The Thrift Thread

[jchitty]

Kelly, you sound like me....I do just about everything you do with regards to saving....I use energy efficient bulbs, set the thermostat lower in winter, raise it higher in summer, and I also plant my own vegetable garden. This year, I had peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc. I didn't even have to worry about the tomato or pepper scare, and home grown tastes so much better too.I find that after a while, a saving mentality becomes automatic....I don't fret over trying to save 'coz it's just ingrained in my thinking now.I agree with you about music being an investment.....I haven't bought any clothes, jewelry, (don't eat out that much unless) in several years....I just wear what's in my closet. I'd rather scoop up any excess in my budget to make my demoes....they give me more pleasure than trinkets anyway. Hey, thanks to Matt, Brad, (for the humor) Dave and Mojo for their input here too.....some very interesting tips and stories you've shared here.

[mojobone]

Our local thrift has a .75 sale once a month; I wear Chaps Nautica, Izod and the rest of the designer ilk that other folks apparently replace every year, whether they actually wore it or not. It's almost cheaper to go get another rather than wash 'em. I don't care if my stuff is this season's hottest style-stage wear's another matter, but I don't need that so much, these days, and I like to be creative with that, anyways. Compact fluorescent bulbs are like free money, but you can't put 'em in a landfill, they've got mercury in 'em, and must go to the recycling center that takes our used batteries. Lawn clippings, eggshells, coffee grounds, newspapers and any other organic matter are composted for the veg garden; the flowers next to the garden are designed to attract the right kinds of bugs. We've been considering starting a worm farm, even might raise chickens, if the neighbors don't freak.Probably the biggest savings is from simply not consuming very much and conserving everything we can.

[jchitty]

Sept 3, 2008, 3:38pm, mojobone wrote:Our local thrift has a .75 sale once a month; I wear Chaps Nautica, Izod and the rest of the designer ilk that other folks apparently replace every year, whether they actually wore it or not. It's almost cheaper to go get another rather than wash 'em. I don't care if my stuff is this season's hottest style-stage wear's another matter, but I don't need that so much, these days, and I like to be creative with that, anyways. Compact fluorescent bulbs are like free money, but you can't put 'em in a landfill, they've got mercury in 'em, and must go to the recycling center that takes our used batteries. Lawn clippings, eggshells, coffee grounds, newspapers and any other organic matter are composted for the veg garden; the flowers next to the garden are designed to attract the right kinds of bugs. We've been considering starting a worm farm, even might raise chickens, if the neighbors don't freak.Probably the biggest savings is from simply not consuming very much and conserving everything we can.Some of my best apparel is thrift store finds. I've also purchased some really cool furniture too....I got an old 30's art deco chair that I'm gonna redo....it's much sturdier of course than the stuff they sell now.

[linziellen]

Phew! I'm back. So, I found my little book out - it's wonderful and so nice to dig into from time to time. It's called "Natural Superwoman" by Rosamond Richardson, reprinted in 2001 so it's getting on a bit, but it covers so much. From surviving stress to natural beauty care Anyway _Green clean : natural eco-friendly tips* Install solar panels* Buy low-energy light bulbs to save on electricity bills* Insulate the loft thoroughly with recycled newsprint (lol like I have time)* Lag your hot water cylinder to reduce heat loss. Insulate hot water pipes* Line your curtains heavily to insulate the room from the cold. Don't allow them to hang over the radiators otherwise the heat goes straight back out the window. Close the curtains at dusk* Line walls behind radiators with foil to reflect heat back and save on your heating bills* Line the grill pan with foil to reflect back heat as well as catch drips* Put shelves over radiators to deflect heat out into the room* Turn your thermostat down a little - and lower it when you go out. Use the timer wisely so that you are not constantly heating an empty house* Don't leave lights on in empty rooms, or heat empty rooms* Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle* Mend dripping taps : you can lose one litre every ten minutes* Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth*One bath uses the same amount of water as five showers. Take showers insteadAnd there we have it, it's all pretty ecological! I haven't done half of those things but I try. I don't like the idea of all that paper and foil - that would be some firework display if the loft went up in flames. Still, every little helps.If you need any more randomness just let me know, this book is full of it Linzi "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" Dave I just read your list, what about those who "don't" smoke, just cadge em off their friends!

[anne]

Does anybody watch the Suzi Orman show, or similar?She had a waitress who earned about 21,000 dollars a year, who was in her 30s, and already had over 48,000 in her retirement accounts and no other debt. She called about buying a pair of boots that she wanted ($140). When you compare that to all of the folks who call in wanting to know if they can afford a boat or a car etc you have to laugh, but if you just look at money as "its mine for me and my family" it becomes much easier to save. Since my income disappeared with our economy, I'm really starting to pay attention to every penny, saving up for things ahead of time, being sure to put away "family and friends" money, but really focusing on getting our debt down. This is a great thread!

[davekershaw]

Quote: what about those who "don't" smoke, just cadge em off their friends!Ha! Nice one Linzi.I don't smoke, so I've not tried that one.I'm making cuts myself, as things are getting crazy here too!I'm cancelling my internet subscription tomorrow. Thought I'd keep my laptop in my car, drive around a while until I find someone's wireless connection, then park outside their house.Should save a few quid!!

[jchitty]

Sept 4, 2008, 4:56am, anne wrote:Does anybody watch the Suzi Orman show, or similar?She had a waitress who earned about 21,000 dollars a year, who was in her 30s, and already had over 48,000 in her retirement accounts and no other debt. She called about buying a pair of boots that she wanted ($140). When you compare that to all of the folks who call in wanting to know if they can afford a boat or a car etc you have to laugh, but if you just look at money as "its mine for me and my family" it becomes much easier to save. Since my income disappeared with our economy, I'm really starting to pay attention to every penny, saving up for things ahead of time, being sure to put away "family and friends" money, but really focusing on getting our debt down. This is a great thread!Hey, Dave and Lindz....thanks for more tips. Lindz, that's quite an impressive list.Anne, I've always heard that it's not how much money you make, it's what you do with it that counts, and the waitress is a good example of that. Most of us can save if we put our minds to it, even if it's only a little bit. In the end, that little bit can add up to a big amount.

[anne]

Absolutely with you there, Chits. My Aunt worked at her job (started on an assembly line, ended as an executive secretary - back when that job was a good solid job ). She never made much but :She supported her entire family (at 18 yrs old) from 1931-1937, when her Dad got a job at the same place.She helped my folks after they had five of us little brat kids.She paid off her house.She dressed to the 9s while working.She had enough money (after selling the house) to live with my folks but remain completely financially independent until she died, and I was able to throw her the biggest party of a funeral (her request) without worrying about the bill.And, she was able to go to Europe (cruises from NY to Italy, and one early Pan-am flight) for 6 weeks-3 months at a clip, 5 times between 1950 and 1965, as well as trips to Canada and the Bahamas. She stuck to a budget and that is how she did it. So, I'm just working on paying off the debt that my income was covering by doing flea market runs, selling stuff on ebay and craigslist and various odd jobs, all until the big fat royalty checks come in!!

[jchitty]

Sept 4, 2008, 1:37pm, anne wrote:Absolutely with you there, Chits. My Aunt worked at her job (started on an assembly line, ended as an executive secretary - back when that job was a good solid job ). She never made much but :She supported her entire family (at 18 yrs old) from 1931-1937, when her Dad got a job at the same place.She helped my folks after they had five of us little brat kids.She paid off her house.She dressed to the 9s while working.She had enough money (after selling the house) to live with my folks but remain completely financially independent until she died, and I was able to throw her the biggest party of a funeral (her request) without worrying about the bill.And, she was able to go to Europe (cruises from NY to Italy, and one early Pan-am flight) for 6 weeks-3 months at a clip, 5 times between 1950 and 1965, as well as trips to Canada and the Bahamas. She stuck to a budget and that is how she did it. So, I'm just working on paying off the debt that my income was covering by doing flea market runs, selling stuff on ebay and craigslist and various odd jobs, all until the big fat royalty checks come in!! Great story, Anne. My grandmother was the same way, and because of her thrift, she was able to help members of her family, purchase a house on my grandfather's hardware store salary, put 3 kids through college (my dad included) and she created a wondeful legacy for us all. I still fondly remember her washing baggies and re-using them (I don't do that, I must admit I splurge there) sewing her own clothes, shopping at thrift stores, etc. She grew her own vegetables and did a lot of canning too. She never ate out that much 'coz she was such a good cook. She was really resourceful.

[mewman]

I know this may sound a bit condescending, but the best way to save money is to not spend it. It's amazing how much we piss away on things we don't really need. Living within one's means means not living off credit. If you don't have the cash, don't buy it. If you can't pay the bill, disconnect it. Debt, especially, should be avoided at all costs, if you don't have a good cash flow. Three thousand on a credit card can translate to over five hundred a year in interest. Don't lease a car, buy a decent used one. Avoid the double moca latte's every day. Treat yourself when the cash flows and practice being a tight wad when it is'nt! Save ten percent and blow ten percent. Live off the rest.Mewman