Comments on: I confess, I’m not always frugal

By: Wani

Wani — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:03:51 +0000

We have AT&T Uverse which is fiber-optic cable and internet together. Its only about $20 more than our old internet. I am addicted to the DVR! We're so spoiled by it - we hardly ever watch live TV anymore. We'll start a program 15minutes late and skip all the commercials! Love it! Wani’s last blog post..Dining Out for Less

By: LizzieK8

LizzieK8 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:12:42 +0000

I don't use paper towels, and the only thing I miss them for is draining bacon! I've found a cooling rack over a plate does the trick. There are certain foods I'll give up if I can't have brand name (Hormel Chili for one). We buy name brand shampoo, etc. at the dollar store simply because it's thicker than off brands so we use less per use. Studies state that shampoo isn't on your hair long enough to make a difference one way or another. If one is going to spend money on hair stuff, spend it on conditioner which does stay on long enough to make a difference. We generally don't use the heater all winter, or just enough to take the chill off the air in the early morning. But we use the TV and DVR alot and rarely go outside the house for entertainment. We get food stamps so grocery shopping isn't an issue, but I do make bread, cookies, etc., from scratch, buy store brands for many things, and do without much of the junk food. Buy alot of our food in bulk, too. LizzieK8’s last blog post..Out with the old...

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:52:35 +0000

Ha - do I ever have frugal weaknesses :) In my 20s, when I was single, I would save tons of my salary and then went to Europe several times during summers (I was a teacher). It seems out of character in a way, but on the other hand, I think rewarding yourself with the things that are truly important to you is a great reward for your normal frugality! Susan’s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday: Peppermint Bark

By: Margot

Margot — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:16:53 +0000

I’m never frugal with dog or cat food. Given that I chose to be responsible for my pets until they die and that I control what they eat, it’s my responsibility to make sure they have healthy food. I would never buy them grocery store brands of pet food. The ingredients in that stuff are frightening! Plus, they are unhealthy — lots of corn, saw dust, mystery meat, chemicals, etc. I buy high-end dog and cat food that would be sold in boutique-type pet stores where the first ingredients are actually meat and the subsequent ingredients are recognizable and healthy. I often purchase the high-end food online with discount coupons.

By: anne

anne — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:39:42 +0000

I feel the same way about paper towels… so we buy the kind with the small squares so you can choose how much to use at a time. I cannot buy generic TP or coffee. Has to be the good stuff…

By: terra jones

terra jones — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:14:11 +0000

I learned I'm a PTA - Paper Towel Addict. We use cloth towels for hand drying, and cloth wash cloths for deep cleaning, but I love my paper towels!!!!! We can't afford the dvr right now, but when we had it, we LOVED it! We do have cable though.... I'm doing better at groceries... but yeh - my PTA problem ;-) terra jones’s last blog post..Simple Woman’s Daybook for 12.8.08

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:09:18 +0000

My list of things I do that aren't frugal is very similar (and I am totally convinced my DVR has saved me a TON of money!) The other thing I do that isn't frugal is haircuts. Everyone in my family goes to a professional for their haircuts. I know that I could probably do my husband's and boys' hair, but I just like how nice they all look when it's professionally done. Christina’s last blog post..Northern Cheapskate's Reading List