When my hubby and I were in college, we had a few friends that had jobs at different eating establishments. One worked at McDs where (at the time) we could go in and order a shake and she would fill a bag full of food for us. We had another friend that would bring us undeliverable pizzas. (GPS mapping probably ruined this one) and another friend who managed a BK and would invite us in for whatever we wanted. We only had to help some of them with their homework : )
Don't forget that your local food shelf will likely help you as well.
We made it thru without starving to death, and now we can give back to others in the same boat! I just sent a young friend of mine money via Western Union. He had 3 cents in his pocket and I just got a very generous bonus from my employer. I would not be able to sleep at nite knowing my friends didn't have food to eat when I had plenty.
I shop online to save time, because stores are a hassle. Spending time looking for some $5.92 item doesn't seem frugal, it seems wasteful. Especially as very few useful items are in that sort of price range.
If my total at Amazon is insufficient I just add one of the many books on my wishlist. Being anywhere from $7-$13, these immediately complete my order, while rewarding me with a book I've wanted for some time.
Of course, this only works because I never buy from my wishlist *except* when I need it for shipping.
I was fortunate enough through my 20s to earn some decent cash, save up even more, and stay out of debt.
By the time I hit 30, I "retired". I have enough money saved up to take care of my future, live frugally now, and as long as I proverbially work "4 hours a week" to take care of incidentals, I'm golden! I even have passive income built into the plan.
If you often forget to return your books on time you might check out Library Elf (http://libraryelf.com, which, if you trust it enough to provide your library card (I do), will send you as many reminder emails as you ask it to. It doesn't work with every library catalog system, but they'll also help build a link to your catalog if they don't already have one...
Wasn't there a public announcement in the radio (on either AM 740 or 810 in bay area) that tells people not to burn wood? it pollutes air quality for everyone in the neighborhood and also could cause global warming..
At the desk where all my computer equipment is, I shut down all my peripherals (2 disk drives, a DVD burner, printer, monitor, powered USB Hub) All through the common off switch of the power strips.
Warning: You must still shut down (or put to sleep) your computer in a normal fashion, and only then shut down everything else. You risk damaging your equipment (especially disk drives) otherwise.
I do the same thing for where I charge all my gadgets and batteries.
Making it easy to shut numerous items of makes it more likely that you actually will do it.
It's a great idea in theory, but not one that will ever happen.
The $25 limit isn't there because a customer spending $25 makes shipping free for Amazon. It's there to encourage people to make larger purchases.
Amazon is banking on the fact that most people who need to spend six more dollars to get free shipping will end up tossing a CD or something in their cart, bumping up the sale by far more than the difference needed to qualify for free shipping.
http://slickdeals.net/slickfillers/ has a nice filler tool. You enter the amount that you need and it shows you things in that range. I have noticed some that are not eligible for SSS so be careful. (also some great deals on the main page)
I have a few county libraries in my area that is under the Los Angeles County network of libraries. If my local library doesn't have the book I'm looking for (which I can search for online), I can request it and I'll get a notification when it gets there (it also tells me which library does have it, so I can go there to pick it up right away). New books (and books Oprah recently recommended) take a little longer to arrive, but there's plenty of books to keep me busy while I wait for them. Account information (due dates, renewals) can be found online as well, and I can return books at any library that's part of the network, no matter where I checked them out. Super convenient, and FREE.
Hi everyone, I have enjoyed reading your tips, and methods of cleaning. I, too do not use the baby wipes. You can however save those wipes we get from KFC, and use them. Thats what I do.
I also, use my brown paper bags from the grocery, and drain any fried foods on them, & sometimes, I use torn phone books underneath, the brown top paper. Free & its recycling, it all goes in the trash anyway, right ? We also use newspaper for wrapping paper (If its good enough for Rachel Ashwell, its good enough for me ! ) and junk mail to start the fire, in the fireplace.
What is with this generation ? Has no one ever heard of a cloth rag? Growing up poor as I did, thats all we had was "RAGS" .
And now, I cannot feel comfortable, cleaning without using them !
Sponges are ok, but don't feel the same, or give your hand the same control, as with a rag. Rags, wash in the laundry & bleach better in my opinion, than any sponges.
We only used paper napkins, maybe at holidays, if then.
Now, I find it the BEST, ever to clean with (RAGS) ! Nothing, I mean nothing beats good old soap and water, and an old rag !!!
Cut up T-Shirt material is the best, too. No lint, left behind.
I get a small pail, with 3-4 drops of dish soap, shampoo, or baby shampoo, whatever is handy, or even Murphys oil soap, and my old wash cloth, and wipe and swipe away.
It only takes a few drops. I even rinse out our shampoo bottles, and body wash bottles, keep another empty bottle filled with those rinses, wallah ! Cleaning liquid.
I showed my kids growing up, what was on the furniture, when they were small. DRY dusting, never ! I always used the soap & water to dust, THEN, went over the wood furniture, with Pledge, or furniture polish, AFTER, I dusted with a damp cloth.
Otherwise, you're just pushing the dust around, and its still in the air, or somewhare in that room, insted of in the water.
Then, they saw all the dirt and filth in the bottom of the pail.
You know our parents, did not have all these conveniences, that we have now. But they were more practical, and smart.
And as for those stupid swiffer things, forget it !
Make those large chemical companies rich ? Forget it ! I need my money more than they do. We need to listen to our parents, and take the smart, easy, way out. Use baking soda, vinegar, and
old cleaning rags, and save our money. Old tooth brushes are great too, to use in tight spots around sink handles, shower & glass door tracks, even around the toilets , (keep them separate, or throw away after use.)
I cannot stand to use a sponge mop ! They are the worst yet !
Who invented those stupid, contraptions ! They are so worthless ! You cannot beat an old fashioned mop, either, not even with a swiffer ! No one wants to get their hands dirty anymore, whats up with that ? Part of being a housewife and a mother. HEY, thats what soap & water is for, to wash our hands ! And thus we come full circle.
Don't forget, the old vaseline, too. its good for so many things. My mom, swore by it. Be careful though, I have looked at some from several dollar stores, alot of it is made in India, & China (so be careful, you don't know whats in it.)
Make sure you read the label, and find some made in USA.
Also, I use Johnsons baby, lotion & cream on my face & hands, it works great. $3.00, is alot better that using a $ 15.00 face/night cream ! Who needs oil of olay, they have gone out of this universe, too, with all these expensive products?
What happened to simple, oil of olay face lotion ?
I had a incident happen to me when I was a teenager, in the 70's, working at a donut shop, some nit-wit, who just started (not me) mixed bleach & ammonia together, and just about put me in the hospital ! So, ever since, I cannot clean with bleach.
I do use it for the laundry, whites, and towels, but I cannot stand to clean with it. So, I started using Lysol, spray foam, tub & tile cleaner, in the kitchen & bathrooms.
I know its strong chemicals, but it works so well, you do not need much, and it kills staph, ecoli, and strep bacteria, just like bleach.
But please wear gloves, or it will strip your hands, and you will get dermatitis like I did. BUT, its the best when it comes to cleaning sinks, cutting boards, and kitchen counters.
I use bowls, to put the washed meat/chicken in, and wash accordingly. And I usually clean my entire kitchen counters,
about every 2 weeks, cleaning them all off, and spraying with the foam cleaner, them rinsing with soap & water. Then clean daily with the soap & water. So, far, it works perfect for our family. Also, do not forget to use BonAmi, its a great cleanser too. ok, I'll shut-up now. Happy Old-Fashioned Cleaning !!!!!!!
Many libraries have a lot to offer via their websites -- access to quality databases for research, downloadable books/audio/video. Some of these resources may be offered due to statewide initiatives. And my library sends me email "courtesy/reminder" notices several days before my materials are due which helps to avoid fines.
Yes, not all libraries have the same resources. I know this from working with libraries throughout my state, but libraries can be much more than a physical destination.
One of the perks of joining the University of California's alumni program after graduation is that I can still use the university's library system. Though there may be some restrictions on certain materials available for inter-library loan and check-out.
*I don't know why these posts on not renting to Section 8 tenants has my blood boiling so...it just does...
*I was on the Section 8 program for 6 years. When I started out I was a college freshman with 2 kids and a paltry loan check. A guidance counselor referred me to the program, and I try to remember her in my prayers every night. I think about her so often because she gave me and my kids the gift of stable housing.
*When I began to look for housing on the program, I ran into many landlords like yourselves who were unwilling to rent to me SOLELY because I was on the program. After $200 odd dollars in various wasted application fees, I finally found a nice gentleman who agreed to rent to my family after a visit to the place we were living in (I guess he wanted to check on my housekeeping skills!).
*Anyway, long story short, I lived in the little apartment for 3 years while I finished college. I moved once I graduated but I was still a program participant. After 6 years on the program I had accumulated enough money (Section 8 has escrow accounts for tenants to put a down payment towards a home- little known, but valuable info!)to put a down payment on a house!
*That was 10 years ago. The little house I purchased is now a rental unit that I rent to Section 8 tenants only. A very nice house, mind you, that has not sufferred any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
*The moral? Sure, some tenants are irresponsible people, but you're going to find those folks in the affluent population too, not just low income. Use your own discretion to decide- dont just deny a family because they are on Section 8.
*And another thing- Section 8 tenants MUST pay their rent to be compliant with the program. I have never had a case of late/missed rent what-so-ever. I think a common misconception is that Section 8 Tenants are shiftless people who rely on the Governement for rent, but most of the folks are "working poor"; I was there once myself and its a hard time thats only aggravated when folks judge you because of it.
For a small town, Franklin PA sure has a wonderful library! All the things you mention except wireless. It was the perfect place to start when just joining our local community. Its such a central point in our lives I try and remember the $ they save me on book purchases, video rentals and internet connection and donate accordingly each year. And they make a mint off me at the book sales as I'll buy bags just to release for bookcrossing lol.
Don't forget about Inter library loan! Often free, sometimes with a small fee, this how you can get just about any book, no matter obscure to read. I went through a period where I was doing some research and needed to use the ILL service quite a bit, I felt bad figuring that this was costing the library money (I didn't get any fees charged to me). However, the librarian said that the more the service got used the better for them because they were able to use the statitics for grants and the like and so it could actually help fund the library down the road -- needless to say I still use it!
Our library serves a community of less than 3,000 but we have a really active Friends of the Library group and some vocal community members that help fight for good stuff for our library.
My pitfall is that I am not good about returning books. I don't necessarily mind paying the fee, since it helps the library, but my bad habit certainly defeats the purpose.
Sounds like me. Next month I'm quitting my job and heading off to China for 6 months. I've worked three different jobs since graduating as I get pretty bored after a while once they aren't challenging anymore. (I also work as a software developer).
I do have student loan debt though but I've saved up enough to cover those payments while I'm away and also have funded a large chunk of investments over the past year. But you are right, I would be a little more comfortable with this course of action if my debts were paid off.
I hope this risk pays off. Thanks for the article.
When my hubby and I were in college, we had a few friends that had jobs at different eating establishments. One worked at McDs where (at the time) we could go in and order a shake and she would fill a bag full of food for us. We had another friend that would bring us undeliverable pizzas. (GPS mapping probably ruined this one) and another friend who managed a BK and would invite us in for whatever we wanted. We only had to help some of them with their homework : )
Don't forget that your local food shelf will likely help you as well.
We made it thru without starving to death, and now we can give back to others in the same boat! I just sent a young friend of mine money via Western Union. He had 3 cents in his pocket and I just got a very generous bonus from my employer. I would not be able to sleep at nite knowing my friends didn't have food to eat when I had plenty.
Pay it forward!
For the sake of strecth our money & you had extra time why not ?
Great of sharing the good point of it ,
Tracy ho
wisdomgettingloaded
what would happen if i used an aluminum pot to distill the liquid ?
is there any other way to purify the liquid? say if i cant get the stuff to make a still?
I found the 52 cent knob. you have to read the reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CESV0U
I shop online to save time, because stores are a hassle. Spending time looking for some $5.92 item doesn't seem frugal, it seems wasteful. Especially as very few useful items are in that sort of price range.
If my total at Amazon is insufficient I just add one of the many books on my wishlist. Being anywhere from $7-$13, these immediately complete my order, while rewarding me with a book I've wanted for some time.
Of course, this only works because I never buy from my wishlist *except* when I need it for shipping.
I just tried the Victoria's Secret code and was told that it has already expired. Bummer!
I was fortunate enough through my 20s to earn some decent cash, save up even more, and stay out of debt.
By the time I hit 30, I "retired". I have enough money saved up to take care of my future, live frugally now, and as long as I proverbially work "4 hours a week" to take care of incidentals, I'm golden! I even have passive income built into the plan.
Great article, Philip - as usual!
If you often forget to return your books on time you might check out Library Elf (http://libraryelf.com, which, if you trust it enough to provide your library card (I do), will send you as many reminder emails as you ask it to. It doesn't work with every library catalog system, but they'll also help build a link to your catalog if they don't already have one...
Wasn't there a public announcement in the radio (on either AM 740 or 810 in bay area) that tells people not to burn wood? it pollutes air quality for everyone in the neighborhood and also could cause global warming..
At the desk where all my computer equipment is, I shut down all my peripherals (2 disk drives, a DVD burner, printer, monitor, powered USB Hub) All through the common off switch of the power strips.
Warning: You must still shut down (or put to sleep) your computer in a normal fashion, and only then shut down everything else. You risk damaging your equipment (especially disk drives) otherwise.
I do the same thing for where I charge all my gadgets and batteries.
Making it easy to shut numerous items of makes it more likely that you actually will do it.
@#6:
It's a great idea in theory, but not one that will ever happen.
The $25 limit isn't there because a customer spending $25 makes shipping free for Amazon. It's there to encourage people to make larger purchases.
Amazon is banking on the fact that most people who need to spend six more dollars to get free shipping will end up tossing a CD or something in their cart, bumping up the sale by far more than the difference needed to qualify for free shipping.
http://slickdeals.net/slickfillers/ has a nice filler tool. You enter the amount that you need and it shows you things in that range. I have noticed some that are not eligible for SSS so be careful. (also some great deals on the main page)
I have a few county libraries in my area that is under the Los Angeles County network of libraries. If my local library doesn't have the book I'm looking for (which I can search for online), I can request it and I'll get a notification when it gets there (it also tells me which library does have it, so I can go there to pick it up right away). New books (and books Oprah recently recommended) take a little longer to arrive, but there's plenty of books to keep me busy while I wait for them. Account information (due dates, renewals) can be found online as well, and I can return books at any library that's part of the network, no matter where I checked them out. Super convenient, and FREE.
Hi everyone, I have enjoyed reading your tips, and methods of cleaning. I, too do not use the baby wipes. You can however save those wipes we get from KFC, and use them. Thats what I do.
I also, use my brown paper bags from the grocery, and drain any fried foods on them, & sometimes, I use torn phone books underneath, the brown top paper. Free & its recycling, it all goes in the trash anyway, right ? We also use newspaper for wrapping paper (If its good enough for Rachel Ashwell, its good enough for me ! ) and junk mail to start the fire, in the fireplace.
What is with this generation ? Has no one ever heard of a cloth rag? Growing up poor as I did, thats all we had was "RAGS" .
And now, I cannot feel comfortable, cleaning without using them !
Sponges are ok, but don't feel the same, or give your hand the same control, as with a rag. Rags, wash in the laundry & bleach better in my opinion, than any sponges.
We only used paper napkins, maybe at holidays, if then.
Now, I find it the BEST, ever to clean with (RAGS) ! Nothing, I mean nothing beats good old soap and water, and an old rag !!!
Cut up T-Shirt material is the best, too. No lint, left behind.
I get a small pail, with 3-4 drops of dish soap, shampoo, or baby shampoo, whatever is handy, or even Murphys oil soap, and my old wash cloth, and wipe and swipe away.
It only takes a few drops. I even rinse out our shampoo bottles, and body wash bottles, keep another empty bottle filled with those rinses, wallah ! Cleaning liquid.
I showed my kids growing up, what was on the furniture, when they were small. DRY dusting, never ! I always used the soap & water to dust, THEN, went over the wood furniture, with Pledge, or furniture polish, AFTER, I dusted with a damp cloth.
Otherwise, you're just pushing the dust around, and its still in the air, or somewhare in that room, insted of in the water.
Then, they saw all the dirt and filth in the bottom of the pail.
You know our parents, did not have all these conveniences, that we have now. But they were more practical, and smart.
And as for those stupid swiffer things, forget it !
Make those large chemical companies rich ? Forget it ! I need my money more than they do. We need to listen to our parents, and take the smart, easy, way out. Use baking soda, vinegar, and
old cleaning rags, and save our money. Old tooth brushes are great too, to use in tight spots around sink handles, shower & glass door tracks, even around the toilets , (keep them separate, or throw away after use.)
I cannot stand to use a sponge mop ! They are the worst yet !
Who invented those stupid, contraptions ! They are so worthless ! You cannot beat an old fashioned mop, either, not even with a swiffer ! No one wants to get their hands dirty anymore, whats up with that ? Part of being a housewife and a mother. HEY, thats what soap & water is for, to wash our hands ! And thus we come full circle.
Don't forget, the old vaseline, too. its good for so many things. My mom, swore by it. Be careful though, I have looked at some from several dollar stores, alot of it is made in India, & China (so be careful, you don't know whats in it.)
Make sure you read the label, and find some made in USA.
Also, I use Johnsons baby, lotion & cream on my face & hands, it works great. $3.00, is alot better that using a $ 15.00 face/night cream ! Who needs oil of olay, they have gone out of this universe, too, with all these expensive products?
What happened to simple, oil of olay face lotion ?
I had a incident happen to me when I was a teenager, in the 70's, working at a donut shop, some nit-wit, who just started (not me) mixed bleach & ammonia together, and just about put me in the hospital ! So, ever since, I cannot clean with bleach.
I do use it for the laundry, whites, and towels, but I cannot stand to clean with it. So, I started using Lysol, spray foam, tub & tile cleaner, in the kitchen & bathrooms.
I know its strong chemicals, but it works so well, you do not need much, and it kills staph, ecoli, and strep bacteria, just like bleach.
But please wear gloves, or it will strip your hands, and you will get dermatitis like I did. BUT, its the best when it comes to cleaning sinks, cutting boards, and kitchen counters.
I use bowls, to put the washed meat/chicken in, and wash accordingly. And I usually clean my entire kitchen counters,
about every 2 weeks, cleaning them all off, and spraying with the foam cleaner, them rinsing with soap & water. Then clean daily with the soap & water. So, far, it works perfect for our family. Also, do not forget to use BonAmi, its a great cleanser too. ok, I'll shut-up now. Happy Old-Fashioned Cleaning !!!!!!!
Many libraries have a lot to offer via their websites -- access to quality databases for research, downloadable books/audio/video. Some of these resources may be offered due to statewide initiatives. And my library sends me email "courtesy/reminder" notices several days before my materials are due which helps to avoid fines.
Yes, not all libraries have the same resources. I know this from working with libraries throughout my state, but libraries can be much more than a physical destination.
I've heard this from many of my friends who have traveled over there.
It is something I'd like to experience as well.
My local library is also rather dismal. It's really hard to find up-to-date resources; it seems like everything is about 20 years old.
Fortunately, I'm also a fan of Interlibrary Loan. The library staff has provided a huge amount of help in getting me the books that I need.
Thanks, Margaret, for the work you do with the library! I'm sure your local patrons are very happy to have your help!
One of the perks of joining the University of California's alumni program after graduation is that I can still use the university's library system. Though there may be some restrictions on certain materials available for inter-library loan and check-out.
*I don't know why these posts on not renting to Section 8 tenants has my blood boiling so...it just does...
*I was on the Section 8 program for 6 years. When I started out I was a college freshman with 2 kids and a paltry loan check. A guidance counselor referred me to the program, and I try to remember her in my prayers every night. I think about her so often because she gave me and my kids the gift of stable housing.
*When I began to look for housing on the program, I ran into many landlords like yourselves who were unwilling to rent to me SOLELY because I was on the program. After $200 odd dollars in various wasted application fees, I finally found a nice gentleman who agreed to rent to my family after a visit to the place we were living in (I guess he wanted to check on my housekeeping skills!).
*Anyway, long story short, I lived in the little apartment for 3 years while I finished college. I moved once I graduated but I was still a program participant. After 6 years on the program I had accumulated enough money (Section 8 has escrow accounts for tenants to put a down payment towards a home- little known, but valuable info!)to put a down payment on a house!
*That was 10 years ago. The little house I purchased is now a rental unit that I rent to Section 8 tenants only. A very nice house, mind you, that has not sufferred any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
*The moral? Sure, some tenants are irresponsible people, but you're going to find those folks in the affluent population too, not just low income. Use your own discretion to decide- dont just deny a family because they are on Section 8.
*And another thing- Section 8 tenants MUST pay their rent to be compliant with the program. I have never had a case of late/missed rent what-so-ever. I think a common misconception is that Section 8 Tenants are shiftless people who rely on the Governement for rent, but most of the folks are "working poor"; I was there once myself and its a hard time thats only aggravated when folks judge you because of it.
For a small town, Franklin PA sure has a wonderful library! All the things you mention except wireless. It was the perfect place to start when just joining our local community. Its such a central point in our lives I try and remember the $ they save me on book purchases, video rentals and internet connection and donate accordingly each year. And they make a mint off me at the book sales as I'll buy bags just to release for bookcrossing lol.
Don't forget about Inter library loan! Often free, sometimes with a small fee, this how you can get just about any book, no matter obscure to read. I went through a period where I was doing some research and needed to use the ILL service quite a bit, I felt bad figuring that this was costing the library money (I didn't get any fees charged to me). However, the librarian said that the more the service got used the better for them because they were able to use the statitics for grants and the like and so it could actually help fund the library down the road -- needless to say I still use it!
Our library serves a community of less than 3,000 but we have a really active Friends of the Library group and some vocal community members that help fight for good stuff for our library.
Margaret Garcia-Couoh
My pitfall is that I am not good about returning books. I don't necessarily mind paying the fee, since it helps the library, but my bad habit certainly defeats the purpose.
Sounds like me. Next month I'm quitting my job and heading off to China for 6 months. I've worked three different jobs since graduating as I get pretty bored after a while once they aren't challenging anymore. (I also work as a software developer).
I do have student loan debt though but I've saved up enough to cover those payments while I'm away and also have funded a large chunk of investments over the past year. But you are right, I would be a little more comfortable with this course of action if my debts were paid off.
I hope this risk pays off. Thanks for the article.