Making the most of your hard-earned money never goes out of style and can be a fun challenge. It also pushes you to think outside the box and develop creative ways to get what you need for less. Here are 6 old-fashioned frugal living habits that [still] make sense:
Use decor that will stand the test of time.
Choose your decor wisely and with intention. Less is more. Make each detail count. What is trending right now are family heirlooms and decor with a warm history, whether passed down by family or discovered at a thrift store.
Grow your own tabletop centerpieces.
Grow flowering houseplants and use them as table centerpieces instead of buying cut flowers.
Use homemade stain remover.
Use cornstarch to remove stubborn stains like oil or grease. Simply cover the oil stain with cornstarch and let it set for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to absorb the grease. Rub together a few times and throw in the wash.
Choose propagating plants
Select plants that propagate themselves and are easy to grow (like the Chinese Money Plant or succulents).
Use this trick to create more undercounter space.
Get more undercounter space and keep it organized by installing a sturdy tension rod across the top. Hang your spray bottles on it using the triggers.
Prep your laundry for more efficient cleaning.
Prep your laundry to prevent damage to your clothes. Make sure you sort towels with towels, lights with lights, darks with darks, and delicates by themselves on gentle. When possible wait to run your machine until you have a full load.
Many of us think the “American Dream” rests solely on homeownership, and there is much truth to that. However, the best version of the American Dream is financial freedom which means staying out of debt and using your hard-earned money wisely.
Homeowner Tip
Garbage Disposal No-Nos
Things that should never, ever go down your garbage disposal include:
1) Coffee grounds (compost them instead)
2) Grease, oil and fat
3) Potato peels, pasta, rice (avoid any starchy foods)
4) Shells and bones
5) Fibrous vegetables (like celery)
6) Fruit pits and hard seeds
7) Too much at one time