Fabulous Frugalista

Smart Moves to Survive Job Loss and Bounce Back Stronger

2026-03-06T22:57:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Losing a job is never easy . . . emotionally or financially. But before panic sets in, take a deep breath. With the right strategy, you can stay afloat and even set yourself up for future success. From maximizing unemployment benefits to cutting unnecessary expenses, this guide will help you navigate this transition with confidence. Whether you’re between jobs or preparing for the unexpected, these practical steps will keep your finances (and sanity) intact." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Back when I first started working, I would walk out of a job if someone looked at me the wrong way. Most of the time, I had savings, so I didn't worry about it. That is the key!

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

Vintage Frugal Living Tips For Today

2026-02-28T05:09:00.003-05:00

Photo source: Retro Housewife Goes Green

"Need to find ways to save money? These vintage frugal living tips are perfect for the challenges we are facing today. They will help your family to feel safer in these tough times." Comment from Retro Housewife Goes Green

Check out this article if you want to get started with some basic frugal ideas.

Click here to go to the Retro Housewife Goes Green article.

https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/vintage-frugal-tips-for-today/

They Stopped Spending for a Year. Here’s What Happened

2026-02-28T04:58:00.002-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Years ago, I came across a couple named Eric and Donna Reed who decided they would shop for groceries and household supplies only once a year. Once! How on earth? That was my reaction, too." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

This idea is not for me since I try not to buy anything unless I absolutely need it. However, it could be the perfect solution for you.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

How to Break Bad Money Habits for Good

2026-02-22T10:47:00.004-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Money stress doesn’t usually come from one giant mistake. It sneaks in through tiny, repeated habits we barely notice. Swiping without thinking. Waiting to save “whatever’s left.” Carrying a balance just one more month. The encouraging part? Habits can be retrained. You don’t need a financial overhaul or a complicated system. You need a few small, repeatable actions that work in real life." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

The more tips on saving money the better!

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

How to Save Money on Groceries Like a 1950s Housewife

2026-02-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

Photo source: Retro Housewife Goes Green

"Want to learn how to save money on groceries? Check out these tips from 1950s housewives that can still help us save money today." Comment from Retro Housewife Goes Green

That refrigerator looks familiar! I'm sure everyone can use more tips on saving money. I know I can!

Click here to go to the Retro Housewife Goes Green article.

Castile Soap Cleaning Recipes for Every Room

2026-02-21T16:40:00.004-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"If you value knowing what’s in your products and why you’re using them, these castile soap cleaning recipes put you in control of every solution. And once you understand how it works, you can customize it for nearly every room in your home." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

DIY cleaning recipes do work. I don't know about these, but I have used other recipes I have found online.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

DIY Dawn Powerwash

2026-02-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"If you’ve spent any time at the kitchen sink lately, you’ve probably met Dawn Platinum Powerwash Spray. It promises quicker cleanup, less scrubbing, and fewer dishes waiting their turn. It works, but the price can sting if you cook at home and reach for it often. Below, I’ll walk you through a DIY copycat Dawn Powerwash recipe that delivers the same grease-cutting power for a whole lot less." Comment Everyday Cheapskate

I can't wait to try this DIY version of Dawn Powerwash . . . love it!

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

Homemade Lemon Soft Scrub

2026-02-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Retro Housewife Goes Green

"All-natural lemon soft scrub is a great product for cleaning many surfaces in your home. It’s also very safe to use around your kids and pets." Comment from Retro Housewife Goes Green

Look forward to making this.

Click here to go to the Retro Housewife Goes Green article.

Should I Let My Battery Die Before Re-Charging?

2026-02-13T14:33:00.003-05:00

Photo source: Family Handyman

"Cordless tools, cell phones, electric vehicles and other rechargeable devices have been with us since the 80s. But the batteries they use have evolved, and so has the battery care needed to maintain them." Comment from Family Handyman

Good information to know.

Click here to go to the Family Handyman article.

Say Goodbye To Stains On Cast Iron Pans With Two Unexpected Kitchen Ingredients

2026-02-13T14:22:00.002-05:00

Photo source: Hunker.com

"Cast iron pans are fantastic for your kitchen because they retain their heat incredibly well, making sure your food is cooked well and thoroughly. They are also fantastic for a wide variety of uses without food getting stuck to them. That being said, maintaining this cookware can be tricky because although they can last a long time, it is hard to keep track of everything you need to know about caring for cast iron pans." Comment from Hunker.com

Learn how to take care of your cast iron pans and you will never have to go buy a new one.

Click here to go to the Hunker.com article.

How To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel The Right Way

2026-02-11T13:48:00.002-05:00

Photo source: Southern Living

''Stainless steel pots, pans, and silverware are highly coveted because of their durability; when properly maintained, kitchenware made of this metal alloy can last a lifetime and beyond. But the “properly maintained” part often causes problems for home cooks. Ugly rust stains and spots love to pop up on stainless cookware, and it can be difficult to clean these marks without skilled guidance. Luckily, we asked a group of professional cleaners for their top rust-cleaning tips involving stainless steel, and here’s what they shared with us." Comment from Southern Living

Great article! Stainless steel kitchenware is expensive!

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

How To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink So It Looks Brand-New Again

2026-02-08T00:16:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Southern Living

"Even though sinks are used to wash your dishes, it doesn’t mean you should neglect to actually clean your sink regularly, too. Cleaning your stainless steel sink regularly will help prevent stinky odors from wafting around in your kitchen, will be more hygienic when it comes to rinsing your dishes, and will just look nicer in your kitchen, too." Comment from Southern Living

Good information for me since I will be putting in a stainless steel sink soon.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Toilet Cleaning Trick That Outshines Expensive Products

2026-02-08T00:04:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Nothing says “responsible adult” like scrubbing a toilet on a Saturday morning when you’d rather be doing almost anything else.

That’s exactly why this DIY toilet bowl cleaner stays in my regular cleaning rotation.

It’s quick. It’s inexpensive. And it actually works." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

This is one of the things I hate to do most.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

How To Patch a Hole in Drywall and Other Common Repairs

2026-02-07T23:08:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Family Handyman

"Fix damaged drywall with these DIY repairs you can do. Don't melt down if a doorknob, misguided chair or an impromptu hockey game knocks a big hole in your drywall. With a little patience, a little joint compound and a few dabs of paint even a novice can complete a near invisible wall repair." Comment from Family Handyman

Learn to be your own handyman and you will save a bunch of money.

Click here to go to the Family Handyman article.

Things You Never Knew Your Dryer Could Do

2026-02-06T10:14:00.009-05:00

Photo source: Family Handyman

"If you don’t often experiment with your dryer, it’s time to start. That wallflower in the corner of your basement is capable of a lot more than the mundane task of drying your duds on the normal cycle. “As a cleaning expert, I can confidently say that your dryer is one of the most underrated appliances in your home,” says Nishant Prasad, co-founder at Clean Fanatics. “Sure, it dries your clothes, but it’s capable of so much more.” Comment from Family Handyman

Click here to go to the very informative Family Handyman article.

Smart and Surprising Uses for White Vinegar at Home

2026-02-06T07:20:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

As time goes by, I'm learning how to use vinegar in so many ways thanks to articles I find on the internet.

Click here for the article from Everyday Cheapskate.

Another article

Surfaces You Should Never Clean with Vinegar

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

Everyday Uses for Baking Soda That Work UPDATE

2026-02-04T20:36:00.003-05:00

Photo source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Some of the cleverest uses shared below come straight from Everyday Cheapskate readers… longtime subscribers who know a thing or two about stretching a dollar and solving problems with what’s already on hand.

So whether you buy it in the supermarket’s baking aisle or in bulk, here are 40 creative, practical, and budget-friendly ways to make the most of that little orange box." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

I have been using baking soda in my cleaning routine for years, but could not believe all the other baking soda uses.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article to learn all those baking soda secrets.

ANOTHER ARTICLE . . .

11 Things You Should Never Clean with Baking Soda

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

How to Clean Baking Sheets So They Look Brand New

2026-02-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"Baking sheets are a workhorse in the kitchen. They're used for making everything from sheet pan dinners to your favorite desserts. Because of how frequently they're used, baking sheets often build up with grease and grime that can become difficult to get rid of over time. If this grime isn't adequately removed, it can make your baking sheets unsafe to cook or bake on. To help, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for how to clean baking sheets with common household ingredients." Comment from Martha Stewart.com

I usually just throw them away and buy new ones. Not a good thing for a frugalista. Better learn how to make them look like new and save money.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

Common Winter Habits That Are Running Up Your Heating Bill

2026-02-02T13:06:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Southern Living

"Heating bills can really add up in winter if you aren't careful. Certain outmoded practices can be counterproductive, costing you money when you're trying to save. In other cases, your personal habits may play a role in how often you crank up the heat. We've compiled a list of energy pitfalls to avoid, helping you save money and stay warm and cozy all winter long." Comment from Southern Living

When my ac/heating unit went out and I decided not to replace it, I could not believe the tremendous difference in my electricity bill. I live in Florida where I can go with it.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Here’s What to Do When the Power Goes Out in Your Home

2026-01-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Readers Digest

"How ready are you for the next power outage? With causes ranging from thunderstorms to natural disasters to electrical grid issues, power outages are common around the country, and they go on far longer than you might think. If it happens to you, and it will eventually, you need to know what to do when the electricity goes out." Comment from Readers Digest

Those of us living in hurricane territory are mostly aware of power outages, however, everyone should know what to do.

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article to find out.

How to tell if your phone is hacked

2026-01-29T23:07:00.002-05:00

Photo source: Readers Digest

"Could cybercriminals be infiltrating your bank account or stealing your identity right now? Here’s how to find out if your phone is under attack." Comment from Readers Digest

I've often wondered about how to check my phone. Now I know. Check out the article if you want to know too.

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Grocery Store Items with the Highest Markups

2026-01-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Readers Digest

"If you’re trying to figure out how to save money on groceries, you need to shop smart. Start by avoiding shrinkflation—when product sizes decrease, but their prices don’t—a sneaky tactic brands hope you don’t notice. You can avoid shrinkflation with the help of websites like Mouse Print, that advocate for consumers. Get familiar with grocery store secrets and supermarket tricks to conserve cash. And finally, save up to half off your total bill by simply avoiding the steep markup on certain items, including the ones listed below." Comment from Readers Digest

I need to pay more attention to this article because I am doing everything wrong. Not a good frugalista thing to do!

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple UPDATE

2026-01-29T11:43:00.000-05:00

Photo Source: Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever tossed out milk the second it hit its “Sell By” date, only to later wonder if you just poured money down the drain? You’re not alone. Food expiration date labels are confusing on purpose (well, almost). The truth is, most dates are about quality, not safety. And knowing the difference between “Best By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By” can save you a small fortune over time. Let’s decode the mystery so you can waste less, save more, and maybe even brag about your grocery smarts." Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

That is exactly what I was thinking yesterday when I threw away almost a full bottle of milk. I'd love to get educated on this since I throw away so much. Could this be a food industry ploy to get you to spend more money?

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

And here is another article . . .

What Best-By Dates Really Mean, According to Food Scientists
Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

12 Foods You Must Toss After Their Expiration Date

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Things You Should Always Wash In Cold Water

2026-01-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

Photo source: Southern Living

"On laundry day, it may be tempting to lump whites and darks into two big piles to make quick work of the overwhelming mound of dirty clothes in your laundry room. But besides color and fabric type, the temperature of the water you wash your laundry in matters too. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics like wool or silk, or cause them to shrink. Your new satin blouse may be clean, but you don’t want it to come out of the washing machine a size smaller. Cold water is safer for washing these items. Before you separate your laundry, check this list for things to always wash in cold water." Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article and learn how to prevent having to spend money on more clothes by taking proper care of what you have.

Tricks For Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink You Need To Know

2026-01-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Photo source: Chowhound.com

"When it comes to kitchen maintenance issues, nothing is quite as frustrating as a blocked kitchen sink. But before you go calling a plumber at those expensive premiums, there are many ways you can try solving this issue yourself. Whether it's a combination of the best natural ingredients, a heavy-duty chemical solution, or another hack for clearing a drain, there are many ways to resolve a stubborn clog." Comment from chowhound.com

I've used some of these tricks and they do work.

Click here to go to the Chowhound.com article.