The Frugal Girl

OCTOBER 2, 2023

One last non-matching example: when I get a sock that sprouts a hole, I generally set the good sock aside and just use it with another sock of the same cut. For instance, I have a fair number of white serving dishes that I’ve gotten at thrift stores.

Saving Money 208

Saving Money Money Painting Lamps 208

The Frugal Girl

JANUARY 9, 2024

Today we’re meeting an Oregonian who does an impressive amount of homesteading. Tell us a little about yourself! My cute kids when they were little I used to be a Spanish teacher until I stopped working to stay home with my kids. I use a grain mill to grind grain for our sourdough bread. Hello, everyone!

Oregon 190

Oregon Home and Garden Kids and Family Money 190

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

The season of family, faith, food, and…shopping… collective sigh… The spending part of Christmas can get crazy, so I’ve come up with a list of ideas to find some extra cash for your Christmas spending if you’re coming up short. I use this spreadsheet every year. Hopefully, that’s your goal too.

Christmas 130

Christmas Finds Friends And Family Sale Donation 130

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 25, 2014

I’m in good company with my love of all things used. Likewise, thrift stores are always full of people. If you think buying used is just for people who are on a tight budget, think again. The most famous large family, the Duggars, routinely buy as much as they can used. The Items We Typically Buy Used.

Buying Second-Hand 177

Buying Second-Hand Saving Money Money Garage Sale 177

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 26, 2014

I use this spreadsheet. Whether you are scrambling to find money for gifts OR you could just use some extra cash this season, my hope is that this list of ideas (many we’ve done ourselves) helps you find some cash for Christmas. Are you fluent in another language or maybe you’re a math whiz? Consider tutoring.

Christmas 235

Christmas Finds Part Time Thrift Stores 235

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 4, 2013

From food waste to packaging to disposable items, there are a lot of resources being used by humans. A meal plan can be one of the best ways to avoid last-minute takeout runs, as well as ensure that you have a way to use the food you buy. Find Ways to Re-Use as Much As You Can. Nor is it healthy. You can do the same.

Re-use 278

Re-use Home and Garden Bulk Electronics 278

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 8, 2013

On Sundays, we’ll meet here to catch our breath, and let everyone know how we’re finding our $1000. Hopefully, someone who will use it. 31 Days to Find $1000 Thrifting' In the month of October, my challenge will be to find $1000. Mondays thru Saturdays in October, I will have ideas to help you find $1000 too.

Video Games 127

Video Games Video Finds Games 127

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 16, 2015

We used to spend hundreds of dollars a month going out to eat at restaurants. Heating/Cooling – According to Energy.gov, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. It saves us $67 a month.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Thrifting Thrift Stores 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 24, 2012

When I redid ours, I used that spray meant to re enamel tubs to re-finish the vanity tops. I sanded and re-stained the wood cabinet and fashioned a matching frame for the mirror out of molding strips from Lowes that I got for about $3 each. Thrift shops. When I re-did our bath floors, I knew I wanted tile.

Renovation 189

Renovation Home Real Estate Re-use 189

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 24, 2013

If you want to save money, one of the best options is to buy used. Not only can buying something second-hand help you save money, but it also reduces the amount of resources that you use. Buying used is one way to increase the sustainability of your life. There are many consumer electronics items that you can purchase used.

Saving Money 213

Saving Money Money Used Buy 213

Frugal Luxuries

AUGUST 27, 2014

You may also call it by other names such as prudence, spariness and thrift. It is the careful use of materials or resources." "The Without it, you may be tossed upon the waves of circumstance, at the mercy of your unorganized whims." ~~~~~~ [link] ~~~~~~ THRIFT BOOKS A Frugal Reader''s Dream Realized! (An An UNsponsored Post.)

Thrifting 40

Thrifting Frugal Green And Frugal Journal 40

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 16, 2013

Check them out: Good Reads From The Blogosphere: When you’re aggressively trying to pay down debt, you may feel that you’ve done all you can to curb your expenses, but have you really? 8 Great Things that You Can Find at Thrift Stores. Think Again. How to Get Out of Unemployment posted at Debt Free Blog. PET Archives.

Fridays 187

Fridays Debt Unemployment Rent 187

Saving Cents With Sense

AUGUST 30, 2013

Thrift Store Style. Thrift stores, on the other hand, offer affordable, stylish clothing. Many shoppers are now turning to thrift stores to find fashionable items. If you have a school meal plan, you’re paying for every meal, whether you eat it or not. This site uses affiliate links. Dining Hall.

College 102

College Student Public Transit DSL 102

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 6, 2013

Anything you now longer want that is still wearable and in reasonable condition can be donated to thrift stores. Whatever you choose, you will be de-cluttering your home, recycling, re-using and maybe making a bit of money as well. This was certainly not a good use of my limited clothing allowance. Go Frugal Go Green'

Saving Money 249

Saving Money Green Money Clothing and Accessories 249

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 15, 2015

If you are in more of a hurry, find a thrift store instead. Expect to pay a bit more in a thrift store, but if it is run by a charitable organization, you can feel good about paying a few bucks more because you are helping out the cause. If you are still reluctant to buy used, consider the below bargains. My best finds.

Garage Sale 100

Garage Sale Garage Finds Sale 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 6, 2016

However, there are simple things we can do every day that help Mother Earth by using less energy, sending less trash to the land fills, and conserving our natural resources. So we’re helping the environment and saving money…it’s a win-win. Trap rain water and use to water your plants and garden.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Gift Cards Money Giveaway 100

Couponing 101

MAY 29, 2019

Buy Used Clothing. You can find used children’s clothing at thrift stores, garage sales, or online via Facebook Marketplace or eBay. People often wind up with children’s clothes they no longer need or want, so put the word out that you’re interested. Ask Family and Friends.

Clothes 84

Clothes Clothing Simple Friends And Family Sale 84

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 9, 2011

A handy reference should have many clear pictures and easy-to-follow instructions in order to be of use to you. That way you can watch for patterns and materials that you find appealing, and you’ll be able to focus on just a few items while you’re first starting out. Use Recycled Fabrics. Learn How to Sew.

Clothes 216

Clothes Clothing Making Sewing 216

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

We do put up decorations (ones I buy at garage sales or thrift stores and reuse each year). Bring in your slightly used, but in good shape costume and pick one from those others brought in – as a swap. Encourage your child to use their imaginations to come up with a costume out of materials on hand at home.

Halloween 138

Halloween Green Reuse Garage 138

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 23, 2011

Try replacing some paper products on your list with cloth and re-usable products that you probably have around the house and you will not only reduce your grocery spending, but you will also reduce your waste. I use flannel hankies during sniffle season. I have been using a Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat for years.

Economical 185

Economical Kitchen Paper Groceries 185

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 16, 2016

We use an online account like, Capital One 360 (my referral link). But when you’re trying to save money, cut out this costly expense. When we’re crazy busy and the family is demanding that they be fed, I always have the ingredients for spaghetti on hand. 18 – Use Cash Back Grocery apps.

Emergency Fund 100

Emergency Fund Money Finds Friends And Family Sale 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 23, 2016

We’re going to give it everything we’ve got and hopefully pay off the last of our non-mortgage debt by the end of this year. Calculate how much debt you have by using my free Family Balance Sheet. There are definitely things we’re saying no to, but there are also things that we won’t to give up.

Debt 100

Debt Goals 2016 Calculators 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 11, 2015

I use our own silverware, mostly because I hate eating with plastic ware. We’re having an Ugly Sweater party at our office this year. And you don’t have to buy a new ugly sweater, you could either visit your favorite thrift store or decorate a sweater you already own. Gifts must be from a thrift store.

Christmas 100

Christmas Budgeting Budget Swap 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 30, 2014

We’re glad we didn’t buy any furniture, or we’d have quite the full house! Many people overlook the power of using textures in a home to add points of interest as well as space and a homey feel. Use Patterns Sparingly. Use Patterns Sparingly. But definitely use them! Out of Sight, Out of Mind.

Home 182

Home Making Furniture Thrift Stores 182

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 1, 2021

When we’re crazy busy and the family is demanding that they be fed, I always have the ingredients for spaghetti on hand. Now go through the list and really ask yourself if you use or need all of it. If you’re not using it, cancel it today and redirect that monthly money into your emergency savings.

Emergency Fund 130

Emergency Fund Money Finds Friends And Family Sale 130

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 21, 2021

Your first assignment: Take the first step and calculate your debts by using my FREE Family Balance Sheet. I had no problem shopping at a thrift store, avoiding restaurants, and not having cable TV, but I didn’t want to give up camping and watching my daughters’ swim meets. 2 – Create your Debt Freedom Plan.

Debt 130

Debt Goals Debt Free Pay Off Debt 130

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 3, 2014

Are you a ‘buy it new’ snob – one of those people who shudder at the thought of using someone else’s cast off stuff? I swore I’d never buy used junk again… but now I’ve changed my mind. Home owners get bored and re-decorate or re-vamp their homes. I was for awhile.

Buy 178

Buy Buying Garage Sale Garage 178

Saving Cents With Sense

JANUARY 18, 2016

Thrift Shopping. With your wardrobe in mind, start with thrift stores. Thrift stores are not the dusty, smelly places of the past. If you shop at the department store, make sure you’re cruising for end of season deals. This site uses affiliate links. Shop at the End of Seasons. All rights reserved.

Thrifty 40

Thrifty Budgeting Budget Mom 40

Saving Cents With Sense

MAY 29, 2014

Just because you’re approaching a penny-pinching summer doesn’t mean you can’t plan for an out-of-the-ordinary weekend with your special someone. Local Thrift Shop Tour. After hours of splurging on homemade sweet treats, take time away from your love nest and tour your town’s thrift shops.

Log Cabin 81

Log Cabin Thrifting Wine Lingerie 81

The Frugal Girl

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Today we’re meeting a reader who only found my blog a few months ago; I love that she already volunteered to do a Meet a Reader post. Tell us a little about yourself I’m Andrea, I’m in my 20s. My wedding dress, thrifted! Essentially, we’re saving up a nest egg so that we have future freedom!

Friends And Family Sale 192

Friends And Family Sale Library College Cars 192

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 9, 2014

Today, we’re going to analyze those numbers and challenge ourselves to improve them. We used to spend hundreds of dollars a month going out to eat at restaurants. It saves us $67 a month. Thrift : I regularly stop by my favorite local thrift store and find crazy bargains. Dining Out.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Finance Organic 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 27, 2013

If you are looking for a can of spray paint you used last summer, you are more likely to look somewhere that you have other cans of paint stored. Store things where you use them. Unless you have a very small house, you can save yourself time and effort by storing stuff where you use it. Get Organized'

Organic 177

Organic Organization Home Painting 177

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 12, 2013

Apparently there are some simple rules when it comes to de-cluttering and re-organizing your work space. Have a big box ready to take the throw-away items and another for anything that is good enough to go to the local thrift store. What about the old refrigerator in the garage you only use when you have a party? Do I need it?

Making 238

Making Work Occasions Pace 238

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

DECEMBER 7, 2011

Re-establish your self-esteem. She lives her life, just like the rest of us, maybe better. Give away a dollar in front of the thrift store. Please use the comments to list other resources you know about to help others put themselves in the path of happiness. Forgive yourself. It doesn’t matter. Komen Foundation.

Holiday 183

Holiday Friends And Family Sale At&T Giving 183

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 6, 2020

What got us through financially? I am totally paraphrasing the year, but had it not been for the money in our emergency savings, we would most likely have used credit cards to survive. I still use my spreadsheet to this day! I decided to use Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps as a guide and I wrote our first Debt Freedom Plan.

Debt 130

Debt Emergency Fund 2007 2020 130

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 9, 2011

I use a different method now, but her simple style gave me the confidence to try it. This is not just a cookbook, but a book that will make you re-think your eating habits. We were at a church thrift sale and he found it on the $1 table. I started really cooking six years ago when I became a mom.

Martha Stewart 127

Martha Stewart Cooking Bread Baking 127

Saving Everyday

DECEMBER 13, 2016

I often find myself saying “I wish I had that when my kids were little” OR “you’d use that once and never use it again” I understand you want the best for your baby and shopping for them is very exciting. Once you receive your $10 Catalina, you can use on your next purchase – like Kroger cash.

Baby 40

Baby Kroger 2016 Saving 40