**Bumped, 8/23/22 8:30pm ET**
My jaw came near the floor when I opened July’s electricity bill to find a notification of a 28% increase in electricity rates, effective immediately. An increase of 28%…. just like that. This month, August, even higher with less use.
After the initial shock wore off, I started thinking about what this means to the working-class people in my community.
Already struggling with a doubling of gas prices, massive food price increases at the grocery store and the pain of all costs for goods far outpacing any rate of wage increase, this type of uncontrollable increase in price of electricity is going to hit hard.
In the past we have used CTH threads to spotlight the smart thinking and resourcefulness of Treepers from all walks of life. A discussion thread where people can share tips, things that can actually be done, to help offset the financial pressures during severe economic times. I think we may all benefit from starting a series of post like that again.
Let us share our wisdom and experience again. There are many thousand who will benefit, as I have always done, from reading your smart tips and suggestions.
What ideas, tips and suggestions do you have to help people save money on ordinary life and living expenses?
These are painful economic times and the stress that is caused by financial worry is some of the most horrific family stress that people can face. Let us come together with tips as a community to help each other. No suggestion is too small. What advice do you have that can help people save money on monthly expenses?
During one of our previous discussions someone gave a tip about putting a clean dry towel in the clothes dryer as a way of cutting down drying time and energy used. I tried it and jumping ju-ju-bones it worked fantastically. Simply putting a dry towel into the dryer when you add the wet clothes from the washer reduces laundry drying time by around 25%. Not only does that save time, but it also saves money – and it was so simple.
So, what suggestions do you have? Tips about anything and everything that might lower the monthly cost of ordinary life. No tip is too small. No suggestion is too odd. Your advice can/will make a difference.
Please use the comments section to drop your advice.
Thanks again for being part of our fellowship.
Love to all.
Leave the extractor fan on in the kitchen to save on air conditioning. Even when you’re not cooking, heat is being generated all the time from pilot lights and the back of the refrigerator. The extractor fan will suck that heat out before it can heat up the rest of the house.
I am a household of one. In winter, my thermostat is set on 60 while swaddled in numerous blankets. Ceiling and a box fan in summer. I sure miss a/c. Passing items up in the grocery store that I purchased, ‘just because.’ I use a flip phone (includes data), and have no internet run into my house (have learned to live w/o). Minimal sat package. It costs me as much to mow as it did to drive to work. I’m white-hot mad that our govt and the WEF are doing this on purpose.
I live in the southeast, and have no central HVAC. I use a wood stove in the winter and temps in the house can dip into the 50s. The stove room is warm when the stove is running. And I use a window AC (only) or dehumidifier. So I have a seasonal 30-degree temp swing, from about 56-86.
Speaking of drive to work… Always check your GPS navigation app’s alternate routes or avoid tolls altogether. You’d be amazed at the amount you can save on tolls without adding hardly any travel time or miles. I regularly drive a route that is 1h 15 minutes. If I take the tolled route, it’s 1h 5 minutes and costs $20. Another route I do often is $70 and takes 6h 20 minutes. The completely free route takes 7 hours. That’s EACH way for both of them.
I’m not saying it’s always worth it, but it’s always worth checking.
I find non toll roads to often be lower stress drives as well. I arrive better.
Apologies if this was already suggested, but if you have an oil burner for heat/hot water: during the summer turn the boiler’s thermostat down to min 120 degrees F and the max to 140 degrees F. In the winter, these numbers should be 160 deg. F and 180 deg. F, respectively, in order to be effective for heating purposes.
Wrap all of your exposed hot water pipes in boiler area to maximize efficiency.
After an astronomically high oil bill for our last tank refill, my wife and I had to get creative!
33% jump in one bill. I can’t wait until I have a car to plug in. Not.
I hear you. 🤣🤣
My 36 month plan expires in August. I was paying 9.7 cents per kWh. The new rate is 16.7 cents. Can’t wait for that one.
We are already at .151 here in Ky. I moved here in 2007…it was .085
With 1.4 K comments already these are probably redundant.
Here’s one that may be out of the box for city apartment dwellers: get a middle unit if possible, occupied apartments above and below. That will help on heating and cooling bills.
Other ideas:
The last is a great idea because bottled ice in our freezer saved our food when a storm brought down the power lines. The bottles of ice can be transferred to a cooler where you can temporarily store food or, especially, condiments that won’t fit in the fridge or freezer until you make more room.
An anecdote: We learned to live frugally way back when my spouse was in grad school and I worked for near-minimum wages. Much of the food we survived on because it was, at the time, cheap, now goes for a premium. Examples: chicken wings and thighs, lamb shoulder chops, round steak, monk fish, beef shanks/ox tails.
One of the cheapest, healthiest meals you can make: home cooked pinto beans, corn tortillas (homemade or bought), and sopa (Mexican rice). Grow some tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro, add an onion and you have salsa.
In line with making tortillas… Learn to make pizza dough. It’s tough the first few times but once you learn the “feeling” of the dough, it’s super easy and wayyyyyy cheaper than buying pizza. I can make two or three pizzas for about $5 with supplies from Aldi’s. In my area, at a typical pizza place, it would cost around $40. It is soooo good too. Plus it’s fun to do with the family for movie night or something similar. Well worth the investment in learning how to do it. Use the same dough to make strombolis.
And while on the topic of dough, don’t let bread go to waste. Something that always seemed to happen in my house. When it gets close to expiring. make french toast, cut it, and freeze it in sticks for the kid’s breakfast. Or my favorite…. Learn to make stuffing.
RE: old bread
I cube older bread, brush it with butter or olive oil, add some seasonings and bake at a low temp for about 20 minutes. Makes great croutons.
Older bread is good for bread dumplings: I freeze my bread heels, then when I have enough of them, I unfreeze them, cube them, add one egg, a bit of water, salt & pepper to taste, roll into balls, and put them in crock pot with sauerkraut (and maybe a bratwurst or two, or cut up/fried bacon, or ham hocks….). Can you tell I come from German stock???
Bread and butter pudding (made with old bread)made with an egg custard (eggs+milk+bit of sugar) can be a meal or a dessert
No need for butter
Can spread with a sliver of jam.
You lost me at bake…cost for 20 minutes? I’m missing my great biscuits because of that cost using the oven.
I stopped bird feed and feeders because of both added expense and the “attractive nuisance” filling my yard with chipmunks, squirrels, and the occasional bear. 😳
The birds do all right anyway because of my many plants.
But now I always take the end pieces of the bread and tear them up into pieces to scatter on the patio for the birds.
Since my family is so picky, refusing even bread pudding, I just toast chopped bread ends in oven and grind into bread crumbs – they’re always YES for meatballs!
Chickens like old, but not moldy, bread.
I use frozen turkeys that way. I pull one out of the deep freeze and put it in a good old metal Coleman.
I pull out the milk, eggs, butter and anything I know we will be wanting during the day and moving it to the new fridge.
When power is restored we have turkey.
I always buy at least 4 turkeys during Thanksgiving and Christmas, saving the other two for Easter and the 4th of July.
Sounds like a plan.
I typically get a 20+ pound turkey and freeze the extra carcass and soup. Costco generally has them on sale for black Friday for $.99/lb plus $10 off, and I get one or two more then. I buy celery, onions, cheese and jalapenos on sale and chop and freeze them so they are ready to go for turkey soup and enchiladas. Much of my shopping is at a chef supply store, close-out prices can be great and I have been freezing meal-size portions.
C, also when there’s space in the refrigerator, fill that space with water filled 64 oz juice bottles to keep the refrigerator contents cool.
Our neighbor’s upstairs AC went out about a month ago so they have been using 3 window units instead and just told us their electric bill has never been lower.
It took a lot of examination of our most recent bill to figure out that they charge a much higher rate in summer. Last month’s bill was split between summer and winter rates. This month was all summer rates and the bill jumped over 60%.
You are so right…I have statements from first year here…2007…..in case of selling, that question is usually asked–what are your utility costs.
The rate for summer is higher….
I am a trained energy auditor and have used this product for 100’s of customers, saving them 30% on their utilities. This is the cheapest product with the highest ROI in the energy savings field. Purchase radiant barrier and install it under the roof in your attic. All you need is a measuring tape, a shop scissors and a staple gun. If you install it completely in your attic, you will save 30% on your heating/cooling costs.
So, how does that work with a metal roof? We actually have a living space inside of a (black) metal barn. We don’t have AC, but a ceiling fan in all the major rooms, and extra oscillating fans at night. For heat, we use an inside (the barn, not the house) wood burner, an on-demand boiler to heat both our water and upstairs floors, with outrageously priced propane for backup. The winters are tolerable. It’s the summers that can be harsh. We’re in north central OH.
Paint your black metal barn white or silver. It reflects light. Black absorbs the whole spectrum of solar radiation. Solar water heaters use a black background for a reason. If you can afford it, get your roof covered in white or light colored roofing as well. Again, you are reflecting solar radiation off off of your roof, rather than absorbing it.
Trust me, the black metal wasn’t my choice. My husband built it long before I was in the picture. He liked the look of the tobacco’s barns in TN. I explained they were black for a functional reason. 🤦🏻♀️ We are not tobacco. I’d paint it in a heartbeat, if it were up to me.
You might change your mind when you see the price per gallon on quality high intensity heat paint…. Good luck and God speed!
Cant you install one of those whirlybird fans in the roof?
https://www.lomanco.com/vents/whirlybirds
I’m thinking of gable-end vents on each end and a fan.
I have multiple tin roofs on the property, 2 of them are houses…I use cyclone vents in on all of them. No electricity and they work harder as the days are hotter. Buy quality not by price…the cheap quality will fail (hint: check specs on product page)
I can see how it would help to keep the attic cooler in summer. But does it help with heating in the winter? I’d be interested in hearing more about it. I was a little afraid to use it in the attic because I thought it would cut down the amount of heat transferred in the winter when I need it.
Sealing up and insulating your attic is an essential step in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Insulating the inside of your roof, then covering it with a 1/2 inch of sheet rock will do even more.
You can also look into getting a thermostat controlled fan to vent your attic during the summer.
Also, look into a whole house fan. if you live in the right temperate zone, in can be used to augment or even replace your AC during certain times of the year. Try to find one that uses a DC power source, as other have recommended.
In 1983, my parents came to visit in Houston and see how things were going in our new construction 2-story condo. I left to pick up my daughter from school and run an errand. During the time I was gone, my parents installed Eagle Shield radiant barrier in my attic.
Nice surprise.
Thanks, Iron Man, will look into this, as our electricity just doubled per kh. and it was already high.
I see a lot of us use ceiling fans. Just a reminder to check out DC motor fans when you’re ready to replace existing ones. They are extremely efficient and most use less than 40 watts at full speed. Ours never run at top speed.
Here’s a great site for listing what the different things mean when selecting a fan. Each fan is rated for CFM, breeze, efficiency, MPH, quality and watts. Before I found that site I was stumbling through which things to focus on. It helped me decide what features I needed to emphasize in my selection.
https://www.hansenwholesale.com/ceiling-fans/shop-by-type/dc-motor-ceiling-fans
Thank you for that info – I had no idea DC motor ceiling fans existed. Home Depot sure as heck doesn’t offer ’em.
You’re very welcome. That site was an eye opener for me.
Should you consider a purchase there, I recommend contacting them. I got an extra 10% off but maybe it was because I bought a couple, not sure.
I’m an electrician and I’ve never heard of this. a good electrician knows, they dont know everything… LOL looking into this.
Interesting but pricey.
Not in my pitiful budget
Not all of them are. I did a quick search and came up with this one for under $150 and free shipping.
The site I linked previously was more for information as it explains what the different numbers mean.
For example, you can move a lot of CFM but not have a lot of breeze. That is actually what I needed to circulate the air efficiently in our open cathedral living area.
https://www.1800lighting.com/monte-carlo-fan-monte-carlo-haven-dc-52-52-inch-ceiling-fan-CP729274.html
Just got a DC fan as a replacement for our living room. It has 5 speeds and #1 or 2 are plenty. #5 is a hurricane. Most importantly, it moves a lot of air with 60-inch blades and six of them. ours only uses about 30 watts on the highest speed. It’s made by Troposair. here’s a picture:
It helps to keep the living area cool enough so that here in FL we can run our thermostat at 80 degrees in 94-degree weather and be super comfortable at those slower speeds.
Caveat, thermostat temp settings on your a/c don’t mean much. The most important thing is humidity. That’s all a/c units do – remove humidity. This cools the air. That’s why a/cs spit water out all the time. The trick is to seal your house so that humidity can’t get back in.
We sealed the house tight 10 years ago and our bills went from $450 in the summer to $275. Different times now with our bills going back up to $400 because of the fuel surcharge. So, now we raised the thermostat to 81 degrees and cranked up the ceiling fans one notch.
We still have the same cooling and we’re saving money. Fans work when you are close to them because of windchill factor. Just like in winter when the wind goes up you feel cooler. And it doesn’t take much wind. Fans work!
There are ceiling fans with a 2 way switch-one for summer, one for winter.
As hot air rises , one can set the fan in winter with a heater to push down the hot air into the room and aid in heating if the heater is a thermostat one. In summer the switch goes the otehr way so the fn pushes the hot air UP.
1.) We live in a rural area (no restrictions) and in the spring/summer/fall hang out our clothes to dry. In the winter I use a drying rack by the woodstove.
2.) We have a solar oven (by far the best solar investment we’ve made and they are relatively easy to make) and on sunny hot days, I use that to fix our meals.
3.) We set our thermostat on 78 degrees in the summer and it is verboten to move it any lower. In the winter, we heat with wood.
4.) We unplug kitchen appliances that are not in use.
I have power strips for appliances that are inconvenient to plug and unplug. Easy peasy to flip off the switch.
Chickens are great if you can have a few. I have 10-20 at any given time, and I have a steady supply of eggs for my family and friends.
Feed can be expensive, so I mix it up. They free range on grass in early spring and late fall, and get bagged fresh grass clipping and clover when they are cooped. I purchase whole and ground corn from the local farm supplier and mix it with expensive pelleted layer feed, used kitchen oil, egg shells, powdered vitamin supplement, kitchen waste, and water. It’s like polenta. They love it.
I have a still which uses cracked corn, that is later fed to the chickens. The residual doesn’t seem to bother them.
I collect Japanese beetles and snails in the garden and feed them to the chickens.
Any apples that fall from our trees onto the lawn are collected and thrown into the coops.
Any garden compost goes thru the chickens first…lower leaves of cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce, slug damaged, etc.
Rotted pumpkins and squash, anything that won’t store…
Volunteer sunflowers, and amaranth get weeded into their coops.
I plant flax seed that provides seed and bedding.
Occasionally, I can get bales of soybeans that I use for winter bedding/scratch feed.
Local farmers often have mulch hay or damaged bales that they will discount and are used for bedding.
In return they provide excellent fertilizer and mulch for the gardens.
I lay flat boards in the coop yards that attract an abundance of fishing worms at certain times of the year.
I choose breeds that can handle cold winters without heat, and I rely on natural light.
I am working hard on my husband to convince him we need a few chickens here. We’ve got the space, even a location that has electricity nearby. He’s not sold on the extra work but admitted that he had considered goats, lol.
Chickens are much cheaper than goats and provide more immediate benefits. They’d be a great fit for us.
Do you mind me asking which breeds you favor? We would be cold climate too. I’m thinking Australorps, Bielefelder or Orpingtons but would welcome suggestions.
Australorps and orpingtons are very good for cold climates. They’re very nice birds and lay lots of brown eggs. I’ve had both, and would have them again. Polish hens and silkies are very nice, will set, and are almost timid, but beware their evil roosters. Barred rocks are nice, golden wyendotte, coockoo marans lay chocolate brown eggs. I always have a few arconnas or ameraurconas that lay colored eggs. Brahmas are massive, docile birds with feathered feet and lay brown eggs. I like to mix up the colors and shades of the eggs.
Thank you so much! It is wonderful to have someone that has done it give feedback. I really appreciate it.
I had considered adding Ameraucanas. Something about blue eggs is fascinating.
Btw, I took a screenshot of our correspondence to help sway my husband. 😉
Any time.
They are work, and there’s always critters to be reckoned with. Possums, raccoons, skunks, weasels, fox, coyotes, raptors to name a few. We’ve had them all. Let’s not forget rats and snakes. ( Gives the men a reason to break out the artillery.)
And someone needs to take care of them when you go on vacation.
I like our flock, and this year I incubated eggs for the first time since chicks were hard to find. That’s fun to do, too. Great project for kids.
My husband was a general contractor and as long as I give him the specs, he can build anything. I’d focus on keeping predators out to begin with especially where we are in the country.
We have our business on our property and vacations have been a thing of the past . Thankfully we’ve got neighbor kids that would welcome a little money should the opportunity arise for us both to be gone.
My son raises chickens, both egg layers and meat birds. He built runs and chicken tractors for them and added an electrified wire around the outside of them to help deter any predators. I don’t know the details of the product. We just contribute to the feed fund and enjoy organic eggs and meat.
Choosing the breeds and raising chickens in cold climates are covered at:
Raising Chickens 101 – Chicks, Breeds, Coops, Tips | BackYard Chickens – Learn How to Raise Chickens
Every topic imaginable re chickens is discussed in detail at that site
IMO, the most important thing to learn, beside choosing appropriate breed, is the design of the coop and run . . . for chicken health and happiness, for ease of cleaning and maintaining, for ventilation and protection from drafts, and for all-important protection from predators.
Thank you, Sue! I’ve been a bit of a chicken researching junkie of late. That will keep me busy. 🙂
With right set up, chickens require 10 minutes, twice a day.
My feeder holds about 10 pounds of feed, so I fill it about once a week. I use a heated nipple waterer, which holds about 3 gallons.
I use a deep bedding method with pine shavings so I only clean the coop twice a year. The used litter goes into the garden.
I use roll away nest boxes, which helps prevent egg-eating.
I like Buff Orpingtons and Australorps the most, but Brahmas are good, too. All of these birds tend to be quiet and peaceful.
I live in Montana, so I need cold hardy birds. I also have to worry about predators like bears and hawks, so I keep my birds in a fenced, covered run.
I store their feed in the utility room of my home, so mice can’t get to it.
It’s been my experience that heritage breeds do better free ranging and eating table scraps. Than hybrids. I had a flock of red stars, the same that are used for commercial production. If they get anything other than laying mash their production goes way down and they have problem with digestion and vent problems.
Where I live only one is allowed, I think even a hen needs a friend for hen talk.
Free books https://www.gutenberg.org
Food shelf life https://www.stilltasty.com/
Over 100 free homesteading and survival manuals https://archive.org/details/homesteading-survival-manuals
Upfront pricing for surgery Fees for the surgeon, anesthesiologist and facility are all included in one low price. There are no hidden costs, charges or surprises. https://surgerycenterok.com/about/
Interest rate on new Series I savings bonds is 9.62 percent. https://treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/indepth/ibonds/res_ibonds_ibuy.htm
Compare Silver and Gold Bullion Prices https://findbullionprices.com/
67 Long-Term Foods for Your Stockpile https://www.newlifeonahomestead.com/long-term-foods-for-stockpile/
important facts about soil https://www.gardening-advice.net/facts-about-soil.html
7 Common Household Items That Make For GREAT Garden Fertilizer https://www.offthegridnews.com/survival-gardening-2/common-household-items-make-great-garden-fertilizer/
tools to become financially independent in 5 years. https://earlyretirementextreme.com/
15 Foods That Can Be Regrown From Scraps https://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/15-foods-that-can-be-regrown-from-scraps/
How to Oxygenate Your Blood https://fiveseasonsmedicine.com/how-to-oxygenate-your-blood/
How to Build a Wood-Gasifier https://www.instructables.com/Power-in-the-Apocalypse-How-to-Build-a-Wood-Gasifi/
Tips from Sarajevo: 100 Items to Disappear First https://mrstips.blogspot.com/2009/03/tips-from-sarajevo-100-items-to.html
9 printable food storage cookbooks https://www.prepperssurvive.com/food-storage-cookbooks-pdf/
24 of the Healthiest Beans Ranked by Nutrient Density https://www.intake.health/post/24-of-the-healthiest-beans-ranked-by-nutrient-density
How Much Bleach to Purify Water for Drinking https://www.clorox.com/learn/water-purification-how-much-bleach-purify-water-for-drinking/
Thank you dragonfly.
THNKS!
If you have extra lemon peel throw them in a jar with cheap white vinegar. Let set 2 weeks. Strain the liquid. Cleans great! Gets hard water stains off fixtures with 1 swipe! Heard it’s great in the oven – haven’t tried yet. Don’t need gloves. Doesn’t make me cough. Doesn’t make eyes tear up. LOVE it!
I drink lots of lemon water and that is what I do w/my squeezed lemons. I like spraying the the plastic food storage containers w/it, seems to freshen them up.
Thanks..I am using jet dry for black appliances(few drops in water spray mixed with water); price doubled and I don’t use dishwasher any longer ; I’m a widow.
So, no more jet dry and I just happen to have a lemon for my tea.
They can’t do this to us without our money (We are killing ourselves):
1. Make sure that your 401K, IRA, Pension Fund, etc. is not investing in ANYTHING to do with Black Rock, Vanguard, or
State Street.
2. Invest your money in Local Banks…not Multinationals.
3. Use cash for all purchases and payments…if possible.
4. Research how to reduce your tax burden.
5. Pay your taxes just before they are due…hold onto your money as long as possible.
Please explain why Vanguard is a dirty word. Add references too, so I can check it out.
Black Rock has to show you who they are.
They are Vanguard.
Vanguard does not have to show you who they are.
Check it out: Google…Who is Vanguard?
The vanguard is the leading part of an advancing military formation. It has a number of functions, including seeking out the enemy and securing ground in advance of the main force.
BlackRock secures the ground.
Vanguard is advertising on Australian TV now for people to buy shares. Unbelievable
BlackRock & Vanguard own EVERYTHING. Dr Zelenko described it all perfectly, look up his Gab post at the end of November, he called them & associates the ‘serpent.’
“Daniel Natel” of The New American does a succinct video describing events of before & after their rise to the top. All orchestrated.
You’ll understand much more completely after listening to this short brilliant explanation.
https://thenewamerican.com/get-broke-go-woke/
Move to Arizona to reduce your income tax burden. EVERYTHING is cheaper in Arizona!
Savings Savings tip: for all who shave. Manufacturers give the razor and clean up on the BLADES. Buy mineral oil at the pharmacy and after shaving rinse your blade under the faucet and clean with an old toothbrush. Dry the blade then use a Qtip dipped into a small container of mineral oil and coat the blade. If using a disposable razor keep the protective plastic cover. The blade lasts so much longer and provides a smooth shave.
Additionally, find the book “The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need” by Andrew Tobias. His witty and great advice never gets old!
The Dollar Stretcher site is great also. Investigate “Voluntary Simplicity” also.
Wishing you all the best. November 8th is going to be something to behold!
Maharbal
I dry the blade and dip it in some rubbing alcohol.
Same here, always heard that water/moisture was the number 1 enemy of blades
Reducing the “pain” of cutting the cord. Once Fox went to the dark side (2020 election steal coverup, including firing Lou Dobbs) I no longer had any reason to keep cable — haven’t watched network TV shows in several years, and after the stolen election I’m even more motivated to not support woke corporations (which one does through cable bill).
But I had a dilemma: my better-half loves that Masterpiece Theater (British soap opera) shows on PBS. And likes to watch those at her leisure, not necessarily air time.
I found a workaround: a Tablo. It hooks up to an OTA antenna, and uses the home wifi to send to our Roku boxes. The model I got has a built in DVR. I installed an antenna in the attic, hooked up the Tablo and it works great (we get about 30 channels at our house). All for a one-time purchase (they do charge a monthly fee for the channel guide / program schedule, but offer a “lifetime” option for purchase – I got that so I’m inflation proof).
So the wife’s happy. And with the Roku I get more than I have time to watch – and I subscribe to One America News through it, so I’m helping to support them as Leftist corporations are dropping it from their channel lineups. I also get Epoch TV (Epoch Times) which has great content; FrankSpeech; Real America’s Voice / Bannon’s War Room and so on.
For those like ourselves who live in a small town on the central Oregon coast, we have found that our internet service combined with Rokus has been the best thing we ever did. We can’t get digital broadcast here, which is another great choice for those wanting to cut the cable. My brother lives outside of Camas, Washington. He’s up on a hill and gets tons of choices without a subscription.
Love Lou Dobbs!
He has a very good daily podcast
The Great America Show
Acorn TV does British shows
As does Britbox.
I love ID/GO channel…free
Try to buy a house instead of a new car, and pay it off as quickly as possible. Multi family, if possible, rent one unit.
Try to do it again if possible, and rent one.
Keep it well maintained, and the rent high, but fair, and you’ll have good tenants.
Always have a side gig.
Use debt and credit sparingly, and wisely.
Grow a garden.
Know when you’re labor is worth more at home, and retire early (ie. work for yourself full time).
This is an AWESOME thread, thank you! I’ve been reading the articles for quite awhile but hadn’t felt “pushed” into posting comments until I saw this thread. Years ago I spent a lot of time on the website for the Low-Tech Magazine and even a year or so ago I ordered their Volume 1 & Volume 2 books which had all of their articles in printed form. Also been bookmarking all sorts of articles, collecting books, & printing some articles too…
https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/low-tech-solutions.html
https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/obsolete-technology.html
Over 15 yrs ago, I purchased an electric dehydrator so I could preserve the food from my veggie gardens I wouldn’t be eating fresh. Put them into plastic bags, then into 5 food-grade buckets with gamma seals.
Seal them in mason jars. I have shelves of those with onions. potatoes, etc.
Sundance,
I went back to your recipe for laundry detergent.
Maybe my old eyes just missed it, but I didn’t see how much to use per load.
If you, or someone would answer this, I’d be grateful.
Thank you for all you do.
God Bless.
I use the same amount I used of other liquid detergents about 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup. I have no idea if this is correct but it works just fine.
I use only a tablespoon, no matter how dirty. Clothes come out sparkling clean.
If that’s the Fels Natha, Borax, Arm & Hammer recipe I only use a Tablespoon per full load as well.
Would you please share this with us?
Here you go:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2012/01/02/treehouse-tips-home-made-laundry-detergent/#more-28342
Do you know if this recipe works in front loaders that require HE detergent? Thank you!
Yes. It’s low sudsing, just don’t use too much.
https://texashomesteader.com/?p=3094
Good instructions. Some say to microwave the Fels Natha to break it down quickly. Don’t. All your microwave food will stink like Fels Natha for months! None of the other laundry bar soaps will get clothes clean like Fels Natha either.
This is where I draw the line. I am sticking with Clear free LIQUID detergent. I hold my breath walking down detergent isles and my allergies do not appreciate dry detergents of any kind.
I used a heavy tablespoon for regular and a little more for dirty.
I had a gallon in 2 half gallon mason jars and lasted me 2 years.
The last 6 months though was just for one person to be honest.
I’ve been curious for a while about hydroponic growing. I have a garden, but there are a few “tender” items I’d like to grow on my porch.
I’ve been watching this guy for a few days; he simplifies things and shows cost-saving ideas.
Look up the Kratky method of cheap, low tech hydroponics.
Lots of info on YouTube.
I practice bankruptcy
That’s my pro background
I am a personal finance junkie and a part time tax accountant
Listen up
Triage your spending
Start by identifying every single outflow and account for it so you can project the exact moment -based on all known current income- you’ll go cash flow negative
This isn’t “Budgeting”, it is cash flow projection
You should be able to know your monthly cash outflows from doing this
Now start cutting
1) Netflix
2) that recurring charge you forgot about
Cut em and cut em all now and it will push the negative cash flow dday date further and further out
Project out a year by going through all bills and making sure you’ve accounted for everything
Your motto is “no surprises!” Then keep track of what actually happens and start rounding monthly bills up by 5 or 10 dollars to “stress test” your spending
Because we know that energy bills and food bills and auto fuel bills have an average of what they were but the reality is probably they are going to spike
Even out your utilities by calling up the utilities Co now and getting into equal pay plans so that the bills will be consistent and if when they spike thise spikes will be spread out over 12 months when the spike hits
Do this for every utility bill you can like electricity, water, sewer, trash, natural gas or heating oil
If you have a propane tank make sure you’re filling it during summer lull in prices (yes i know that’s not this year)
Switch to term life insurance
Take the bus (or start asking now for the privilege to work remotely rather than commute) make sure to complain to your boss about the spikes in prices and what it is doing to your family
You may not be able to affect much with that complaint but don’t be shy about “advocating” for your fellow employees who are in worse economic circumstances than you so that your boss isn’t surprised when the wheels fall off the economy
The boss can take all of your employee “complaints” about high prices up tye corporate chain and rattle some folks in the higher ranks to wake them up about what Joe’s policies are doing to economy.
Back to triage of your spending
Not all spending or debts are equal
Credit cards get paid last
Focus your spending on 1) feeding your family 2) getting yourself to work 3) housing 4) everything else is less important than those 3 including paying taxes
Of you have to file bankruptcy know that old er than 3 years tax debts ARE dischargeable
So, it’s a waiting game
Good points. The most important part is to look at all recurring expenses on a yearly basis. Companies love your recurring expenses, and they only quote them on a monthly basis. All the while, your salary or earnings are all talked about in a per-yearly basis.
That is all by design to lure people into spending. We all look at $40 (plus taxes) a month for internet and think
‘That is cheap”. NOT! it’s recurring. All this instead of thinking about it as a percentage of your yearly income. Same with cars, homes and everything else. $40+ bucks a month is $480 dollars. That’s more than half of a monthly $900 mortgage payment. And they all add up – quickly!
It may help if you keep envelopes for annual….homeowners, property taxes, auto, propane, Prime sub, –this helps me.
I NEVER worry about taxes and such. It’s in the envelope even before I get the bill!!!
Just received JD Rucker’s Substack newsletter and in it he has some great tips that I didn’t think of, such as “turn your free time into something productive”, etc. I thought it great and wanted to share it.
https://jdrucker.substack.com/p/this-recession-is-manufactured-and
Here’s my “2 cents”
*Use hand sanitizer for itches. (The ones that are an unknown source)
Best for limbs & feet.
* when you are staying at a hotel, take those small items (freebies) with you when you leave if not used or if used. (Shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, soap) I have started doing this.
I just bought a large basket of large and small hotel soaps at a garage sale for three bucks. They should last the family for two years at least.
House sales are gold mines for good used items (especially light bulbs) that cost much more at the store. P.S. For the squeamish, pride goeth before the fall.
Just thought of 1 more!! If you get insulin via a mail service- save the small ice packs! Great for coolers or other containers that allow you to keep beverages or food cold.
Don’t heat or cool the rooms you don’t need to. It works. Close or cover up the vents in those rooms.
Pay all bills a few months in advance. Even just a few extra bucks on utilities, offsets tougher months.
A bidet spray. Saves water. Saves paper. Easy to install. Men and girls in home will thank you,
Yep, I have a bidet which gives me the cleanest but in the state. don’t know how people do without bidets.
Lots of natural fiber.
I use an enema bulb as a portable bidet and it serves double duty in its original purpose when diet and an old digestive tract don’t work as anticipated. Just the savings on the first package of toilet paper pays for it.
First encountered a bidet in Japan a few decades ago, actually a bidet seat with warm spray and air dry. I was hooked.
We love ours. Our bought everyone in the family bidets a few years ago..
Assuming no bidet, this is for the ladies when doing #1 only…use an small old damp rag. Rinse thoroughly and reuse. You will eventually know when it needs washed, or thrown away.
You can use old cut-up cotton tshirts or useless underwear. Amazing how much TP it saves. And some swear its a cleaner method.
I forgot to post about Debbie Meyer Green Bags—-keep produce fresh for a MUCH longer time! Work GREAT!
https://www.debbiemeyergreenbags.com/
I’ve mentioned this several times before, but mushrooms are different – they don’t like airtight plastic.
I heard many years ago to remove the plastic wrap on the container before putting them in the refrigerator and substitute a paper lunch bag (which can be folded and reused several times).
The mushrooms don’t get slimy. They crinkle up a bit but last far longer – are still fine for cooking if not fresh snacks.
Our electric bill was 28-30% higher this month. Our water bill was higher, as well.
Historically, living in the irrigated desert I made the choice about 35 years ago to invest in planting specimen trees to eventually provide wind and sun protection for the house. They’re paying off now. I cool the house off in the morning before 8am down to 72 and then the HVAC goes off usually until 5-6pm. Today it’s 103. The trees and thermal mass of the building keep inside temps comfortable.
Trees provide wildlife habitat, make oxygen, provide shade and evapotranspiration, nature’s swamp cooler. They look great too.
The reality of heat and high power bills was a strong impetus to retire to somewhere it’s cool and power is cheap. I found that in Oregon. No HVAC at all in summer and power itself runs about five bucks a month when not there and about 45 bucks a month when there. Add 30 bucks infrastructure charge to that. Very affordable for a low income senior.
Very stable power costs, practically no rise in the last seven years. However, even though the grid is nearly 100% hydro, utility infrastructure costs have increased so I expect that to bump this year. Nothing yet but dollars to donuts it’ll hit this winter.
My tip would be, when looking to retire, no rush, take one’s time, look at all factors, and particularly quality of life, in choosing a location. I chose modest digs in the forest in a deeply conservative county. That choice cost me, in cash, the price of nice new car these days only a few years ago. There’s no one to impress and I’ve done all the live large big house pool party stuff.
“Deeply conservative county” is imperative, if you can swing it.
And stay out of urban areas, if possible.
Great thread, Sundance. Revisit subject regularly, please.
I’m regressing to 15 years ago–to those new homeowners, plant fruit trees instead of shade trees. If I’d done that years ago, I’d be canning apples now.
I love the shade, but could use those apples and pears.
I got my bill yesterday. Used bar graph of last 1-1 1/2 years to find the closet month on kW usage or about same usage. Compared bill to my check last year for that same criteria for a month that was same or close.
Came up with spread of 28-35%, but 28% pretty matches yours, Sundance.
I live in an area that is extremely affluent. I would be considered lower income here but I do real well and would be considered lower end of upper middle class elsewhere, minimum. I ain’t hurting like most but I ain’t happy about it.
My landlord/one of my best friends (much older than me) is a self made real estate landlord – multi-millionaire who lives beachfront. We talked about this thing TODAY.
He said his bill was the highest he has ever had by far.
Without discussing specific dollars, what he described was a 45-50% increase.
While he plays both sides of the political spectrum with me (he’s testing me but we both pretend he’s not) in our walk and ‘talks’ on the beach) and he bites off on the MSM propaganda a little too much until I remind him that I told him so later, he has been agreeing with me that the economy was a worse that what is advertised and thinks (like I do) that bad times (as in real bad times) are coming.
He plays with stocks just to having something to do and shrugs losses off as write offs to his other income (in times past).
He told me today he is liquidating everything in equities, gain or loss!!!!
That is strong statement from a man like that !
It’s coming! Unfortunately!
First of all, get to know Jesus Christ. Not go to church, not worship, not read- but really get to know Him through the study of His Word and prayer. This life will be over before we know it. You don’t want to find yourself spending eternity in torment. Jesus Christ died for you, your sins can be forgiven if you will ask Him to forgive you and repent.
In this life specifically- the temporary one?
One of the best things I ever learned in life came from Rush Limbaugh. Whatever your thoughts on Rush, his boundless optimism was not all bad, especially when it had to do with daily life and ways of thinking. He said, “I don’t participate in recessions”.
The first time I heard him say it, I was flummoxed. What in the heck is he even talking about? We ALL participate in recessions. But as I listened over the years, it began to sink in.
Now, I don’t participate in recessions. I have acquired a skillset that I can apply within an industry that is extremely recession-resistant. At the same time, this industry provides consistent work with periodic big pay days scattered throughout each year.
I am an independent claims adjuster- first-party property. One of the key indicators of a first-world, mature market economy is insurance. When people have something to lose, they insure it. Inevitably, there are losses. When catastrophe strikes- tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, etc- causing widespread damage across many residential and commercial properties, insurance companies require vast numbers of claims adjusters. Naturally, they don’t have the staff to handle these claims, so my job is as a temporary contract worker in the aftermath of catastrophic events- licensed, though I may be.
My home state used to be Illinois. We moved to Florida in 2013 to take full advantage of living in the Southeast where the majority of hurricanes hit.
Claims have to be paid. Adjusters are needed to handle them. Even in the event of a housing crisis- as in 2008, there’s still insurance on the property. If not the homeowner, then forced placed policies by lenders, or in the event of foreclosure and repo- the bank insures the properties. I had TONS of claims for Assurant- primarily vandalism, primarily vacant properties from 2009-2011.
Today, I still chase storms- but my son is an automobile detailer. Not a car washer. A detailer. Think Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, McClaren, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla…to name a few. His clients do not participate in recessions. They are still having protective coatings installed as they add cars to their collections.
I said all that to say this: THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW is FIGURE OUT HOW TO PROVIDE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT IS IN HIGH DEMAND IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ECONOMY. Work on yourself, and build your skillset.
Also, millionaire investors are made in recessions. Learn some things about investing- I’m terrible at it, but I intend to research and learn. You have to prep like the world is going to end in six months, but invest like it’s gonna be around forever. Yes, Jesus is coming back- probably soon.
Focus the vast majority of your time on GROWING YOUR INCOME- like 75% vs 25% on “saving money”. Yes, a penny saved is a penny earned- but in the long run, it’s better to find a way to add $5,000 a year to your income than it is to figure out ways to scrimp, save, clip coupons, and rinse and re-use sandwich baggies to “save” $5,000 per year.
If you are not already, and I suspect many here are- become an autodidact. And grow your interests and feed your curiosity. Complacency kills. But it kills harder in hard times.
Great post.
AMEN!!! I always loved it when Rush said that. So true. Walk with Christ. Don’t participate. Remain positive. Be productive. Grow your income.
My favorite cleanser:
Earth Paste Tub & Tile Cleaner:
Mix 1 and 2/3 cup baking soda with ½ cup of liquid (Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap) soap in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp. distilled water. Mix with a fork or whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 tbsp. of vinegar last.
Peppermint Vinegar rinse:
Mix ½ teaspoon peppermint essential oil with 1 gallon Heinz white distilled vinegar.
My sister’s favorite cleaner:
Cleaning Solution
2 oz Dawn (1/4 c or 4 Tablespoons)
4 oz bottled lemon juice (8 Tablespoons or 1/2 cup)
8 oz white vinegar (1 c)
10 oz water (1 1/4 c)
pour into a spray bottle – use to clean tub, tile, toilets, kitchen, etc.
Whatever you do, don’t use baking soda on glass shower doors 😉
I learned the hard way 🙁
And you can substitute for Dawn…I use Ultra from DG—A young girl told me that her granny used it and it’s been around for many years…I didn’t know that but it is the generic Dawn for me.
Tip: I use a few drops of jet dry(generic) in spray bottle of water for my black appliances.
I have not used name brand anything for decades.
FYI Use a small battery operated CO2 detector if your are using any of these indoors: burning fireplace, generator, or outdoor cooking stove. You can get these online.
I think you mean CO detector.
CO? not CO2 — Carbon monoxide, not carbon dioxide. Yes?
Since fertilizer is an issue I was looking to use aquarium water to fertilize plants we try to grow. I’m thinking it’s nitrogen rich especially if not filtered from gouramis or beta fish that can breath without filtration. I’m also wondering if using carp or something in farm ponds may be a way to help get nitrogen rich water on a larger scale.
Yes, I just watched a video this morning from Lazy Dog Farm, he was visiting a farm in Louisiana. The gentleman there used pond water, rich in fish poop, to fertilize his plants. He said he used the regular filter that came with his irrigation system and had to clean the filter daily (b/c algae etc. would gunk it up), but it worked great as fertilizer.
Here’s a tip: Stop paying income taxes. Starve the Beast of it’s life blood. What do we have to lose? Our freedom? Hell, if what we have now is considered freedom, imagine what real oppression is going to be like. It’s not too late, America. Stand up, or kneel. Your choice.
I agree with this, but do it LEGALLY by lowering your taxable income. There’s tons of ways of doing that. There’s no point in adding more stress to your life by walking straight into tax jail. My two cents.
Check your tire pressure. You may not notice it, but low tire pressure increases friction with the roadway. Properly inflated tires save you gas.
Growing girls clothing tips:
Buy shirts a size or two bigger to use as pajamas until they fit for day clothes.
Some dress cuts make cute shirts when they’re too little to be a dress.
Ebay has thousands of saree silk skirts. You can get three real silk skirts that can be flipped so you have six options for less than $40, including shipping. They are even cheaper in short lengths, and they pair nicely with thin sweaters etc… I get compliments every time I wear one and people ask where I get them. I don’t mean to be rude, but there is a smell sometimes- wash in apple cider vinegar on cold and air dry since it’s silk.
Learn to sew and mend. Lots of videos on how to availabe on youtube
Love eBay for clothes! Ralph Lauren jeans for $10+/-!
I am a household of one living on a fixed income. Imagine my surprise when I got my next year’s tax valuation notice and saw a 28% increase for our local school district – just like that! It will cost me an EXTRA $500 next year on my property taxes. Where is that supposed to come? Well, I have stopped buying new clothes, shoes, etc. I don’t buy anything extra at the grocery store anymore. I only take my vehicle out when absolutely necessary and I combine all errands into one trip. I keep the thermostat at 78 in the summer. I now only water my lawn three times per week. I do most of my home repairs myself unless I absolutely cannot – I am pretty handy. I canceled all the road trips I had planned for the summer. I don’t go to movies unless they are exceptional – like Top Gun Maverick! I don’t donate to any politicians, or any other groups for that matter. Basically, I have no exceptional tips to pass on except to say that I, like millions of other Americans, am cutting back in every aspect of my life just to make ends meet. I hate our government. Crooks and liars and scum.
Where I live there is a program for low income seniors which reduces our property taxes.
Perhaps there is one where you live?
Same for utility costs.
Perhaps you may qualify for food assistance?
Our local Agency on Aging helps us older, low income folks learn about and apply for these programs.
I just got notice my electric bill will increase by 110%! What the heck. This is being done with premeditation.
Call, email, and mail your PROTEST of this absurdity to your state reps, your congressmen, you senators and your Governor. Copy to the local and state news papers. And to the company and each member of the board itself.
Give them hell.
Share your letter on social media, and encourage others to call, email and mail PROTEST letters.
No government entity wants to hear this, not enmass anyway.
PS. I’m sorry this stressor is happening to you. We shall overcome.
People power can change things.
This is likely covered, but I have Raynauds so being cold is a major issue. Use natural fiber blankets especially silk, flannel (naturally organic), and alpaca wool if possible.
Layers trap heat so layer bedding/clothes.
You sweat most through hands and feet so I use a moisture wicking small sock with a wool sock over it in winter to keep my feet dry and warm. Then I use hot water bottles, microwave hand warmers, and/or gloves depending on location.
Lastly, summer is a great time to find merino wool sweaters and coats etc… on super clearance from last year. Research what works for you, but merino and alpaca seem to be the best for the ROI.
The two most cost effective improvements I made to my 2 story home: covering the opening to my fireplace with a fireproof insulating blanket that is magnetized and covering sun exposed windows with Gila heat control window film. These two changes reduced my heating and cooling bill by 30-40%. In addition, seal all the cracks around windows and doors with either caulk or weatherstripping. These two things wear down after time. I’m a single female who has done all the home improvement projects from AC maintenance to rebuilding gates and fences in my household. I just use videos on the internet. It has a world of useful information.
Just one remark about the ceiling fans: they should only be running when someone is in the room; otherwise you are wasting your money.
Save your laundry detergent bottle when it runs out. Then pour in half water and half new laundry detergent. Shake to mix,
and then use the same amount you would normally.
This means you end up with detergent that is half as concentrated and lasts twice as long. A perpetual BOGO on laundry detergent.
You could try using less and less concentrated detergent to the point that you are sure there is a decrease in performance and not just the placebo effect.
Also, Less detergent will cause your septic to thank you.
Using the same volume and a lower concentration as opposed to just less volume can make sure it is dispersed in your load of laundry normally and help significant others from adding to much detergent.
Get a refund from Ukraine do not hold your breath waiting for the checkskyy .
Not a big suggestion, but if you like lemonade from concentrate, instead buy the limeade for the same price. It is stronger and you can add a 1/2 to one cup sugar and at least an extra can of water and it goes further.
I’m a diet soda junkie, but when you pour the soda over ice, add a small amount of water. Cuts down on soda use and is better hydration so you are less thirsty in an hour. You don’t notice much difference if it is just a little water.
I am switching my internet to Star Link as I have a feeling if internet providers attempt to “cancel” users, I believe StarLink will still be running.
Even though it’s hot now, prepare for winter brown-outs and outages. Pick one room to “live in” during the outages. Acquire and have ready blankets, tarps or whatever to put up against windows to keep out cold and drafts. Have multiple long-term candles to provide you with light and heat inside the room. Have metal chair, candle and blanket for each person. During brutal times, sit on the chair covered in the blanket with the candle underneath the chair. Take great care with all open fire!
There are many ways you can save on food, just think about it before you put something in the trash. Potato chips and tortilla chips always have a good amount of small pieces and crumbs left in the bag. Pour them into an airtight container and use them as a casserole topping, soup or salad garnish, coating for fish, thickener for stew, etc.
Bones still have one last use after a meal – make broth. It’s very rich in essential minerals and great to sip on a cold evening or make soup and it helps your skin, hair and nails to boot.
Keep your pantry organized and watch the dates on items. Pull the oldest forward and figure out a meal plan to use them up first. Same goes for the fruit and vegetables in the fridge – put a note on the fridge door and use it up. I been known to type a list of ingredients enclosed in quotes into the browser search bar and have it find recipes – like this:
“recipe chicken spinach beans carrots”
See what comes up and voila, you can use up food instead of tossing it out.
One last thing. Lower your fridge temperature to 35. Everything lasts longer.
I write the expiration date on the front of every item I now put in my pantry with a very large marker, so I can very easily see at a glance what to use first and what to toss/replace. Small thing but I find it really hard to read some expiration dates.
ME?? I don’t even pay attention to exp. dates. I just used a 2012 BB dated can of corn in my taco soup.
Burning Democrat’s absentee ballots (before they’re counted), gender queer/trans books (free from libraries/schools) and of course all CRT handouts from places of employment are a great as firestarters. Books by popular Leftist authors/Democratic Party politicians/Fake Newsers can be used substitutes for logs in fireplaces/woodstoves.
Thanks for the chuckle.
removed