Penny Pinchers

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

I'm sure there are tons of websites devoted to the topic of saving $$, but I'd like to hear from the C.C family. After all, we're the folks who've got to make sure we can still afford to fish! What steps are y'all taking to curb some expense? A few things we've done just recently:

1. We got rid of our land line telephone. I know lots of people in metropolitan areas have already done this, but our cell phone service has been kind of spotty until this past year. We finally had enough confidence to get rid of Ma Bell just as our rates were increasing again. If was gonna cost us $30 a month just to have a basic phone line with no long distance.

2. Generic toilet paper. Don't laugh! If there's one thing you need to be able to trust, it's your t.p. I bought a pack of Great Value (2 ply - this is very important) and to my surprise, I like it better than the brand I've used for years and it's a buck cheaper for a 12 pack!

3. I just made my first batch of laundry detergent. I'm really excited about this one. It was really easy and my cost was approximately $4.50 for 4 gallons. It has to sit for 24 hours before I use it, so the first test will be tomorrow.

If we can help each other out by sharing what we've tried, what works and what doesn't, we can all benefit.

[backtocrappie]

I save used (relatively clean) paper towels from the kitchen and use them again in the garage and the shop.

[jimp]

we got rid of the land line about a year ago, but have ATT cell service and is spotty at best. We dumped the land line with the intention of using the cell phone and got the ATT mini tower, which works ok at best here at the house. Out and about in town here the service $#@%'s, even with 4-5 bars/signal, the call can still drop. Some brand name mfg'rs make lots of store brand stuff for all the retailers, and are hit or miss, depending on who make 'em for the retailer.

[Ranger R61]

Old t-shirts are great in the garage. I also use them in the boat. Can be washed. Plastic grocery bags are for garbage can liners.

[Minus 1]

Don't know bout all stores b but our Kroger has Peanut oil for $8.60 gal....good buy...

[backtocrappie]

Old t-shirts are great in the garage. I also use them in the boat. Can be washed. Plastic grocery bags are for garbage can liners.

I save everything! I drive my wife nuts with it... but...we have a nice house and few bills because of it. I think if I or we spent like some of our peers we'd be broke in just a few months. I have no pride when it comes to saving a dime somehow.

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

Well, the homemade laundry detergent works great. Cost per load = 1.33 cents. I made 4 gallons which will wash 330 to 350 loads. Gonna try making my own fabric softener next.

[Eager Beaver]

We buy meat and some food items in bulk or family paks and then I re-pack them in vac/seal bags in the protions that work for us. You would be surprised at how much you can save when you buy when they have specials on different things. Our freezer is always full so when we have some people drop in we always have plenty for company. EB

[Don G]

Vonna, You & Paul could give up the new War Eagle & new Dodge Ram and get a canoe and a Whizzer motorbike.RoflRoflRofl

[fishingpox]

What is the recipe Vonna?

Well, the homemade laundry detergent works great. Cost per load = 1.33 cents. I made 4 gallons which will wash 330 to 350 loads. Gonna try making my own fabric softener next.