Many two-day free shipping via Amazon Prime arrive in one day, if you're near a distribution center. They even deliver on Saturday and Sunday in some places. And near Christmas it's fantastic--they wrap and ship, and take the fret and fuss out of last minute gifts.
Whenever I don't spend money on an impulse buy, I transfer that amount immediately on my smartphone to my debt. I get a lot of yhe same satisfaction of shopping but whittles away my debt.
One of our favorite fun "lifehacks" is to keep a change jar. In our usually rather detailed budget it's the place we go for off the cuff giving. Last year it went to a local library fundraiser. Year before that, something else. Other people use theirs for vacations.
Through long distance backpacking, I learned how to simplify and only carry with me the bare necessities. I try to keep that approach in the "real world" life as to not complicate matters.
During the weekend, I usually cook 3 or 4 meals ahead of time for the week. Also whenever possible, when I cook, I try to make extra for future meals that I freeze. This works great for Lasagna, meatballs and meatloaf.
hmm i've never heard the term "lifehack" but i would say my favorite is relaxing and getting the hubby to help out makes things a lot easier for me. Especially when it comes to kids!
Thanks for starting the site! It's been really helpful to me to see that my husband and I are not alone in our approach to frugality--and that it can fun and insightful along the way.
I like using apps to find coupons while I am shopping in stores - especially SnipSnap. I never remember to bring coupons, so having a fun app with coupons readily available helps me save money.
I saved a lot of money by not having to pay for long distance. We have used @skype to contact our relatives in Hong Kong and China, since my grandma lives here in the US, she likes to keep in touch and talk for hours with relatives there. I'd be scared to see what the bill would look like if we had to pay. I also saved cellphone minutes and data since I can just Skype with my wife and family when I'm away on a business trip or at work. I found @skype to be reliable and fast, and getting in touch with people is so much easier.
I don't like the term "lifehack" as if I need to work around some barrier put in place, but I find that planning ahead for things is the best way to be frugal, organized, and relaxed about life. Planning ahead means not panicking at the last second to finish something, it means knowing where you want to go before you leave, it means a calm and peaceful journey as you work your plan and see it unfold. That doesn't mean you can't make modifications along the way to make it work more smoothly, just the opposite, but it is a proactive, not a reactive, way of life.
My favorite "life" hack is to take a vacation every year. Nothing gives you a sense of priorities and reinvigorates your personal happiness like a "reset" each year.
I am super happy with my imperia 150. Before that I used some cheap machine. I must say there is a big difference. It is easier and so much more fun to make noodles with imperia. One of the better investments in my kitchen.
I make a giant pot of steel cut oats on the weekend and then microwave it for breakfast during the work week. It saves cleaning so many pots as well as time!
Most of our family is fairly close by. For the rest, we use cell phones with unlimited minutes, texting, and email. Facebook helps with information for everyone at once.
Many two-day free shipping via Amazon Prime arrive in one day, if you're near a distribution center. They even deliver on Saturday and Sunday in some places. And near Christmas it's fantastic--they wrap and ship, and take the fret and fuss out of last minute gifts.
I used the "Ian Knot" to tie my shoes! It takes less than 10 seconds and is far easier than a standard shoe tie knot. Give it a try!!
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/ianknot.htm
Whenever I don't spend money on an impulse buy, I transfer that amount immediately on my smartphone to my debt. I get a lot of yhe same satisfaction of shopping but whittles away my debt.
One of our favorite fun "lifehacks" is to keep a change jar. In our usually rather detailed budget it's the place we go for off the cuff giving. Last year it went to a local library fundraiser. Year before that, something else. Other people use theirs for vacations.
Through long distance backpacking, I learned how to simplify and only carry with me the bare necessities. I try to keep that approach in the "real world" life as to not complicate matters.
During the weekend, I usually cook 3 or 4 meals ahead of time for the week. Also whenever possible, when I cook, I try to make extra for future meals that I freeze. This works great for Lasagna, meatballs and meatloaf.
hmm i've never heard the term "lifehack" but i would say my favorite is relaxing and getting the hubby to help out makes things a lot easier for me. Especially when it comes to kids!
I menu plan around the store weekly sales, use coupons for saving too.
Thanks for starting the site! It's been really helpful to me to see that my husband and I are not alone in our approach to frugality--and that it can fun and insightful along the way.
I've got two!
#1 Mix up different flavors of boring cereal to make it more palatable:
http://paintingontheceiling.blogspot.com/2013/03/life-hack-1-how-to-eat-...
#2 Glue stuff with an old phone book as your work surface. When it get sticky, turn the page.
http://paintingontheceiling.blogspot.com/2013/04/dont-throw-away-old-pho...
They all look delicious! Thank you for sharing.
I make my lunch the night before while I am waiting on dinner to cook to save time in the morning
I like to take a picture of the inside of my fridge before I go shopping so I know what I need to buy.
I like using apps to find coupons while I am shopping in stores - especially SnipSnap. I never remember to bring coupons, so having a fun app with coupons readily available helps me save money.
Using clear nail polish on buttons keeps them from falling off! (and keeps me from trying to sew them back on..)
I do all my errands in a combined trip
I saved a lot of money by not having to pay for long distance. We have used @skype to contact our relatives in Hong Kong and China, since my grandma lives here in the US, she likes to keep in touch and talk for hours with relatives there. I'd be scared to see what the bill would look like if we had to pay. I also saved cellphone minutes and data since I can just Skype with my wife and family when I'm away on a business trip or at work. I found @skype to be reliable and fast, and getting in touch with people is so much easier.
I don't like the term "lifehack" as if I need to work around some barrier put in place, but I find that planning ahead for things is the best way to be frugal, organized, and relaxed about life. Planning ahead means not panicking at the last second to finish something, it means knowing where you want to go before you leave, it means a calm and peaceful journey as you work your plan and see it unfold. That doesn't mean you can't make modifications along the way to make it work more smoothly, just the opposite, but it is a proactive, not a reactive, way of life.
My favorite "life" hack is to take a vacation every year. Nothing gives you a sense of priorities and reinvigorates your personal happiness like a "reset" each year.
Love your article! Thanks for your tips on how to be more deliberate in "the hunt".
I use different colors of nail polish on my keys to identify them.
I am super happy with my imperia 150. Before that I used some cheap machine. I must say there is a big difference. It is easier and so much more fun to make noodles with imperia. One of the better investments in my kitchen.
I make a giant pot of steel cut oats on the weekend and then microwave it for breakfast during the work week. It saves cleaning so many pots as well as time!
Most of our family is fairly close by. For the rest, we use cell phones with unlimited minutes, texting, and email. Facebook helps with information for everyone at once.
Facebook, texting, and skype