Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

[Duchesse]

I was a subscriber to the Tightwad Gazette the last year it was printed. I have since purchased all three volumes of her book and re-read them every year in January! Amazing how some things apply at different times of your life!

I have had to do the math on a few things lately to make sure they were still less expensive to make yourself, like Bisquick and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. LOL - won those arguments! BTW, I have made my own Bisquick for over 25years!

These newsletters and books really helped me when I was divorced and raising 4 sons. They continue to inspire me to be frugal and re-enforce decisions that I have made! Even my boys (now grown & married) practice some of the lessons they have learned.

I'm now on a mission to use up what I have in my pantry. I plan to go shop for only the short-term perishables (eggs, milk) for as long as possible.

There is a wonderful recipe she mentions for Refrigerator Roll Dough that is found in early editions (pre-1980_ of the Betty Crocker Cookbook. Mine is copyrighted 1978 and is on pages 212-217. Check your library for a copy. It's easy and great if you love fresh-baked rolls and such regularly. About a dozen different uses for the dough are listed.
Would it be all right to post it on this forum as long as I gave the source information?

I'd really like that recipe. I hope it's ok.

[LuxLiving]

Duchesse, I too made a list of articles I found relevant to me and keep it inside the front cover for quick reference. Most of them are recipes. I imagine that someone who is a handyman might find a different list of relevant articles. Someone with interests in automobiles another, etc.

[Tightwad Kitty]

‘Budget Philosophy’

It’s time I got started on posting more articles for discussion.

A good article to read this time is ‘Budget Philosophy’ Vol 2 p444 -5(CTG)

“Amy regards the budget as beginning point only. Rather then seeing it as what you’re allowed to spend, try to lower each area of the budget until you reach the point where it no longer feel comfortable and then spend slightly more.”

This view takes us back to reread to articles in this that was referred to in post 33 of this thread 20-20 TV Vol 2 (p 539 CTG) & ‘Seeking the Minimum Level’ Vol 1 p87-89 (CTG)
and one of my favorite articles from this book as a whole.

INCOME – OUTGO - In another part of this article Amy refer to another view on spending. Overspending and under-spending in other words needs versus wants and how and why this was right at time.

Some very good points do come up in this article and for those who are reading Tightwad Gazette for the first time will find few different views to think about.

With the ways things are at the moment we all need to start thinking outside the square until we know what lays ahead.

[thkgranny]

re-reading

I was a subscriber to the Tightwad Gazette the last year it was printed. I have since purchased all three volumes of her book and re-read them every year in January! Amazing how some things apply at different times of your life!

I have had to do the math on a few things lately to make sure they were still less expensive to make yourself, like Bisquick and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. LOL - won those arguments! BTW, I have made my own Bisquick for over 25years!

These newsletters and books really helped me when I was divorced and raising 4 sons. They continue to inspire me to be frugal and re-enforce decisions that I have made! Even my boys (now grown & married) practice some of the lessons they have learned.

I'm now on a mission to use up what I have in my pantry. I plan to go shop for only the short-term perishables (eggs, milk) for as long as possible.

There is a wonderful recipe she mentions for Refrigerator Roll Dough that is found in early editions (pre-1980_ of the Betty Crocker Cookbook. Mine is copyrighted 1978 and is on pages 212-217. Check your library for a copy. It's easy and great if you love fresh-baked rolls and such regularly. About a dozen different uses for the dough are listed.
Would it be all right to post it on this forum as long as I gave the source information?

[Tightwad Kitty]

Very true words Duchesse

I must get back to reading my book and starting again.

[Duchesse]

I just pulled my book out a few days ago and dusted it off. One thing about this book is that you will always refer back to it for years and years to come. I usually go over my list of pages I found specific to myself. I also review these pages to keep myself fine tuned. I'm not exactly a black belt so I stay focused on what I have decided that I am willing to do to reach my goals.

I think that more importantly than anything else Amy pointed out is that Tightwads come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and they can function on both ends of the frugal spectrum and anywhere in between.

Frugal philosphy can be adjusted to everyones' tolerance/comfort zone so that saving can and will happen in any home that truly wants it.

[cantretire]

I just bought used copies of I, II and III. (I wanted the separate books since it will be easier to carry on my commute). I'll start reading it tomorrow. I've heard so much about it that I'm reallying looking forward to learning a lot.

[Tightwad Kitty]

It's time to start reading more!

Well its as I been a while since I have been here.

I will have to get out my book and start posting again.

I will see what I can fine for new Christmas posts for awhile.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Here is a interesting article to read this time The Kid's Clothing InventoryVol 3 p584

Well with summer is upon you; it's time to think about getting your kid's clothes in order. So you can take advantage of any sales or yard sales you may visit at this time of the year. Re-reading this article will help in not buying up on too many of the wrong things, we fine at such times. I had found when I was working in retail, many people did go overboard when confronted with some good buys only to fine that they had a lot of the same at home. A bargain is not a bargain if you don't use it. So taking stock of what we have already is a good idea. Amy's system is a good one to review whether you are buying new or second hand.

[baking23]

Geeze, I was very surprised too! I can't understand stockpiling but my environmentalist brain did a flip over all the diapers and sanitary pads that all just going to go into the landfills eventually. I also was surprised how many non-nutritious things are on those shelves too. At least the toilet paper and canned food I can go with, as long as they use it before it's ten years old. We had a can of nacho cheese dip that was at least ten years old, when I opened it to recycle the can, it was solid and completely dry!

I at least hope they recycle some of it!

[Tightwad Kitty]

OMG! In those pictures I see many times more of some products than I would expect to use in a lifetime. Seriously! If you cannot even use it all in a lifetime, why bother neatly shelving it? Why continue to add more?

That is what I thought when I looked.

I do try to limit my bulk purchases to enough for 2 -12 months depending on the product.:

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

OMG! In those pictures I see many times more of some products than I would expect to use in a lifetime. Seriously! If you cannot even use it all in a lifetime, why bother neatly shelving it? Why continue to add more?

[Tightwad Kitty]

I asked this in my blog about stockpiling fine line. This pictures made me wonder if you have more than a regular store are you over the line? Or is it just wise savings?

Inspiration - Stockpile Pictures! - Hot Coupon World

I had a look at those pictures, I am just happy my stockpile is not as big. Do they all use it before the use by date or not?

Here we don't have coupons as you do.

[klbb90]

The plastic grocery bags from the stores around here are cheap and barely contain the groceries until you get home. They aren't reliable enough to use as kitchen trash bags even if you double them. Its a shame because they used to be good for kitchen trash bags.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I asked this in my blog about stockpiling fine line. This pictures made me wonder if you have more than a regular store are you over the line? Or is it just wise savings?

Inspiration - Stockpile Pictures! - Hot Coupon World