I use my grocery bags for trash bags and havn't had to buy any bags in a couple of years since family moved out. I still have almost all of the bags I had when they left, I only use them to donate things to thrift stores to keep things cleared out. I double them in case one has a hole. I only order groceries once a month so I save money on delivery fees for other things. Even though I double the bags they add up after a while. The reason they add up so much is because I focus on breaking my garbage down as small as I can make it. I tear down all boxes and my junk mail to about 1 inch pieces, cut up all packaging I can't tear by hand, crush empty tea bottles to get the air out of them. It takes me multiple days, sometimes even a week to fill a bag. I break it down so small that it takes me a couple of months most of the time to feel like I have enough in the trash can to take it to the curb. I don't put food scraps in my garbage. I am very frugal with my food so usually there is no waste, I can usually eat all I make of something in 3 days or less but usually don't make enough to last that long. If I do have anything left on a rare occasion I share it if possible with the birds, squirrels and rabbits that come through my yard frequently. they repay me 10 fold with their cute and funny antics in my back yard, lol. If I have to throw something away I just flush it down the commode, I mean that's where it goes when it comes out the other end anyways, lol. I don't eat meat anymore so there are no bones to worry about. I rarely eat out, the last time I ate out was over 2 years ago with family and I paid for all five of our meals. Eating out is way too exspensive, I eat as healthy as possible, nothing fancy just as simple as I can make it since I'm only cooking for me most of the time. I'm good with a bowl of noodles or soup, a couple sandwiches, some spaghetti, a salad, eggs and a bagel. Its simple but its filling food. I only spend about $160 a month for food, drink and non food items and most of the time I have multiple cans of food, rice, pasta left that I just keep in my pantry for just in case of power outages especially in winter. A few times a year I will go an extra few weeks to a month before ordering groceries to use some of the extra up so it doesn't get too over crowded in the pantry. I could probably get along ok by myself for at least a few months if needed in an emergency. As for the toilet paper thing, I stopped using it except for #2s back during covid and never started back. I use a wet cloth, a clean one each day to wipe after I tinkle, lol. Thats all I use those white rags for. At the end of the day I was it by hand and lay it on top the washer to dry. At the end of the month when I have enough to wash I soak them in the machine in bleach water for 15 minutes then run them through the wash. Once they are done I add my other towels in and run the load again with laundry soap. They are white as snow and no smells before or after I wash them. My other towels are colored so I use only the white ones for wiping. I only have to do laundry about once a month because I bought about 40 or more of those white rags. I crochet like you Lindy so when my bags start to pile up too much I make plarn (plastic yarn) out of them and crochet baskets to store things in out of them. Thats all I can think of for now. I hope it helps someone. I'm off now to read some of the comments to see if I can find any helpful tips others shared. If I think of anything else I'll post again.
One thing I see people do that makes me cringe, they let the faucet run while brushing their teeth. So much wasted water. My mom taught us that when we were very young. We as a large family of 7 had to learn to be frugal and I still to this day, continue to be as frugal as possible. I have friends that drive 20 miles daily to buy groceries for their evening meals. I have gone as long as two weeks at a stretch to get my groceries and have my meals planned out. I freeze chopped veggies, bell pepper and onions to keep from ruining and have them at hand when ready to prepare. Me I have no extra money to waste. Many of the younger generation has never been taught to be frugal. They could certainly learn a lot from you gal. Thing is, most don’t particularly care, not until things become desperate anyways. Hugs Lindy.
My idea for cleaning supplies is I do not spend much money on cleaning supplies. It’s so easy to make your own vinegar, baking soda detergent, peroxide, alcohol, essential oil, bleach.
I usually get my reading material at the library. No cable TV. Sometimes you can get partially used cleaning supplies from auctions that do estate sales. Good value. Potatoes in season can be super cheap. I've seen 10 lbs for $2. Bananas are a good deal and you don't need to refrigerate or cook them. Try hard not to waste any food. Look for sales of protein food.( hamburger meat, chicken, mixed salad beans, etc.) We all need protein especially as we get older. I wear most of my clothes until they are worn out. I've had some items for 30 years and many for 10 years. I buy on sale. I do however spend on decent running shoes because if my feet don't work, I'm stuck.
We have internet so I use it for a lot of entertainment, most of it free like Roku TV or Pluto plus the free overthe air channels. I also check out library books online and download to my Kindle or Tablet. I love that I don't even have to leave home to check out a book. No gas doing returns for books or late fees ever.
I'm very broke and trying to start my own business. I do not think that I would do well living in my car. I cut my toilet paper usage by 75% in the pandemic and have only just added a little since. I mostly use designated wash rags for pee. My sink is close. I shower every other day and do sponge baths in between. I only use non toxic soap and vinegar and water to wash dishes and myself. I keep laundry to a minimum, wear the same old clothes when I am home ( alone). I calculate every trip to town and try not to go more than once/week and do every errand on that day. There is a small market near my apt if I need an onion or something little. I do not eat any meat or any packaged food. I have a small apt with small kitchen. I know that that is very different from a van. I eat some kind of beans every day; dry and soak and cook myself. Inexpensive. In my car it would be very different for me. I have health issues so I buy and capsule my own herbs, don't take any medication or over the counter stuff. The cost probably evens out. I dry my paper towels and reuse them, never use garbage bags and rarely use baggies, just reuse the plastic from vegetable, fruit and bulk beans. There are a lot of things that I am very frugal on and some things where I know that I can cut more costs. I keep trying not to have to live in my car. Blessings to you and everyone who reads this.🙏
Make sure you are eating something fortified with B12, outside of sprayed on vitamins. Also check out vegan sources for choline and other nutrients to be sure you are well covered. Eating a rainbow diet is not good enough. I used to be Vegan, but I found out that I was allergic to legumes and lentils as well. I mention them in my posts, but don't eat them anymore. They were giving me hives. I also react to nuts, quinoa, and so on. But, as a vegan, my hypoglycemia went away! It came back when I had to stop being vegan. 😹🤣 I used to hate lasagna, until I tried Vegan lasagna. That was my fave with gingered soy and zucchini with GF noodles. I'd make a Beet and tomato sauce, yummy! I used to use Follow your Heart cheese too.
I grew up as 1 of 5 kids. I was raised to use then reuse everything. Very little was wasted. I learned to stretch a piece of meat by making a one pot meal. Old clothes that were still useable but outgrown were handed down to the next kid, or donated to someone we knew that could use them. When they were not usable they were cut up for quilts, or dust rags. Old baby diapers made great dust rags. Newspaper & vinegar water was used to clean windows. Now as a retired adult i still follow the old ways of using & reusing. The definition of living frugal, to me, is to live within my means, dont spend more than I earn, be grateful for what I have, & don't be wasteful with it.
If you pick up things at thrift stores, know your prices or be prepared to look it up on line. I found a new package of paper lunch bags, Great Value brand. The thrift store was 40 cents more than Walmart.
We go by this - If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down. - that's one way we save on water. Here we pay by how much we use and also pay for sewerage and the sewerage is higher than the water !!
I'm always looking for sales. I have been on a strict budget for food, toiletries, utilities but prices keep going up. I no longer have credit cards i paid everything off a year ago.
Same here, Lindy...mostly Dollar Tree. The toothpaste, yes; I reuse plastic bags, too. I try not to waste ANYTHING, to the point that my kids think I take it too far. I learned from having to REALLY scrimp when i was a stay at home mom, and my husband got sick and couldn't work. Also, growing up I bought everything at Woolworth's. I try to be VERY frugal, so at almost 74, I'm here, thank God. Hugs. Rosemarie ❤️
I have come up with two more ideas that I use...... When my heels get dry and cracked, I use a $5 container of Vasaline as compared to $20 heel balm. Also, I buy pure wool hand knitted jumpers (sweaters) from op shops then unpick them and reknit the wool into jumpers that are my size. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 cheap op shop jumpers to make one, but it is so much cheaper than buying wool from knitwear shops.
My first year fulltime: I was so broke after purchasing & and equipping a used cargo van, I couldn't afford hardly a thing but fuel. Not even a L.T.V.A. pass. Santa didn't even show up. I learned quick. I'm not the person that sets a price on things I purchase. I chose to: just not take anything to a checkout that I don't honestly, absolutely need. I'm no accountant? This has worked out very well for this Fulltimer. Not destitute anymore. 👍 Rock on 🙂.
I grow my own alfalfa sprouts to use in sandwiches. Lettuce got to$4 a head and couldn't use it all before it went bad. With alfalfa seeds I can make just enough to use and not have waste and still get my greens.
I had a bidet installed about 2 years ago. It is the best money I've ever spent!! I don't have to use hardly any toilet paper and you get so much cleaner! With a bidet you have much better hygiene and save alot of money!!
Great video Lindy. I barely use paper towels. Use cloths instead. I have a dedicated window and mirror cloth. No need for windex and paper towels. Eat beans more often than meat. Better for your health. Keep smiling Lindy 😁🤗
I use handkerchiefs for my runny nose which runs clear a lot as I have aged. Only use tissues when congested. You remind me so much of my G’ma. You look like her. Hard to believe I’m her age now. She was a farmer’s wife during the depression. Nothing was wasted. I got in trouble once for putting paper towels under the bacon like my parents. She scolding me for wasting the grease.😂
I made cotton napkins out of a cotton twin sheet. I have 40 total for when guests come over, but use them on a regular basis instead of paper napkins or paper towels. I buy one roll of paper towels per month. It is used for spills or wiping or anything that might stain a dishcloth. I use cotton towel for drying hands. Your hand are supposed to be clean when you have washed them, so why use a paper towel to dry? I hate buying a product that I am going to throw away. It's throwing away dollars. I try not to use tin foil much or baggies. Whenever possible I use reusable containers. I haven't given up TP, but I used just enough to do the job and figure out the best buy (right now it's Amazon basic TP). 6 rolls will last me 5 to 6 weeks. I stock up on staple items that I use the most like coffee when I see the best buy. Figuring out what is a staple is different to everyone, but if you do that and buy enough until the next sale you are spending less than buying it the weeks it's not on sale freeing up cash for something else. I think shopping the sales at a couple of grocery stores each week yields the best results. I am within 2 miles or so of Walmart, Kroger, Food Depot and even Publix. I check the sales online and make a lists if the sale is good for me. If I shopped once a month or bimonthly I'd not save enough. But, I have a lot of discipline when it goes to sticking to my lists.
If you're on Medicare and you need to join the healthspring part B you'll get a UCard that will give you $140. For toiletries and or food. They also send you a booklet , you can order and they deliver or can go to Walmart . Just a suggestion. There is no charge.
I've been watching this wonderful lady on CZcams young many in her 30s she teaches people who live on a small income how to buy food and create meals some times she shows how to shop at Dollar tree for one week for breakfast lunch and dinner on 25.dollars it's between Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart I'll send you her site ok and you can share it with your viewers to help
Left over rice with veggies, I turn it into omelettes next day the taste is delish. My mother used to hand wash clothes with left over bar of soap, soaked in a bucket then rinsed, I recycle freezer bags, grey water I use it in my garden and the water from washing machine goes to my lemon tree.
Eggs getting old? Scramble raw eggs, put 2 in each sandwich bag, lay flat to freeze. When cooking if you only need one, break in half. Buy powdered cream, buttermilk and use as needed. Will last a very long time in freezer.
No ma'am, I'm currently at rest. sharing an apartment with my brother after living in my pickup for a year. I moved up here from the Bay Area after I was priced out of Redwood City. I've been meaning to let you know though that I would like to (a) see your cooling set-up and (b) buy you lunch! 😁 Anne Vogee
@@rangerannie5636 Thanks for responding. Of course you can see what I have done no lunch necessary. Just go thru my email in my description so we can set up the date and time.
Was thinking about this and thought yes I buy what's on sale and store brand, buy Walmart coffee. I visit the dollar tree for things I know I can use. Buying once a month isn't an option for me, so get gas points for shopping at grocery store. I have a Dollar General App so get coupons. I'm always amazed at people who do coupons. Loved this vid😊
A dryer sheet can be reused about 3-4 times to help with static. The fragrant chalky powder in them when used is basically perfumed baking soda powder. Two drops of aroma extract in a zip lock bag for your used dryer sheets, between wash days are all you need. Wool dryer balls, found at Walmart, will help reduce the amount of drying time at the laundrymat AND does a great job de-linting your clothes. Try to use a dryer that some one has just finished using, so there is little "warm-up" time.
I reuse my foil. I eat breakfast on a paper plate and put plastic wrap on it to make it last longer. I use grocery bags in my small waste baskets. I have ONE light on in whatever room I'm in. I don't wash separate loads of clothes as I am by myself.
I'm 64 and have went back to some old time things. I take a shower once a week in the winter and twice a week in summer. It's hard for me to get in and out, and just use 1 wet wipe on the other days. Have been working on cutting down paper towels, stocked up on kitchen towels and use them for my hands. Have enough to get a new one for 16 days, before washing them. Has really cut down how many paper towels I was using to dry my hands. Bought XXL white t shirts for $3 and cut them up into all different size rags. Use those now for drying things off, cleaning and even just throw a small scrap one away if I clean bacon grease etc. P.S. vinegar is a good cleaner, but it doesn't disinfect, need to use alcohol for that.
Sometimes it instead of paper towels if I can get away with it, I use small rags that I can throw away or that are real cheap to wash because they’re small and thin
My multi-surface cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol, White Vinegar and Water in equal thirds, plus a few drops of Blue Dawn. It works as good or better than anything you can buy.
I do the same thing Lindy with my plastic bags. Until it leaks, I reuse it. Same thing with the thick foil. I don’t buy napkins or Kleenex. I only buy paper towels. I do not use my clothes dryer, hang it up to dry. I wash one load of laundry a week. Everything goes in together.
Rice and lentils. Lentils need less water and give good protein. I also buy in bulk. I only use Reynolds foil because I've had cheap foil and it stuck to itself such that, you couldn't roll it off the tube. I'm all in support of shopping once a month. When doing dispersement camping though, you can only be there for 14 days before you have to leave I thought it was 14 miles as the crow flies from where you camped last. This is when I go into town to buy salads and stuff that is perishable. I don't buy condiments. However, if I did buy them, I'd use less of them. And I'd see if mustard powder would be cheaper, and can be used by simply adding a little vinegar and water. TP - what I want to do is make my own washable TP. I'm still researching this. I also want to buy that special stuff whose name I've forgotten, to make custom underwear and pads. This way I can wash it and reuse it. There is also compostable toilets. I've not looked into the cost factor of that yet. I do like the idea of simply taking the remains out to trash though, but compostable would be more enviromentally friendly.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m sure it helping someone. I use those wipes also instead of TP😊I can now purchase them from Walmart using my money put on my Medicare Advantage Benefits card OTC purchase do it’s a win win for me . More money in my pocket to use for something else.
I have become frugal with food. For instance, when it comes to salads, I only have the mixed greens with a bit of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and I omit the tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. It's healthier to eat all of it, but when food costs so much, you have to do something to cut costs. I have also eliminated most condiments. I hate that saving money starts with cutting my food budget, but nobody tells you in your youth that the older you get, the less money you will have thanks to billionaires trying to become triilionaires."
Baking soda endless uses inside and out of the body inside an out of the home great for plants in the garden fire extinguisher booster for doing laundry less or no soap laundry soap expensive an toxic chemicals Baking soda vinegar water has been meeting my needs for long while now removing toxins from my environment birdie sensitive to chemicals as am I . Thank you Lindy for sharing ✌️💞🤟
When I see you strongest and brave peoples are in my mind love you sweet and brave lady live you long time with the better health and wealth good luck ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I only use toilet paper for the brown, but always have my squirt water bottle with soap or vinegar and water. At lol, 100 times a day, it would be 10.00 a week for TP. I had 3 micro fiber beach towels that were huge, I cut them into 15 wash cloths, so I have 45, t hang them over the bucket lid, they dry in 15 minutes and take no more room than a gallon baggie. Im always fresh, im cooler and have confidence in being clean.
Raising my family I rarely bought zip lock bags. I often ordered natural foods from vitacost and they often put things in zip lock bags, which I washed and used over and over. Almost never bought foil. Where we lived, it was common for groups to sell grilled pork chop sandwiches to raise money in the summer. They were wrapped in foil squares, which I washed and used over again.
we are frugal when it comes to camping ;) coin tissue uses very little water and is cheap and flushable. a cloth rag instead of paper towels. anything rechargeable instead of batteries. turning lights off that are not needed. I take a shower once..maybe twice a week. take small slices off your soap bar.
That's so funny! I was going to tell about washing zip-locs. I often get items at sales or at the food pantry in them and wash them. I also use bread bags for storing leftovers or cheese or cut veggies. Takes up less space in fridge too! I don't buy garbage bags and use the bags from grocery stores for trash. I also reuse foil unless there is greasy residue. I use reusable plastic pods for my Keurig coffee maker and put the used ground in the compost pile. I don't drive so I carpool with a friend to shop. We usually go about twice a week and hit the bank, food pantry, 2nd hand store, grocery stores, and convenience store for sale items. All my clothing is thrifted from rummage sales and thrift stores. I put a few drops of Dawn in a small spray bottle with water and squirt a couple sprays on each dish as I clean them and rinse them off. Our water here is very cheap. It's the sewer service charge, water service charge, fire protection, that are pricy. Instant coffee jars from Aldi get washed and I store pasta, rice, dry milk, etc... I never buy paper towels. Old socks for dusting, wash cloths for wiping. and wet rags for dirty things. Vinegar is my cleaner. I would not pay that price for condiments. I wait until my grocery store has them on sale for .99 and but 3 or 4 at a time for my pantry. I do live in a sticks and bricks though. You do have good ideas and thanks for sharing with people that aren't "boomers" like us. Hugs to Marley!❤👍✌
Hi Lindy Hope you are having a good day today. Basic expenses, the Dollar Tree has changed and upped their game so to speak. Be careful with expenses. That's what I do.
This may be weird but I only use toilet paper when I poo. Otherwise I use old wash clothes then wash them by hand and hang to dry. No different then using cloth diapers on babies. I also don’t buy paper towels or paper plates. When I buy bread I save the bag so I don’t have to buy baggies. And if possible I buy fresh veggies from local farmers market and not stores.
I do not use wipes at all and kitchen paper towel very rarely. I use mucrofibre cloths of various sizes. Do not wash dishes or clean teeth under running wster.
If I can't get 2 uses out of an item or at least 2 meals, I generally don't buy it. Yesterday went to store for on sale lemons. Zest for extract, juice for cooking baking, half of rind in garbage disposal the other half on stove with a bit of water as a quick air freshener. Always think of what else you can use an item for. Can you make more than just 1 meal with that piece of meat? The more you try, it becomes addictive. 😊
What a smart topic 👍🏽 personaly i hunt n grow all of my own food thats saves me a shit load. N i make my own laundry soap, toothpaste , mouthwash , face cream and body wash . I make in bulk n then seperate as i need. Last forever n AND cheaper then any product out there 😉 Love the way ur mind works woman . Sending loads of love ur way 💫💗🙏
When I get about half way down on a bottle of shampoo, I fill the bottle to the top with water and shake it till it's blended. Most shampoo is very thick and thinned out shampoo works just as well. When I get to the end of the bottle I add a little water and shake it again to get one last shampoo from the bottle. It cleans out the inside of the bottle too.
I’ve just recently started using a portable bidet. This has drastically reduced the amount of toilet paper I use, but it uses water, which might not be practical in a van, but in a sticks and bricks, it uses a lot less water by not having to flush as often.
Hi Lindy, thank you for this video, yes we do need to think about what we are using and spending our money on. I take a shower when necessary otherwise it is a basin bath for me. The same with my bath soap, I prefer the liquid soap as very little is used on a scrunchy and it lathers up enough for your entire body. The dish soap I prefer to dilute in a separate bottle, and I wash my dishes once a day after my evening meal. Food wise I like to use the pickling size onions, the little baby ones as it is only me that is eating and so one is sufficient the bigger ones are more expensive in anycase. I also prefer soups and one pot meals. Happy trails, safe journeys and Be Blessed
I measured toilet paper and it was a big roll every 3 days or 10 rolls in a month, about $11. a month with tax.. I base my prices on Walmart, because most of us have a Walmart close. My closest Aldi and Costco is 100 miles away and Sam’s club is 38 miles away. I stop in there when I go to my son’s house each month. I also use the “family cloth”. I’m sure this wouldn’t work in van life for most people. I use cut up t-shirts I get from the thrift store for 99 cents or less 74 cents on senior day.
Quit using shampoo and conditioner and went to antibacterial bar soap and no more tangles to get the rats out. Mouth wash I use couple tablespoons of peroxide and a drop of peppermint extract mixed with water in a glass. I do not know if these are cheaper but I am much happier with the results. Most of my toiletries I make myself. I am picky about the food because most of it is full of poisons so whats important my health is the most important for me. Living in a van is way different than living in a home mostly because of space. Many in my family have quit toilet paper as well, I am not totally there yet but certainly leaning
What helps me is when I go to the grocery store so I don’t get sidetracked to buy stuff that I really am not supposed to is I have to talk to myself. Focus focus focus Ginger focus
That’s where a lot of us fail is a budget. We think we know it in our head, but if you had to put it on a spreadsheet and made it calculate it out income has to be higher than outcome.
I make my own salt-water solution to brush my teeth instead of buying toothpaste. It's cheaper and much healthier (2 heaping tablespoons to 32 ounces of purified water). You do need to buy some high-quality pure white sea salt, but the best part is that you can also use that salt for cooking and table salt, instead of using the crap in a round canister.
LINDY, here's what I do...I take a paper towel & use it as a napkin & I will use it for 5-10 DAYS. Then I put in bucket toilet since it still has absorption value....also I don't flush the toilet every time I pee. Instead I go in a small bucket & every 4-5 times I empty into toilet & flush it...ALOT of people don't know that every flush is 1.5 gal or more of water for 8-16oz of urine is so so wasteful...so this is why my light and water bill is on $90ish every month during the winter. ALSO in the van i use paper towel or wipes instead of toilet paper, because paper towels can be used for numerous things but toilet paper not many other uses..
Hi from Australia. One thing I save on is soap vs shower gels. I use soap for washing my hands, having a shower etc. I don't understand why people use gels. Soap is so much cheaper and to me, more effective for cleansing. I also use a large pot of aqueous cream moisturiser (500g $10) vs small containers of expensive face creams. It lasts for months and I use it on all parts of my body.
I have found, at least in my area, Target is cheaper than the grocery store for certain items. Example I drink organic milk, it has a much longer expiration date and tastes better, it is several dollars cheaper at Target. Also bread is cheaper.
My way of saving is to stay on my grands. Those kids don't know the difference between a toy and a too. And constantly getting a water bottle and the bottle ends up in the yard
So if you use a biday how do you dry off? Would not want to reuse cloth. I do not have a biday but use the single rolls of toilet paper and only need one per week. They cost around $1.25 each. I eat one meal per day, which saves on food.
Save leftover veggies, cut up broccoli stems, etc.and save in the freezer and throw into soups. Mom always said that you can throw away more than you use. Try to get the last little bit of product out of each container.
That’s all good if you live by yourself but if you have a husband or more than yourself in the house it won’t work because the other people won’t do it
Could you find another person who you like to live with and split the expenses 2-3 ways? I wonder if that is a solution, just a thought. It is so hard to make it on a fixed income.
@@l.a.v.alindysawesomevanadv3428 I am so glad. I did not know that you were happy. I was thinking of ways to help us boomers that are out of a house and want one. I think it was some city or country honestly I don’t remember, but they basically cured the homeless problem by giving everyone a small little house with the bed and I think a sink and then there’s a communal shower area and I just thought that was such a wonderful idea, and everyone had to take care of the inside of their 8 x 8 or whatever it was and I thought we should do that here because we’ve all been paying into the system or our lives and should be able to do what we would like to do. I’m not saying about taking trips but just living in a home is not asking for too much but I wish you left. You’re doing great and I wish you continued success And happiness😀
Frugal/poor, I’ve been that all my life. I eat as healthy as I can, but I live on a fixed income so I can only do so much. I bless everything before it goes into my mouth. I’ve already survived cancer so what now? And don’t worry, there are many countries that do not and never have used toilet paper and as long as you have water and a washrag you are fine.! There’s always gonna be a naysayer and toilet paper snobs
Oh, a day is a way to go. You can make your own with a bottle of water a little soap in it and dry yourself with a thin towel. That’s what they do in Europe. It dries out and you just throw in the laundry a few times.
Take care of your teeth. Dental work is so expensive. Spending money on flood (and using it correctly) coupled with saving up to see a dentist once or twice a year can save you thousands!
I use grocery bags for my bathroom trashcan
Yep, same here! Why I am morally opposed to banning plastic bags. Poor people can't afford garbage bags and they, the rich, don't care.
I use mine when I clean the litter box
me too!
I use my grocery bags for trash bags and havn't had to buy any bags in a couple of years since family moved out. I still have almost all of the bags I had when they left, I only use them to donate things to thrift stores to keep things cleared out.
I double them in case one has a hole. I only order groceries once a month so I save money on delivery fees for other things. Even though I double the bags they add up after a while. The reason they add up so much is because I focus on breaking my garbage down as small as I can make it. I tear down all boxes and my junk mail to about 1 inch pieces, cut up all packaging I can't tear by hand, crush empty tea bottles to get the air out of them. It takes me multiple days, sometimes even a week to fill a bag. I break it down so small that it takes me a couple of months most of the time to feel like I have enough in the trash can to take it to the curb.
I don't put food scraps in my garbage. I am very frugal with my food so usually there is no waste, I can usually eat all I make of something in 3 days or less but usually don't make enough to last that long. If I do have anything left on a rare occasion I share it if possible with the birds, squirrels and rabbits that come through my yard frequently. they repay me 10 fold with their cute and funny antics in my back yard, lol.
If I have to throw something away I just flush it down the commode, I mean that's where it goes when it comes out the other end anyways, lol. I don't eat meat anymore so there are no bones to worry about.
I rarely eat out, the last time I ate out was over 2 years ago with family and I paid for all five of our meals. Eating out is way too exspensive, I eat as healthy as possible, nothing fancy just as simple as I can make it since I'm only cooking for me most of the time. I'm good with a bowl of noodles or soup, a couple sandwiches, some spaghetti, a salad, eggs and a bagel. Its simple but its filling food. I only spend about $160 a month for food, drink and non food items and most of the time I have multiple cans of food, rice, pasta left that I just keep in my pantry for just in case of power outages especially in winter. A few times a year I will go an extra few weeks to a month before ordering groceries to use some of the extra up so it doesn't get too over crowded in the pantry. I could probably get along ok by myself for at least a few months if needed in an emergency.
As for the toilet paper thing, I stopped using it except for #2s back during covid and never started back. I use a wet cloth, a clean one each day to wipe after I tinkle, lol. Thats all I use those white rags for. At the end of the day I was it by hand and lay it on top the washer to dry. At the end of the month when I have enough to wash I soak them in the machine in bleach water for 15 minutes then run them through the wash. Once they are done I add my other towels in and run the load again with laundry soap. They are white as snow and no smells before or after I wash them. My other towels are colored so I use only the white ones for wiping. I only have to do laundry about once a month because I bought about 40 or more of those white rags.
I crochet like you Lindy so when my bags start to pile up too much I make plarn (plastic yarn) out of them and crochet baskets to store things in out of them. Thats all I can think of for now. I hope it helps someone. I'm off now to read some of the comments to see if I can find any helpful tips others shared. If I think of anything else I'll post again.
I use small hand towels for everything. instead of paper towels like before paper towels was invented. Take old bath towels and make small towels.
One thing I see people do that makes me cringe, they let the faucet run while brushing their teeth. So much wasted water. My mom taught us that when we were very young. We as a large family of 7 had to learn to be frugal and I still to this day, continue to be as frugal as possible. I have friends that drive 20 miles daily to buy groceries for their evening meals. I have gone as long as two weeks at a stretch to get my groceries and have my meals planned out. I freeze chopped veggies, bell pepper and onions to keep from ruining and have them at hand when ready to prepare. Me I have no extra money to waste. Many of the younger generation has never been taught to be frugal. They could certainly learn a lot from you gal. Thing is, most don’t particularly care, not until things become desperate anyways. Hugs Lindy.
When you live in an RV, you learn to conserve water as well so our showerhead has a turn off switch 😊
Same here with the water. As someone who cares about our resources, this is another reason to not let water run!
Oh.
My idea for cleaning supplies is I do not spend much money on cleaning supplies. It’s so easy to make your own vinegar, baking soda detergent, peroxide, alcohol, essential oil, bleach.
You have such a kind caring heart! Thank you Lindy❤️
I rarely eat out. I only eat out for special occasions. ❤️
Eating out is a luxury today.
When i see canned fish and chili on sale, i stock up. It's shelf stable, and stays good for a very long time. 👍
I do the same, with whatever canned foods that are on a good special
Costco's Kirkland brand Salmon is so good! Demmings I've gotten sick on, so I avoid like the plague.
I usually get my reading material at the library. No cable TV. Sometimes you can get partially used cleaning supplies from auctions that do estate sales. Good value. Potatoes in season can be super cheap. I've seen 10 lbs for $2. Bananas are a good deal and you don't need to refrigerate or cook them. Try hard not to waste any food. Look for sales of protein food.( hamburger meat, chicken, mixed salad beans, etc.) We all need protein especially as we get older. I wear most of my clothes until they are worn out. I've had some items for 30 years and many for 10 years. I buy on sale. I do however spend on decent running shoes because if my feet don't work, I'm stuck.
We have internet so I use it for a lot of entertainment, most of it free like Roku TV or Pluto plus the free overthe air channels. I also check out library books online and download to my Kindle or Tablet. I love that I don't even have to leave home to check out a book. No gas doing returns for books or late fees ever.
I'm very broke and trying to start my own business. I do not think that I would do well living in my car. I cut my toilet paper usage by 75% in the pandemic and have only just added a little since. I mostly use designated wash rags for pee. My sink is close. I shower every other day and do sponge baths in between. I only use non toxic soap and vinegar and water to wash dishes and myself. I keep laundry to a minimum, wear the same old clothes when I am home ( alone). I calculate every trip to town and try not to go more than once/week and do every errand on that day. There is a small market near my apt if I need an onion or something little. I do not eat any meat or any packaged food. I have a small apt with small kitchen. I know that that is very different from a van. I eat some kind of beans every day; dry and soak and cook myself. Inexpensive. In my car it would be very different for me. I have health issues so I buy and capsule my own herbs, don't take any medication or over the counter stuff. The cost probably evens out. I dry my paper towels and reuse them, never use garbage bags and rarely use baggies, just reuse the plastic from vegetable, fruit and bulk beans. There are a lot of things that I am very frugal on and some things where I know that I can cut more costs. I keep trying not to have to live in my car. Blessings to you and everyone who reads this.🙏
Make sure you are eating something fortified with B12, outside of sprayed on vitamins. Also check out vegan sources for choline and other nutrients to be sure you are well covered. Eating a rainbow diet is not good enough. I used to be Vegan, but I found out that I was allergic to legumes and lentils as well. I mention them in my posts, but don't eat them anymore. They were giving me hives. I also react to nuts, quinoa, and so on. But, as a vegan, my hypoglycemia went away! It came back when I had to stop being vegan. 😹🤣 I used to hate lasagna, until I tried Vegan lasagna. That was my fave with gingered soy and zucchini with GF noodles. I'd make a Beet and tomato sauce, yummy! I used to use Follow your Heart cheese too.
Seniors are becoming more impoverished due to rising rents and fixed incomes that don't keep pace. As a result seniors have to become frugal.
Using those wipes instead of toilet paper is a very good idea.😊
I grew up as 1 of 5 kids. I was raised to use then reuse everything. Very little was wasted. I learned to stretch a piece of meat by making a one pot meal. Old clothes that were still useable but outgrown were handed down to the next kid, or donated to someone we knew that could use them. When they were not usable they were cut up for quilts, or dust rags. Old baby diapers made great dust rags. Newspaper & vinegar water was used to clean windows. Now as a retired adult i still follow the old ways of using & reusing.
The definition of living frugal, to me, is to live within my means, dont spend more than I earn, be grateful for what I have, & don't be wasteful with it.
If you pick up things at thrift stores, know your prices or be prepared to look it up on line. I found a new package of paper lunch bags, Great Value brand. The thrift store was 40 cents more than Walmart.
Yes I have found a lot of that.
I have a monthly budget and my tithe is line item #1.
We go by this - If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down. - that's one way we save on water. Here we pay by how much we use and also pay for sewerage and the sewerage is higher than the water !!
That's almost the rule for me as well. I flush in the morning after brownie and in the evening before bedtime
I'm always looking for sales. I have been on a strict budget for food, toiletries, utilities but prices keep going up. I no longer have credit cards i paid everything off a year ago.
Same here, Lindy...mostly Dollar Tree. The toothpaste, yes; I reuse plastic bags, too. I try not to waste ANYTHING, to the point that my kids think I take it too far. I learned from having to REALLY scrimp when i was a stay at home mom, and my husband got sick and couldn't work. Also, growing up I bought everything at Woolworth's. I try to be VERY frugal, so at almost 74, I'm here, thank God. Hugs. Rosemarie ❤️
I have come up with two more ideas that I use...... When my heels get dry and cracked, I use a $5 container of Vasaline as compared to $20 heel balm. Also, I buy pure wool hand knitted jumpers (sweaters) from op shops then unpick them and reknit the wool into jumpers that are my size. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 cheap op shop jumpers to make one, but it is so much cheaper than buying wool from knitwear shops.
I use vicks for cracked heels and put on sock to wear to bed. In more wash feet alot of dryness is gone
Morning
My first year fulltime: I was so broke after purchasing & and equipping a used cargo van, I couldn't afford hardly a thing but fuel. Not even a L.T.V.A. pass. Santa didn't even show up. I learned quick. I'm not the person that sets a price on things I purchase. I chose to: just not take anything to a checkout that I don't honestly, absolutely need. I'm no accountant? This has worked out very well for this Fulltimer. Not destitute anymore. 👍 Rock on 🙂.
I use the on/off button on my shower head. Only use to get wet and rinse off.
Good video Lindy👍 I'm baby boomer. Born in 57, in my world it's be frugal or be broke. It's been like this for years.
I grow my own alfalfa sprouts to use in sandwiches. Lettuce got to$4 a head and couldn't use it all before it went bad. With alfalfa seeds I can make just enough to use and not have waste and still get my greens.
I had a bidet installed about 2 years ago. It is the best money I've ever spent!! I don't have to use hardly any toilet paper and you get so much cleaner! With a bidet you have much better hygiene and save alot of money!!
I always have eggs bread, noodles butter, potatoes and cheese on hand
I can combine those to make meals.
Great video Lindy. I barely use paper towels. Use cloths instead. I have a dedicated window and mirror cloth. No need for windex and paper towels. Eat beans more often than meat. Better for your health. Keep smiling Lindy 😁🤗
I take short gyn showers, don't flush my toilet every time, wash my few dishes by hand and wash laundry once a week.
Excellent idea everybody please please leave your frugal ideas. A seniors really need to stay focused.
I use handkerchiefs for my runny nose which runs clear a lot as I have aged. Only use tissues when congested. You remind me so much of my G’ma. You look like her. Hard to believe I’m her age now. She was a farmer’s wife during the depression. Nothing was wasted. I got in trouble once for putting paper towels under the bacon like my parents. She scolding me for wasting the grease.😂
😂That bacon grease is like gold when cooking!!!🤭🙏
I made cotton napkins out of a cotton twin sheet. I have 40 total for when guests come over, but use them on a regular basis instead of paper napkins or paper towels. I buy one roll of paper towels per month. It is used for spills or wiping or anything that might stain a dishcloth. I use cotton towel for drying hands. Your hand are supposed to be clean when you have washed them, so why use a paper towel to dry? I hate buying a product that I am going to throw away. It's throwing away dollars. I try not to use tin foil much or baggies. Whenever possible I use reusable containers. I haven't given up TP, but I used just enough to do the job and figure out the best buy (right now it's Amazon basic TP). 6 rolls will last me 5 to 6 weeks. I stock up on staple items that I use the most like coffee when I see the best buy. Figuring out what is a staple is different to everyone, but if you do that and buy enough until the next sale you are spending less than buying it the weeks it's not on sale freeing up cash for something else. I think shopping the sales at a couple of grocery stores each week yields the best results. I am within 2 miles or so of Walmart, Kroger, Food Depot and even Publix. I check the sales online and make a lists if the sale is good for me. If I shopped once a month or bimonthly I'd not save enough. But, I have a lot of discipline when it goes to sticking to my lists.
If you're on Medicare and you need to join the healthspring part B you'll get a UCard that will give you $140. For toiletries and or food. They also send you a booklet , you can order and they deliver or can go to Walmart . Just a suggestion. There is no charge.
You can also use the card for certain bills.
Be careful with the toothpaste most of them have a warning to call poison control if swallowed. And thanks.for sharing 🌿🐕🍁🍃
I've been watching this wonderful lady on CZcams young many in her 30s she teaches people who live on a small income how to buy food and create meals some times she shows how to shop at Dollar tree for one week for breakfast lunch and dinner on 25.dollars it's between Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart I'll send you her site ok and you can share it with your viewers to help
Brilliant video Lindy - lots of food for thought and changes I can make to my usage xxx
Left over rice with veggies, I turn it into omelettes next day the taste is delish.
My mother used to hand wash clothes with left over bar of soap, soaked in a bucket then rinsed, I recycle freezer bags, grey water I use it in my garden and the water from washing machine goes to my lemon tree.
I'm going to try your omelette recipe, it sounds great.
Eggs getting old? Scramble raw eggs, put 2 in each sandwich bag, lay flat to freeze. When cooking if you only need one, break in half.
Buy powdered cream, buttermilk and use as needed. Will last a very long time in freezer.
I agree with you❤😊 boomers need less than others.
They growed up with few things, they are used live with less❤
My best frugal tool is my budget. I treat every penny like it's precious and I track all my spending. 💰
Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸
Please contact me. I believe you live in your van full time??
No ma'am, I'm currently at rest. sharing an apartment with my brother after living in my pickup for a year. I moved up here from the Bay Area after I was priced out of Redwood City. I've been meaning to let you know though that I would like to (a) see your cooling set-up and (b) buy you lunch! 😁 Anne Vogee
@@rangerannie5636 Thanks for responding. Of course you can see what I have done no lunch necessary. Just go thru my email in my description so we can set up the date and time.
Was thinking about this and thought yes I buy what's on sale and store brand, buy Walmart coffee. I visit the dollar tree for things I know I can use. Buying once a month isn't an option for me, so get gas points for shopping at grocery store. I have a Dollar General App so get coupons. I'm always amazed at people who do coupons. Loved this vid😊
I do not use many ziplock bags but have plenty of small storage containers. Stack better in fridge/ freezer
A dryer sheet can be reused about 3-4 times to help with static. The fragrant chalky powder in them when used is basically perfumed baking soda powder. Two drops of aroma extract in a zip lock bag for your used dryer sheets, between wash days are all you need.
Wool dryer balls, found at Walmart, will help reduce the amount of drying time at the laundrymat AND does a great job de-linting your clothes.
Try to use a dryer that some one has just finished using, so there is little "warm-up" time.
Thanks for the info!
I reuse my foil. I eat breakfast on a paper plate and put plastic wrap on it to make it last longer. I use grocery bags in my small waste baskets. I have ONE light on in whatever room I'm in. I don't wash separate loads of clothes as I am by myself.
Why buy paper plates, though? Seems like a waste to me, you're just throwing it away after one use.
I'm 64 and have went back to some old time things. I take a shower once a week in the winter and twice a week in summer. It's hard for me to get in and out, and just use 1 wet wipe on the other days. Have been working on cutting down paper towels, stocked up on kitchen towels and use them for my hands. Have enough to get a new one for 16 days, before washing them. Has really cut down how many paper towels I was using to dry my hands. Bought XXL white t shirts for $3 and cut them up into all different size rags. Use those now for drying things off, cleaning and even just throw a small scrap one away if I clean bacon grease etc. P.S. vinegar is a good cleaner, but it doesn't disinfect, need to use alcohol for that.
Sometimes it instead of paper towels if I can get away with it, I use small rags that I can throw away or that are real cheap to wash because they’re small and thin
I use Dollar Tree kitchen towels and wash them over and over. The only thing I use paper towels for is cleaning up dog cr@p. 🐕
My multi-surface cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol, White Vinegar and Water in equal thirds, plus a few drops of Blue Dawn. It works as good or better than anything you can buy.
I do the same thing Lindy with my plastic bags. Until it leaks, I reuse it. Same thing with the thick foil. I don’t buy napkins or Kleenex. I only buy paper towels. I do not use my clothes dryer, hang it up to dry. I wash one load of laundry a week. Everything goes in together.
You can also use a salad spinner to wash and spin dry small items if clothing. Then hang up to dry quicker.😊
@@judycollins4919great idea.
Rice and lentils. Lentils need less water and give good protein. I also buy in bulk. I only use Reynolds foil because I've had cheap foil and it stuck to itself such that, you couldn't roll it off the tube. I'm all in support of shopping once a month. When doing dispersement camping though, you can only be there for 14 days before you have to leave I thought it was 14 miles as the crow flies from where you camped last. This is when I go into town to buy salads and stuff that is perishable.
I don't buy condiments. However, if I did buy them, I'd use less of them. And I'd see if mustard powder would be cheaper, and can be used by simply adding a little vinegar and water.
TP - what I want to do is make my own washable TP. I'm still researching this. I also want to buy that special stuff whose name I've forgotten, to make custom underwear and pads. This way I can wash it and reuse it. There is also compostable toilets. I've not looked into the cost factor of that yet. I do like the idea of simply taking the remains out to trash though, but compostable would be more enviromentally friendly.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m sure it helping someone. I use those wipes also instead of TP😊I can now purchase them from Walmart using my money put on my Medicare Advantage Benefits card OTC purchase do it’s a win win for me . More money in my pocket to use for something else.
I have become frugal with food. For instance, when it comes to salads, I only have the mixed greens with a bit of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and I omit the tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. It's healthier to eat all of it, but when food costs so much, you have to do something to cut costs. I have also eliminated most condiments. I hate that saving money starts with cutting my food budget, but nobody tells you in your youth that the older you get, the less money you will have thanks to billionaires trying to become triilionaires."
Baking soda endless uses inside and out of the body inside an out of the home great for plants in the garden fire extinguisher booster for doing laundry less or no soap laundry soap expensive an toxic chemicals Baking soda vinegar water has been meeting my needs for long while now removing toxins from my environment birdie sensitive to chemicals as am I . Thank you Lindy for sharing ✌️💞🤟
Baking soda mixed with clay and a drop of peppermint oil make a great toothpaste!
@@thehedgerow nice❣️👍
When I see you strongest and brave peoples are in my mind love you sweet and brave lady live you long time with the better health and wealth good luck ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I only use toilet paper for the brown, but always have my squirt water bottle with soap or vinegar and water. At lol, 100 times a day, it would be 10.00 a week for TP. I had 3 micro fiber beach towels that were huge, I cut them into 15 wash cloths, so I have 45, t hang them over the bucket lid, they dry in 15 minutes and take no more room than a gallon baggie. Im always fresh, im cooler and have confidence in being clean.
Thank you for this! I need this so much right now!!
Raising my family I rarely bought zip lock bags. I often ordered natural foods from vitacost and they often put things in zip lock bags, which I washed and used over and over. Almost never bought foil. Where we lived, it was common for groups to sell grilled pork chop sandwiches to raise money in the summer. They were wrapped in foil squares, which I washed and used over again.
also dollar tree sells HYDRATE drink powder to add to a bottle of water
i save my freezer storage bags and wash them out after use
Great video, thank you.❤
I totally agree about the wipes. I do the same. Much cleaner.
we are frugal when it comes to camping ;) coin tissue uses very little water and is cheap and flushable. a cloth rag instead of paper towels. anything rechargeable instead of batteries. turning lights off that are not needed. I take a shower once..maybe twice a week. take small slices off your soap bar.
That's so funny! I was going to tell about washing zip-locs. I often get items at sales or at the food pantry in them and wash them. I also use bread bags for storing leftovers or cheese or cut veggies. Takes up less space in fridge too! I don't buy garbage bags and use the bags from grocery stores for trash. I also reuse foil unless there is greasy residue. I use reusable plastic pods for my Keurig coffee maker and put the used ground in the compost pile. I don't drive so I carpool with a friend to shop. We usually go about twice a week and hit the bank, food pantry, 2nd hand store, grocery stores, and convenience store for sale items. All my clothing is thrifted from rummage sales and thrift stores. I put a few drops of Dawn in a small spray bottle with water and squirt a couple sprays on each dish as I clean them and rinse them off. Our water here is very cheap. It's the sewer service charge, water service charge, fire protection, that are pricy. Instant coffee jars from Aldi get washed and I store pasta, rice, dry milk, etc... I never buy paper towels. Old socks for dusting, wash cloths for wiping. and wet rags for dirty things. Vinegar is my cleaner. I would not pay that price for condiments. I wait until my grocery store has them on sale for .99 and but 3 or 4 at a time for my pantry. I do live in a sticks and bricks though. You do have good ideas and thanks for sharing with people that aren't "boomers" like us. Hugs to Marley!❤👍✌
Thankyou so many wonderful tips
Great video. Please keep this series up Lindy. ❤😊😊
I kinda agree about toilet paper in Europe. It’s a Boudet just take a bottle of water and pour it on and then dry yourself.
Lindy, you are too adorable!
Thank you so much. Most people don't stop and think the money they're wasting on items that you mentioned.
Hi Lindy
Hope you are having a good day today. Basic expenses, the Dollar Tree has changed and upped their game so to speak. Be careful with expenses. That's what I do.
This may be weird but I only use toilet paper when I poo. Otherwise I use old wash clothes then wash them by hand and hang to dry. No different then using cloth diapers on babies. I also don’t buy paper towels or paper plates. When I buy bread I save the bag so I don’t have to buy baggies. And if possible I buy fresh veggies from local farmers market and not stores.
I do not use wipes at all and kitchen paper towel very rarely. I use mucrofibre cloths of various sizes. Do not wash dishes or clean teeth under running wster.
If I can't get 2 uses out of an item or at least 2 meals, I generally don't buy it. Yesterday went to store for on sale lemons. Zest for extract, juice for cooking baking, half of rind in garbage disposal the other half on stove with a bit of water as a quick air freshener. Always think of what else you can use an item for. Can you make more than just 1 meal with that piece of meat? The more you try, it becomes addictive. 😊
Great tip!
What a smart topic 👍🏽 personaly i hunt n grow all of my own food thats saves me a shit load. N i make my own laundry soap, toothpaste , mouthwash , face cream and body wash . I make in bulk n then seperate as i need. Last forever n AND cheaper then any product out there 😉
Love the way ur mind works woman .
Sending loads of love ur way 💫💗🙏
When I get about half way down on a bottle of shampoo, I fill the bottle to the top with water and shake it till it's blended. Most shampoo is very thick and thinned out shampoo works just as well. When I get to the end of the bottle I add a little water and shake it again to get one last shampoo from the bottle. It cleans out the inside of the bottle too.
Great tip!
I’ve just recently started using a portable bidet. This has drastically reduced the amount of toilet paper I use, but it uses water, which might not be practical in a van, but in a sticks and bricks, it uses a lot less water by not having to flush as often.
I dry my cloths on racks
I do too. I hang larger items outside when I can
I have a clothes line up in my basement as well
I have never had a clothes drier
I reuse my aluminum foil, and parchment paper. Aluminum foil has skyrocketed in price.
Hi Lindy, thank you for this video, yes we do need to think about what we are using and spending our money on. I take a shower when necessary otherwise it is a basin bath for me. The same with my bath soap, I prefer the liquid soap as very little is used on a scrunchy and it lathers up enough for your entire body. The dish soap I prefer to dilute in a separate bottle, and I wash my dishes once a day after my evening meal. Food wise I like to use the pickling size onions, the little baby ones as it is only me that is eating and so one is sufficient the bigger ones are more expensive in anycase. I also prefer soups and one pot meals. Happy trails, safe journeys and Be Blessed
I don't buy garbage bags. I use grocery bags for garbage bags. If it's too big for that it goes directly in the garbage can outside
I measured toilet paper and it was a big roll every 3 days or 10 rolls in a month, about $11. a month with tax.. I base my prices on Walmart, because most of us have a Walmart close. My closest Aldi and Costco is 100 miles away and Sam’s club is 38 miles away. I stop in there when I go to my son’s house each month. I also use the “family cloth”. I’m sure this wouldn’t work in van life for most people. I use cut up t-shirts I get from the thrift store for 99 cents or less 74 cents on senior day.
You do your homework and r frugal with everything you use. One smart cookie.
Quit using shampoo and conditioner and went to antibacterial bar soap and no more tangles to get the rats out. Mouth wash I use couple tablespoons of peroxide and a drop of peppermint extract mixed with water in a glass. I do not know if these are cheaper but I am much happier with the results. Most of my toiletries I make myself. I am picky about the food because most of it is full of poisons so whats important my health is the most important for me. Living in a van is way different than living in a home mostly because of space. Many in my family have quit toilet paper as well, I am not totally there yet but certainly leaning
What helps me is when I go to the grocery store so I don’t get sidetracked to buy stuff that I really am not supposed to is I have to talk to myself. Focus focus focus Ginger focus
That’s where a lot of us fail is a budget. We think we know it in our head, but if you had to put it on a spreadsheet and made it calculate it out income has to be higher than outcome.
If only I knew how to use a spreadsheet.
I make my own salt-water solution to brush my teeth instead of buying toothpaste. It's cheaper and much healthier (2 heaping tablespoons to 32 ounces of purified water). You do need to buy some high-quality pure white sea salt, but the best part is that you can also use that salt for cooking and table salt, instead of using the crap in a round canister.
LINDY, here's what I do...I take a paper towel & use it as a napkin & I will use it for 5-10 DAYS. Then I put in bucket toilet since it still has absorption value....also I don't flush the toilet every time I pee. Instead I go in a small bucket & every 4-5 times I empty into toilet & flush it...ALOT of people don't know that every flush is 1.5 gal or more of water for 8-16oz of urine is so so wasteful...so this is why my light and water bill is on $90ish every month during the winter. ALSO in the van i use paper towel or wipes instead of toilet paper, because paper towels can be used for numerous things but toilet paper not many other uses..
I use my plastic bags more than once too ,my children think I`am cheap.so be it .I also use cleaning vinegar to mop and clean with and a little soap.
Thanks for sharing
I do the same with my husband's lunch bags and foil as well
Hi from Australia. One thing I save on is soap vs shower gels. I use soap for washing my hands, having a shower etc. I don't understand why people use gels. Soap is so much cheaper and to me, more effective for cleansing. I also use a large pot of aqueous cream moisturiser (500g $10) vs small containers of expensive face creams. It lasts for months and I use it on all parts of my body.
I also use one cream for my whole body.
I missed was sad about your live being cut short on Tuesday.
I have found, at least in my area, Target is cheaper than the grocery store for certain items. Example I drink organic milk, it has a much longer expiration date and tastes better, it is several dollars cheaper at Target. Also bread is cheaper.
Excellent!
I love watching your Channel. You are alive and thriving in society. Don't let anybody tell you to go live with your son.!!!!
I try to eat more veggies and fruit. I try to avoid processed foods
My way of saving is to stay on my grands. Those kids don't know the difference between a toy and a too. And constantly getting a water bottle and the bottle ends up in the yard
**tool**
So if you use a biday how do you dry off? Would not want to reuse cloth. I do not have a biday but use the single rolls of toilet paper and only need one per week. They cost around $1.25 each. I eat one meal per day, which saves on food.
Save leftover veggies, cut up broccoli stems, etc.and save in the freezer and throw into soups.
Mom always said that you can throw away more than you use. Try to get the last little bit of product out of each container.
I can’t Cut baths😂❤
🤣I can’t cut toilet paper❤️
I wish I didn't go pee every 15 minutes, incontinence😢
That’s all good if you live by yourself but if you have a husband or more than yourself in the house it won’t work because the other people won’t do it
You're correct. Everybody has to be on the same level.
Could you find another person who you like to live with and split the expenses 2-3 ways? I wonder if that is a solution, just a thought. It is so hard to make it on a fixed income.
I like my van. I am content
@@l.a.v.alindysawesomevanadv3428 I am so glad. I did not know that you were happy. I was thinking of ways to help us boomers that are out of a house and want one. I think it was some city or country honestly I don’t remember, but they basically cured the homeless problem by giving everyone a small little house with the bed and I think a sink and then there’s a communal shower area and I just thought that was such a wonderful idea, and everyone had to take care of the inside of their 8 x 8 or whatever it was and I thought we should do that here because we’ve all been paying into the system or our lives and should be able to do what we would like to do. I’m not saying about taking trips but just living in a home is not asking for too much but I wish you left. You’re doing great and I wish you continued success And happiness😀
Frugal/poor, I’ve been that all my life. I eat as healthy as I can, but I live on a fixed income so I can only do so much. I bless everything before it goes into my mouth. I’ve already survived cancer so what now? And don’t worry, there are many countries that do not and never have used toilet paper and as long as you have water and a washrag you are fine.!
There’s always gonna be a naysayer and toilet paper snobs
Oh, a day is a way to go. You can make your own with a bottle of water a little soap in it and dry yourself with a thin towel. That’s what they do in Europe. It dries out and you just throw in the laundry a few times.
A bidet I mean
🙂👍
Take care of your teeth. Dental work is so expensive. Spending money on flood (and using it correctly) coupled with saving up to see a dentist once or twice a year can save you thousands!
Nice vid