In catching up on my reading yesterday I came across 51 Unusual Money-Saving Tips from Readers on Wisebread. I found some of the tips so hysterical that I actually laughed out loud and thought you’d enjoy the article too.
In the spirit of the article, should I disclose my two most unusual money saving tips? Every day I think, “I doubt this would make good fodder for TV since folks might find me a little odd” when I do them. Hmmm….to share or not to share. OK, you wore me down.
First, I replaced my expensive facial moisturizer with baby lotion. Works like a charm and I get a giant bottle on sale with double coupons for $0.50 versus $10+ for the fancy stuff.
My second tip is also cosmetic-related and is unusual because it probably doesn’t save me much money, maybe $2 per year, so why do I do it? Instead of using cotton balls to remove my eye makeup I use exactly two squares of toilet paper. I fold them in half (to make a full size square), then half it two more times and dab with my eye makeup remover.
Your turn: What is the most unusual money-saving tip you use or have heard?
About Carrie Rocha
I read these 51 ideas. Some are funny, some stupid and some out right stealing. Makes you wonder if for real or people were trying to pull the columist leg. Great for a laugh any way. Thanks for finding and sharing. … Grace a Minnesotian living in Texas for the time being. Hello Minnesota.
Ha! I don’t wear make-up at all! That really saves money! (And cottonballs, toilet paper, etc.)
Thanks for sharing a fun post! I think we all have our little things we do… we just don’t always admit it!
From a Minnesotian living in Texas… I rinse out baggies and reuse which is wise of course and turning off the water when brushing my teeth. I also take home any extra napkins from the eating out that we have not used. I rarely by napkins..
When I freeze corn or squash in the fall, I use Cool-whip or Cottage Cheese containers. Not only is it a perfect size for our family of 4, but I don’t have to buy expensive FREEZER bags, and I am saving the environment too!!
Here’s one that’s not too unusual, but its something that I heard of that I thought would be helpful…and to be honest, wouldn’t have thought about on my own. I have recently switched to a prepaid wireless service. TracFone has merged with Verizon Wireless to create the Straight Talk Plan. Straight Talk is a plan that calls for unlimited talk and text for only $45 a month. It also includes 30MB of data for pictures, etc. It’s such a great way to save $$ on cell phone bills AND home phones. You can get rid of your home phone and just use your wireless phone. And since its unlimited talk for $45, you won’t have to worry about overage fees, etc.
Oh my gosh I thought I was the only one who used squares of toilet paper to remove makeup!
Kelly – Truth be known, there might be millions of us out there :)
Hi Carrie-
I also use toilet paper, and I do have cotton balls, but I have to take the child latch off the bathroom cupboard so toilet paper is handier! Anyway some things I do…I use facial lotion equal parts with my foundation and mix it together in my hand and apply. Lighter coverage and its like tinted moisturizer. Also with the Crystal light packets when I make one serving I use half a packet. They go twice as far. When I make frozen juice I add one more can than it calls for which stretches it out. Full strength juice is way too strong for me now…..
Noelle
I use the tiolet paper squares, too. But I do it because I don’t like cotton stuck to my eyelashes from the cotton balls. I also add extra water when making juice. I agree that it’s too sweet without it now. Same with the Crystal Light packets! I thought I was the only one *clever* enough to mix my lotion and foundation together! Sounds like Noelle and I have a lot in common! I also take the extra napkins from restaurants, too, because I know they’ll just throw them out otherwise, which is ridiculously wasteful. Wish I had something to share, but I guess everyone already knows all my “tricks”! LOL
I use the tiolet paper squares, too. But I do it because I don’t like cotton stuck to my eyelashes from the cotton balls. I also add extra water when making juice. I agree that it’s too sweet without it now. Same with the Crystal Light packets! I thought I was the only one *clever* enough to mix my lotion and foundation together! Sounds like Noelle and I have a lot in common! I also take the extra napkins from restaurants, too, because I know they’ll just throw them out otherwise, which is ridiculously wasteful. Wish I had something to share, but I guess everyone already knows all my “tricks”! LOL
Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!
Not sure how to respond to your first money saving tip Carrie!! ;)
Hey – saved 64% at Rainbow today and shared your lovely website info with a man in the cereal isle working the Big G cereal deal – and LWCC!!
Sorry I keep missing you there but the guy said he talked to you last week at Rainbow!! Too funny!
When I buy a new bottle of fabric softener, I always pour half in an old empty bottle then add water to both bottles…now I don’t have to add water to the softener in the washer and I get 2 for the price of 1.
This is my first time to the site and I’m so inspired, I’ll even leave an idea of my own. I travel quite often for work and make a habit of clearing out the compliementary hotel toiletries every morning. The day I leave I even pack my used bar of soap…used all of 2 or 3 times. I haven’t bought soap, shampoo or conditioner, or purse-sized lotion in over 5 years! I’ve even got my dad hooked and now I have so much extra stock I’ve been sending bags of it to my in-laws in Africa.
Love the 51 tips – maybe not truly practical but they were a good laugh. Instead of using TP or cotton balls, I just use a washcloth. One washcloth should last you all week – just use a different corner the first 4 days and then a clean section in the middle the other days. Cheap and eco-friendly too!
My favorite money saving tip right now is dryer balls – I get mine from a company called Norwex but you can buy them in some stores too (although, in my opinion they are not as good quality). You use these instead of dryer sheets and they can last up to 2 years. The best part: do some research on what is in your dryer sheets. Several of the ingredients are on the EPA hazardous chemical list – making dryer sheets probably the most toxic thing in your home. The chemicals are on your clothes and you absorb them through your skin. The fragrances (fumes) are also horrible for anyone with allergies or asthma. There is more but I’ve ‘talked’ long enough :)