Frugal Living: Tips, Ideas, Techniques!

I thought I'd try to keep a running list of the things we've done to save money, conserve heat and energy, and spend wisely.  For a while it may be a bit unorganized because I'll just keep a list below but eventually I'll try to categorize it.

• Hang dry clothing instead of using the dryer

• Using cloth diapers instead of disposables

• Making my own cloth diapers

• Breastfeeding and never using formula (or having to buy bottles)

• Cloth diaper wipes and sometimes cloth wipes as toilet paper

• Dress warmer at night to keep the heat costs down in winter

• Keep blinds closed during the day to keep the sun out in the summer

• Spend as much time as possible outside during the day so we aren't using electricity during the day.

• Call banks and credit cards to ask if they can lower interest rates occasionally on loans and credit lines

• Conserve gas by bundling errands into one trip.

• To conserve gas, do as much as you can from home - pay bills online, order things from local stores online if they offer free delivery, if a friend is going into town to the same store that you need ask to car pool or if they'd be willing to pick up what you need, etc.

• Home make meals and snacks

• Learn how to make the things your family eats a lot - bread, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, etc.

• Grow a garden.  Freeze, dry, and can the excess.