My Favorite Two Resources for Frugality

Without further ado, here are my two favorite resources:

1. The Dollar Stretcher. This free ezine is the only one I subscribe to, with the exception of the twice-weekly Tips that also are produced by the same people. I almost always learn something new, and they have never sent me one piece of marketing info or ads. I've been subscribing to them since 1997 (they began in 1996). Their web site contains tips and research on almost anything frugal that you'd like to know.

2. The Complete Tightwad Gazette (available at most online bookstores). A woman in Maine ran this phenomenal newsletter from 1990 to 1996, and you can read every word of it in this huge book. I've tried many ideas from her book, and they have saved us a lot of money. I must warn you, she includes some ideas that a lot of people would find extreme, but you can take and choose--no one says you have to start Dumpster-diving for food behind the grocery store (one of her columns) if you don't want to. Simply read it with an open mind. I re-read my copy cover to cover at least once a year.

Do you have favorite resources or topics you want addressed on this blog? If you'd like, share them in the comments section of the blog. I want to hear from you.

Finally, I've decided to post money-saving tips each week. Some of them may not be new to you, if you've been practicing frugality for a while, but I feel the need to include tips for all levels of penny-pinchers. Education is part of the reason I started the blog. I plan to begin the weekly tips later this week.

For now, here's a fairly basic one that can save you money if you're a person with longer hair. Regardless of the shampoo you use, cut it with plain water up to fifty percent, using an empty shampoo bottle to store your fifty-fifty mix. Shake it well. It will be ready to use the next time you wash your hair. I promise you, your hair will get just as clean, and you'll save money.

As for conditioner, if your hair needs it, work in as small an amount as possible, then use a big-toothed comb to comb out tangles before you rinse. You'll be surprised how much easier it is to deal with your hair afterwards. I have longish hair that is brittle near the ends from too much former coloring, and this technique saves me both money on conditioner and aggravation with my hair when I comb it out after my shower.