5 Tips to Survive the Recession

on January 20, 2009 at 2:42 PM

saving money, paper towel I knew he'd agree. Frugaldad (now one of my fave go-to sites for real-people money advice) also uses cloth towels/napkins. Yes! See my Saving Money in Small Ways post.

Actually, on the subject of surviving a down economy, recession, or whatever you call this collective financial crisis, frugal dad has 75, that's right, 75 tips. Lucky for you, I've boiled them down to five. For me it was easy, I just focused on the tips that our kids need to be on board with. Doesn't mean they'll love them, in fact, they most likely won't. But each of these random money-saving tips could be actually the place to jumpstart a serious talk with the kids about sacrifice.

Check out my 5 picks.

Switch to cloth napkins. I’m not sure why it took a down economy for this one to dawn on me, but cloth napkins are a great alternative to paper napkins, which increase waste and add to our non-food budget.
Scale back the cable. We’ve been living the last six months with only basic cable, and don’t miss any of the expanded cable channel offerings. Cable bill went down from $40 to $12 with this move alone.
Wash your own car. Our town has one of those automated car washes and for $9.00 you can get “the works.” Essentially, it is a wash, wax and application of tire shine. I’m pretty sure I can do it for less. Better yet, employ the kids and let them earn a little extra money this summer.
Water down juices. When we open a new apple juice for our kids we pour up half in the old container and add about 1/4 - 1/2 container of water to each bottle. This makes each new bottle last a little longer, and dilutes the grams of sugar and calories per serving.
Say no to fast food. Unless you hit the dollar menu exclusively, fast food can add up. Consider the cost of a combo meal for four people versus sandwiches, chips and drinks from home.

And my one extra frugaldad tip for good luck?

Make your own Play-Doh. Kids can find many hours of enjoyment from a homemade play-doh recipe, and it’s a cheaper than buying it from the store.

Now that's frugal! Do you have any money-saving tips to share?

Comments (15)

RanaAurora

on Jan 20, 2009 at 8:26 PM

The only paper products we use are Kleenex and toilet paper. Everything else (napkins, cleaning rags, etc.) is washable and not wasteful. So it's not only cheaper, but better for the environment.

One thing we do that helps us not struggle is to get in the mindset that we're broke LONG before we really are (as in, $500 in the checking account makes us SERIOUSLY uncomfortable). You're not going to be in trouble getting gas for work, because you're going to be only buying what you absolutely HAVE to long before that's a risk.

Another thing is to look for "Manager Specials" at grocery stores. Often things will be almost half-price.

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kikikins1234

on Jan 21, 2009 at 9:56 AM

One of the best investments we've made is in our grill and smoker. We purchased 1/2 a cow for the freezer (as in steaks, ground, stew meat, etc.) - it's cheaper to purchase this way directly from a 'grower'. ;)

Cafe Cynthia

on Jan 21, 2009 at 10:54 AM

We've been doing the cloth napkin thing for about three years now, and I can't tell you how much money we saved on paper towels. I used to go through two rolls a week when my kids started to learn to eat on their own -- now we keep the same roll on the counter for weeks at times. I use them only sparingly.

dsteiner23

on Jan 21, 2009 at 11:54 AM

I would so love to do the cloth napkin and dishtowel thing but I don't have easy access to a washer and dryer so I do laundry about every 3 weeks and I just can't have any more dirty stuff piling up than I already do.

I need to move.

MamaPinkston

on Jan 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM

Always check the prices as they scan! For some reason, many grocers are far less interested in making sure you get the advertised price for items you buy, than in rushing you out the door. One way to make sure is to use the Self-scanning aisles if there is not a store scanner available out in the store. I have had a real problem with this lately at Krogers and they even have a store policy guaranteeing pricing! The price marked at the aisle is on sale, but it does not scan correctly many times and they group your savings at the end instead of correcting each item, therefore you have no way to prove you were overcharged without standing in line forever at the managers station and waiting for someone to run look up the price on the aisle. This can really save you money, but you have to be aware what you are buying and don't let them rush you at the check-out lane!

Dodgegirl79

on Jan 21, 2009 at 1:07 PM

I also do Dollar store shopping. I have found shampoo,conditioner,make up ,hair ties ,food,olives,cookies,tuna,pop,kleenex, toilet paper,paper towels, napkins,dishes,cleaning products,chips,party items for birthdays,balloons. The list goes on all for $1.00. Most of the products are just as good as the name brand and sometime you can get name brand items. so even if you use some thing sparingly it was only $1.00. I work at a $ store and am very happy with there products. A true dollar store. I had a gal come in and bought 30.00 on a bunch of smaller items..IE ointments ,Tylenol, band aides, socks, those kind of things and i said you just save you self a bundle cuz these things at walmart would take your hole check..

worthgold1

on Jan 21, 2009 at 1:35 PM

I save money by making my wipes for diaper changes. I can control the smells added and know exactly what is in it. My third child has hardly ever had a diaper problem and he is 2 1/2. It cleared up my second childs chronic diaper rash. The money I have saved is great. It is just the cost of paper towels, baby wash and any type of "Oil" for skin and boiled water.

StuffnFluffLady

on Jan 21, 2009 at 1:44 PM

I think I am going to start with the cloth napkins......we are a huge paper towel using famil! Especially me and the hubby. I just fel they are less germy then hand towels, etc. I also think I will keep track of how much money we save by not using paper towels.......that will be fun to see!

oregonmom22

on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:02 PM

If you have to use paper towels, try getting the ones that are half the size of the regular ones. You will use half as much and the roll lasts longer. Also, I've found that budget paper towels or generic brands aren't a money saver you have to use more. My half-sheet rolls of a good brand last me an entire month. But I also use cloth dish towels. However, generic paper napkins are fine for setting the dinner table. They are like a dollar for 300 generic--less than the soap to wash cloth ones.

on Jan 21, 2009 at 2:09 PM

Another money-saver I do is going to the baby-resale shop. My local resale shop has a dollar rack and I scour that every time I go in. If something is missing a button I can sew a button and get a nice shirt or pants for just $1. Here is another good one, use vinegar to clean your bathroom and diluted bleach to disinfect. Just make sure you have a "cleaning outfit" or you could ruin a nice outfit. Hmmmm....I use powdered milk for cooking. Its super cheap and you can mix it up in a pitcher and keep in the fridge for a few days. Also, put the kids drink back in the fridge if they don't finish it right away you can offer it again later--with no waste. And my latest money saving endeavor is starting a garden. I'm starting with seed, but you can get the starts later at a garden center. The kids will love planting something and watching it grow. Even if you don't have a lot of space you could do a pot of strawberries or herbs.