expensive, but again, start with the first child and you won't have to buy them again.
From Joyce:
I use the plastic bags inside cereal
boxes for dividing up meat I get on sale.
They are much better than foil wrap or
plastic wrap. Then I fold them over, put a rubber band around them and put in
freezer. Free and better.
From Kim:
Instead of buying a change table, I used a desk & a curved mat on top. Instead of buying a swimming pool, I used the baby's bath tub outside.
From Maggie:
My daughter [16 yr old] goes through loads of tights at school. Thick opaque Black 70 denier Nylons, thrown in the bin with just a hole in the foot. So I thought about cutting off the elastic waistbands before binning them, to use for headbands while washing hair, or as bin receptacle liner holders. Works very well.
I want to thank everyone for their tips and hints, and please keep them coming!
| More Reader's Frugal Tips |
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