Frugal

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Discuss how to save money.

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Basic, advanced, and optional ways to save money (self.frugal)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by mayo to c/frugal

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Here are my basics:

Hydroponics: lettuce, basil, strawberries, microgreens. Cost to implement well ~ $350CDN
Yoghurt: Cost to implement well ~ $50
Crochet + yarn: mainly for making dishcloths. $5
Mayo: I like mayo, obviously, but it doesn’t last very long. Has anyone made mayo that lasts as long as store bought?

More advanced ideas?

locally sourced meat and eggs: is this cheaper? I’m in Vancouver BC and there are a lot of farms in the valley. Logistics seems challenging.
jarring: is it worth learning how to do this and investing in the equipment? volunteering at a farm: I’m sure this would net some food
solar power or bike generator: electricity is cheap here
minimalism: I’m realizing this is a lifestyle. It has taken me a while to reduce, and I’m still reducing. Are most of you like this?

And things that can save money, but I don’t want to do:

Bread: I don’t like making bread. Bread machine vs. buying a mixer?
Beer: I’d like to but last time I tried it was messy and space consuming
switch to cotton socks and underwear. Quantity over quality.
no alcohol or drugs: What’s your experience?
meal prep: savings seem big if combined with jarring. But if I had food prepped I’ll eat it, cheaper to skip meals?

Any other ideas welcome. I’m looking to save $$$ by spending $$

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

My basics:

second hand almost everything
some stuff from my balcony (chives, chard, strawberries, rosemary)
sewing machine to alter and mend my (second hand) clothes or linens, and to make stuff from scraps (like pillowcases, handkerchiefs or potholders)
"ugly" vegetables (not pretty enough for supermarket shelves)
cloth napkins, rugs and handkerchiefs
almost no meat
only tap water to drink (well, ok, coffee in the morning and herbal tea in the evening)
no car, but a public transport pass and two bicycles

Jarring: Not much of a learning curve, and you hardly need any equipment. I do have jars anyway for shopping at the zero waste shop, and you can simply use your oven. But still I hardly ever do it.

I rent, so could only install a small solar system on my balcony. Not high on my priority list - but I have some shares in local solar and windpower co-ops. Electricity is expensive (Germany), but is covered that way

Minimalism: I prefer a minimalistic look, but I think if you save money, you are a minimalist even if it doesn't show.

I do have a bread maker and wouldn't want to miss it.

I only wear natural fibres, so of course cotton (or wool!) socks and underwear. But those are the only clothes I buy new so I can easily afford the best quality there. I darn my socks, by the way.

Drugs: I don't drink any alcohol but I vape, and treat myself to a good Cuban cigar every once in a while.