Frugal living

Ask for cup sizes in fluid ounces to gauge volume when standard names are unclear.

Standard names vary; knowing ounces helps compare to familiar volumes like an 8 oz cup or 12 oz soda can.

• Not all regions advertise ounces.

one person who lived it

Install a bidet.

They're affordable and easy to install. Much less tp usage.

one person who lived it

Reduce shampoo, body wash, and hand soap usage to one pump if enough, rather than two.

The bottle could last six weeks instead of three.

one person who lived it

Buy name-brand Q-tips to avoid tips popping off.

Cheap brands often have tips that detach, causing regret.

one person who lived it

Order beverages extra-hot if you have a long drive to work.

It helps keep the drink warm during a commute that can take an hour.

one person who lived it

Use only a teaspoon of mouthwash per session rather than a full mouthful.

This extends the life of the bottle.

one person who lived it

Use basic castile bar soap for cleaning greasy pans.

It is effective for grease.

• It may leave spots on glassware.

one person who lived it

Push two toothpaste tubes together to transfer paste from a large tube to a small one.

It avoids wasting plastic.

• One person reported this method made a big mess.

one person who lived it

• Cut open flattened toothpaste tubes to extract paste from the shoulders for a few more brushings.9

Make your own bubble tea with red tea, sugar, milk, and tapioca balls.

It tastes way better and is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Give unsweetened tea a week to adjust your palate; it may become delicious after a few days.

Taste preferences can shift within a week.

one person who lived it

Drink tap water instead of purchasing bottled beverages to save money.

Purchasing bottled water wastes significant funds.

8 people, independently

Buy Pepsodent toothpaste as a low-cost option that still contains fluoride.

It is affordable and tastes good.

one person who lived it

Ask restaurants for a free cup of water to fill your soda cup or personal bottle.

saved lots of money

2 people, independently

Flush only when necessary (e.g., skip flushing for urine) to conserve water.

Saves water.

3 people, independently

Lather bar soap on a wet washcloth or towel before applying it to your body to feel cleaner and reduce harshness on the skin.

Creating more foam before application makes it less strong against your skin and helps you feel cleaner.

2 people, independently

Avoid working out, swimming, and hot baths immediately after spray tanning to prevent shortening the tan's life.

These activities shorten the life of the tan.

one person who lived it

Discard mascara after three months to avoid eye infections.

Using it past this time increases infection risk.

one person who lived it

Use only one-quarter of the recommended amount of laundry detergent per load.

Modern machines use less water and require less soap; excess leaves residue that attracts dirt.

one person who lived it

Mix 3/4 seltzer and 1/4 lemonade for a satisfying soda fountain-style drink.

just hits right

one person who lived it

Buy wax melts from Walmart to scent your home.

They are described as pretty nice.

one person who lived it

Enjoy good incense and fine teas as cheap luxuries.

Fine green teas are still cheaper than drinking soda.

one person who lived it

Use Dawn Platinum dish soap for cleaning.

It works better and you use less, making it cheaper per use despite the higher price.

one person who lived it

Use sugar scrubs instead of salt scrubs for hand massages if you have dry hands.

Sugar is more comfortable than salt for those with dry hands.

one person who lived it

Use small, tactile upgrades like a stainless steel coffee scoop to bring daily joy.

It brings joy every single morning.

one person who lived it

Buy real maple syrup instead of artificial substitutes for a better experience.

Real maple syrup is much better than imitation syrup.

• One person prefers fake sugary processed syrup over real maple syrup.

2 people, independently

Buy cotton wool from drugstores instead of cotton discs for applying skincare.

It is much cheaper and works fine.

one person who lived it

Avoid using vinegar and water on glasses.

It can damage lens coatings such as anti-glare or scratch resistance.

one person who lived it

Use glass soap dispensers to reduce plastic waste and match room decor.

They are sleek, pretty, and functional.

one person who lived it

Carry a spill-proof reusable water bottle (such as a Gene bottle) to have a convenient water supply while sitting on the couch or out and about.

It avoids the need to get up frequently to refill a cup.

one person who lived it

Choose triple-milled or French-milled bar soaps for a luxurious feel that gel soaps cannot match.

They offer a level of luxury unmatched by gel soap.

one person who lived it

Buy gallon-size bottles of body lotion for better cost effectiveness.

One user found this method most cost effective, noting a bottle lasts almost an entire year.

one person who lived it

Push leftover paste toward the tube opening using a rigid item like a toothbrush handle or electric brush barrel.

This lets you squeeze the tube in any direction and then force the remaining product out.

5 people, independently

Apply a small amount of toothpaste and reapply mid-brush when it runs out to avoid wasting product.

Applying too much at the start often results in spitting out a large glob of unused paste.

one person who lived it

Use a 50/50 mix of cheap vodka and water in a spray bottle instead of Febreze to kill odor-causing bacteria on unwashable items.

This kills odor-causing bacteria instead of just perfuming the item.

one person who lived it

Use cheap conditioning shampoo as body wash.

Makes great body wash

one person who lived it

Buy Nespresso pods for coffee that tastes better than expensive cafe drinks.

One user noted it makes other options taste like water by comparison.

one person who lived it

Be cautious with Shea Moisture products as formulas may have changed.

The brand was bought out by Unilever and altered formulas to appeal to less coily hair types.

one person who lived it

Sip tea outside on nice days using a vessel you love.

It creates a luxurious experience.

one person who lived it

Focus on flossing and tongue brushing over mouthwash to improve breath.

These methods remove significant gunk that affects breath.

one person who lived it

Do not dilute liquid soap with water in dispensers.

Diluting preservatives allows bacteria and mold to grow.

• Commercial formulations may remain safe for years; home-diluted soap is only a risk if left unused for unreasonable time frames.

one person who lived it

• Add a broad-spectrum preservative like Liquid Germall Plus when diluting soap with water to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.1

Use vodka as an aftershave substitute to close pores quickly.

It closes up pores rather quickly.

• You will smell like a bum.

one person who lived it

Insert a toothpick into the opening of small dish soap bottles, glue it shut, then remove the toothpick to slow dispensing.

This makes the bottle last longer.

one person who lived it

Slice open pump lotion bottles to access the product remaining at the bottom that the straw cannot reach.

There is often much more product left inside.

one person who lived it

Transfer mouthwash into an attractive bottle and leave it on your vanity to increase usage.

You'll use it more often.

one person who lived it

Use less than a full pump of dispensed products like lotion or hand soap.

Many people double-pump out of habit unnecessarily.

one person who lived it

Reduce the recommended amount of cleaning products like dish liquid or washing powder by 50%.

You can often cut the amount in half without any negative effects.

one person who lived it

Reduce syrup pumps in drinks containing sweet ingredients like oat milk to avoid excessive sugar.

Oat milk is sweet.

one person who lived it

Consider Lush lemon shampoo bar as a fragrant option.

It is noted for smelling really nice.

one person who lived it

Switch to very gentle skincare products if harsher ones are worsening your skin condition.

One person reported seeing a noticeable difference in their skin after making this change.

one person who lived it

Add essential oils to vinegar-based cleaners to mask the vinegar smell with scents like lavender or lemon.

Vinegar smells unpleasant to some people.

3 people, independently

Keep one reusable cup designated only for coffee to avoid flavor transfer.

Coffee smell can persist in a cup even after washing.

one person who lived it

If you struggle with dandruff or want to save money on hair care, try washing your hair with conditioner only instead of shampoo.

One person reported stopping dandruff and saving lots of money after switching to conditioner-only washing years ago.

one person who lived it

Buy travel-size mascara to ensure it is used up before expiring.

There is less likelihood of it going bad before you finish it.

one person who lived it

Add tea bags to bathwater to dye legs or improve skin appearance.

One person used it to simulate stockings during silk shortages; another uses it in summer instead of expensive self-tanners to avoid skin cancer risk.

one person who lived it

Buy travel-size or sample perfumes spread out over time to have several options.

Having variety to choose from feels wonderfully luxurious whenever you get ready.

one person who lived it

Wash clothes by hand in the sink using water boiled on the stove if electricity is unreliable or unavailable.

Electricity was not a guarantee and a washer/dryer was not available.

one person who lived it

Fill diluted soap mixtures slowly with cold water to prevent excessive foaming during preparation.

Cold water prevents the mixture from foaming as much while filling.

one person who lived it

Avoid automatic soap dispensers, as one person reported they stopped working around the three-month mark due to water damage in the battery compartment.

Water accumulates in the battery compartment, causing failure.

• Based on one person's experience with multiple units.

one person who lived it

Buy good toilet paper so your body experiences luxury.

It ensures at least one part of your life lives in luxury.

one person who lived it

• Buy good quality toilet paper.1

Dilute juice from larger containers to stretch it out and reduce sugar intake.

Diluting makes the juice more palatable while helping avoid too much sugar.

one person who lived it

Add small essentials like wipes or teethers to your weekly grocery shopping to avoid last-minute rushes.

Having these on hand prevents the need to rush out constantly once the baby arrives.

one person who lived it

Use microfiber cloths on Swiffer mops and dilute cleaners like Fabuloso and bleach in spray bottles.

This avoids buying disposable Swiffer cloths.

one person who lived it

Ignore the fill line on detergent bottle caps and use less than indicated.

The fill lines are usually higher than necessary, causing you to burn through detergent faster.

one person who lived it

Avoid using fabric softener on towels to keep a crinkly and stiff texture.

Fabric softener is described negatively ('of Satan') by someone who prefers bracing, stiff bath towels.

• This preference is subjective; some may prefer softer towels.

one person who lived it

Use frozen concentrate mixed with water in a jug over ice instead of buying bottled juice.

3 people, independently

Buy brand-name Band-Aids and Kleenex for better adhesion and quality.

Cheap Band-Aids adhesive wears off faster, requiring more frequent replacement which saves nothing; Puffs is noted as a close second for tissues.

one person who lived it

Wash microfiber cloths in warm water with mild detergent and air dry them; never use fabric softener.

Fabric softener can damage lens coatings.

one person who lived it

Dilute sugary drinks like juice with water to create a flavored water alternative.

Cutting it with water makes it taste better.

one person who lived it

Pre-mix diluted soap outside the dispenser to prevent wearing out the pump mechanism faster than mixing inside.

Mixing soap and water directly in the dispenser wears it out faster.

one person who lived it

Try ELF 'Holy Hydration' moisturizer as an affordable alternative that outperforms many expensive brands.

One person with years of skincare experience found it beats many expensive brands by far.

one person who lived it

Avoid using dryer sheets to wash dishes due to concerns about getting chemicals on your items.

Concerns about chemical residue.

one person who lived it

Apply homemade facials using ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and sugar.

It feels great.

one person who lived it

Consider that used nursing accessories can be washed clean, similar to secondhand onesies and bibs.

Washing removes letdown overspray and spit-up.

• Some people find used nursing accessories gross due to potential residue.

one person who lived it

Apply Vaseline to chapped lips and cuticles.

It serves as an effective everyday prep for lipstick and treats dry cuticles.

one person who lived it

Keep bar soap in mesh bags or soap saver bags to extend its life, create lather like a loofah, and eliminate waste by adding new bars as old ones shrink.

4 people, independently

Buy men's brands for shaving gel, razors, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash to avoid the pink tax, as they are usually cheaper.

• Only do this if you do not mind male scents.

one person who lived it

Calculate your savings from making DIY household products like laundry soap to stay motivated.

Figuring out the savings keeps you motivated.

one person who lived it

Check if your electrical panel requires an expensive upgrade before installing electric tankless water heaters.

Electric tankless units may require panel upgrades, especially in older homes.

one person who lived it

Drink flavored sparkling water, such as mojito flavor, instead of soda.

Leisure beverages are greater than functional beverages.

one person who lived it

Make DIY exfoliant by mixing coconut oil with sugar until desired texture is reached, optionally adding lemon juice.

better and less expensive than bought alternatives

one person who lived it

Whip together bulk coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils with a hand blender to create a custom hair and skin moisturizer.

one person who lived it

Dilute concentrated Castile soap for use in foaming dispensers.

• One user reported the dispenser started sticking after refilling with diluted soap.

3 people, independently

Transfer bulk dish soap into a pump dispenser to control the amount dispensed and reduce waste.

one person who lived it

• Transfer squeeze-container body wash into a pump container to slow down usage.1

Refill small travel containers or pots with toothpaste from your regular large tube to avoid buying overpriced travel sizes.

3 people, independently

Buy bulk psyllium or flax seed meal instead of pills to save money.

Bulk options are cheaper than pills.

one person who lived it

Buy Ben & Jerry's ice cream at Publix when it is buy-one-get-one-free once a month.

Two pints last the entire month.

one person who lived it

Buy shaving cream in multi-packs for a low cost per use.

A two-can pack costs around $2.xx and lasts for months.

one person who lived it

Order one large single item and cut it into smaller pieces yourself to reduce cost.

It can cost less per piece than ordering individual items.

one person who lived it

Homebrew beer to reduce costs compared to buying retail.

It is cheaper than retail options.

one person who lived it

Buy single bananas at supermarkets that allow purchasing individual units to avoid buying more than you can eat.

It prevents having to buy more than one can consume.

• Not applicable at Aldi's.

one person who lived it

Run high-electrical-use appliances outside peak pricing windows.

Electricity can be cheaper at night in many places.

• Check local electricity tariffs.

2 people, independently

Bowling in the mornings or late at night for lower prices.

Prices are typically higher in the evenings.

one person who lived it

Purchase a farm share if you can afford the initial cost, as it may be cheaper than grocery stores over a year.

You avoid additional markups by buying directly.

one person who lived it

Eat oatmeal for breakfast as a low-cost option.

A large container costs about three bucks and provides roughly 100 meals, making it approximately 3 cents per meal.

one person who lived it

Eliminate soda from the household to save on rising beverage costs.

Soda prices have risen to a dollar per piece.

one person who lived it

Buy holiday overstocks like turkey, ham, or corned beef within 48 hours after the holiday.

They are clearance priced.

one person who lived it

Order set lunch menus to try expensive restaurants at a lower cost.

They are often much cheaper than dinner à la carte.

one person who lived it

Buy a vacuum sealer to package bulk purchases in reasonable portions, which can cut down kitchen waste and save money.

One person reported this appliance obviously reduced their waste and saved them money.

• Some people are concerned about the additional plastic waste generated by the bags.

one person who lived it

Remove stems from vegetables before weighing them at the grocery store to reduce the weight-based price.

save ¢.0001

one person who lived it

Work out value by calculating the price per unit or weight, not just the total package price.

4 people, independently

Use crushed tomatoes instead of pre-made pizza sauce.

It reduces costs and improves quality.

one person who lived it

Buy bird seed in bulk at Winco stores if you have one nearby.

It is sold for cheap.

one person who lived it

Buy chocolate at Aldi if you have one nearby.

It is really good and cheap.

one person who lived it

Eat bulk beans, grains, nuts, and seasonal produce while avoiding eating out.

Meat is expensive and this approach reduces food costs.

one person who lived it

Find space for a used chest freezer, often available from people downsizing, to save money on bulk purchases.

It allows you to save on bulk purchases.

one person who lived it

Reduce butter usage and add flavored sprinkles, such as sour cream and onion, to save money on snacks.

Chips have become very expensive.

one person who lived it

Buy Trader Joe's beers for approximately $1 per bottle.

They are reported as pretty good and very cheap.

one person who lived it

Build rapport with grocery store cashiers to learn specific times for markdowns on produce and meat.

They will usually tell you; one person reported markdowns at 7am and 7pm.

one person who lived it

Debone whole chickens yourself using a sharp knife or spoon to save money.

Whole chickens are the cheapest option and deboning is easier than expected.

one person who lived it

Buy meats and cheeses from Costco Business Centers to get restaurant bulk prices.

It lets you get items at restaurant bulk prices.

one person who lived it

Order kids' meals at drive-throughs if you do not need a large drink, as the food portion is often enough.

The only difference between kids' and adults' meals is typically the size of the drink.

one person who lived it

Buy powdered mixes for sports drinks or hot cocoa instead of pre-mixed bottled versions.

Powdered mixes are much cheaper than bottled alternatives.

one person who lived it

Pack sandwiches and snacks ahead of time for picnics.

It saves money.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of unit pricing labels in grocery stores as they may be misleading or inconsistent.

Stores may use different units (e.g., grams vs. mL) without providing density, or conceal that a name-brand item costs more per pound than a generic alternative.

one person who lived it

Support local pizzerias instead of major chains during big events.

Local food is often better and cheaper.

• Some chains are locally owned franchises.

one person who lived it

Stock up on high-quality spices to elevate cheaper meals.

High-quality spices improve the taste of inexpensive food and require smaller amounts when fresh.

one person who lived it

Buy Kewpie reduced-fat mayo because it is the only reduced-fat option that does not taste awful.

Other reduced-fat mayos taste awful.

one person who lived it

Shred cheese yourself rather than buying pre-shredded cheese.

Pre-shredded cheese is more expensive per pound and contains processed ingredients.

one person who lived it

Consider Walmart’s Ozark Trail coolers as a budget-friendly option.

They are reported to be pretty good.

one person who lived it

Buy eye of round for jerky as recommended by butchers for its suitability to the process.

Butchers suggest this cut for jerky.

one person who lived it

Order only water when eating out to avoid beverage costs.

it's free

one person who lived it

Skip extra virgin olive oil for general cooking to save money and avoid a strong flavor.

It is more expensive and has a pronounced taste that may not be desired for everyday use.

one person who lived it

Organize group dinners where everyone contributes $20 for shared ingredients and preparation.

Allows for a higher quality dinner than restaurants at a net saving per person.

one person who lived it

Buy second-hand china and silverware for dinner service rather than renting.

It is cheaper and allows for mismatched but coordinating plates with more personality.

one person who lived it

Use Molina Mexican vanilla blend as an affordable alternative to expensive vanillas.

It is amazing and preferred over more expensive options.

one person who lived it

One approach involved buying whiskey barrels cheaply from a distillery and reselling them at a markup.

one person who lived it

Check package sizes carefully when buying discounted name-brand toothpaste to ensure you are getting standard quantities.

Retailers sometimes sell smaller sizes made specifically for them at lower prices.

one person who lived it

Choose steers for beef production to benefit from their docile temperament and efficient fattening.

Castration reduces testosterone, leading to better fat gain and calmer behavior.

one person who lived it

Cluster errands on days you buy an all-day transit pass to get the most from its use.

It allows you to go to appointments and do other errands using the same pass.

one person who lived it

Go to second-run theaters for movies.

Even if the movie is bad, you have only spent $1.00.

one person who lived it

Have your bank process change for free rather than using Coinstar.

Coinstar charges a fee while most banks do not.

one person who lived it

Tip big to support hard-working people.

It makes the tipper happy and values hard work.

one person who lived it

Use a robot vacuum to take pressure off cleaning and save time.

It is total luxury to chill in bed whilst the floor is being vacuumed.

one person who lived it

If standard office chairs are painful because you are short, use a yoga ball stool chair instead.

Standard chairs were torture due to height mismatch.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying from scalpers.

Buying from them gives them a reason to continue scalping.

one person who lived it

For work-from-home programmers, invest in a good chair, monitor, keyboard, lighting, and a sit/stand desk.

These items make a huge difference.

one person who lived it

Buy a gaming PC if it serves as your happy place for hobbies like gaming or video editing.

It can be a luxury item that brings joy.

one person who lived it

Accept an ornament offered by a colleague if you cannot afford to make or buy one.

It can eliminate stress associated with finding a gift.

• One person felt bad about accepting one but was glad the stress disappeared.

one person who lived it

Do not skimp on the power supply unit; buy a reputable brand or a second-hand one from a known maker.

All power supplies fail, and a cheap one may destroy other components when it does.

one person who lived it

Plug small gadgets into power outlets at your workplace to conserve energy at home.

This stops chargers from staying connected at home and lowers utility costs.

4 people, independently

Frame DIY toy repairs as magical transformations, such as 'rescuing' and 'waking up' the toys, to engage children.

It adds a bit of magic.

one person who lived it

Use a library card to circumvent book prices.

It allows you to use tax dollars to access books without paying retail prices.

one person who lived it

Choose a gym membership based on proximity to your home if you lack discipline.

Distance is a barrier; if it is far away, you likely will not go.

one person who lived it

Use USB network adapters to change MAC addresses for coupon printing, disabling the built-in NIC in BIOS so the OS cannot see it.

It may be easier than swapping actual cards, and MAC spoofers exist.

one person who lived it

Turn off sound effects in deal-tracking apps if they are distracting.

they drive me nuts

one person who lived it

Use full closure on DIY wallets when carrying few cards to prevent them from falling out.

The wallet may be loose if it does not contain enough cards to hold its shape.

one person who lived it

Subscribe to a coffee service to ensure you always have good coffee.

Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

one person who lived it

If a young child loses interest in games quickly due to difficulty, provide demos instead of full purchases.

Children often stop playing before completing a game when it becomes too hard.

one person who lived it

Wait for reviews and live streams before buying a new game.

To ensure the game is complete and functional, avoiding half-finished releases.

one person who lived it

Build your own computers using older components instead of the latest processors or video cards.

High-end specs like i7/i9 or 32GB RAM are unnecessary for home use.

one person who lived it

Avoid pre-ordering video games.

Purchasing based solely on reputation risks paying full price for products that are incomplete, buggy, or disappointing, which often see price drops shortly after launch.

4 people, independently

Request a brand style guide from your designer that lists exact colors, fonts, and usage examples.

It makes life easier by providing all specifics in a standard page or two.

one person who lived it

Gift knitted items only to people who have watched you make them.

Witnesses appreciate the time taken and understand the cost because they often select the yarn.

one person who lived it

Make your own greeting cards and small gifts, such as keychains or magnets, for special occasions.

It saves a significant amount of money compared to buying them.

one person who lived it

Replace gold gel pens when they run out, accepting that spending under $4 on a new one is worthwhile for the writing pleasure.

It provides writing pleasure and the low cost makes replacement painless.

one person who lived it

Buy quality sunglasses that last longer rather than cheap ones.

Cheap aviators can refract light poorly, causing visual distortions and migraines after short periods of wear.

one person who lived it

Combine all errands into a single day and order them efficiently to save time and fuel.

4 people, independently

Send handwritten cards with heartfelt messages to maintain connections with people you see less often.

They help people feel connected to you despite low frequency of contact.

one person who lived it

Do not state your destination to a taxi driver until you are inside the cab to prevent illegal rejection.

Drivers are required to take you once you are inside.

one person who lived it

Replace broken luggage rather than hauling it around; the cost of a new suitcase is minor compared to plane tickets.

Hauling broken luggage is difficult, and replacement costs are small relative to travel expenses.

one person who lived it

Buy a good case for expensive devices rather than improvising with cheap materials.

Cheap straps break if dropped, ruining the device.

one person who lived it

Try recalibrating controller sticks in the system settings to fix drift issues.

This worked for one person.

one person who lived it

Work with a designer to craft a personalized logo rather than using clipart.

Investing thought in your company's brand pays dividends long-term, rather than just trying to be cool or trendy.

one person who lived it

Buy used cars for cash and drive them until they are unusable to avoid car payments.

one person who lived it

Buy Serengeti driving sunglasses for about $100 to get superior lenses compared to luxury brands like Oakley or Ray-Ban.

They offer the best lens quality for the price.

one person who lived it

Build your own computer to save money and gain educational value.

It is fun and educational.

one person who lived it

Use a laser printer instead of an inkjet for transferring images to wood or stone to prevent bleeding.

Inkjet printers will bleed a bit.

one person who lived it

Create photo albums by having photos printed directly onto pages rather than inserting loose prints.

It saves money and time, and allows more pictures per page.

one person who lived it

Use a car service with a flat rate for airport trips to avoid fare fluctuations caused by traffic.

Traffic can change taxi fares, making flat rates desirable.

one person who lived it

Buy name-brand Wi-Fi cameras rather than cheap alternatives that require installing unknown apps.

To avoid giving random apps permission access on your phone.

one person who lived it

Create digital wedding invitations using free clipart and fonts to avoid printing costs.

Paper invites are often thrown away.

• This approach may fail if recipients do not check email or do not have email access.

one person who lived it

Read coupon fine print carefully to distinguish between 'one per purchase' and 'one per transaction'.

'One Per Purchase' allows one coupon per individual item, while 'One Per Transaction' limits you to one coupon per entire order.

one person who lived it

Ask your local librarian directly about available perks, as they may offer unexpected items like theater tickets or camping gear.

Libraries have expanded well beyond books and DVDs.

one person who lived it

Avoid using makeshift stands for condenser microphones.

Condenser mics are fragile and makeshift stands put them at risk without lasting long.

one person who lived it

Keep at least one offline-capable game installed on your PC.

It provides entertainment during internet outages.

one person who lived it

DIY certain household appliance repairs instead of hiring a repair person.

It is cheaper in some cases.

one person who lived it

Subscribe to Spotify for convenient music access without illegal downloading.

You can get music whenever you want it.

one person who lived it

Set your display to output only to the second screen (TV) rather than mirroring, using Windows key + P.

Mirroring forces the computer to process both displays, potentially affecting performance.

• One commenter questioned if there would be a significant difference.

one person who lived it

Advocate for public library funding by letting administrators and boards know how important their services are to you.

Feedback is important to demonstrate the need for current funding.

one person who lived it

Do not make wallets from Tyvek envelopes obtained by misusing USPS supplies.

Misuse of USPS supplies is unethical and increases postage costs for consumers.

one person who lived it

Be cautious when buying unusually cheap consoles online.

They may be stolen property.

one person who lived it

Do not print your own business cards; use a professional service to avoid looking tacky and losing business.

Home-printed cards can appear unprofessional due to printer quality and alignment issues, similar to handwritten cards.

one person who lived it

Purchase state or national park passes and backcountry permits to help with spontaneous recreational trips.

Having these passes enables unplanned road trips that maintain excitement about life.

one person who lived it

Make papier-mâché masks or figures from household materials to satisfy interests in characters when money is tight.

It allows for creativity without going without, avoiding the high cost of store-bought items.

one person who lived it

Purchase children's museum or zoo memberships to ensure low-cost entertainment while traveling with kids.

It ensures there is always affordable entertainment available.

one person who lived it

Use library internet access and tax form resources to handle administrative tasks for free.

Libraries serve as places where disadvantaged people can find information and internet access.

one person who lived it

Buy planner stickers from the dollar section for motivation.

They are motivating.

one person who lived it

Avoid adopting new technology early to reduce attachment and clutter.

New gadgets quickly become boring and turn into mere possessions rather than appreciated tools.

one person who lived it

Avoid downloading unnecessary extractor software from print sites to prevent malware infections.

Such software can cause unwanted programs to appear and change browser settings.

one person who lived it

Use BoardGameGeek forums to swap missing pieces for out-of-print games.

one person who lived it

Attend art gallery openings to access free beer, wine, and snacks.

3 people, independently

Attend smaller or community-focused gaming conventions instead of large mainstream ones.

Smaller conventions are usually less busy, less noisy, have shorter lines, and are less expensive when factoring in transportation costs.

one person who lived it

Send positive feedback to library administration about specific programs to help ensure their continuation.

Feedback helps secure grants and donor support.

one person who lived it

Borrow nature backpacks, seeds, or garden tools from the library for outdoor activities and gardening.

3 people, independently

Keep a personal library for entertainment that does not require electricity.

You can quote authors and ideas in arguments.

one person who lived it

Create custom coloring books for nieces and nephews as gifts.

one person who lived it

Take graduation photos with a cell phone instead of hiring a professional photographer.

Photos taken by family members with cell phones can be more meaningful than professional posed portraits.

one person who lived it

Enter local government social media contests to win gift cards, as few people may participate.

one person who lived it

Check online library catalogs before visiting to verify game availability.

This helps avoid unnecessary trips.

one person who lived it

Email board game publishers with the game name and missing pieces to request free replacements or just shipping costs.

one person who lived it

When choosing a service, accept that you can typically only get two of these three: affordability, quality, or speed.

one person who lived it

Mention specific professions like teaching to venue owners to negotiate discounts.

one person who lived it

Try Brooks or New Balance shoes for comfort and extra width.

Brooks may be more comfortable than New Balance; New Balance fits wide feet well.

one person who lived it

Invest in high-quality shoes if you walk many steps daily.

A good pair makes so much difference.

one person who lived it

Clean and polish full leather work boots to keep the leather supple and extend their lifespan.

Maintenance extends life from months to years by preventing tears through stitches or holes in the toe.

one person who lived it

Take high-quality boots to a cobbler for resoling every couple of years to extend their life.

It costs less than new boots and maintains great quality footwear.

one person who lived it

Buy Adidas sports sandals in boy's size 6 if you wear women's size 8 to save money.

Boy's size 6 costs $15 compared to $30 for the women's equivalent.

one person who lived it

Rotate between at least two pairs of leather shoes to allow them to rest and prevent premature destruction.

Wearing one pair every day destroys them; they need to sit and rest.

one person who lived it

Select comfortable, well-constructed footwear over famous labels.

Cheap shoes do not exist; put your feet first.

3 people, independently

• Focus on quality when purchasing items like shoes, as low-quality versions may wear out in months while high-quality ones last years.1

Look for construction boots in the boys' section if you are a woman.

Women's options are hard to find.

one person who lived it

Consider buying men's running shoes if you are a woman, as they may be cheaper.

A track coach noted that men's running shoes are cheaper for female athletes.

• Based on advice from one high school track coach.

one person who lived it

Spray the insides of thrifted or dumpster-dived shoes with Lysol and let them sit for a few days to sanitize them before wearing.

Just in case.

one person who lived it

Shorten leather belts yourself by cutting the excess length, sanding the cut edge, and sealing it with epoxy.

This avoids the difficulty of stitching through leather if you lack a heavy-duty sewing machine.

• Avoid belts with cardboard inserts, as they are not a long-run frugal choice.

one person who lived it

Spend more on high-quality shoes if you stand all day for work, and buy two pairs to rotate so one can air out.

Better shoes make a huge difference for durability and quality of life when standing for your entire work day.

one person who lived it

Do not skimp on items that separate you from the ground, such as shoes, socks, beds, tires, and airplane tickets; buy quality in these areas.

Your body will benefit.

one person who lived it

If you have larger feet, shop the men's section for better quality and clearance prices on sizes men rarely buy.

Men often do not wear sizes 8-9, leaving them available at a discount; colors are often similar.

one person who lived it

Ensure boots fit properly to avoid cold, wet feet and salt damage that ruins sneakers.

Boots that are too large have holes that let water in; wearing sneakers in winter leads to cold, wet feet and salt encrustation.

one person who lived it

Take damaged shoes to a cobbler for repair, as they can often salvage items that seem beyond repair.

• Cobblers may be hard to find depending on the country.
• Repair costs may equal or exceed the price of new slippers.

3 people, independently

• Fix broken items and clothes with adhesives, stitching, or epoxy rather than discarding them.3

Have old Ugg boots professionally cleaned to restore their appearance.

One person reported paying around $20 made their 10+ year old boots look brand new.

one person who lived it

Buy Birkenstock sandals if you can afford the high upfront cost, as they typically last a couple of years.

The longevity makes the expense worthwhile for some people.

one person who lived it

Use rubber o-rings as durable replacements for broken silicone watch bands.

They last at least two years compared to one year for silicone, look like they belong, and perform better.

one person who lived it

Avoid neatsfoot oil for leather care because it can go rancid.

It can go rancid.

one person who lived it

Buy your own bowling shoes if you bowl frequently.

It is more cost-effective than renting.

one person who lived it

Convert women's shoe sizes to boys' sizes by going down about 2 sizes (e.g., women's 7.5 is boys' 5.5).

one person who lived it

Buy durable clothes and shoes that you can maintain rather than cheap items.

It saves money on future purchases and reduces time spent shopping.

one person who lived it

Have worn-out boot treads resoled by a professional.

Worn tread increases the risk of slipping on icy or rainy surfaces.

one person who lived it

Apply waterproofing products like Sno Seal to your boots during colder months.

This protects the boots and makes them look newer.

one person who lived it

Extend the lifespan of leather footwear by regularly cleaning, conditioning, and polishing it.

One person noted their well-maintained boots lasted for years while coworkers' boots lasted only months.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality backpacks from brands like Osprey or Mystery Ranch, which are highly functional and can last a decade or more.

Durability and functionality provide long-term value.

one person who lived it

Discard leather shoes with deep cuts, destroyed inners, or significant wear marks rather than keeping them.

They may lack support and be uncomfortable regardless of cosmetic repairs.

one person who lived it

Avoid 'genuine' or bonded leather shoes as they often rip or fall apart easily.

They are not worth extensive restoration efforts.

one person who lived it

Spend slightly more on real fabric for DIY gear projects to ensure the item lasts.

It saves time compared to repairing or replacing items made from poor materials.

one person who lived it

Scrub leather items with saddle soap before applying restoration kits to remove dirt and body oil stains.

Stains and color differences improve after scrubbing until rags stop picking up dirt.

one person who lived it

Research specific leather care products before using them, as some oils like mink oil can ruin certain finishes by discoloring or darkening them.

Mink oil can ruin expensive leather shoes by discoloring certain finishes or darkening others.

one person who lived it

Condition leather with cream to restore it, then layer polish on top for shine, color restoration, and waterproofing.

Cream conditions while polish provides pigment, oils, waxes, and protection.

one person who lived it

Clean shoes thoroughly before taking them to a shoemaker to avoid cleaning fees.

one person who lived it

Restore leather belts found on the street by rubbing them down with mineral oil before wearing them.

one person who lived it

• Apply leather conditioner to beat-up thrifted leather jackets to restore their appearance.1

Shop the men's section for boots to find options designed for longevity and waterproofing rather than just style.

Women's boots are often prioritized for style over durability and weather protection.

one person who lived it

Avoid lifestyle creep when your income increases.

Remember how lucky you are and enjoy the increase without letting spending habits inflate too hard.

2 people, independently

Buy only one game at a time and finish it before purchasing another to save money.

Buying in bulk is described as a bad idea that leads to overspending.

one person who lived it

Stop shopping for non-essentials to break bad spending habits.

One person found this effective during COVID when they bought almost nothing apart from food.

• Based on one person's experience during a specific period.

one person who lived it

Use a family heirloom ring for proposals to focus on meaning over cost or size.

It can mean more than anything despite not being huge or expensive.

one person who lived it

Adopt rescue pets instead of buying them to reduce costs while gaining joy.

Shelters often provide vaccines and spay/neuter services for free or donation; it is a relatively low-cost way to gain joy.

• Long term, it may not be the cheapest choice compared to other options.

one person who lived it

Try using a bullet journal system with just a pen and notebook to stay organized without buying expensive planners.

One person reported it was life-changing for them after two years of use.

one person who lived it

Use a menstrual cup to reduce spending on period products.

One user reported it saved them a ton of money.

2 people, independently

Stop being frugal if your cost-saving measures start hurting others.

Harming others is a sign you have become too cheap or frugal.

one person who lived it

Use a top coat to keep polish on longer and save money.

It helps maintain frugality by extending the life of the manicure.

one person who lived it

Focus on cutting large unnecessary expenses like car payments over saving on small daily luxuries like gas station coffee.

Small spending won't keep you poor; large payments for unneeded items do.

one person who lived it

Buy a cheaper house to keep mortgage payments low enough for one person to cover.

Ensures financial stability even if income changes.

one person who lived it

Foster cats to gain companionship at no cost.

It provides company and a sense of doing something worthwhile.

one person who lived it

Cut down on beauty spending by aligning with personal values and rejecting societal expectations if personal beauty is not a priority for you.

It reduces money, time, and stress spent on something you do not value.

one person who lived it

Do not obsess over finding the cheapest gas prices.

The savings are minimal compared to the stress incurred.

one person who lived it

Resist buying items simply because they are cheap; purchase only what you actually need.

7 people, independently

Open an IRA and invest in index funds to let interest compound for your future financial security.

Compounding interest can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time.

one person who lived it

For home improvements, use proper materials and do not skip any steps.

Cheaping out often means having to redo the work entirely.

one person who lived it

View gaming as a cost-effective form of entertainment compared to going out.

It provides hours of entertainment at a lower cost than activities like going to movies or bars.

one person who lived it

Focus on paying rent and utilities, and purchasing food, over other expenses.

3 people, independently

Consider that Amazon's $25+ free shipping threshold may eliminate savings from other retailers due to their shipping costs.

Shipping costs from various retailers can negate any price advantages over Amazon when using the free shipping deal.

one person who lived it

Understand that small businesses charge higher prices because they must cover overhead costs like rent and utilities to stay afloat.

It is expensive to operate a business that is not run out of a garage.

one person who lived it

Practice mindfulness with money to focus on larger financial goals while still enjoying life-affirming indulgences.

It allows you to enjoy things that bring joy without sacrificing retirement savings or incurring heavy debt.

• Only indulge if you are not heavily in debt and not sacrificing retirement savings.

one person who lived it

Focus on buying items that last a long time to get frugality through service life rather than just low purchase price.

one person who lived it

Cycle through favorite games and only purchase new ones during super sales to avoid burnout from chasing the latest releases.

Chasing the latest games can lead to burnout.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality, durable products instead of disposable items to save money in the long run.

Disposable culture harms the planet, and quality purchases often cost less over time than impulsive buys.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying organic produce unless necessary, as it is usually more expensive.

Organic items do not save money and cost more than non-organic options.

one person who lived it

Buy memberships to a few select local institutions whose missions you support to save money and impact your community's future.

It helps save money by providing options and supports the mission of the institution.

one person who lived it

Include a specific budget line item for occasional coffee treats.

It allows for wise frugality while permitting treats, provided other critical expenses are covered.

one person who lived it

One approach that helped: skip buying graduation photos to avoid supporting for-profit education peripheries.

It is a principled and frugal stand against feeding the beast.

one person who lived it

Define frugality as not paying more than necessary, rather than buying the cheapest option available.

This distinguishes true frugality from simply seeking the lowest price.

one person who lived it

Communicate honestly with service providers when reducing spending on their services.

Explaining why you cannot continue makes the provider understanding and helps you feel better about not ghosting them.

one person who lived it

Keep your workspace organized using the 'knolling' method to make it look good without spending money.

Organization improves appearance more than spending money on decor.

one person who lived it

Conserve utilities by turning off lights and taps, and disconnecting electronics when not in use.

Unplugging appliances saves on electricity bills.

one person who lived it

View frugality as finding affordable options for items you enjoy, rather than a binary choice between spending and deprivation.

2 people, independently

Judge luxury spending less harshly by recognizing that some people have higher incomes or different priorities.

one person who lived it

Build and sustain community relationships as a frugal activity.

one person who lived it

Wash and dry used Ziploc-style bags from food packaging for reuse, particularly if they did not contain meat or oil.

They are not recyclable.

• Do not reuse bags that contained meat or oil.

2 people, independently

Kill bed bugs in secondhand clothes by putting them in a hot dryer for 30 minutes.

one person who lived it

Use plain cotton kitchen towels instead of paper towels for cleaning and napkins.

Paper towels are a waste of money; cloth towels work for most cleanups.

• Reserve paper towels for messes that cannot be washed out of cloth.

one person who lived it

Build furniture for pets using wood scraps to avoid buying expensive pre-made items.

One person built a dog perch entirely free using scraps.

one person who lived it

Wet down used dryer sheets and use them to wipe down appliances, sinks, and baseboards.

There is still product on them after the first run.

one person who lived it

Use clothespins as chip clips to seal bags.

They are a versatile tool for this purpose.

one person who lived it

Use an ear pick instead of disposable Q-tips.

To stop buying and throwing out Q-tips.

one person who lived it

Use clips to hold cotton balls in place while painting nails for easier application.

It is so much easier.

one person who lived it

Add baking soda to the litter box each time you clean it.

It gets rid of smell and moisture.

one person who lived it

Add a probiotic sprinkle to pellet litter to help break down waste.

The probiotic helps break things down.

one person who lived it

Fold and roll unused plastic grocery bags to store them for future use.

This prevents the need to buy new bags for a while.

one person who lived it

Repurpose a kitchen skimmer ladle as a litter scoop if your current one breaks.

Specialty metal scoops are expensive, while thrift store ladles are cheap and effective.

one person who lived it

Use the free dental floss provided after cleanings to last until your next visit.

Two or three boxes usually suffice until the next cleaning.

one person who lived it

Fuse six cut-open plastic grocery bags between parchment paper with an iron to create waterproof 'plabric' for sewing.

The resulting material is tough and waterproof.

one person who lived it

Purchase absorbent materials sold for general use rather than those marketed specifically as cat litter.

It is cheaper because it is not branded for pets.

one person who lived it

Obtain free sawdust from local lumber yards or mills to use as litter, optionally mixing in inexpensive baking soda.

It is free and cats do not mind using it despite it not being fancy.

one person who lived it

Use a single square piece of cotton fabric as a versatile bag for multiple uses.

It is a useful idea now that many grocery stores charge for bags; cotton is recommended because silk wears out too fast.

one person who lived it

Place cardboard boxes in hallways or near seating areas for cats to sleep in.

The box provides warmth, security, protection from drafts, and familiar smells.

one person who lived it

Skip litter box liners and scoop the box regularly instead.

Liners are expensive, generate trash, and are wasteful; scooping saves massive amounts of litter.

one person who lived it

Use high-quality trash bags to prevent them from breaking.

One person vowed to use only good ones after a cheap bag broke while transporting trash.

one person who lived it

Sift litter to separate waste chunks from unused material and reuse the clean portion.

It saves money by avoiding the need to toss out unused litter.

one person who lived it

Pad DIY guitar hangers with foam to prevent wear on the guitar's finish.

Unpadded hangers may wear down the finish over time.

one person who lived it

Make costume props from household materials instead of buying single-use plastic versions.

It avoids waste and adds value beyond just saving money.

one person who lived it

If you work in a role that discards partially used toilet paper rolls, save them to avoid buying new rolls.

one person who lived it

Use kitty litter to clean up petroleum spills from generators or other equipment.

It works great and is easy to pour.

one person who lived it

Take toilet paper rolls from public building bathrooms when you run out at home.

• Janitors may lock dispensers or hide rolls; you may need to roll new paper around saved cardboard tubes in the bathroom.

one person who lived it

Use 'crumbles' consistency chicken feed as a cost-effective litter alternative that avoids typical cat litter odors.

It is cost effective and does not smell like usual cat litter.

one person who lived it

Stuff plastic grocery bags into window cracks to act as free weatherstripping.

It works great as free weatherstripping.

one person who lived it

Store dry goods like screws, bolts, or rubber bands in repurposed coffee containers.

Coffee containers are typically made of HDPE, which does not deteriorate like other plastics.

one person who lived it

Use plastic grocery bags as liners for small trash cans, such as toilet bins.

3 people, independently

Drill holes in a plaque, insert dowels whittled to fit the sword, and cover with rubber covers to make a sword hanger.

one person who lived it

Use plastic ties as a temporary fix for broken watch straps while waiting for replacement parts.

Delivery times for replacements can be long.

one person who lived it

Add eggshells to coffee grounds to counterbalance the acidity.

Eggshells provide a pH counterbalance to coffee.

one person who lived it

Use food clips or binder clips on rolled toothpaste tubes to keep them sealed and ensure you get your money's worth.

3 people, independently

Use standard zipper-seal bags with a vacuum sealer instead of buying expensive brand-name replacement bags.

It eliminates the need for another consumable product.

one person who lived it

Use repurposed plastic containers as disposable paint cups for painting, mixing, or cleaning brushes.

It saves buying specialized 'handy paint cups'.

one person who lived it

Plasti-dip exposed metal on DIY hangers for protection and improved appearance.

It provides protection and looks better.

one person who lived it

Harvest flints from old, gasless disposable lighters to refill clipper lighters.

one person who lived it

Use rechargeable batteries like Eneloops instead of disposable ones.

Rechargeables have become mainstream and are now cost-effective.

one person who lived it

Ensure wax is warm before application, as cold wax does not work.

Wax doesn't work if it is cold.

one person who lived it

Avoid moving outdoor plants indoors unless you can treat the soil and pests beforehand.

Bugs will invade your home from the plants if not treated.

one person who lived it

Open doors and windows to ventilate the house before guests arrive.

To get actual fresh air inside.

one person who lived it

Lie in bed with sheets pulled up to your chin while watching rain fall outside.

It is a favorite activity and completely free.

one person who lived it

Place a puppy pen around your Christmas tree to prevent pets from damaging it or drinking the water.

It stops curious critters from despoiling the tree and prevents cleaning up needles or sap.

one person who lived it

Use cheap battery-operated tealight candles instead of expensive camp lanterns.

They provide ample light for less cost than fancy lanterns and their batteries.

one person who lived it

Create DIY Christmas decorations using household items like paper, string, sticks, nails, and lanterns instead of buying store-bought ones.

To avoid high prices on small Christmas decorations.

one person who lived it

Loop yarn through itself rather than tying knots to create stronger connections in macrame-style projects.

One person found this method made the connection stronger and held up under stress testing.

one person who lived it

Arrange string lights in a zigzag pattern on a wall to create a tree shape, saving money and space.

It saves on money and space.

one person who lived it

• Decorate a support beam or wall with dollar store lights if you cannot afford even a small tree.1

Light scented candles to change the mood and bring Christmas cheer.

The house smelling festive changes the mood.

one person who lived it

Bleach and bake pine cones to clean them before use.

for cleanliness

one person who lived it

Invest in safety gear for climbing, including helmets, harnesses, and boots.

To avoid death.

one person who lived it

Build a small greenhouse using transparent plastic sheeting and iron or plastic arcs.

It costs almost nothing.

one person who lived it

Keep heat low and use a slightly moist cloth when pressing woolen objects.

High heat causes sheening; moisture gives best results.

one person who lived it

Display artwork on walls to create a gallery-like atmosphere.

People often comment on the look when they enter.

one person who lived it

Plant small succulents in El Pato hot sauce cans to fit narrow windowsills.

They fit perfectly on narrow windowsills and look good.

one person who lived it

Hang garland near the ceiling to create room for presents underneath.

creates room for presents under the tree

one person who lived it

If you have a toddler who pulls things off the tree, decorate it with safe items like rattles or small toys to prevent injury.

to ensure safety when a child tries to pull decorations down

one person who lived it

Use 3M removable sticky hooks and zip-ties to secure unstable DIY wall trees without damaging the wall.

won’t damage wall

one person who lived it

Ensure you have cooling available rather than enduring extreme heat without it.

Enduring desert heat without AC leads to uncomfortable 'sweat naps'.

one person who lived it

Decorate a tree with Beanie Babies or other stuffed animals instead of traditional ornaments.

Kids love it and they won't shatter if they fall.

one person who lived it

Hang guitars on interior walls to avoid humidity and temperature shifts that can damage the wood.

Outside walls experience temperature shifts that cause issues with the wood; humidity is a bigger issue.

one person who lived it

Use an alien Halloween mask as a tree topper if you cannot afford a traditional angel.

It became a favorite decoration for one family's children.

one person who lived it

Keep the heat at a low temperature and use blankets or exercise to stay warm.

one person who lived it

Put on a sweater or coat and turn down the thermostat instead of using the heater.

5 people, independently

Bake pinecones at 220°F (100°C) for 30 minutes to prevent bug infestation before using them as ornaments.

To prevent bugs infestation.

one person who lived it

Prevent green onions from flowering.

All energy will go towards flowering instead of growth.

one person who lived it

Grow a potted pine tree indoors year-round and decorate it with garland in December.

• It requires more commitment and cleanup.

one person who lived it

Delay using heat or air conditioning until absolutely necessary to avoid running up electric bills.

To avoid high electricity costs.

one person who lived it

As an alternative to a tree, string lights and ornaments on a ladder.

one person who lived it

Splurge on a higher-quality realistic-looking fake tree when financially able.

one person who lived it

Use epoxy alone to attach lightweight decorations if magnets are insufficient.

The item is intended to stay permanently attached.

one person who lived it

Visit local community colleges or trade schools for discounted cosmetology services supervised by instructors.

The treatments are high quality and help students learning to become cosmetologists.

• Limited hours and the services always take longer.

4 people, independently

Wear pale or clear nail polish when traveling to make chips less noticeable.

Chips don't look so drastic.

one person who lived it

Learn to trim your own beard to avoid high barber costs, especially if prices have risen.

Professional grooming can become unaffordable due to price increases.

one person who lived it

Use beauty schools for special event styling, such as homecomings or weddings, since mistakes are less consequential for one-time occasions.

If they mess up, it is not a big deal.

one person who lived it

Splurge on shampoo and conditioner to prevent fried hair.

Paying the higher price ensures hair does not look fried.

one person who lived it

Check apps and websites for specials at chain salons like Super Cuts.

They frequently run specials.

one person who lived it

Be specific and detailed about what you want when getting a haircut, rather than giving vague instructions like 'just shorter.'

Specific and detailed requests get you what you want.

one person who lived it

In college towns, be aware that stylists may only know how to cut 'beachy waves'.

• One person's experience in a college town

one person who lived it

Be cautious when choosing non-black barbers for black hair textures.

• Barbers unfamiliar with black hair may damage it.

one person who lived it

Categorize hair-related advice by length (long vs. short) rather than by gender.

Hair care divisions are more accurately based on length than on men/women distinctions.

one person who lived it

Visit a barber college for basic cuts to benefit from instructor oversight.

Instructors often step in to correct student mistakes and ensure the cut fits your face shape.

one person who lived it

Learn to do your own nails using YouTube tutorials after purchasing supplies.

resulted in high satisfaction

one person who lived it

Trim your own bangs and ends between professional visits, going to the salon only for major refreshes or layering.

Salons often mess up bangs.

one person who lived it

Book appointments in advance at free haircut schools rather than relying on drop-in sessions, which may not always have space.

drop-in spaces are not certain

one person who lived it

Expect Great Clips to charge around $22 for adults, though coupons may lower the price.

one person who lived it

Tip apprentice stylists even if the service is free or low-cost, as it supports their livelihood.

That's their livelihood.

one person who lived it

Call beauty schools directly to ask about appointment requirements and pricing, as this information is often not listed on their websites.

They don't have it on their website.

2 people, independently

Expect appointments at cosmetology schools to take several hours, even for simple services like root touch-ups or basic cuts.

• The time cost may outweigh the money saved for some people.

3 people, independently

Look for salons with ‘junior’ hairstylists for cheaper cuts.

They are often way cheaper, operating on the same principle as cosmetology schools.

one person who lived it

Take prescription glasses to a Walmart optician for adjustment if they do not fit properly.

It is cheaper and more convenient than traditional methods.

one person who lived it

Recognize that some busy barbers can still be precise in their work.

one person who lived it

• Understand that some barbers do not view their service as running a beauty parlor.1

Be prepared for dye mishaps at cheap salons, such as half-head color differences and stains on your face and neck.

one person who lived it

Recognize that cutting men's short or very long hair is easier than cutting medium lengths.

one person who lived it

Check if local barber colleges offer extremely low-cost cuts for training purposes.

4 people, independently

If you are in the East, try La Barberia Institute for discounted cuts performed by students.

one person who lived it

Consider using dog clippers for human hair, as one person reports no functional difference between them.

• Based on one person's opinion

one person who lived it

Use styling techniques to cover up mistakes made during DIY or cheap haircuts.

one person who lived it

Avoid national chain barbershops if you require specialty techniques like razor shaves, line-ups, or fades.

one person who lived it

Work out whether the quality difference between a DIY haircut and a professional one is worth the cost, especially as inflation raises salon prices.

one person who lived it

Bring headphones to pass the time during long appointments at cosmetology schools.

one person who lived it

Enjoy the social aspect of beauty schools, which combines salon gossip with school vibes for fun conversation.

one person who lived it

Be aware that salon 'apprentices' may actually be licensed stylists in advanced training programs.

one person who lived it

Practice doing your own nails to improve dexterity, particularly with your non-dominant hand, by stabilizing your arm against a surface.

one person who lived it

Check if jeans are under warranty (e.g., Levi's) before repairing rips yourself; if less than 2 years old, they may honor the warranty if you pay shipping.

One person had crotch blowout jeans replaced under warranty after 1 year.

one person who lived it

Ensure suits are made of 100% wool to avoid the cheap appearance caused by polyester blends.

Polyester makes the fabric look bad.

one person who lived it

• Learn about cloth and lapel styles before buying a suit; avoid polyester blends in favor of full wool, and ensure lapels match current fashion trends rather than outdated styles.1

Focus on tailoring a budget suit over buying an expensive off-the-rack one.

Tailoring accounts for 90% of a suit's appearance; a well-fitted cheap suit looks better than an ill-fitting expensive one.

2 people, independently

Use black dye to rescue stained jeans or dark shirts that are otherwise worth saving.

Black dye can cover stains on items that are still structurally sound.

one person who lived it

Avoid skinny jeans if you need room in the crotch area.

They are cut assuming a small package.

one person who lived it

Shop Cato for ready-to-wear and plus-size business attire that averages about $20 a piece.

its good quality!

one person who lived it

Be aware that finding a well-fitting suit off-the-rack at thrift stores is very unlikely, even if it has been tailored.

Fit is everything.

• Many suits found at thrift stores have already been tailored.

one person who lived it

Estimate clothing size in color-sorted racks by checking sleeve length for shirts or cuff height for jeans.

Sleeve length and cuff proximity to the floor provide a rough idea of size when tags are missing.

one person who lived it

Limit purchases of smaller-sized baby clothes to just a few outfits.

Babies grow fast and will not wear most of the clothing in those sizes.

one person who lived it

Recognize that the expectation to spend thousands on a wedding dress is a social construct, not a necessity.

It is a scam to expect women to pay high prices for a dress worn once; it is often self-imposed pressure.

one person who lived it

Clean used garments before putting them on.

In case the previous owner didn't.

3 people, independently

Coordinate with a group of friends to select one dress style that everyone agrees to wear to each other's weddings.

Each person only needs to buy one dress to cover multiple events.

one person who lived it

If you are a smaller person needing cold-weather work gear, start with the kids' clearance rack at tractor or farm stores.

This approach helped one person who had overpacked.

one person who lived it

Rent the wedding dress to avoid the burden of storing a high-end item that will likely never be worn again.

It removes the worry of storing a dress you won't use again.

one person who lived it

Search for local nonprofit programs or charities that provide free interview or work clothing, such as Dress for Success or Working Wardrobes.

6 people, independently

Do not put hand-knitted items in the washer or dryer.

It damages the item.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality bras and panties when they are on clearance.

One person found them well worth the money.

one person who lived it

Check the boys' section for basic t-shirts.

They are often marked down more heavily than girls' shirts and made with sturdier fabric.

one person who lived it

Choose Oxford cloth shirts over broadcloth.

They last longer and show fewer stains and wear.

one person who lived it

Buy suits as a group to secure discounts from retailers.

Stores offer discounts for group purchases.

one person who lived it

Invest in custom-drafted corsets rather than buying cheap off-the-rack ones.

Ill-fitting corsets can hurt your back and lead to you never wearing them, whereas custom drafting prevents pinching and poking.

one person who lived it

Rent formal gowns from local costume shops instead of large chains.

one person who lived it

Do not wear leggings to a business casual job that requires slacks, unless paired with a nice skirt.

Employers might revoke a job offer if you violate dress code expectations.

one person who lived it

Use a garment steamer instead of an iron for wrinkle removal.

It removes creases and steam cleans clothes faster with better results on wool.

one person who lived it

Buy secondhand button-down shirts but purchase new pants.

It is hard to find secondhand pants that are not tattered or stained.

one person who lived it

Wash thrifted clothes before wearing them; soak them in vinegar first if they have baked-in scents.

Vinegar is antibacterial, acts as a fabric softener, and can cut through odors.

2 people, independently

Try on suit jackets before taking full suits into the changing room to save time.

Women's suit jackets often have fit issues like shoulder pads or short sleeves.

one person who lived it

Buy a new-without-tags wedding dress from a consignment boutique to save.

one person who lived it

Prefer full canvas suits over fused suits for longevity.

Full canvas suits last longer.

one person who lived it

Try Mary Crafts suits from Amazon.

One person reported having good luck with them.

one person who lived it

Buy bridesmaid dresses from the party section of regular retail stores instead of bridal boutiques.

The dresses can be reused for other occasions.

one person who lived it

Buy boys' boxer briefs in the largest available size for a comfortable fit at a lower price.

They are cheaper and fit comfortably.

one person who lived it

If you are a very petite woman, try buying items from the boys' section of stores like J.Crew.

• Only if it fits.

2 people, independently

Men should check the women's section for coats, as the selection is larger and garments are often misplaced there.

The women's section has a much larger selection and often contains misplaced men's garments.

one person who lived it

Buy stackable friction hangers to get the most from closet space and prevent shirt necks from stretching.

The stackable design utilizes space better, and the friction part keeps necks from stretching out.

one person who lived it

View the purchase of interview clothes as an investment with the potential for a high return.

one person who lived it

Wear regular bras instead of nursing bras for breastfeeding.

Nursing bras are typically only used for one baby.

one person who lived it

Consider the cost per wear when purchasing quality clothing.

Cost per wear is important for quality clothing.

one person who lived it

Re-wear solid-colored work clothes within the same week, as most colleagues will not notice.

Solid colors are less memorable and coworkers generally do not notice repeated outfits.

one person who lived it

Use corsets as strapless bras to prevent sliding and embarrassing adjustments.

They act as effective strapless bras that do not slide around.

one person who lived it

Focus on buying suits over tuxedos for men's wedding attire.

Suits have solid rewear potential, whereas tuxedos are rarely worn again.

one person who lived it

Expect thrift store clothing to be organized by color rather than size.

Sizes vary greatly by brand, tags are often missing, and organizing by color is quicker and easier for the store.

one person who lived it

If you wear size M Nike bottoms, try XL girls' leggings for a cheaper alternative.

one person who lived it

If you and your partner wear similar-sized men's clothing, distinguish your items by wearing different colors.

One couple found that wearing black versus brighter colors prevented irritation caused by similar sizes.

• This is one couple's solution to avoid confusion/irritation.

one person who lived it

Make skirts by folding and sewing thrift store sheets, using elastic salvaged from old skirts.

one person who lived it

Wear no undergarments under thick, structured wedding gowns to avoid visible lines, using stay-up stockings if needed.

Many wedding gowns are thick and structured enough that you do not need anything underneath.

one person who lived it

Consider casual, loose-fitting clothing as a gender-neutral option for teens, particularly for activities like hiking, camping, or yard work.

It allows everyone to wear the clothes regardless of newly acquired curves.

one person who lived it

If you find discarded clothing on the sidewalk, pick it up and wash it thoroughly before wearing it if it fits well.

one person who lived it

Wear a neutral-colored cardigan over casual tops to get a professional look.

The cardigan masks the underlying outfit, making it appear as though you are wearing something different each time.

one person who lived it

Shop at Burlington Coat Factory for men's business attire and suits, then use independent tailors for adjustments if necessary.

Independent tailors won't charge as much as chains.

one person who lived it

Treat corsets as underwear rather than outerwear for period-accurate styling.

Corsets were historically used for shaping, support, and concealment similar to bras; wearing them as an outer layer is not period-accurate unless portraying a prostitute.

one person who lived it

Wear the same outfit repeatedly, changing only accessories or cardigans to create variety.

No one will notice the repetition, and it reduces decision fatigue.

one person who lived it

Cover branding on promotional hats with scrap cloth bands and accent flowers if removal is difficult.

one person who lived it

Look for ornaments year-round at Goodwill and yard sales.

People often throw them away.

one person who lived it

Be cautious about acquiring bulky or hard-to-clean items for free, as cleaning effort and storage space may outweigh the benefit.

They take longer to clean than to use, take up a lot of space, and may become eyesores after limited use.

one person who lived it

Buy used furniture from local school auctions at the end of the school year.

Schools often auction off old desks and filing cabinets at low prices.

one person who lived it

Check secondhand shops often since their stock rotates.

Stock changes daily, so going back regularly improves your odds of finding what you need.

• It usually takes people who treat it as a hobby to get really good finds.
• Not all thrift stores are created equal.

4 people, independently

Visit pawn shops to find tools at lower prices than new, and attempt to negotiate the cost further.

They are often priced reasonably compared to retail and allow for haggling.

• Some used tools may be listed above or only slightly below their new retail cost.

one person who lived it

Search for used gaming consoles on Craigslist or eBay around the time school report cards are issued.

Parents may sell them as punishment for poor grades.

• One person reported finding no deals, only standard prices.

2 people, independently

Shop sales and stock up on cheaper items, especially loss-leaders, rather than waiting until you need them and paying full price.

Waiting forces you to pay full price.

one person who lived it

Shop at small, independent, or church-run thrift stores instead of large national chains like Goodwill or Value Village to find better prices and avoid inflated markups.

Independent and charity-focused stores are often less interested in maximizing online profits and more focused on getting goods to those who need them, resulting in lower prices.

• Some charitable thrifts have adopted corporate profit-maximization strategies, so deals may be harder to find there.

4 people, independently

• Support local independent thrift stores rather than large chains like Goodwill or Salvation Army.3
• Shop local charity or mission-run thrift stores instead of large chains like Goodwill or Value Village.1
• Shop at family-owned or smaller independent thrift stores to find better pricing and selection.5
• Consider St. Vincent DePaul thrift stores for cheaper prices.2

Shop at salvage grocery stores for deeply discounted food that has blemishes, overstock, or near-expired dates.

These stores reduce costs by charging for bags, avoiding credit card fees, and not paying staff to unload products.

• Check labels and quality carefully.

2 people, independently

Visit thrift stores in Hawaii to find high-quality Hawaiian shirts.

Hotels often donate lost-and-found items, such as expensive shirts worn once by tourists, to local thrift shops.

one person who lived it

Thrift to discover random brands you wouldn't normally consider.

It can make you more stylish.

one person who lived it

Accept hand-me-downs for babies to cut down on new purchases.

One person reported barely buying anything new for their baby by doing this.

one person who lived it

Search thrift stores in the Seattle area for high-end silk Hawaiian shirts from brands like Tori Richard or Tommy Bahama.

• Based on one person's routine findings near Seattle

one person who lived it

Look for weight-based bins (e.g., $1/lb) in Boston-area thrift stores for potential gems.

• One person reported finding gems in such piles.

one person who lived it

Ask clothing store employees for free used hangers when paying at the till.

Stores often throw out big boxes of hangers.

one person who lived it

Donate cash to food banks instead of physical food, allowing them to purchase supplies at discounts and buy needed non-food items.

Food banks receive great discounts on food and use money to buy toiletries, toothpaste, tampons, towels, and fresh perishables like milk that are rarely donated.

• Continue giving food you already have that you were not going to eat.

one person who lived it

Save Christmas trees from being thrown out by others.

Another person's trash is another person's treasure.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying soft furniture like chairs, beds, and mattresses from estate sales due to bed bug risks.

Risk of bed bugs which can require extreme measures to eliminate.

one person who lived it

Consider buying new from discount retailers like Walmart or Ross if prices are comparable to or lower than thrift stores.

You get something new for about the same price or cheaper.

one person who lived it

Consider whether buying from pawn shops aligns with your morals if you believe it perpetuates the cycle of theft.

Some people feel it is against their morals to support the cycle of theft after having items stolen themselves.

• This is described as a personal decision.

one person who lived it

Plan thrift store shopping trips around holiday discount days, such as Veterans Day, to get better prices.

Some stores offer significant discounts on holidays.

one person who lived it

Use expensive items frequently rather than saving them.

Items can expire, go out of style, or no longer fit if stored away.

one person who lived it

Look for high-end athletic wear and dress shoes in thrift stores, as staff may misidentify brands.

Staff often cannot distinguish between high-end and generic brands when tagging items.

one person who lived it

Buy basics from the men's department at Target for sturdy, long-lasting items.

• not fashionable

one person who lived it

Wash all items found on curbs or at estate sales outside before bringing them into your home to avoid bugs.

To be careful of bugs.

one person who lived it

Thrift shop in student cities during graduation or end-of-term periods when students donate heavy items rather than transporting them home.

Most students do not want to transport heavier items back home and will just donate them.

one person who lived it

Thrift clothes to own nice items that would otherwise be too expensive.

It allows ownership of nice clothes not considered due to price.

one person who lived it

Watch prices carefully as thrift items are not always cheaper than new ones.

• Thrift items can be almost as expensive or more expensive than brand new items

3 people, independently

• Keep a list of specific items you are watching for when visiting thrift stores weekly.3

Thrift for vintage Pyrex or glass containers to find durable options at a low cost.

Modern Pyrex is made of cheaper materials and is less tough than older versions.

2 people, independently

Buy gardening supplies such as pots, stakes, fertilizer, seeds, and plants at estate sales for significant savings.

These items are expensive at garden centers and often given away or sold cheaply at sales.

• Be careful with pesticides.

one person who lived it

Buy used police cars from auctions in smaller towns rather than large cities.

Cars in smaller towns are likely better maintained and less beaten up by officers.

one person who lived it

Buy second-hand baby items like cots, but purchase new mattresses for safety.

Babies outgrow items before they wear out.

one person who lived it

Check marketplace listings in wealthy neighborhoods for cheap or free furniture from people redecorating.

Some people just want to get rid of old furniture.

one person who lived it

• Look for curbside discarded furniture that matches your specific needs, as people often throw away perfectly good items.1

Scavenge curbs near colleges during moving seasons like the end of semesters or September for discarded items.

• Do not bring home upholstery items due to bed bugs.

3 people, independently

Collect quarters left in shopping carts at Aldi if you shop there.

3 people, independently

Shop for clearance produce and meat in the late morning or during the week, as weekend sections may already be cleared out.

One person had the best luck then, noting weekends were often empty.

one person who lived it

Check pockets of thrifted clothes before washing or donating.

you might find money, receipts, or other items

2 people, independently

Sell unwanted items that have value instead of donating them.

To avoid leaving money on the table.

one person who lived it

Buy kitchenware, tools, and small household items at estate sales for good value.

4 people, independently

Wait until after Christmas to buy holiday items at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Lowe's.

Stores try to get rid of overstock.

one person who lived it

Check containers bought from consignment stores for hidden valuable items before reselling or using them.

You might find collectible items inside worth more than the purchase price.

one person who lived it

Do not donate clothing in poor condition, such as torn or stained items, to thrift stores or pantries.

These items often end up in the trash, creating significant garbage pickup costs for organizations.

one person who lived it

Buy produce that is marked down because it is about to be thrown out or does not look completely appealing.

3 people, independently

Check scrap yards for mismatched paneling from leftover jobs.

These materials can be extremely cheap, potentially saving thousands on construction costs.

one person who lived it

Ask librarians to check their lost-and-found stack for misplaced bookmarks before replacing them.

Libraries keep found items and only toss them periodically.

one person who lived it

Visit Office Depot on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for back-to-school sales to find better stock and shorter lines.

Stock is more available, lines are shorter, and products are easier to find on these days.

one person who lived it

Donate non-canned essentials such as cake mix, soap, deodorant, menstrual products, and toothpaste to shelters instead of canned goods.

Shelters need these items for daily hygiene and occasions like children's birthdays.

one person who lived it

Buy multiple copies of the same thrifted board game to ensure you can assemble full sets from the combined pieces.

one person who lived it

Stack coupons and deals/offers at Macy's to lower the prices of expensive clothing.

Macy's always has sales going on.

one person who lived it

Donate food and household goods to local food pantries instead of thrift stores to ensure they go directly to needy families for free.

Thrift stores may make a profit off donated items, whereas pantries give them away for free to needy families.

one person who lived it

Use Kohl's Cash and coupons to buy clearance shirts for pennies.

one person who lived it

Plug in and test electronics like Keurigs in-store before buying to ensure they work and have been maintained.

Testing can reveal if an item has been recently serviced (e.g., descaled), ensuring quality despite the low price.

one person who lived it

Avoid department stores that inflate original prices to create false discounts.

Stores purposely inflate prices then mark them down so customers feel they are getting a deal.

one person who lived it

Crochet baby gifts using existing supplies to save money compared to buying registry items.

Baby items use so little yarn that making high-quality goods by hand is often cheaper than buying medium-quality ones.

one person who lived it

Look for 'trophy shirts' from local competitions in thrift stores as unique souvenirs.

They are often donated by locals and considered cooler than mass-produced tourist shirts.

one person who lived it

Buy ties at discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Ross instead of department stores to avoid overpaying.

Department store ties are often overpriced compared to discount options.

one person who lived it

Choose solid wood furniture over plywood at thrift stores for durability.

Old wood furniture will outlast new plywood.

one person who lived it

Shop consignment stores in trendy areas rather than general thrift stores to find nicer brands in better condition.

These shops are picky about what they accept, resulting in newer styles and better quality despite higher prices than places like Goodwill.

2 people, independently

Pass decorative gift boxes back and forth between friends or family members for years.

• Based on one person's experience with a best friend.

one person who lived it

Buy basic shirts from Walmart instead of thrift stores if local thrift prices are too high.

• if local thrift stores are more expensive than retail

one person who lived it

Shop at Habitat for Humanity ReStores for low-priced building materials and furniture.

10 people, independently

Offer to buy floor model furniture at a low price by asking the manager to remove it quickly.

one person who lived it

Scan alleyways and dumpster tops from a distance using a step stool to spot large discarded items without digging through trash.

Larger items like furniture are often set outside dumpsters.

one person who lived it

Shop at newly opened 'virgin' thrift stores before managers raise prices based on resale value checks.

Managers quickly start charging vintage prices once they see pickers checking resale values.

one person who lived it

Thrift while traveling to vacation destinations to find unique souvenirs.

It makes for the best souvenirs.

one person who lived it

Listen on a CB radio near warehouses for truckers discarding refused loads.

Drivers sometimes must discard product due to damaged boxes or overages.

one person who lived it

Sort, disassemble, and clean scrap metal into respective categories before selling.

This preparation can increase earnings compared to selling unsorted scrap.

one person who lived it

Do not expect clearance prices to be honored across different store locations.

Prices for the same item vary by store.

one person who lived it

Check Hy-Vee flash deals and sales for significant discounts, but avoid buying regular-price items there as their standard prices are higher than competitors.

The store sets low sale prices to drive traffic, while keeping regular prices high.

one person who lived it

Create cheap souvenir magnets by gluing foreign coins to bulk magnets.

It is cheaper than buying souvenirs and the coins can potentially be turned into usable currency again.

one person who lived it

Check Goodwill in Hawaii for collectible Aloha shirts priced at one-third to one-half of their original cost.

one person who lived it

Search multiple thrift stores for maternity clothing to avoid high retail prices for short-term use.

one person who lived it

Check clearance sections of bridal stores for last year's models to find significant discounts.

2 people, independently

Thrifting for jewelry can yield high-value finds like gold pieces, though availability varies by location.

• availability varies by location

one person who lived it

Check local classifieds for consoles during spring break or the end of the second semester in college towns.

Students often sell electronics quickly because they lack storage space when leaving dorms.

one person who lived it

Find free items through local groups like Nextdoor, Craigslist free stuff section, and Freecycle.

5 people, independently

• Check the 'free' piles left behind after garage sales for new or gently used items.1

Check discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Tuesday Morning for high-quality notebooks such as Leuchtturm.

They are much better quality and nearly indestructible compared to regular notebooks.

one person who lived it

Shop local estate sales for household items when moving into a new place, as items are likely in better condition than thrift store discards.

Estate sale items are not typically someone's discards, offering a better chance of good condition and lower prices than stores.

one person who lived it

Inspect estate furniture thoroughly for pests like cockroaches before purchasing.

that's how you wind up with cockroaches

one person who lived it

Shop at Goodwill or Salvation Army stores in affluent neighborhoods to find higher-quality donations like beach gear and brand-name items.

Wealthier donors tend to donate nicer items.

one person who lived it

Inspect secondhand furniture carefully for bedbugs, checking hollow legs, under drawers, and small spaces.

Bedbugs can hide in any little teeny tiny space available.

one person who lived it

Expect declining quality in thrift store donations due to online resale markets.

People sell their better old clothes easily through platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay.

one person who lived it

Buy LL Bean cotton towels because they are plush and durable enough to last forever, offering long-term frugality.

Their durability and comfort make them cost-effective over time.

one person who lived it

Compare retail prices to estate sale costs to find better-quality items than mass-produced alternatives.

You may find items cheaper that are not low-quality imports.

one person who lived it

Ask contractors or workers if they have leftover materials from their jobs, as being friendly and inquisitive may result in receiving these items for free.

3 people, independently

Exercise caution when purchasing from government surplus stores, as goods may have been treated poorly.

Buyer beware: items may have been treated like government vehicles.

one person who lived it

Check community feedback sections on deal sites before purchasing to identify potentially fraudulent or low-quality offers.

Some dodgy deals have made it through.

one person who lived it

Organize or participate in bartering events with friends, family, or acquaintances to trade unused goods.

Gathering more people in one place increases opportunities for trading.

2 people, independently

One approach that helped: look for returned chainsaws or similar tools after storms to buy at a discount.

one person who lived it

Buy clearance sets or parts of container sets online to replenish mismatched collections.

Clearance items are way cheaper than usual, allowing you to restock without caring about decals or matching sets.

one person who lived it

Search under items like silverware trays at estate sales for hidden valuables such as gift cards.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of discount stores where everything appears to be on sale.

This often indicates inflated original prices rather than genuine discounts.

one person who lived it

Sell collectible items such as sneakers or action figures to generate money for food.

one person who lived it

Distinguish between thrifting at charity shops and buying on resale apps like Depop or Mercari, as the latter are consistently more expensive.

Resale apps are not considered thrifting and carry higher prices.

one person who lived it

Ask for discounts when shopping, even if they are not explicitly offered.

One person reported receiving a discount every time they asked after an initial success.

one person who lived it

Resell unwanted furniture or items on platforms like Craigslist to fund purchases of items that better match your style.

2 people, independently

Buy cheap clearance items, such as backpacks, which may last for years and provide better value than expensive alternatives.

one person who lived it

Follow local estate sale companies to stay informed about upcoming events.

They are usually vocal about their events.

one person who lived it

Negotiate a contract clause allowing you to keep any scrap metal found during demolition or construction work.

one person who lived it

Recognize that outlet stores often sell lower-quality goods manufactured specifically for them rather than overstock.

3 people, independently

Trade services like house cleaning with neighbors who are away for perishable items they cannot use before returning.

one person who lived it

Check the boys' section at thrift stores for t-shirts with cute graphic prints like dinosaurs and animals, avoiding the sayings often found in the girls' section.

one person who lived it

Join local BuyNothing groups to receive free bags of rolls or bread donated by community members from local bakeries.

one person who lived it

Search thrift stores, charity shops, or consignment shops for bargain holiday decor.

3 people, independently

Sort through charity donations to find good quality children's clothing that may have minor stains but is otherwise in great condition.

one person who lived it

Buy sports team merchandise at suburban big-box stores instead of official downtown stores for lower prices.

one person who lived it

Shop garage sales in nicer neighborhoods for better quality items.

3 people, independently

Thrift in cold weather locations for clothing suitable for warmer climates, as relocating residents often donate items they no longer need.

one person who lived it

Look for donated trees from organizations at military bases or local communities.

one person who lived it

Leave room for expansion when freezing food in mason jars to prevent breakage.

to prevent them from exploding

• avoid if you frequently drop items from the freezer

one person who lived it

Buy a used chest freezer to store bulk perishable goods like chicken breasts.

Buying in bulk lowers the price per pound, and older chest freezers are reportedly more energy efficient than newer upright models.

one person who lived it

Freeze bulk dry goods like flour and rice in airtight bags for a few days before long-term storage to prevent infestations.

Most flour and some rice contain weevil eggs that survive until stored.

one person who lived it

Freeze herbs in tablespoon-sized portions on parchment paper to extend their shelf life for later use in recipes.

they keep longer than fresh

• they don't last forever

one person who lived it

Avoid using Costco brand vacuum bags.

They release air in the freezer.

one person who lived it

Freeze bread loaves to preserve them as treats for later.

They thaw better.

2 people, independently

Freeze perishable fruits immediately if they will not be consumed within 12 hours.

They will go bad first.

one person who lived it

Cook meals in batches large enough for 2-3 servings and freeze the portions.

Prevents cooking from becoming an everyday task.

2 people, independently

• Freeze leftovers from large batches of casseroles, chili, or stew in portions to make defrosting easier.1

Freeze vegetables like spinach, peppers, and mixed veg from discount boxes to preserve them if you cannot eat them immediately.

These items freeze really well.

• Lettuce is difficult to freeze.

one person who lived it

Vacuum seal beef after getting it from the butcher, especially ground meat, to ensure it lasts longer in the freezer.

Paper wrapping is okay, but vacuum sealing definitely makes the meat last longer.

• Most butchers charge extra for vacuum sealing.

one person who lived it

Freeze chopped vegetables like butternut squash if you won't use them before they spoil, accepting that texture may be lost for uses like soup, stock, or curry.

Freezing prevents spoilage if you won't use the vegetable in time.

• You may lose consistency, though this matters less for soups, stocks, or curries.

one person who lived it

Store leftover coffee in a mason jar in the fridge.

You can use the cold coffee with creamer and coffee ice cubes to make iced coffee.

one person who lived it

• Turn surplus coffee into frozen cubes so your iced version stays strong instead of diluted.6

Defrost bread in the microwave rather than on the counter to prevent it from going stale.

Defrosting on the counter lets bread go stale.

one person who lived it

Plug freezers into line filters with alarms that sound until reset if power fails.

You hear an alarm immediately if the power kicks off.

one person who lived it

Be aware that finding technicians to repair freeze dryers can be difficult.

There are few technicians available to fix them when issues arise.

one person who lived it

Keep lots of frozen veggies on hand to help with leftovers.

to help with leftovers

one person who lived it

Clean ice from the freezer gasket every three months.

Ice buildup causes air leaks, reducing efficiency.

one person who lived it

Keep your freezer in a cool basement to reduce heat release in living areas.

The basement is typically cooler than upstairs.

one person who lived it

Save pizza crusts and freeze them to use as seasoned, chewy croutons.

They are already seasoned and nice and chewy.

one person who lived it

Divide milk into mason jars or smaller containers before freezing to thaw only what is needed.

This approach helps if you live alone or do not use large quantities of milk at once.

one person who lived it

Let food cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

It helps maintain pre-freeze integrity and taste once reheated.

one person who lived it

Store sliced bread in the freezer to prevent mold; remove slices as needed since they thaw quickly.

Bread gets moldy quickly at room temperature.

one person who lived it

If you have difficulty reaching items in chest freezers, consider buying an upright freezer with drawers.

Drawers allow access to food without digging and help keep cold air inside when opened.

one person who lived it

Blanch vegetables by submerging them in boiling water for roughly 30 seconds, shocking them in cold water to halt cooking, then bagging and freezing.

3 people, independently

Avoid placing standard chest freezers in hot garages; use 'garage ready' models if necessary.

Standard units are designed for air-conditioned spaces and will struggle and run longer in heat.

one person who lived it

Move grape and cherry tomatoes to the fridge after keeping them on the counter to extend their life.

Fridging improves longevity.

one person who lived it

Buy food in bulk and use vacuum sealers to preserve quality and reduce waste.

It saves money by preserving frozen meat and encouraging bulk cooking.

one person who lived it

Freeze diced fruit and vegetables on a cookie sheet before transferring them to containers to prevent juices from creating a massive chunk.

Laying items on a sheet prevents clumping caused by juices.

one person who lived it

Toast frozen bread slices directly in a toaster or microwave for quick consumption.

• Older toasters may require multiple cycles to toast properly.

3 people, independently

Use freezer-burned meat in slow-cooked dishes like stew, chili, or meat sauce where strong seasonings mask the altered taste and texture.

While safe indefinitely, the taste and texture suffer; these uses cases help reduce that.

one person who lived it

Shake homogenized milk thoroughly after thawing to improve consistency.

Freezing destroys the homogenization process, causing fat separation and chunkiness.

• Some users report their homogenized milk never gets chunky.

one person who lived it

Freeze bread immediately upon purchase or when nearing expiration to prevent spoilage.

It keeps bread from going stale and preserves flavor and texture.

2 people, independently

Watch the Technology Connections YouTube episode on freeze dryers before purchasing one.

It provides a good overview and frames the device as lab equipment rather than a standard kitchen appliance.

one person who lived it

Microwave frozen bread for 30 seconds to make it edible.

One person described the result as particularly incredible.

one person who lived it

Place new items behind older ones in the freezer to ensure older items are used first and prevent spoilage.

Preventing spoilage saves more money than taking advantage of good deals.

one person who lived it

Dehydrate fruit and vegetables right before they spoil to extend their usability.

This process gives the produce a longer life.

one person who lived it

Read the instructions carefully when operating a freeze dryer.

It is important.

one person who lived it

Ensure the external environment for an outdoor freezer is enclosed and heated, or use a freezer rated for extreme temperatures.

Freezing external temperatures in unheated spaces can screw up interior temps and ruin contents that aren't bottled or canned.

one person who lived it

Defrost frozen bread in the refrigerator.

It defrosts nicely.

one person who lived it

Keep thawing bread in a sealed container to prevent moisture evaporation.

To prevent moisture from evaporating.

one person who lived it

Label and date everything placed in the freezer with Sharpies to avoid confusion about contents.

3 people, independently

Buy clearance meat to reduce food waste.

It helps reduce food waste.

one person who lived it

Store new food in the back of the fridge or freezer to push older items forward so they are not forgotten.

To avoid waste by eating from the back forward.

one person who lived it

Use free plastic containers from deli meats, yogurt, or sour cream for short-term food storage or freezing stock.

If leftovers spoil, you can throw the container away without feeling bad about losing expensive ware.

• They aren't consistently watertight or airtight.
• They warp easily.

one person who lived it

Invest in a few good knives and solid non-stick pans rather than many fancy pots.

Good cookware makes life much better for those who like cooking.

one person who lived it

Keep produce visible in the fridge rather than hidden in opaque drawers if you struggle with object permanence, such as with ADD.

Visibility serves as a reminder that the food exists.

• This approach is specifically helpful for people with ADD who struggle with object permanence.

one person who lived it

Catch cold water in a container while waiting for it to heat up, then use it for cooking, watering plants, or hand-washing delicates.

5 people, independently

Cook pantry items in order of oldest first and use expired items if they are still safe, as most foods last past their expiration dates.

most foods go way past the expiration date

• only if still safe

one person who lived it

Put lids on pots while cooking on the stove.

It makes food cook faster and saves fuel.

one person who lived it

Move items to the front of the fridge so children remember they exist and grab them.

Children tend to grab whatever they see.

one person who lived it

Use Ziploc easy seal containers for school lunches if you want durable options.

One user reported a set lasting an entire year.

one person who lived it

Do not take work food home if it violates company policy.

It is considered theft and can result in being fired.

one person who lived it

Ask restaurant staff for unsold food 5-10 minutes before closing time rather than dumpster diving.

Asking is better than eating discarded food.

one person who lived it

Donate rejected food loads to local food rescue groups if you live near major produce distribution areas.

It allows for fast disposal of the load.

one person who lived it

Use Chinese takeout containers for sending food to friends since you do not need them back.

You do not have to worry about the container coming back.

one person who lived it

• Send leftovers to guests in repurposed containers so you do not have to worry about getting your own Tupperware back.2

Use Chinese takeout lids as microwave splash guards over bowls.

They fit many bowls nearly perfectly and do not touch the food.

one person who lived it

Take home leftover restaurant food or catered meals to use for future lunches.

It avoids waste and saves money.

one person who lived it

Meal plan weekly purchases to avoid buying excess produce that spoils.

7 people, independently

• Begin meal planning by checking what you already have in your storage areas, then purchase only the specific items required to finish those recipes.8

Structure meals as a chain where components from one meal serve as the base for the next day's lower-effort meal.

This approach virtually eliminates waste and reduces the effort put into cooking.

one person who lived it

Stop buying food you do not genuinely like to prevent it from expiring unused.

Buying unwanted food leads to expiration and waste.

one person who lived it

Wait until your fridge and freezer are empty before grocery shopping to eliminate food waste.

Saves money and encourages creative recipe use.

one person who lived it

Fit potato salad tub tops onto Pyrex bowls as replacement lids.

Original lids crack and are expensive to replace; this provides a free alternative.

• Tested specifically on a 1 qt Pyrex bowl.

one person who lived it

Cook eggs by flipping them and turning off the heat, letting residual pan warmth finish cooking the second side.

It results in unburned eggs and uses less fuel.

one person who lived it

Toss uneaten food directly into the trash rather than storing it if you know you will not eat it.

Storing food that won't be eaten only leads to it getting old and gross before being thrown away later.

one person who lived it

Label food items with painters tape and sharpies to date them and focus on consumption.

It allows for quick reference on what needs to be consumed soon.

one person who lived it

Avoid Walmart-brand food storage containers with green lids.

They are not watertight.

one person who lived it

Contact food rescue organizations to arrange pickup of excess food.

They may cover expenses and transport the load.

one person who lived it

Switch to powdered milk for cooking and baking to eliminate waste from unused liquid milk.

it prevents waste

one person who lived it

Save and freeze tiny bits of leftovers immediately so they do not sit unused.

Tiny bits of food tend to sit unused for a long time otherwise.

one person who lived it

Leave the oven door slightly ajar after cooking to use the residual heat for warming your home.

You have already paid for the energy used to generate that heat.

one person who lived it

Combine cooked pasta with leftovers and sprinkle cheese on top to create a mystery casserole.

It results in a delicious meal.

one person who lived it

Stock crackers, crispbreads, or potato farls as long-lasting carb sources for emergencies when power may be unavailable.

They last well in airtight containers and accompany soups or canned stews.

one person who lived it

Make French toast or bread pudding using stale bread, expiring milk, eggs, and syrup to use up ingredients before they spoil.

The liquids in cooking make the bread no longer stale and allow you to finish off problem items

one person who lived it

Use glass containers for food storage instead of plastic.

Plastic breaks down over time and leaches microplastics; glass is easily cleanable and oven-safe without chemical concerns.

one person who lived it

Convert old freezer-burned meat into crockpot dog food to avoid waste.

Dogs often enjoy the repurposed meat.

one person who lived it

Print a personal recipe book to preserve recipes permanently.

The printed book lasts for years.

one person who lived it

Keep a rice cooker as an essential kitchen item for convenient, hands-off cooking and easy cleaning.

It cooks rice perfectly, keeps it warm without overcooking, and allows you to multitask while it runs.

one person who lived it

Recognize that businesses often refuse donations due to liability fears.

Food is considered spoiled and required to be thrown out; there are concerns about lawsuits if recipients get sick.

2 people, independently

Soak dehydrated vegetables in water before using them in soups or sauces, and save the soaking water for its vitamin content.

The vitamins live in the rehydration water.

one person who lived it

Pour vinegar, milk, or water into nearly empty condiment bottles, shake, and use the mixture for salad dressing or cooking.

It extracts the remaining product from the bottle.

one person who lived it

View wasting food as throwing money and energy inputs into the trash.

one person who lived it

Save and reuse glass jars from purchased foods like tomato sauce or pickles for storing other items.

11 people, independently

• Reuse clean yogurt or ice cream containers to store leftovers, rice, flour, sugar, or small items like screws.4

Eat smaller portions to avoid overeating.

It is easy to get into the habit of overeating in America.

one person who lived it

• Share an appetizer, entree, and dessert with a partner to avoid overeating from large portions.1

Use tubs from products like Country Crock, Cool Whip, yogurt, or cottage cheese as makeshift food storage containers.

• Ensure the containers are dishwasher safe.

3 people, independently

Visit Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) for free meals; some may also offer temporary shelter.

• Policies vary by location.

one person who lived it

Funnel bulk spices into smaller containers.

This allows for easier access to seasonings for home-cooked meals.

one person who lived it

Take extra napkins and condiment packets from restaurants to prevent them from being thrown away.

They are likely to be trashed after you leave, making it wasteful otherwise.

one person who lived it

Reuse Old Spice containers for homemade taco or chili seasonings.

The labels peel off easily, allowing you to apply new labels.

one person who lived it

Use a rubber scraper to remove all remaining sauce or product from jars and cans.

3 people, independently

Eat soft produce immediately rather than discarding it.

Ripe fruit can be delicious.

one person who lived it

Donate protein bars like Quaker bars to homeless outreach programs or women's shelters.

They are greatly appreciated.

one person who lived it

Avoid repurposing containers that previously held strongly scented foods, such as bouillon, for unrelated uses like massage oil.

Your muscles will retain the food scent.

one person who lived it

Dehydrate bell peppers and other vegetables to preserve abundance and use small amounts in recipes later.

This prevents waste when recipes call for only a portion of the vegetable.

one person who lived it

Store tomato paste in aluminum tubes rather than cans to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.

it doesn't get contaminated easily and lasts longer in the fridge

one person who lived it

Ask pizza buffet employees for prepped pizzas near closing time.

one person who lived it

Encourage grocery store or restaurant employers to donate leftover edible food to local food banks.

Legal protections exist against lawsuits for spoiled donated food, making donation safer than many believe.

one person who lived it

Visit soup kitchens or homeless shelters for meals; one person reported that anyone can eat there without questions and the food is high-quality, comparable to cafe items.

one person who lived it

Ask fast-casual restaurants like Panda Express for leftover food shortly before closing; one person received extra food this way.

one person who lived it

Use recipes to creatively cook common pantry items like lentils.

Creativity unlocks tasty options for struggle meals.

one person who lived it

Volunteer at charities or food distribution centers to access surplus food, samples, or meals provided to volunteers.

5 people, independently

• Ask library staff for leftover food from summer feeding programs.1

Make meatloaf primarily to eat the cold leftovers as sandwiches.

Cold loaf sandwiches are exceptionally tasty.

one person who lived it

Search for 'foodsharing' or 'food rescuers' organizations in your country to start or join a food recovery network.

These organizations provide frameworks and contracts to handle liability and logistics for food donation.

one person who lived it

Organize your fridge vertically by expiration date, placing items that expire soonest at eye level.

This keeps risky candidates visible and accessible.

one person who lived it

Use older, shriveled vegetables for soup if you find they produce better flavor.

Shriveled vegetables may have concentrated flavor.

one person who lived it

Arrange leftovers, vegetables, and fruit on a large tray for a 'snack dinner' to make presentation matter and get everyone excited.

Presentation matters

one person who lived it

Upgrade basic kitchen utensils by buying multiples of tongs, spatulas, and egg flippers to improve quality of life.

one person who lived it

Chalk up occasional cooking failures as an investment in developing your skills.

one person who lived it

Prepare multiple portions simultaneously to ensure you have food saved for later.

5 people, independently

Transform leftovers into different dishes rather than just reheating them.

3 people, independently

Learn recipes using chickpea flour, such as socca.

One person loves it.

• Based on one person's preference.

one person who lived it

Make tortillas from masa and water instead of buying bread.

Masa is very cheap and only requires water to make dough.

one person who lived it

Slice bread before it becomes completely stale.

Stale loaves are too hard to cut.

one person who lived it

Stir cobbler batter multiple times while baking to prevent it from setting into a solid mass.

This keeps the texture sticky rather than firm.

one person who lived it

Buy higher-quality bread or skip it if cheap options are unsatisfactory.

One person prefers eating rice over cheap bread and only buys bread when something they like is on sale.

one person who lived it

Make homemade bagels, including the step of boiling them before baking.

The result is considered worth the extra effort.

one person who lived it

Use a pie pan as a lid for stovetop popcorn if you do not have a pot lid.

to keep kernels from popping out

one person who lived it

Use parchment paper pouches instead of brown bags to prevent oil absorption.

Brown bags soak up oil; parchment paper mostly solves this problem.

one person who lived it

Avoid pouring melted butter directly on popcorn as it makes it soggy; note that butter-flavored oil may lack real flavor.

Melted butter adds too much moisture and ruins the crisp bite.

• Butter-flavored oil can be disappointing, appearing as dyed regular oil without real flavor.

one person who lived it

Cook popcorn in leftover bacon grease.

It yields the best popcorn.

one person who lived it

Use a cheap air popper for a low-butter snack option.

Air popping avoids pre-salted or buttered additives, which is helpful if you want to limit butter intake.

one person who lived it

Use a small amount of truffle oil on normal dishes.

It completely changes the dish.

one person who lived it

Sprinkle nutritional yeast on popcorn for a cheesy, nutty flavor and added B vitamins.

It provides a cheese-like taste often used in vegan cooking and is packed with vitamins.

2 people, independently

Season homemade popcorn with nutritional yeast, Old Bay, and sea salt.

It tastes better than store-bought.

one person who lived it

• Season popcorn with garlic powder or garlic salt for a savory flavor boost.4

Microwave popcorn in a Pyrex bowl covered with a plate.

Adds no extra calories unless flavorings are used.

• You may end up making too much.

one person who lived it

Rip the side of a microwave popcorn bag open carefully instead of using scissors.

It keeps grease off the scissors.

one person who lived it

Reuse brown paper lunch bags for microwaving popcorn.

It reduces waste and saves kitchen space.

one person who lived it

Use a large wok for stovetop popping so unpopped kernels fall to the bottom to cook while popped corn stays above, preventing burning.

The shape allows unpopped kernels to naturally settle where they get cooked, keeping popped kernels away from the hot sides.

one person who lived it

Use a Whirly Pop stovetop popper with coconut oil and kernels.

It is the best stovetop popcorn maker.

one person who lived it

Season popcorn with curry powder or taco seasoning.

It makes popcorn a fun snack.

one person who lived it

Use a WhirlyPop stovetop popper to stir kernels evenly and protect your pots.

It allows even stirring, has steam escape vents, and prevents ruining good pots.

one person who lived it

Microwave popcorn in a microwave-safe container that is safe from chemical leaching.

It offers easier cleanup, better flavor, and better portion control.

• Ensure the container is truly microwave-safe regarding chemical leaching, not just melting.

one person who lived it

Use a reusable microwave popcorn popper with a silicone top to melt butter directly on it.

It saves money.

one person who lived it

Pop kernels in a heavy pot with coconut oil to get the crunch and buttery taste of movie theater popcorn.

Coconut oil provides that specific movie theater flavor profile and allows you to control calorie intake better than microwave versions.

3 people, independently

Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to make spicy popcorn.

3 people, independently

Mix Sriracha or Frank's RedHot sauce into melted butter to ensure maximum coverage and spicy flavor.

Adding the sauce to the butter helps it spread evenly over the popcorn.

one person who lived it

Use a silicone microwave popper for oil-free popcorn to avoid chemicals, additives, and waste.

Silicone poppers eliminate the need for oil and prevent exposure to nasty chemicals found in other methods.

one person who lived it

Search for bulk bags or tubs of plain kernels near microwave popcorn, baking supplies, or organic goods.

3 people, independently

Spray cooked popcorn with canola cooking spray instead of using butter.

to avoid fatty butter while maintaining taste

one person who lived it

• Use bacon grease, duck fat, or saved animal fat instead of vegetable oil for savory popcorn.4

Pop popcorn in bacon grease or ghee for added natural flavor.

Provides naturally flavored popcorn without artificial ingredients.

2 people, independently