Most outlandish frugal thing you did

amomof4 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2005, 06:17 PM

The most outlandish frugal thing I ever did was use washable toilet paper! I bought diaper wipes & just washed them

. Won't work for men though, because they tap instead of wipe. I only did this for a few months. I did it mostly to see if it would work.

qmeltri · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 07:09 AM

Did it work? Wouldn't that be a little unsafe?

amomof4 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 11:51 AM

It worked. I suppose it's not any less safe than washing cloth diapers. My daughter even washed & reused diaper wipes so long as the baby didn't poo. Some people use wash clothes for babies & then even wash the poo ones. I think I did because diaper wipes were not invented yet with my older girls.

DivaJen · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 01:39 PM

I sometimes washed and reused cloth wipes when DD was in diapers. It wasn't any different than washing and reusing her cloth dipes. I've washed and reused cloth pads for myself.

qmeltri · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 05:54 PM

Ok that does make sense. Did you notice a big savings? Was it worth doing? I am always looking for ways to save money. I don't have any children yet but hopefully soon.

Armywife · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:20 PM

Cloth Diapers are the way to go! My only gripe is not having recognized the frugal aspect of cloth vs. disposable sooner

loveofpets · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 08:13 AM

I've also used cloth pads and washed them for myself. Saves ALOT of money vs. buying tampons and pads (I usually just use the cloth pads at home and it still saves a bunch).

The other most frugal thing I've done is collect Marlboro Unlimited Miles from friends and family (and self) to submit for their rebate items - I've gotten alot of items from Marlboro for camping, etc.

loveofpets · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 08:15 AM

Additionally, I've collected coupons on items and bulked purchased - for instance, I haven't paid for shampoo, conditioners, and various other health and beauty aids for years. I use rebates whereever possible. I have about 100 boxes of WISK tablets (2pack) trial size which I got for free using a "any size" coupon. Whenever these types of coupons come out, I'm right there....

dagobah_19 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-27-2005, 09:05 PM

Most frugal thing I did was buy a 2 scoop ice cream cone, then take one of the scoops and give it away rather than simply buying two single serve ice creams....

the4parkers · #10 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 04:08 AM

i cut my toothpaste tube in half . there is always another weeks worth of toothpaste.. my dh laughs at me because i probably have a hundred tubes of toothpaste fre from the dollar store.lol

byusteeler · #11 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 09:44 AM

I just want to say ICK!!!

PRICEPLUS · #12 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 10:02 AM

I guess I am kind of boring. I don't suppose I have done anything outlandish.

SeeAPenny · #13 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 10:05 AM

Back in the day, I was known to take cloth diapers camping and on long-distance trips, bringing the diaper pail right along with us....

jacquelynrose · #14 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 10:39 AM

My friend would rewash disposable baby bags and then reuse them for their milk...I, on the other hand didn't think it was very sanitary.

Jacquelyn

pennywise · #15 (**permalink**) 08-04-2005, 12:53 PM

I admit it. I use my dtrs 9 year old cloth diapers as rewashable toilet paper. I daily put the new diaper in a pot with soapy water and leave a dry on the tub. I only use it for number 1. The wet to cleanse and the dry to dry. Toilet paper always for number 2. This appears sanitary as it is changed daily and only used by me. I have not noticed a rash or odor. When in the menses, toilet paper has to be used. When I go out and use a public toilet I roll toilet paper to take home for the hubby to use and the dtr. I can teach the dtr my tricks but she has to be careful, don't want the friends to make fun of her. SAVE A PENNY - HAVE A PENNY!!!!

Fern · #16 (**permalink**) 08-04-2005, 01:28 PM

Couldn't think of anything truly outlandish off top of my head, but it can be fun to take a visit to our local gourmet type supermarket just to take advantage of all the free food samples! Takes the edge off if you're shopping and getting hungry.

Bluezy · #17 (**permalink**) 08-05-2005, 01:53 AM

I proudly pick up all change I find on the ground (including the dollar bills floating about in the parking lots), place them in CJ's yellow piggy, then cash in the change when it reaches $20. The money is replaced promptly into CJ's yellow piggy. I also add coin change from all purchases.

I am pleased to report that at the ripe old age of 18 months, CJ is managing $500 in savings using this method. (This amount includes the treasured $50 bill found in the hospital hallway right after his birth)

Max'sMommy · #18 (**permalink**) 08-05-2005, 06:50 AM

WOW- great for CJ!

akaivyleaf · #19 (**permalink**) 08-05-2005, 10:39 AM

The best place to pick up change, is at the drive through window. Never know how much change never makes it from the cashier's hand to the owner and falls to the ground. I shamelessly park far enough away to open my door and gather other folks change when I go through.

Of course its not frugal to go to fast food, but its my weakness. This is a consolation prize.

I suppose its very frugal to not like light. I very rarely turn on lights at night. I walk through my home in complete darkness and I can read from computer monitor or tv light. Probably not very good, but I've never liked artificial light like lamps and overhead lights. Even from a very small child. So while its not done intentionally for frugal means, It does save.

niki_the_tiger · #20 (**permalink**) 08-22-2005, 07:35 AM

Yucky to the reusable toilet paper.

But if it works for you, great! LOL