Share your "frugal" living tips

With soaring gas prices, company layoffs and a general down turn in the economy, how are you implementing some money saving tips into your every day living?

Share your ideas on how you're making your dollar go farther....

I'm fanatical about saving energy; lights off when not in use, hang my laundry to dry, energy saving light bulbs, using more coupons and stocking up when items are on sale, etc.

What else?

riding my bicycle or walking for small errands whenever possible

cooking from scratch instead of buying processed foods

cooking smaller portions, thereby lessening the chance of leftovers which, for the most part, end up in the garbage

Actually, when you look at it, the frugal life style is also a healthy lifestyle . . .

Actually, I cook in larger amounts so that we DO have leftovers and therefore don't use as much energy to reheat. My hubbly thinks having left over marinated salmon is heavenly! Granted, I don't do quatity cook for veggies. I prefer them as fresh as possible, but as far as pasta, meat, fish, poultry, I try to cook in bulk. However, our "bulk" for two is probably the norm for a family of four!

Im very frugal LOL In the winter I dont use my dryer, everything is hung up on garmet racks to dry. Always make meals from scratch so much cheaper and better for you. My micro is on a power strip and when not in use it is shut off no power at all. Sam for tv, radio, satalite etc........ YES it does save money!!
Freeze veggies when I can also helps. Grow my own veggies, always cheaper then buying. Hanf out laundry in the summer, I never water my grass, being in town and you pay for water you learn to conserve it very quick.
This summer my AC has only been on twice, all windows open at night and when the sun starts warming things up I close the windows and curtains. I walk for things I need, thankfully I am in town! Make only one trip a week to various grocery stores. Lights always off when you leave the room. Rent a movie instead of the theatre only 4.00 at BJ's

Most of my frugalness comes from being a single mom supporting my kids on one income!

Leslie, doesn't drying on racks in winter make for using the iron more? I hate ironing so bought some wrinkle releaser last time I was in the States. It is great and I hardly ever iron anymore. A few squirts, a 1/2 hour hung up to dry and I'm ready to go.

LOL I DONT iron. No actually its pretty good, everything is hung up on hangers very few wrinkles. And for the record, I dont own an iron or ironing board

Toaster oven instead of the large oven and cut the end of and wash your quart milk bags and use them as freezer bags. They help eliminate freezer burn in fish especially.

How about DIY cleaning products?

I refuse to pay for Febreze...instead I use a mixture of fabric softener and water...works just as well, you can use whatever scent you like and it's literally just cents a bottle....