Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

[baking23]

I hate clutter and having less possessions definitely makes things better for me. However things I can use and reuse as much as possible is always good.

I bought a new dress for my brother's wedding last year and then I wore it to two more weddings, and it had been on sale. So while the dress was pretty expenisve itself using the division method it was worth it already. I also plan on wearing it in the future. The best part was my shoes, jewlery, and bag were all from my high school prom so I reused those too.

[getforfree]

About grocery bags:
I save all of the ones I get. I use them as trashbags. I have 2 trashcans, one in kitchen and one in the bathroom, that fit the grocery bags perfectly. Sometimes I get really low on the bags, especially if I have a "no spend" week.

About having too much stuff:
It can be stressful, but I think only if You don't have enough space for it or It's perishable, and might go bad before you get chance to use it.

[klbb90]

In Book II she discusses the Frugal Balance. Pack-ratting is not a good thing. Having to much can be as stressful as not having enough. One thing for me was saving plastic grocery bags. I must have had hundreds in my cabinet under my sink. I couldn't find anything in it. I don't keep more than 5 now and recycle the rest every few weeks. I am getting ruthless about simplifying my possessions and life. I use a decision tree to decide when to purchase or replace something.

[Tightwad Kitty]

A good article to read this time is ‘Calculating Payback Time’ Vol 2 p430 (CTG)

Here a strategy that I have never came across before.

Quote – “With each investment purchase, do the math to figure out whether it’s worth while for you. Calculating payback is simple but often over looked process and is a fundamental practice of successful tightwaddery. You divide the cost of the item by saving per use to determine how many times you would have to use something to pay the cost.”

Amy then goes on to give samples & to expand some to consider.

In the pasted I have always looked at the cost, did the calculation after I was finish with an item. Clothes for example, how many time I wore it, some I would wear three or four times only that would be a bad buy as the cost per wear would be $$$$. While others, I would have for years and wear until they were rags, their cost less than 5 cent per wear.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Sensible Substitutes

A good article to read this time is Sensible Substitutes Vol 2 p422 (CTG)

This is a good one to think about, count the number times you would use this item, if its only once in every 2 months or less then it may be better look for it in a store brand or only brand name one when on special. As these recipes do have a short shelf life.

In saying that if you use it more than every few weeks or you are OAMC cook, do have a go at making a homebrand versions using Amy recipes or ones that are now found on the internet.

Links to look at mixes
RecipeSource: Mix Recipes recipesource

homemade mixes | mix recipes recipegoldmine

Cooks.com - Recipes - Mixes cooks.com

Italian Herb Salad Dressing Mix recipe
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Mix and store in an airtight container.
To make dressing use 3 tablespoon mix with 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil and 1/2 cup wine vinegar.
Recipegoldmine

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

A good article to read this time is Chili Chart Vol 2 p 454 (CTG)

I wouldn’t like to think what the pricing would be today, something like a small fortune seeing hot meals take out /away cost around $5.95 to 8.95 AU a serve here and $12.95 to $19.95 AU to set down in a restaurant for this kind of meal. (We don’t tip here but you can leave one) We do have 10% GST tax on them.

At most a serving would be around 1 ¼ cups to 2 cups max.

I have done quick calculations on price here to make Amy’s recipe now. It’s a 12 cups recipe.

These versions are GST-tax free.

On Amy’s chart 27c version per cup come in around .58.5c AU
Oil .30c
Onion .30c
Meat 3.50
Beans 1.00
Tomato 1.20
Tomato paste .50c
Chili powder .20c = Total Cost $7.00

On Amy’s chart 57c version per cup come in around .87c AU
Oil 30c
Onion .50c
Meat 5.00
Beans 2.00
Tomato 1.60
Tomato paste 75c
Chili powder 20c = Total cost $10.35

What does it cost in you area?

[boomeyers]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

I scored at the after Christmas sales this year. I only went out from 7-11 and went to four stores. I try only to go to the after sales every few years, so I buy enough to tide me over. I found these gorgeous holiday candle holders and got them for only $6.00 each. I loaded up. I have enough cards and wrap to last for YEARS! I pre bought quite a few family gifts for next year and bought the discounted jewelry from Kohls for the girls Valentines gifts (just looked for heart shaped necklaces and earrings in the holiday stuff).
As for time or money?? Well I can be pretty lazy, so I don't always pick money over time. But there is a wonderful satisfaction when you can take the time to make something yourself and save the money!

[boefixepa]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

Okay, picked a few steals from left over holiday toys for B-days. Wrapping paper for next year, and ordiment tree hangers for 9 cents. I needed them this year, but wouldn't spend a dollars when I knew I could get them for nothing after christmas. So I made due with what I had. I've reread How to avoid feeling deprived and creative deprivation. I'll look up the article you mentioned.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

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

A good article to read this time is ‘The Unmagical Time-Management Methods’ Vol 3 p653 (CTG)

What was Amy’s Magical Time-Management Methods?

I do think the key to this was in this Quote of Amy’s ~ ‘But the answer is that magical strategies are few. Like saving money, most time –saving involves the making of choices.’

You can save both time & money but at times you will need make a choices whether the task or item is worth doing when it will take a lot time to do it and the money saved is minimal.

I will let you read this article to see what Amy was saying on this topic. Wait for your replies.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

A good article to read this time is ‘After the Holidays’ Vol 2 p514 (CTG)

This is the time of the year for Post-Christmas Sales, if you can get to the shops with all that snow, fog, floods & Bush fires around the world. In my part of the world come January, Garage (Yard) Sales will abound.

On thinking about passing on gift to others next year or through out the year, you would need to keep a good system, so that you don’t pass on gifts in the same circle of friends or family so that, the paths don’t crossover. In my case with a very limit number of gifts exchanged it’s not possible. We exchange gift cards if it’s unknown what to buy some people or if requested, so that they can be used at the Post-Christmas Sales that they always attend.

So Season Greetings to all.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

A good article to read this time is ‘Christmas Gift Recipes’ Vol 1 p128 (CTG)
Here in this article these are a number recipes that ideal for gifts or to make yourself for your own use. I like the Café Vienna & Swiss Mocha ones. That I use in place of brand name Café Vienna Coffee and Swiss Mocha. Others recipes include Swiss Mocha, Italian Mocha Espresso, Café Cappuccino & Bean Soup Mix to name a few.

SWISS MOCHA
¼ cup instant coffee
½ cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk solid ~ (I use skim powdered milk)
2 tbsp. cocoa
Stir ingredients together. Process in a blender until powdered.
Use 2 tablespoons for each 4oz cup of hot water. 40 calories

CAFÉ VIENNA
½ cup instant coffee
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk solid - (I use skim powdered milk)
½ tsp. cinnamon
Stir ingredients together. Process in a blender until powdered.
Use 2 teaspoons to one cup of hot water. 35 calories

[baking23]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn is a great book to read and digest in parts as some parts don't apply to my lifestyle.

I don't remember which page or book, since I just took them back to the library, but checking your owners manual for oil change info was great. When they say you should change it, not the oil place.

I also love reading all the math stuff, I hate math, so I get the point without having to do the work. It's greatly apprecitaed.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

Here is a interesting article to read this time is ‘I’m Dreaming of Tight Christmas’ Vol 2 p493 (CTG)

There are number of strategies that Amy’s has come up with & how go about doing it for a more Frugal Christmases.

The Up-Front Plan – Where you bring up this subject with those that you are giving gifts too!

The Covert Plan – Start giving more frugal gifts, a gift baskets idea with some homemade gifts included would be ideal!

The Buzz-Off Plan –Without any clues, I will let you read that one!

[baking23]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

I took out all three books from the libaray for a gazillionth time since I discovered them a year ago (or so). I'm thinking of buying them on Amazon since I like them so much. And sometimes the old ones keep geting ruined or don't make it back to the library.

[rduell]

Re: Re-reading Tightwad Gazette

I will have to get my book off of the shelf. I haven't read it in years. I bought it when we were a one income, homeschooling family. Every little bit that I could save helped.