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Blog: Saving Money

Catherine Boeckmann
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Since moving to New Hampshire a few years ago, I have been amazed by so-called Yankee frugality—and money-saving acumen.

The word frugal can have a negative connotation in today's world but it really means “economic in the use of resources,” according to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. It's quite common for my neighbors to sun-dry clothes, give gifts wrapped in the funnies, and wear clothes with patches.

Of course, you don't need to live in my neck of the woods to live simply and economically. It's a state of mind—and one that many Old Farmer's Almanac readers seem to share. I'm always delighted by many of our readers' suggestions on how to better clean, garden, and live. It's full-circle learning.

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I thought that you all might be interested in this quote from the American Antiquarian Society:

“If the almanac had a comprehensive subject, it was: How to get through life. The otherwise dissociated miscellany … (is) rather like that forming the contents of a person's mind as he gets through life each day.”

So, how do you pinch pennies—ah-hem, oh, ur—I  mean, live simply and wisely?  What's your best easy, unusual, or wacky money-saving tip? Please share!

(To share, just “submit” your comment in the box below.)

Money-Saving Tips
About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

Robert S (not verified)

6 months ago

Embracing frugality is indeed a timeless art, and it's heartening to see the wisdom shared by Old Farmer's Almanac readers. For those looking to manage finances efficiently, check out this handy GST calculator at https://smartgstcalc.com/—a useful tool that complements the spirit of economic living. Share your money-saving tips and let's build a community of savvy spenders!

mickey (not verified)

6 years 5 months ago

Our bank has a 'bank the rest' feature that kicks in whenever we use a debit card. The bank takes the difference between our purchase amount and the next $5 and puts that money in a daily-interest savings account. We never miss the few dollars, and when we have an unexpected expense or want to do something frivolous, that account always has at least a couple of hundred dollars available.

Yvonne DeProspero (not verified)

11 years 1 month ago

I share with friends and nieghbors. And it comes back ten fold :)
I don't have much but I like to give from my heart and I know when I get something in return it's from the heart, no money spent here.

qualitycoupons (not verified)

13 years 8 months ago

Thanks for sharing tips.

Suesspaniels (not verified)

13 years 10 months ago

If trying a new product and it's buy one get one free, usually my sister wants to try it to, so we go in half, and we both get one:)

Data Recovery (not verified)

14 years ago

I buy the product only if it is my basic need, otherwise I ignore the purchasing of any product if i want it.

Every each saving of a day combines in a huge or bulk of saving at the end of the month.

Thanks

tanyap (not verified)

14 years 2 months ago

I make my own laundry soap. Also, I use white vinegar in a Downy Ball in the washer....elimintating the need for dryer sheets. I bake my own artisan bread too, which is much cheaper and better for my family than store bought breads. I found a recipe that is easy; takes 5 mins. to mix and stores in the fridge up to 2 weeks. Whenever I need a loaf, I just pop one out of the fridge and bake it.

Hi - I am hoping to start making bread, and an easy, artisan bread sounds perfect. Of course I don't know what easy means to you!

Is the recipe available to share?

Thanks,
Ann

Hi Ann. The original recipe is in the Dec2009/Jan2010 issue of Mother Earth News. Issue no.237. (Recipes for healthy no-knead bread). If you can't find it re-post. I did change the recipe a little to make a lighter, flat bread. Good luck

okusers (not verified)

14 years 5 months ago

Empty 1 or 2 litre plastic soft drink bottles can be reused for building bird feeders. Cut the top and bottom out to make the cylinder to hold the seed. Scrap wood and one of these makes a nice feeder and you can see when it is empty.