Live frugally and resourcefully. Here are a few tips:
-replace zippers in coats, it’s easy, take your time, save a ton of money. Even if you have to hire someone to do it, it is way cheaper than buying a new coat.
-don’t buy packaged or over-packaged food, learn how to cook, bake bread, make things from scratch
-educate yourself on quality, buy beat up used furniture and refinish, you can end up with a great piece of furniture with only a little bit of work for next to nothing
-repair your computers and devices or find someone local to do it.
-if you MUST replace appliances, buy basic hardworking non-computerized, metal component items either new or used. In future, you will be able to repair yourself and chances are they will last much longer. Unless you are a tech pro, you won’t be able to fix computerized parts in appliances. I replaced a computerized sewing machine that cost as much as a used car when IT was used with a basic non-computer new one. It will last until I’m long dead and cost a fraction of the price.
-find better ways of doing things such as using a metal or wooden soil blockers for starting seedlings in stead of plastic sectioned trays that only last a season or 2 then end up in the landfill.
-in the ethnic sections of grocery stores you can buy bulk packages of single spices and herbs way cheaper than little bottles to make your own blends such as curry powder, taco seasoning, meat rubs, etc. Use mason jars to store everything in. If you have a bulk barn nearby you can even reuse your own bags to buy in.
-put your leftover meals in the freezer in portions right after dinner. You avoid forgetting to use them and having to throw out food. End of the week, you have healthy ready-made food and spreading out the meals so that you don't have to eat the same thing multiple days in a row.
-you can get a lot more wear out of old runners by only replacing the insole
-I just rebuilt my home first aid station. I have quality bought kits for the vehicles but for at home, the ready-made kits have lots of unnecessary fillers. I bought various sized gauze pads, tape, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, bactine spray, polysporin, big packs of bandaids, etc. as these are the things we use at home. I keep ice packs in the freezer and a heat pad for muscle stuff. Consider the usual type of injuries with regards to your lifestyle and stock accordingly.
-learn how to replace handles on axes, shovels, garden tools etc. And when buying these tools, make sure they have replaceable handles as some new plastic or hastily welded ones are not replaceable.
-I NEVER throw out a scrap of wood, ever. I have used every single little piece in some place, somewhere on my property.
