Maybe I am not a Dummy!
About a month ago I borrowed several books on frugality from the library. There were probably about 5 of them and most were well… boring. Not because the subject is boring, because you all know I drool when the topic of saving money comes up. They were just not well written. One book that I did finish and found the reading somewhat enjoyable was “Frugal Living for Dummies.” The author took a light hearted and down to earth approach. She didn’t suggest some crazy things like some of the other books I read, like turn my underwear inside out to wear them an extra day to save money on washing.
I guess everyone has varying degrees on which they feel comfortable in being frugal and if you do the above mentioned, well- you go girl! I am sure a lot of you would not feel comfortable in a lot of the ways I save money. I know my hubby has a difficult time swallowing what I do sometimes. He did not appreciate me taking the FLFD’s suggestion and not buy baby wipes, but use wet paper towels instead. Of course I used 100% recycled paper towels which may not be as strong as regular, because besides being extremely frugal, I am also am borderline “crunchy.” I had left the kids with him napping while I ran to Target and apparently Toby, who is still in a diaper for naps and night, had a messy blow out. Hubby called me very upset wondering where the wipes were and wasn’t too happy when I told him my frugal plan. Now we have a special box of wipes just for Daddy’s use.
The disappointing thing about the book was that I found very few new ideas on how to save money. I don’t want to believe that I have all answers, there has to be new ways out there. I did cancel my agreement with Melaleuca which saves me some money. While I did like some of their products, I was starting to not like some of their tactics and I had serious doubts about some of their claims. This book and another about uses for baking soda (need to finish reading this one) convinced me to give up my expensive Melaleuca cleaners and try some good old fashioned baking soda and vinegar. Let me tell you, I love it! So I guess in that sense, “Frugal Living for Dummies,” helped me save cleaning supply money.
Overall, I would recommend the book to anyone who is looking for some new ways to save money. There may be some good ideas in there that you hadn’t thought of yet. The food section was very thorough and a great reminder to what I should be doing in that area. It’s definitely not a beach chair read, but something to take in small increments over a period of time. Or if you are like me, you can take notes and read it quickly to return to the library.
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9 Responses to “Maybe I am not a Dummy!”
April 13th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I’m going to have to check out that book.
I might be with your husband on the baby wipes thing- I guess thats why in oct or nov I bought six boxes for $1.75 each on a walmart clearance!
Helpful Hints BY Heliose would always tell you baking soda and vinegar. I’m kind of a die hard for yummy smelling cleaners myself, sorry “Crunchy”!
But keep giving out your crunchy tips I’m sure I’ll adopt some!!
April 13th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Frugal isn’t a choice for us; it’s a necessity. I’ve joined mail groups, Internet boards, read books, Web sites, joined clubs, etc.
In the end, it’s a pretty big buffet. Which means i have finally figured out i have to pick and choose and only put on my plate what works for me.
I could skip wipes, but eh…then I’d end up irritated.
I have learned to shop at the small local market b/c with less choice, I spend way less and come home only with what I need, not what looks like a good idea or was on sale.
I’ll check that book.
April 13th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
When I’m not in a lazy phase, I make my own baby wipes (using paper towels — cut a roll in half and put in a resealable container — and equal parts baby wash and baby oil — about 1 Tbsp each — dissolved in 1 1/2 - 2 cups water, then pour over the top of the paper towels. Remove the cardboard center once it softens and then pull the wipes up from the center as needed). They are much easier on the kiddos and also cheaper. I haven’t made any in a few months though. I really need to get back to that.
April 13th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Wow, Steph, that sounds really great, way better than the books idea. I think I will have to try that! Thank you!
April 13th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I was going to suggest the homemade baby wipes as well. I used them with the 2 older kiddos. A serrated knife works well when cutting the paper towels.
April 14th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Huh, I think I may need to go get that book!
October 14th, 2007 at 9:49 am
[…] all goes back to the adage I have said again and again. Everyone has their own line and varying degrees on how comfortable they feel with how frugal and green they live. This book […]
October 26th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
[…] jump into some dumpsters. I may be off my frugal rocker sometimes, but like I have said before, there is a line and mine is definitely drawn at dumpster diving. Unless I ever really needed to, then every line, […]
May 27th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I believe in “Money Saves is Money Earned” and I am gonna get this book to learn some new ways (if not many) to save money. Thanks!