This blog post is going to be a little different then my usual foodie experiments. Let me explain...
Our life is changing a little. I have always worked a consistent 20+ job while in college. Well, with this new, AMAZING, internship that has to change you see since my internship does not pay. Since this opportunity can really help me find a job after college I cannot pass it up. So we have cut back, rearranged and become even more frugalistic people. So, I thought I would share for anyone else struggling to save $$ and add to your savings! :)
1. Stock up on Baking Soda
This is easy, green, chemical free, and cheap. The uses are endless and lead to more frugal, chemical free living. This is very important to me. Freeing my home from chemicals is a huge goal of mine.
So baking soda= DIY: Laundry soap, shampoo, dish-soap, cleaners, air-fresheners... you get the point.
Think about this for a quick minute with me..... subtract your household cleaners, soaps ext from your monthly budget.... it adds up...
2. Forget convenience food
Once again, not only is this food TERRIBLE for your body, it is expensive. Make things your self. Your body will thank you and so will your budget. Simple things like; bread, tortillas, sauces can really add up also.
Short on time? Pick a day a month a cook like crazy. Then freeze it. That is your cheap, (Chemical free) "convenience" food.
3. Open up the house
If it is nice, or nice enough, shut the air off!!! This will reduce your electric bill. Plus it just feels good to have some fresh air.
4. Turn the lights off
I can already hear my parents giggling on this one...
anyways. Seriously, once again, something little can reduce your monthly bills.
5. Do away with cable and "luxury" bills
Hint: Do you need it? No? Cancel it.
So many of us think we "need" cable or DVR's. In reality you can watch most shows online for free. Plus there is a pause button. (AKA free DVR)
6. Enjoy nights @ home
Instead of drinks out for $10 a glass, make your own drink @ home and enjoy a netflix movie.
7. Start your own small business
Do what you love and get paid for it. For me it is selling baked goods, and dog watching. FYI just set up my profile on Care.com so hit me up if you need your dog watched. :)
Nice little plug there...
8. Start your own organic vegetable garden and herb garden.
Buying organic is expensive but totally worth it. Luckily we have the space and grew our own veggie garden that saves money on your grocery budget.
If you are like me, you know there is nothing like fresh herbs. It changes your dish and your life. They can get pricey though. So, once again DIY!
9. Go vegetarian.
Grass fed and healthy meat is expensive. Other meats... are well, sad and depressing. The food industry is just not what it should be. Not only is the treatment of animals horrible, but they are not taken care of or fed right. Your eating sick animals ...... :( Which means; they really aren't good for you.
*** Gasp, goes every mid-west, beef eating individual***
Educate yourself on the food industry and you will find out what I am talking about.
So, stop buying meat. Once again, your grocery budget will be reduced.
10. Save your spare change.
This is really easy. Get a jar and fill it up with change! Easy enough. This can be used to add to your emergency cash fund, or for a fun date night. You'll be surprised on how much is in there after a couple of months.
Theses are just a few ways to save money! The frugal life is fun! It keeps you creative and aware.