10 Random Frugal Living Tips I’ve Learned This Year

What’s New Year’s Eve without a countdown and a few fireworks?

Here’s The Budget Diet’s countdown of 10 Random Frugal Living Tips I’ve Learned This Year:

1. Half Price Rotisserie Chickens – Rotisserie chickens are half price after 7:30 at our local grocery, so it’s the perfect time to stock-up, chop-up & freeze! It’s worth asking your grocer if they offer similar savings.
2. Make Your Own DIY Teeth Whitening Products – Mix your mouthwash with peroxide (50/50) for an inexpensive teeth whitening rinse or create your homemade teeth whitener.
3. Musty Smelling Towels? – if your towels have a musty smell, don’t throw them away…simply add 1 cup of vinegar to your next load along with your regular laundry detergent. I promise, they won’t smell like vinegar…they’ll smell fresh and clean!
4. E-bates – This is likely the easiest way to save money ! Whenever you’re shopping on line, search for your store through the E-bates site, make your purchase and earn cash back! I just went to Ebates and bought a pair of shoes from Nordstrom, I received a coupon code for free shipping plus 3% cash back on my purchase! Ebates really does seem to good to be true, but they are simply sharing a portion of the commission they receive from the retailers for sending them customers. Click here to learn more about e-bates.
5. Dial-A-Human – This one is more of a time saver, but remember…time is money! End your frustrations with automated phone systems by visiting DialAHuman.com first. They have the “secret codes” to quickly talk to a human at hundreds of companies.
6. Free Diet – Earlier this year I discovered MyFitnessPal.com, it’s a completely FREE diet website that helps you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. You’ll discover how many calories you should consume each day to get to a desired weight, you’ll track your meals and get plenty of tips and encouragement along the way.
7. Prescriptions from Canada – Ads for Canadian pharmacies are always popping up on the internet, and I’ve always ignored them and assumed they were a scam. I quickly changed my tune when the receptionist at my eye doctor showed me that I could buy my Restasis Eye Drops for $9 instead of $150 because Canada offers the generic. Shipping is slow, so CanadaDrug.com is best for prescriptions you take regularly, and don’t forget to plan ahead! It’s certainly worth asking your doctor about!
8. Student Away Insurance Discount – When my son left for college, I called my insurance company to see if there were any discounts available since he wouldn’t be taking a car. I learned they offer a substantial “student away” discount, and he’s still covered if he borrows a friends car and when he’s home for the summer. Sometimes you must ask to receive!
9. Free Printables – This year I was introduced to the big wide world of free printables, and they’ve been my frugal go-to gift for all occasions. A free printable is like having your own personal graphic artist in your printer…search the internet and you will find free printables for holidays, free printable greeting cards, free printable organizers and more! My favorite? “Keep Calm and Jingle On” – I printed this festive saying and used inexpensive black frames for teacher and neighbor gifts. Check out 101 Free Printables and start imagining how you can use them!
10. Pinterest.com – Without a doubt, Pinterest.com is my favorite frugal living discovery of 2011! It’s your own virtual bulletin board where you can collect and “pin” photos of just about anything! I’ve put together boards of homemade gifts, $5 gifts, inexpensive decorating ideas and crock pot recipes. Of course, not all the ideas on Pinterest are frugal, so be careful that you’re not tempted to buy the latest fashions or spurge on an amazing piece of furniture!

Here’s to a frugal 2012!

What are your favorite frugal living tips? Please leave a comment to share!

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Image courtesy of: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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In full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links to help support The Budget Diet girl! My advice will always be unbiased and free, but free won’t pay the bills! Thanks!