The Non-Consumer Advocate

This week’s Five Frugal Things has a medical theme. Sorry. Which you’ll soon understand.

1. First off, my husband is having hip surgery in a few weeks, which will require short term use of crutches. I happen to notice that Goodwill had a section of new looking crutches, so husband picked out a set to match his height. I’m not sure how much we would have been charged after insurance, but I’m guessing it would have been more than the $8 we paid. Plus, this purchase extends the life of a perfectly functional item instead of buying something that’ll only be used over a couple of days.

2. I had my annual physical  a few weeks ago with a new doctor, and as I just turned fifty, she wanted me to undergo a couple different medical screenings. Specifically, a mammogram and a colonoscopy. (Hello . . . fifty!) However, I’m firm believer in preventative medicine, so I dutifully made my colonoscopy appointment. The clinic called to get my information, as well as send in a prescription for the bowel prep laxative treatment. However, the man mentioned that sometimes insurance doesn’t pay, so I could just come by the office to pick up a kit for free. Free bowel prep?! You can guess the exciting end of this story! Yup, I drove over to the clinic and nabbed my free prep. Crappiest frugal hack ever!

3. The day before and the morning of the procedure was clear liquids only. I made Jello from the box instead of buying the plastic cups of pre-made Jello and I drank tea and broth from supplies on hand. I did buy a couple cans of pear soda from Ikea, but only drank one as it was revoltingly sweet.

4. I was given a thick plastic bag to put my belongings in during the procedure. I brought it home to use as a garbage can liner.

5. Although my husband and I have health insurance through his employer, it’s actually pretty lousy. And because I might be the cheapest person who ever lived, I decided to have the procedure without any anesthesia. I figured that if I could have a baby without an epidural, I could do this as well. Couldn’t be worse, right? (Please do not read this as medical advice. I am a big weirdo who goes to extreme lengths to save money, plus I apparently have bizarrely high pain tolerance. Do not follow my example!) The nurses and doctor were apprehensive, but trusted that as an RN I was making an informed decision.

   Was it uncomfortable? Sure. Although it was more crampy than acutely painful. I actually really appreciated that I was awake during the procedure, as I able to ask questions in real time and be part of my own process. Plus, it took much less time as I didn’t have to come out of anesthesia. How much did this choice save me? The cost of anesthesia was $247, although the anesthetist was still required to be in the room, so it was probably just the cost of medication and IV fluids. (Again, I may be the cheapest woman ever to live.)

   Why am I sharing such deeply personal information with thousands of blog readers? Because I feel that preventative medicine is important and shouldn’t be avoided. Even if the area of the body is uncomfortable to talk about. Hey, if I can get a colonoscopy without any pain management, you can do it the regular way. Next up . . . mammogram!

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. I bought an entire gallon of milk, even though my husband and I hardly go through that much now that it’s just the two of us. (I did so because the cost of the gallon was on sale for just twenty or thirty cents more than a half-gallon.) I came home and froze half the milk in an empty half-gallon jug and am looking forward to not buying milk for quite awhile. Not only does this save us money, but we’re being proactive about minimizing our food waste, which is key. Plan ahead to avoid food waste instead of waiting until it’s imminent.

2. I plucked a dirty broken looking rotary phone from a garbage/free pile and brought it home for a beauty makeover. Not only did I wipe it down with a damp cloth, but I also took it apart to inspect and then opened a pack of Sugru to anchor a few pieces into place. I don’t plan on using the phone for its functional purpose as I don’t have a landline in the house, but my guess is that it does work. (I used the rest of the Sugru packet to fix a stripped iPhone charger cord.) I have a number of cool old rotary phones in the living room, and this one fits in just perfectly. And on budget!

3. I stopped into the main Goodwill and and picked up a couple of items including an unpackaged set of six brand new underwear for $5, a pair of pajama pants for my son, a fabric lined basket for winter gear and two CDs for my son. I’m most excited about the underwear, as I recently threw away two pairs and was getting low. (Admit it, you’re jealous of my glamorous lifestyle!)

4. I worked two days and brought all my own meals and snacks from home, I enjoyed a free slice of cake from a neighborhood grocery store, I gifted a basket to another member of my neighborhood’s buy nothing group, I found three dollar bills on the ground while out to lunch with my father, (which proves the point that there is such thing as free lunch, and actually such thing as a paid free lunch!) I renewed my library books and I washed my flannel sheets and immediately put them back on the bed, which flies against the traditional advice to own three sets of each type of sheets in order to have one in use, one in the wash and one in the cupboard. It’s okay to own less and just plan your laundry days accordingly.

5. I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.

Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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The following blog post first appeared over at ClarkHoward.com.

If you’re a fan of Clark Howard, you probably make a habit of scanning the internet for fresh money saving tips. Sadly, most articles offer the same tired advice such as “lose that latté habit” and “pack a work lunch from home.” As a personal finance writer, nothing annoys me more than clickbait articles that promise original content and deliver absolute zero. However, every so often I come across a frugal hack that ventures beyond the obvious.

Try these frugal tips to further your budget:éé

Scoop less:

Many of us mindlessly fill the scoop that comes with our laundry detergent, which means we end up using far more product than necessary. Instead, remove the big scoop that comes with the product and replace it with a smaller scoop. (I use the tiny scoop that comes with my knock-off Oxyclean.) If you read the small print on your laundry and dishwasher detergent, you’ll see that the larger amounts are only recommended for truly filthy loads. You can always add more if necessary, but I’ve found that a small scoop does the trick for my family’s minimally soiled laundry.

Cut it in half:

Kitchen sponges and steel wool pads are both perfect candidates to be doubled by the simple act of cutting in half. Especially the steel wool pads, as they often lose their integrity after a single use. Still in good shape after that use? Avoid rust by popping it in the freezer for later.

Choose the inconvenient parking spot:

Instead of burning fuel by circling the lot, pull into a less desirable parking spot that cuts down on your driving and adds a few extra steps into your day. Save gas while increasing your exercise? Win-win!

Be kind to your socks:

If you find that your socks wear out too quickly you may want to follow this tip. Keep your toenails clipped short and your heels soft and moisturized. Rough heels and long toenails are hard on socks, which decreases their life expectancy. Gross but true.

Fill empty space in your freezer:

An empty freezer requires more energy to stay cold, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a bundle in the frozen food aisle. Instead, take clean plastic milk jugs and and fill them 3/4 full and set into your freezer. (The water will expand as it freezes.) Screw the lids back on once frozen and enjoy the savings.

Become a stain removal scholar:

The internet is rich with stain removal advice, but I’m a fan of the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/dawn detergent combination to remove even set in stains. I’ve scored some stained but otherwise amazing items from thrift stores that just needed this TLC to bring them back to life. Don’t give up on fabric items just because they’re stained.

Switch to LED lightbulbs:

Gone are the days when energy efficient LED bulbs cost upwards of $8 apiece. Dollar Tree sells them for a buck apiece and many utility companies offer them for free through state specific green living initiatives. I even had someone tell me that their utility company gave them out for free when paying their bill in person.

Find your local Buy Nothing group:

Buy nothing groups have sprung up all over the world, and are a great boon to those looking to step away from traditional consumerism. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, these neighborhood specific online groups can stretch your hard earned dollars. Click on BuyNothing.org to find your local group.

Portion out less to small children:

Any parent will attest to the fact that little kids waste a lot of food. Make it a habit to serve less with the opportunity for seconds instead of portioning out full servings that inevitably get scraped into the compost.

Scope out your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore:

Habitat ReStores may have random inventory, but they may still contain the exact supplies you’re looking for. Since the cost of your paint, stain or home maintenance supplies are pennies on the dollar when compared to a traditional hardware store, you’re sure to stay on budget. Click HERE to find your closest ReStore. (Plus there’s the benefit that your money is directed towards helping those in need.)

Cut it open:

Whether it’s a tube of toothpaste, a bottle of lotion or a beauty product, chances are that you’re missing out on a significant amount of product due to the packaging design. You’d be surprised how much can cling to the sides of a bottle or tube even after it’s been turned upside down.

Check out your local library:

You already know that libraries have free books, and you’re probably already aware that they offer e-books and various digital downloads as well. But you’re likely unaware of all the additional free stuff you can source for free. From cultural passes to toys, kitchen supplies to SAT prep classes, your local libraries offer more than you know.

Track your spending:

It’s easy to ignore small regular expenditures like lunches out or pick-me-up purchases, but writing it down makes it real. Budgeting not only quantifies your spending, but gives a concrete incentive to cost cutting measures such as cooking at home or avoiding mindless impulse purchases.

Unsubscribe to retail emails:

It’s easier to resist temptation if you’re never exposed to it in the first place. Every commercial email should have an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom, which not only serves to minimize shopping temptation, but also clears up your inbox.

Listen to financial podcasts for entertainment:

You probably already know that you can listen to the Clark Howard show through your computer or smartphone, but there are countless other podcasts that offer both ideas and inspiration to keep you on the financial straight and narrow. Need suggestions? You could take a listen to Pour Not Poor, NPR’s Planet Money or You Need a Budget to transform your otherwise dull commute into a lesson in financial literacy.

Put your embarrassment aside:

This tip is easier said than done. But if you can be that person who plucks reusable gift bags from the garbage at work, accepts hand me downs and finds contentedness from the simple things in life, you have the potential to save thousands of dollars throughout your life. Pride can be a significant barrier to living within your means. Set it aside, and remind yourself that you don’t need to keep up with the Joneses. 

Conclusion:

It’s doubtful that all sixteen of these frugal tips will be new to you, but if you incorporate even a couple into your daily routine you’ll still set yourself up for savings. I’ve been writing about frugality for almost two decades, but I still come across the occasional new idea. Hopefully there’s one or two in this list to make your life and finances a little easier.

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1. I noticed that my refrigerator was empty while my freezer was full, so I spent a hour or so remedying the situation. I was able to pull out enough food for multiple meals and make use of my already paid for food. I only composted a few items, most notably the above wrinkly orb that bore a striking resemblance to . . . umm . . . a certain male anatomical feature. There’s something so satisfying about creating order from chaos. Makes me feel happy, certainly doesn’t make me feel testy.

2. I walked to the grocery store this morning, even though it was the last thing on earth I felt like doing. (It was very cold out, and I am an unabashed wimp!) However, I found a dime on the ground, which would certainly not have grabbed my attention had I been driving. I used coupons for 40¢-off eggs as well as a free box of cereal.

3. I worked over the weekend and although I only brought my lunch the first day, (note the above reference to am empty refrigerator) I did pack snacks such as fruit and eggs. This way I only had to buy my main meal from the hospital cafeteria. ($4.40 for salmon and a kale salad.) However, I waited until after 2 P.M. when the salad bar price went down 25%. I also make myself a cup of coffee on the labor and delivery unit even though I’d been floated to another unit.

4. I saved up my plastic bags to give to my friend who uses them when walking her dog, I set aside a couple of bowls and mugs for my Buy Nothing Group, I made an appointment for some preventative medical care and I cut up severely bruised apples and topped them with frozen chunks of pie crust to create a weird mini-pie as an afternoon treat.

5. I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.

Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. I threw some Dollar Tree pinto beans into the crockpot in a pointless desperate gesture to balance out having just spent thousands of dollars maintaining our 2005 minivan. I joked to the mechanic that I was going through the five stages of grief:

1. Denial – It couldn’t possibly cost that much, this must be some kind of joke!

2. Anger – Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

3. Bargaining – Hey there, friendly mechanic. Would you like to trade good and services for some mushy pinto beans?

4. Depression – Will this nightmare never end? I think I need a nap.

5. Acceptance – I guess I’m just going to have to eat a lot of dried beans. Ooh look . . . my minivan suddenly drives much smoother now.

You know. Normal stuff that’s part of regularly scheduled automobile maintenance.

2. I ate pinto beans for dinner.

Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. Our mechanic called yesterday afternoon to review all the things we’re having fixed on our 2005 minivan. This included a non-functional seat belt switch for the air bag circuit. However, she suggested that I call a Honda dealership to investigate whether this repair would be covered under the original warranty as it’s a safety issue. Unfortunately the dealership where we bought the car is no longer in business, so I left messages with a couple other ones. I got a call back, and after a few phone calls I got the good news that yes, Honda would pay to repair this issue. This saves us $238, which is always a “frugal thing.”

2. I sold a pair of vintage boxing gloves and a Build-A-Bear Workshop outfit on eBay, and am also negotiating on a pair of 1965 Snoopy waterskis that I picked up at Goodwill awhile back. The buyer doesn’t like the shipping cost, but they’re solid wood and heavy which is out of my control.

3. I spent an hour or so raking leaves and doing general outdoor landscaping maintenance. Very few people hire this out in my neighborhood, which is a different story from where my parents live. I really didn’t feel like exerting myself and getting dirty, but the sun was out, the driveway was empty due to car being at the mechanic and I told myself that sometimes “being an adult means doing things you don’t want to do.” Of course the hardest part was getting myself to start the chore, which ended up being benignly pleasant and satisfying in the end.

4. I walked to the grocery store and bought grocery staples without succumbing to any impulse purchases, I physically mailed my younger son’s rent check as the money somehow didn’t automatically come out of our account as it normally does, (and I talked to someone to let them know that I wouldn’t be paying the $50 late fee as the problem is on their end) I put together a couple of new eBay listings and I’m using up a small bar of hotel soap that I brought home from dropping my son off at school last month.

5. I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.

Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. You may have noticed that The Non-Consumer Advocate was down for a couple of days with this message:

   My web hosting company shut down the blog due to mysterious malware. Here’s the message I received:

   “There are multiple suspicious files detected on your website, I am afraid that we cannot allow the public access to your website as it puts our whole server infrastructure in risk of inheriting a bad reputation.” (“A bad reputation?” Sounds like the other girls at school might start whispering about her. Wouldn’t want that to happen!) I finally threw some money at the situation, ($79 to be exact) and hired wpfixit.com to fix the issue. Money well spent. But, damn!

2. My husband and I have been driving the same Honda minivan since 2005, which finally rolled past 100,00 miles. It’s never given us any a moment of trouble, but 13 years is a lot of time and our mechanic had increasingly been suggesting maintenance and repair work. We’re finally pulling the trigger. The mechanic called to confirm the bid this morning, which caused me to ask if “that quote includes a month in Europe.” She laughed. I didn’t.

   Goodbye, Gdansk. Hello, functional minivan.

3. I drove eight hours over the weekend to pick up my son and then return him back to college. His friend was having an art opening here in Portland, and I really wanted my son to support him. Of course having my son in town prompted a number of restaurant meals, which were delicious but exponentially more expensive than home cooking.

4. I bought a $2 cup of coffee after dropping my son off at school and spontaneously decided to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. The “sprinkle” turned into a deluge and ruined my late night treat. I tried to get the clerk’s attention, but she was busy with other customers and I wasn’t in the mood to play the role of “pushy customer.” I valiantly tried to drink it down as I abhor food waste, but finally dumped it down the drain. Blegh.

5. My cats have utterly ruined the arms of the amazing $30 vintage love seat that I picked up a few years ago. They’d never ruined any other furniture, but you know . . . cats are jerks. My mother is going to sew antimacassars as my birthday gift, but I’d rather it not be ruined in the first place. However, the recent Buttload of Cats song from Crazy-Ex-Girlfriend put a humorous spin on the situation. I’m not sure that two cats can be considered a “buttload,” but they can still enact some major damage.

Now your turn. What frugal fails have been derailing your non-consumer efforts?

Katy Wolk-Stanley    

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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