How to Be Thrifty at Home

Save money and be thrifty at home by making a few changes in your normal routine. None of the suggestions in this article require much more than basic skills and little, if any, money is involved. Be thrifty at home and reap the rewards immediately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be thrifty at home and save money on your food costs. Plan your weekly meals. Set aside one day a month to cook larger quantities of food and freeze in serving portions. Enlist help from other family members if possible. Save money now and save time later by using this thrifty tip.

2. 
   Water heater timer.

   Install a water heater timer at home. Note the metal pins on the timer dial can be set so the timer will automatically turn on and off at whatever times are most convenient to your schedule. Spend $40 now on this timer and recoup your savings on the electrical bill your first month.

3. 
   Recycle garments and linen.

   Recycle old clothes and bedding. Remove all buttons and zippers to reuse. Make thrifty and gorgeous crocheted button bracelets with all the leftover buttons.
   
   Tear clothing and old linen into 1 1/2" strips, sew together at ends and roll into a ball. Use a giant crochet hook to fashion this into a colorful rag rug for your home.
   
   Use old sweaters to make simple cozy pillows for thrifty winter time decor. Make long neck scarves also by sewing sweater sleeves together.

4. 
   Fresh mango.

   Be thrifty at home by planting a small garden. Even if your only available space is on your patio or balcony, you can grow a few tomatoes.
   
   Pick any fresh fruits from trees on your property, if you're lucky enough to have them. Can or preserve excess produce or swap out your extras with a neighbor or family members.

5. 
   Old Vanity.

   Don't invest in new furniture. Be thrifty and use your skills and basic tools along with lessons learned from television programs and on the internet to refurbish old, outdated furniture pieces. Look for these pieces everywhere, including on the street curb.

6. 
   Plant cuttings.

   Fill your home with plants the thrifty way. Swap plant cuttings with family and friends. Make sure clear instructions are exchanged if the plant is unfamiliar to either party.
   
   You've heard the words "waste not, want not" many times. Apply this basic thinking to all aspects of your home life and you'll always be thrifty at home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel comfortable with your ability to work on small electrical projects, you can install a water heater yourself with instructions included with the timer, or you may wish to hire an electrician or handyman to do the installation. Note the installation should not take longer than one hour from start to finish.
• Always buy the best NEW quality mattress you can afford, but put it on a used bed frame.

Resources

• How to Crochet a Bracelet with Vintage Buttons

[LilacGirl]

on 8/16/2009 Every one of your suggestions for saving money at home is a good one, practical and do-able by almost anyone. Good article.

[bossypants]

on 7/9/2009 You of a fine list of frugal ideas for being thrifty! repurposing and saving are very fashionable, these days, in addition to being plain smart! Thanks!

[georgelarson]

on 7/8/2009 Good suggestions for ways to be thrifty at home. Thanks.

[slphilbrick]

on 7/8/2009 Cool tips on being thrifty. I do need to implement the water heater timer for work. Thanks for the reminder !

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 7/8/2009 Great advice and ideas to be thrifty. I love old furniture--cheap and more beautiful to me!