OK, today I am going with the flow I keep seeing. Lately on YouTube I have seen some videos on what the things are that people WON'T spend money on!
Interesting subject, I think. It can be anything. It is very different for different folks. Each and everyone have their own personal priorities and wants and needs.
I have thought about this a lot, and I have a small list - I am sure there is so much more.
Now I must say - when I say "won't" - that is a general phrase for me. I never know when a circumstance or situation would change that I MAY purchase some of my NO's. It could happen - life changes. But, for the most part I am pretty sure on items.
ANY CATAGORY - ANY ITEM
- Bottled water - I don't buy. I am fine with my faucet, and I do have a water filter.
- Packaged ice - I make my own. I keep plenty of trays - and make ice ahead if I am having company.
- Anything "designer". Not my thing! IF I found something at a secondhand shop - cheaply - that I LOVED - maybe. Labels mean nothing to me.
- Weed killer for the lawn. I imagine many neighbors dislike me - but no, I will not spray my yard with weed killers of any type.
- Tissues - I use washable hankies or TP. I can't tell you the last time I purchased tissues.
- Cleaning supplies - I make my own. I do buy laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo - but they all get watered down and last forever.
- A pet!!! Never would I purchase a pet from a store or breeder. I would pay a fee to adopt from a rescue shelter.
- Hair care. I cut and color my hair at home. I have done this for over 3 decades. Even before that - I used to perm my hair - and I did that at home as well.
- I don't shop online. I don't - but IF there was something I truly needed, I might.
- If I eat out somewhere (rarely happens) - I won't order pasta dishes! Pasta is about the cheapest ingredients that I can purchase - so I am not going to pay a fortune for a plate of it! (just me)
- Nothing much for full price!!! I try to get everything I can at a discount, sale, coupon deal, or clearance that I can!
- I don't like buying a lot of things new - I do love a thrift store, yard sale or upcycling. I will buy new when necessary - but it will be marked down!
- I rarely buy paper towels or paper plates. I do keep some plates on hand for various uses - but they last forever, and I rarely use. Paper towels were pretty much purchased for kitty yak - now that isn't an issue - so they will last forever. I have lots of pretty paper napkins I bought years ago for .10 a pack at a yard sale - will never have to buy them again!
This is what I can think of off the top of my head. I am sure there is probably more.
I am very interested to see what others say!!!! I think this will be enlightening and informative.
No judgements whatsoever - we are all different with different needs.
What WON'T you buy?????????
I won’t buy paper plates since I have dishes there is no need. This is a great topic! I may have to do one too.
ReplyDeleteI have paper plates I bought ages ago - but they are rarely used. I just wash a dish or 2 for me!
DeleteGo for it - it seems to be a big topic now!
I don't purchase expensive meats, seafood, or exotic fruits that are above my price point. Also on my don't buy list are frozen breakfast meals and foods like breakfast bowls, sausage pancake roll ups, and even eggs type waffles. And no store bought noodle-licious box mixes, though I once in awhile buy crab/salmon cake mixes. Jams, jellies, and even hot cocoa mix don't go in my cart. I try to make my own at home unless it will be more expensive to make at home.
ReplyDeleteLove the list. I don't buy expensive meats or seafood either. You have the right idea - all those things can be made from scratch at home and they taste sooooo much better.
DeleteI refuse to buy meat/cheese or fruit platters. I will make my own. Nor do I buy the next latest thing. Consequently, I still listen to music on a 30-yr-old radio/CD/cassette player (with great sound BTW).
ReplyDeleteI won't pay for call display on my landline; if I want to know who's calling, I answer the phone. And, yes, I still use a flip phone for talking & texting; I don't need a handheld computer to take everywhere I go.
I don't shop for recreation or therapy. Some of my clothes have been around a long time.
Internet connectivity is limited in th rural area where I live. I won't pay for additional data so I can use the latest streaming platform or indulge in unlimited youtube or spotify.
It's 21km to the nearest town so I consolidate errands that require a trip to town.
I won't pay for special workout clothes or classes. I have good walking shoes & the great outdoors not to mention good floor space & what needs doing around my home.
Great list. Platters are so much better when made with what one truly likes.
DeleteDisplay on my landline is just normal - no extra pay. I like that. Flip phone here as well.
I do no 'special' viewing channels - Netflix, Hulu, etc. I do have cable - if that isn't enough I am in trouble!!! LOL
Free exercise - good for you!
I pretty much agree with you. I do buy tissues and bottled water that are for company only otherwise I drink from the tap and the TP takes care of a runny nose or cold. I do have 3 dogs (all rescues) in the house so I need paper towels on occasion. If I eat out it is something I don't make it as good as a restaurant can. I will admit I am sucker for a good burger once in a while. Yes, I can make a burger at home but there is a place in town that makes a really good 1/2pd burger. I treat myself about twice a year. I also on occasion buy an Outback blooming onion to go. I am a bad girl every so often.
ReplyDeleteWell, buying for work is different - got to keep the employees happy!
DeleteI love blooming onions - haven't had one since G has been gone. That place was his favorite. I do still have some GC's for there - may get an onion one of these days soon.
Nothing like a fantastic burger. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself now and then.
Texas, if we don't have a treat now and then, what's the point in being frugal? :-)
DeleteI know, we are frugal by choice. We have a comfortable homes, no debt and can buy anything we NEED, I might want a lot of things but the truth is I do not need them. I do save a lot so I don't feel bad when I treat myself once in while.
DeleteYes Cheryl, you should use those gift cards and treat yourself. I don't like eating out alone but I have no problem with picking up to go orders.
I know it goes against conventional wisdom, but I won't buy a used car. The ones I've had since the mid-'80s have all been someone else's problem that they got rid of. I do not have the strength or equipment to work on cars. I take good care of my cars and put few miles on them. My current car was bought new in 2012 and just turned over 47,000 miles. I drive much less now than I used to, too.
ReplyDeleteLike Mona, I don't shop for recreation or therapy, and I don't need special exercise equipment beyond a good pair of shoes for walking.
I do shop online and use Amazon frequently. I have found some great small businesses first through Amazon and then I buy directly from the company. Amazon is the modern Sears catalog.
We won't buy restaurant/fast food. Nor will we go on vacation. We don't want the latest expensive cell phone just to make calls and receive occasional identity-verifying texts for websites I interact with. I absolutely refuse to pay for cable/satellite/streaming TV and movies.
That makes sense. My last vehicle purchased (2002) was new and it is going strong. Like you, few miles - 66,000 at this time. I did always have used before that, but I was married to a mechanic!
DeleteNo vacations here either. I like your viewing Amazon as the modern Sears.
I do have cable - but could do without probably.
Good list!!
I think the biggest thing I resist is gadgets. I don't need a rice cooker, egg cooker, crockpot, air fryer - pots and pans work just fine. My next goal is to stop buying books and use the library!
ReplyDeleteLove it. I do love my crockpot - but got rid of all the other gadgets! I only buy books at yard sales and thrift - library other than that.
DeleteTwo peas here!!!!!
I try hard to to say "never" or "always" but rather "rarely" or "consistently". When I want or need a new thing, I consistently check for thrift stores first. If they don't have it, I think hard about how useful it will be. I did buy a new air fryer-they weren't yet in thrift stores. We love love love french fries and for 2 people overweight, it saves us a lot of calories plus we're not going out to buy that burger and fries with rare exception. It has paid for itself. I'm not a gadget girl but I did give in to Smartphone.
ReplyDeleteBox mixes although when super sale, I will buy Rice-a-Roni pilaf and Sp Rice. Prepared frozen food/meals-ewwwww. My garden provides all the tomato product we need in a year. I haven't perfected tomato paste and do keep a few cans on hand for those times I can't get my sauces to desired thickness.
Thrift store prices have risen sharply of late. I bought us both new sweatpants as ours are threadbare (we each threw one away this month). New was cheaper than used and I think mine was nearly 20yo. So we're good now for at least 10y! At a total of $60, that's $3/y for each of us. (insert LOL).
I'm sure each of us could go on and on and on......so I will stop here.
Failed to say that $60 was for 6 pair-3 for each of us.
DeleteI've noticed thrift store prices rising, too, Elle. And sometimes (it's rare) you can find better clearance prices. Case in point, Kohl's--at least online--has women's and men's tees and polos for as little as $1.95 right now. The polos are $3-4. Can't find that price in our thrift stores now.
DeleteElise
Elle - Good deal on the sweats. Yes, many thrift prices are getting crazy.
DeleteI did get an air fryer - brand new for $10 at a yard sale. It is nice - but I rarely use. I may get rid of it.
I agree with frozen prepared meals - ick.
Elise that is a great price for shirts
DeleteLike you I will not buy bottled water, though I do purchase tissue because I find most toilet paper are too rough on my nose. I always buy these in bulk and on sale.
ReplyDeleteI will not buy the latest cellphone, because they are stupidly expensive. Samsung went through 13 versions between my last and the one I have now. I also tend to buy the basic - not need for the extra whatevers that comes with the latest and greatest.
Since I've retired, I rarely buy any clothing new, it's all thrift store items. An exception is shoes, as I have extremely high arches and wide feed so finding shoes to fit is an issue.
Like others have mentioned, I don't buy pre-made meals at the grocery stores, including the pre-seasoned meats. I can do the prep at home. I will purchase a veggie tray occasionally when it is heavily discounted (usually after a holiday).
I get the phone thing. People keep giving me grief about mine. I don't need a handheld computer or another camera!
DeleteClothes are usually thrifted for me - my last purchase was new jeans - it had been years. Good shoes are important.
Well, you sure sparked some thought today, Cheryl. Last year saw me buying things I never imagined buying before in my life. Like the pellet stove. Propane gas tank and converters for the gas appliances. Ground mount solar w/back-up battery (they're expensive!!). A firearm. Several tons of rock for the drive and around the foundation of the house.
ReplyDeleteLike Obscure, I don't buy kitchen gadgets anymore. A handful of years ago I sold the KitchenAid mixer, a rice steamer, my bread machine, an Instapot and some other gadgets at a garage sale. It all took up too much space and I'm still able to do "old school". I've scaled WAY back on book buying. No magazine subscriptions anymore. No cable, but we have 2 low cost streaming services, both bought for us as gifts. No landline; I said I'd never get a Smart phone, but have one now.
I guess my motto has become "never say never". I don't buy pre-packaged frozen meals, even pizzas. I don't pay full price on anything unless it's unavoidable. That's extremely rare. I don't buy huge bulk that may go to waste and/or I have no place to store. A few years back I started a new habit that when something comes into the house, something else goes out for donation. Oh, and I'm an anti-fad sort of gal.
;-) Elise
True! Things change over time and we might all need to do things differently. I like the one in - one out motto.
DeleteLife changes and we all need to go with flow.
I have no magazine subscriptions now either. Such clutter for mainly advertising.
I love this conversation!
We canceled our Amazon Prime and don't miss it one bit. We still get free shipping by letting things add up in our cart until we have enough. We don't miss the streaming part because there is so much free content out there that we just don't need it. I doubt we will pay for Prime in the future because honestly very little has changed without it.
ReplyDeleteI have never had that - but I don't buy online. I have cable and some shows I can get streaming. It is usually something that is older - but that is fine with me. Smart way to free shipping!!!
DeleteWe all have our limits, so to speak on, what we will or won't purchase. My oldest brother wouldn't pay for a haircut so his wife cut it for him. My middle brother wouldn't buy bananas if they were more than 25 cents a pound. That's an impossibility these days. I always got a chuckle out of their standards but they probably thought I was silly on some things. ha!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to buy at charity shops except for certain items. Can't justify what some stores are charging for substandard goods. I read the other day (maybe on your comments) that a lady referred to the largest thrift store chain as Greedywill. We bought the Urban Farmer some leather gardening gloves to protect his hands and they were just under $15.00 at Menard's. Costco has the same gloves, 6 pairs for under $30.00. This is a good investment for him as his skin is so thin and we are constantly bandaging little snags and cuts. They are Wells Lamont so they should last for a very long time.
Elise, I checked out Kohl's web site and of course the pickings are slim in my size. You are so right about the prices in the thrift stores. I may go back and look again.
It is interesting what is available at the groceries in the way of pre-cut and chopped veg. I agree with Maebeme...I can do prep work at home.
The sun is shining but it sure is chilly. We got enough snow last night to cover everything. Not thrilled but it is what it is. Better than what lots of folks got this winter. Also not overjoyed about the time change. Unless you want to move to Hawaii or Arizona, we are stuck with it. The spring forward is worse than the fall back...ugh.
I agree - you want quality and sometimes you just have to pay for it. Those are good prices.
DeleteYes, the pricing on pre-cut veggies and fruit is outrageous. You can buy a whole watermelon in the summer for 4.99 - but a very small pack of cut pieces for 6.99!!!!!! Nuts.
The snow is pretty much melted here. Sunny, but cold!
Donna, we're all hard to fit in my family. I'm a short potato dumpling, but was able to snag a few tees and polos in my (plus) size. Some will be stashed away under-bed for when they're needed. That *is* something I do being so hard to fit.
Delete--Elise
We cancelled our Amazon Prime two years ago and haven't regretted the decision. No cable, streaming or other TV services. We have a large DVD collection that provides movie/TV entertainment of our choosing along with books, puzzles and board games to fill our leisure time.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned we don't buy frozen meals, including pizza, or pre-seasoned meats. I enjoy many of the old school ways in the kitchen to include making bread by kneading the dough by hand (no bread machine in my house). So many foods can be made at home and taste so much better than their store-bought versions. Suz in WA
You know there are so many options today for movies and old TV show series at the library as well. I know several people who get videos at the library in all fiends and it costs nothing!
DeleteBooks - my I have so many books I have never read. That is kind of my bucket list - these are old, many antique books.
Yes mam, homemade just tastes so much better!
Many of the things on your "won't buy" list I purchase for the camp trailer. Some campgrounds have no water or a spigot where you haul water. Water on board is reserved for a quick Army shower. And camping is our vacation. Lifetime Senior Pass through the forestry gives you half price on your camp space. I will spent money for haircare because I'm horrid at doing my own hair. I've never owned a new car, but Hubs is mechanical. My current car is close to 30 years old. Thrift store prices ARE up. Greedywill in our area has a 20% off coupon for purchases over $20. You have to sign up online. But I've found clearance items for less than thrift store lately. I have a small Instant Pot for the camper and use it when we have electric hookup. Great one pot cooking. We also use the modern Sears catalog. We try to buy local, BUT have not found the items we need, so back to online. My weakness is books. I do go to the library and used book stores, but there is always one more good book out there.
ReplyDeleteEllie
Central Az
Ellie, if we ever buy a camp trailer--an aunt has 2 for sale, but we're not in a position to buy one now--I'd rethink small kitchen appliances. The whole idea of a camper is easier camping, right? I've never owned a new car, either, but that's an individual thing. And yes, I'm finding far better deals on deep clearance these days.
DeleteWhich reminds me, if I can find a low enough price on hard to find sizes, especially women's plus sizes (slim pickings), I'll even buy for resale. LE cashmere, for example. I've found sweaters for $50 or less after coupon and resold them at the holiday season for $100 or more. I also buy closeout jewelry, mainly pearls and gemstone beads, for jewelry making to resell my own designs.
I forgot to mention that since Supercuts and Fantastic Sam's raised their prices, hubs and I recently started cutting each other's hair. He's gone to a buzz cut, which is super easy. I'm growing out short layers for an eventual short blunt cut that I can grow long if I decide to. For years when my hair was long, I did my own trims or had Hubs do it. --Elise
P.S. Books have been a weakness of mine for decades. Used book stores are addictive (for me). So far I've avoided the two nearest ones.
Ellie camping is a whole new ballgame. I agree there are some things that just make it easier. We had a camper years ago - but we left it in one spot on the river side. So we had a water connection for drinking and flush. That was nice.
DeleteSmall appliances make a world of difference in camping. I used my crockpot forever - no insta pots then.
I can't tell you last time I went to GW - I just remember it was crazy expensive and I walked out.
Books are also my weakness, but since postage has gone up so much, I don't even look at ABE Books online. Our countywide library system has Libby and Hoopla. Both are apps that work on an e-reader, tablet, or laptop computer. I have over 300 books in my Want-to-Read lists! About the only books I will buy are reference books that I would want on hand if the internet ever goes away (never say never!). By the way, both library apps have e-books, audio books and streaming video, all available with a library card, no fee.
DeleteI use Libby. Don't know about Hoopla. I'll check into that. Thanks for the tip. Love the idea for remaking jewelry to your own designs.
DeleteEllie
Central Az
Your thrifty ways are right in line with mine. There is an old cookbook by Better Homes and Gardens that has excellent thrifty recipes and information on managing a household titled 'Low Cost Cooking'. They have a recipe for Rice and Spaghetti pilaf which is 'Rice A Roni'. So cheap and delicious to make with common ingredients in every home. The price of boxed side dishes like rice and pasta meals seems cheap but is actually very expensive compared to home made. Onion, oil, herbs and bouillon powder are all that's required for seasoning. I will not buy wet wipes; they are wreaking havoc with sewer treatment plants. A warm washcloth can be rinsed after use and laundered. Also never bought disposable diapers for my babies. It just seemed wrong to be wasting trees and filling up landfill. I made flannel diapers and had a mildly bleached water bucket for them until they were laundered. Hot water and line dry, preferably in sunshine.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look at flyers these days there is so much prepared food and so little whole veg and plain meat advertised. I don't want that salty or sugar laden junk. Kitchens are designed for pleasant hours spent preparing food from scratch. Why have all the gadgets and appliances if you just zip open a package and nuke it. I take pleasure in using my kitchen stuff, making potions and then hand washing my dishes. I feel lucky.
I might add that I trim my fingernails so they don't split or break when gardening or doing chores. I cannot imagine having long nails, real or fake to interfere with my work. I also like to see women of a certain age (myself included) without makeup. I think we have a natural beauty and that makeup makes us look bizarre. Notice celebrities that have gone off the deep end. Gee, I could go on all day; sorry. Bottom line...do what's right for you in your world.
Yep, my Rice A Roni recipe is seasonings and rice and pasta - that simple. All found at home and cheap.
DeleteI love that you used 'diapers' not pampers. I understand people using them - but the real thing surely feels better! (IMO)
I enjoy washing dishes as well. It seems so relaxing to me. Never had a dishwasher - never will.
I have never had a professional mani or pedi - probably never will. I keep it simple - like you, I am in the dirt in summer - what a waste it would be.
I totally agree about makeup and nails. Threw out all my makeup when I lost my job. If my looks are good enough for the Creator who made me this way, then they are good enough for me!
DeleteLOVE that ATTITUDE Frances. A great way to think about it.
DeleteLike noted above, I'll make my own charcuterie and veggie trays, as well as my own veggie dip. If push comes to shove, I may buy already cut celery and carrots, but ONLY if I'm exceptionally pressed for time. Otherwise, these trays are homemade. I also make my own cheese spready for events, using cream cheese and homemade pepper relish or peach habanerro jam. I also rarely buy single-serve bottled water, unless I'm going to an all-day concert or other outdoor event and will be bringing a cooler with. A 12-pack of pop will last me forever and is a splurge for parties or an occasional beverage. But I refuse to buy pre-made pre-bottled iced tea. I much prefer making my own tea and adding my own sweetener and lemon (or other flavoring). I also no longer buy canned stewed tomatoes for use in cooking, tomato sauce, and spaghetti sauce. I can my own and will only buy commercial if I run out. I've been experimenting on making my own bread and pizza crust, and will soon work on buns and rolls. I've also been experimenting with yogurt and have a recipe for sour cream to try. This summer, I'm going to try canning my own BBQ sauce and will look more into salad dressing mixes.
ReplyDeleteHomemade tea here as well. You can flavor it if desired and sweeten to your pleasure. It is also cheap!!!!
DeleteI love that you are experimenting with new things. Let us know when you hit upon a "keeper" recipe for those things.
I quit cutting my hair in about 1990 and now I wear it in a bun or braid. So easy, so convenient. No trims, no colors. I learned one could make a bun and hold it up all day long with just a pencil!
ReplyDeleteNo bottled water. Dear son gave me a metal water bottle and I fill it at the tap. Easy to carry, lasts forever. Beverages here are water, coffee, milk. I don't use ice, hurts my teeth. Mostly quit buying meat. I have a few cans of turkey, ham, chicken, tuna - so if I have a craving, that'll work. Now if I go out with friends I can have meat or fish and it's a real treat. Also, often we have covered dish connected to church, and there's always some meat there.
Paper towels live under the sink, so they are a very occasional item. (My mother-in-law could not believe it, she went through a roll a week at least.) :D I have kleenex in the car, easier to work with than a roll of TP... and TP has gotten *so expensive*!
Yes, I'm right here with y'all. Short nails, comfy walking shoes, and I have stairs I can climb which is a tough little exercise. Remember how important it is to get down on the floor and then get back up again. Practice practice!
MaryB in NC
MaryB, you reminded me... I haven't had nail polish on since 2002. Don't even think about it anymore. I trim and buff my own nails. And Rita reminded me I stopped wearing makeup last year when we were staying with our son while waiting for our house to be finished. I hadn't brought any with me and couldn't justify buying more. My mom would have a fit. She still wears makeup everyday at 90. But in letting myself go gray, both she and my big sis stopped dying their hair. Who knew I was an "influencer"? LOL!
DeleteElise
I have my 'to go' drinks containers as well. They work well.
DeleteInteresting on such little meat. Probably a good thing - but I do love my meat. It surely would make it a treat.
LOL - on getting up off the floor! I can still do it - but it is a little tougher. I was at a family function over Christmas, and most gasped, when I just jumped up off the floor after sitting cross-legged. LOL - made me feel pretty good, as many were younger than me.
You guys have hit most of mine. I do keep a small amount of paper products in the emergency kit. If you have no water, you can't wash dishes! A roll of paper towels lasts us a really long time. I'll have to date the next one we buy. I save nearly every scrap of cloth for rags. We have a YAK bag of old underwear just for pet issues...yakking or rolling in goose poop! Those go straight to the trash.
ReplyDeleteI've never bought a new TV. Our current relic is at least 25 yrs. old and we got it from our priest! We call it Blinky now because Its days are numbered lol. It blinks for the first 5-10 minutes it's on. Since everything new is garbage in a year, the odds of finding a used one are slim.
I've never owned an electric can opener. We've always used a bread maker because I can't knead without pain. Our first was a wedding gift and our current one was $5 at a church rummage sale. Not bad for 30 yrs. My crockpot is not a gadget in my house, but a very economical way to cook. I use it probably 3x for every single oven use. Way cheaper.
My hair is a love hate relationship. Red. I hated it until I was about 13. Before that, I so wished it was brown! It's always been dry as a tumbleweed and a P A I N to deal with. I made peace with it until bristly charcoal hairs started sticking up and the I started using a semi permanent dye on it in my mid 40s. Then came the 50s and supply problems. And the final straw was Bozo red. Now I have it dyed and I'm back to wishing it was just plain old brown for the ease of color shopping! My grey hairs are so ugly colored. The whole look is long steel wool. But I'm not ready to go all Ugly Hag just yet and my salonist makes it look so natural. I've only had it professionally done for less than 3 yrs. now so at 60, I'm not gonna complain too much. And I only ever paid for 1 manicure when I got married! At some point, all redheads either go grey or go Bozo so the decision will be made for me at the dye factory lol.
Aside from my hair, which is a recent thing, I'm pretty darn cheap!
Several of my friends think I'm somehow wired differently because I live this way. You know, because they simply *couldn't* give things up. Insert my big eye roll here lol.
You may be wired differently - but that is OK. So are all of us!!
DeleteIf the prof. hair treatments is your splurge and makes you feel good - not a thing wrong with that!
I don't have an electric can opener either. Tried one years and years ago - and a hand one was just easier to me.
Hope Blinky holds on for a while. You might find a used one at thrift stores - you will have to put the word out - someone will have one.
I agree with many of these, although I enjoy gourmet food to the max. I guess I need to make a list myself.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Eat what you enjoy. I have never much even had gourmet food - so not something I would miss.
DeleteWe all need to do what makes us happy. That is a huge part of life in my opinion.
This is an interesting one, because what one person can happily do without is a necessity for another. A lot of what you mention Cheryl I do actually buy, kitchen roll and bottled water I buy for very specific purposes too complicated to go into here, but I doubt I buy them even once a year. Tissues I do buy, invaluable when public facilities don't have TP and more than once I have given a packet to someone in obvious emotional distress in public but without any tissues of their own. I hope someone would do likewise for me should the need ever arise.
ReplyDeleteI do pay for haircuts because honestly, I would look like a scarecrow if I tried to do my own.
I do have some designer stuff, but it's all from charity shops and I have to love it, I never pay a lot.
I don't have a car and haven't had one for about 18 years now. I hate driving and I can live without the expense and responsibility
I don't buy pretentious food or prepared fruit and veg, unless it's on clearance for pennies.
I don't buy new books, all mine are either free or bought in charity shops.
I won't pay for a TV licence ( I think it's about £175 a year for the 5 terrestrial channels) so I haven't had a TV in over 20 years.
So a it's all down to the individual and their particular choices.
Yes, it is all different for each person. That is what is neat about this - I just love seeing the answers! It sounds like you have a great handle on finances, and know a deal when you see it. Not sure I could handle not having a car - nothing is all that close to walk to - and public transportation scares me.
DeleteI loe that we are all so different, and yet the same!!!!!
The only time I ever buy bottled water is if the city does not give me enough time to fill containers. It is usually water from the tap here, mostly filtered through our Brita.
ReplyDeleteI no longer purchase wrapping paper or gift bags, I have more than enough made or saved paper.
So your list is much like mine would be.
God bless.
That makes great sense about the water - I would probably have to do the same if no notice.
DeleteI don't buy paper or bags either - haven't in ages. I bought so many for next to nothing, no need for more.
Oh my, it's hard to write anything here that hasn't already been mentioned. : )
ReplyDeleteI stay away from designer labels, Usually Walmart works for me if it's a good cotton fabric. I enjoy Walmart's jogging shoes, very nice, and I put my own insoles in them anyhow. Sometimes I'll buy a new dress at Kohl's because of a good cool fabric and the price is cheaper than making it, buttons, collar and finicky fabric to sew with, I use deals on that too. I also recently found soft cotton knit pjs at Kohl's and that was worth it for me because cotton pjs are sooooo hard to find!
I don't paint my finger nails just my toesies with a healthy nail polish only in warm weather. When I have painted my finger nails as when my daughters get married, it's clear. I cannot imagine going to a manicure place...Oh my gosh...just the smell of those places. Very toxic it seems to me. Yikes.
I carry my own water bottle, do my own hair and color my own hair with Nutratint.
I don't like gimmicky things or gadgets either however my daughter and I do use my instant pot almost every day. I have a crockpot too.
Peach hibiscus tea is what I make from bags almost every day, it's so good.
I do eat skinny pop already made in the bag, it's from Sam's and half the price per ounce than Walmart. The reason why I eat that is because it's good oils and non gmo popcorn and it's tender and doesn't hurt my teeth! lol So, I will pay for quality that's important for us.
I've gotten where I buy only white tissue paper for gifts, it's way easier to store and cheaper and I just use curly ribbon with it to jazz it up.
Makeup, I wear it but it's not expensive unless it's a health issue that is important to me and I do try to stick with the 'not tested on animals' ones. Wet n Wild brand mascara can be found at the Dollar Tree and it's fine. I buy the water proof one from Walmart and it's a few dollars. I also observe which country it's made in.
Oh well, I doubt I've shared anything new but it's kinda fun to think about!
P.S. We don't have cable, we use a tevo system on our tv and it allows me to tape programs and fast forward commercials plus an online program.
Take care ya'll, just made it back with our little 'Missy Christmas'. She has a collar on, oh my and the vet removed one of her teeth that looked rotted and praise the Lord he didn't charge me for that probably because it popped right out! She's resting now here at home sweet home. : )
Have a sweet evening everyone!
P.S.S. I use the white tissue paper for my gift bags and boxes.
ReplyDeleteLove keeping the tissue paper! My family makes fun of me - because I keep everyone's - they all throw it away.
DeleteIt sounds like we think a lot alike. Many of us so the same things - I love seeing all the ideas.
I am so happy your baby is home and doing well. That was really nice of the vet. Take care of that baby!!!!!
1. New books, I buy used from thrift stores, rummage sales, and garage sales.
ReplyDelete2. Hamburger helper
3. Amazon Prime
4. Prepared food from Grocery Store unless it is on Flash food.
5. New for 2023 - No more magazine subscriptions. I share 2 subscriptions with my sister.
6. New cars
7. New work wardrobe for each year.
This last one on your list reminds of an awful acquaintance of mine that bought a new summer and winter wardrobe each year. She technically was years ahead of the “ capsule wardrobe” concept.
DeleteLouise.
Amy - good list. I rarely buy new clothes - jeans in the past couple years and that is it. If I buy I buy 2nd hand.
DeleteSo many have a lot of the same items. Great minds!!!!!
Hi Cheryl and all you blog followers. I love this post and all the comments. I do have to use some convenience foods as I can't stand to cook like I used to. However, what I buy is reduced or on deep sale. I wash ziplocks and use until the zip quits on me, then I fold them over and secure with a rubber band. I never pay more for anything than I have to. Hubs shops carefully too, and uses coupons. I thank you all for your great tips, and for sharing your faith ,a real inspiration for me. xo Cindy/WV
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that your hubby is on board with the deals as well. A lot of guys don't want to bother with coupons - I love yours does.
DeleteHey, we all do what works for us. If you don't like cooking much anymore - it is wise to do what works and makes you happy. So glad you are here and join in!
I didn't mean I can't stand to cook, I meant I can't stand long. I am happy to be here . THX
DeleteGot it!!!!!!! Take care
DeleteI never buy expensive cuts of meat at all, never did. I make all my napkins and have never bought cloth napkins. For years I made all my clothes, including panties, slips, and bras. So, now that I have to buy these things, I am annoyed. I only have bought cheap things. I was given some things but took them back and got three nice outfits.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to stand, so I use a few more convenience foods than I ever did. However, between Tommy and I we manage to get it all cooked and cheaply.
I never buy birthday or other occassion cards.I buy them from thrift stores or yard sales and have a good supply. I do have boxes bought new of birthday cards, sympathy cards and plain cards. I figure I spend about ten cents per card instead of dollars or even fifty cents.
For years I used wash cloths instead of tp. I did have some cut up tshirts if I needed something to wipe on that I did not want to wash I could just throw it away. But, I never used disposable diapers for my three babies, so I am not squeamish.
Okay, I will stop.
Sounds like you have sone well over the years. Wow on making your under garments - that is impressive. I have never known anyone that did that.
DeleteI love boxed cards - I have birthday and sympathy for sending. They are lovely and cost a lot less.
Keep up the good work.