http://www.care2.com/greenliving/think-like-grandma-and-save-money.html
Think Like Grandma and Save Money
5. Make it yourself. This tip tends to get tossed around a little too freely; we’re not all going to suddenly become master quilters. But you’d be surprised at the skills almost anyone can pick up. Instead of ordering a new coffee table from Pottery Barn, pick one up at a garage sale and refinish the top with sandpaper and oil. Wish you could start the season with some new garden furniture? Revitalize yours with a new coat of paint. Visit a discount craft store for ideas, but don’t get carried away. Confine yourself to simple projects that save you money by eliminating common purchases. In my household, for example, we’ve started making cards by collaging with magazines and tissue paper, and wrapping gifts in brown paper bags decorated with sponge painting or stickers.
The added value? You might find this simpler, more old-fashioned life is actually more fun as well.
Caring.com was created to help you care for your aging parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. As the leading destination for eldercare resources on the Internet, our mission is to give you the information and services you need to make better decisions, save time, and feel more supported. Caring.com provides the practical information, personal support, expert advice, and easy-to-use tools you need during this challenging time.
More from Mel, selected from Caring.com (87 articles available)
related stories
-
(197 comments)
-
(4 comments)
-
(150 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
40 comments
add your comment »I am pretty frugal I try to get by each week with no more than $20 in my purse - it works for the most part. Once a month I have to double that for a week to stock up on basic food stuffs to keep me going. I eat healthily and cook up veg fruit before it goes bad so I don't waste it! I eat it fresh for the first week or two of the month then cooked for the second 2 weeks or so. It's fab and my monthly outgoing (except of occasional big things) is less than $100. The fuel in my car is about $50 dollars but hey gonna get movin to work and there's no other alternative options!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Hi, I am a member of the Care2 groups Living a Simple and Frugal Life, and Circle of Simplicity. These groups encourage and support reducing consumerism and living a simpler life, which I think will help conserve nature and promote peace. All are welcome - please join! at
http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Simply_Frugal and http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Circle_of_Simplicity. Thanks!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Great article!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Great ideas, and well written. Thanks for the addition.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks, Mary B.--that is interesting.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Cecily W.
know, that's not quite what I mean, though women would probably be the most likely to benefit since they are the ones who have steadfactly done this foudational work of homemaking for millenia without pay.What I mean is, every body of legal working age be given a 'paycheck'for the unpaid work they presently already do in the course of taking care of themselves.And it should be at least enough to give them a poverty level income.This is not a hand out, or a welfare check untill you can find a job. This is an ongoing check that everyone would get besides what ever they make at an 'outside job'.And don't ask "how will we pay for this". The real question is does the human race value it's self enough yet to insist on haveing it's basic survival needs met in the face of ages long indoctrination that it shouldn't have needs.The wealthy have the same needs, theirs are met cradle to the gave and nobody accuses them of becoming 'dependant and lazy'. They're ruling the world for petes sake. And no,I'm not suggesting that the government 'pay women to stay home and raise their children'.If women want to stay home to raise their children, they should be paid for it.But they should be given a government stipend even if they go out to work. Somebody has to watch the kids and they must be paid.Are we, as a people ready to help each other and keep our communities strong instead of dissapating our life force bickering and
blaming .If we are ready, a way will be found.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
You can't answer yes or no to a poll asking if you prefer one option or another.Who makes this stuff up?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Mary B: Are you suggesting that the government should essentially pay people to stay home and take care of their children?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Mary B: Are you suggesting that the government should essentially pay people to stay home and take care of their children?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks for the reminders...you're right, I like my garden as well as an expensive "vacation" :)
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: