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15 super-frugal saving tips

Big-time penny-pinchers will go all out to cut back on spending. These strategies can help them save more than the average consumer.

 

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By Kimberly Palmer, U.S. News & World Report

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69Comments
Hero11007
Nov 1, 2012 6:30PM
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Worst article ever!!! If you need to do any of those things, you shouldn't be on the computer reading this!!!
Sanderlina
Oct 6, 2012 1:25AM
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I don't get it. How are you supposed to freeze your meals without using a freezer and while living in a hot climate so you can bake cookies? MY MIND IS BLOWN! MSN! BLOWN!
sadieandsamantha
Nov 30, 2012 3:06PM
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Are they kidding with some of these tips? Bake cookies in your car? Shut the engine off and coast 10 feet to save 20 cents worth of gas? Take cold showers even in winter to save water and fuel? (try that one here in the northeast and you will spend the money saved on a trip to the emergency room after you come down with pneumonia) Why don't they add reusing toilet paper and and taking your family out dumpster diving for dinner. Ridiculous!
adam42
Nov 1, 2012 11:46PM
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Move in with Parents??? While almost everybody needs help from time to time, moving in with parents shouldn't be a "save money" solution.  More like admitting being a failure option....Saving money by spending your parents is like being a street beggar
Miss_Ki
Nov 30, 2012 2:41AM
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This Article is just absolutely, unbelievably ridiculous! I think this is a joke.  Well played prankster... well played!

yeaaaaabudddy
Nov 30, 2012 2:21PM
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whoever wrote this article is a moron and needs to be fired.
Yankee fiddler
Dec 11, 2012 2:40AM
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It is irresponsible for MSN to even suggest that people turn off their cars while driving. None of these suggestions will save as much money as getting rid of cable, going to data-free cell plan, or eating out one less time per week.  
rmt_75
Nov 30, 2012 7:49PM
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Turning the ignition switch off and coasting to save gas is very dangerous.  You can easily have the key in the lock position without knowing it and all is fine until you make a turn and the steering wheel locks. Not very smart advice to be telling people.
Cricket49
Oct 5, 2012 11:48AM
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Some good tips here for those dedicated to living on the cheap, but much as I love the smell of lemons I find them too pricey to use as a cleaning agent.     
pricelister
Dec 11, 2012 3:29AM
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What an idiotic article.   When will MSN stop paying people who know nothing to write "expert" advice? 

 

Oh wait.  They are being frugal.

I design
Nov 30, 2012 8:57PM
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Here's some more great ways to save money:
  turn your underwear inside-out to get an extra day out of them...
  use the plastic supermarket bags instead of trash bags...
  use the bottom of your shirt instead of tissues...
  in a car with a manual transmission: shift into neutral and coast the last few hundred feet to stop signs
  put extra air in your tires to reduce rolling-resistance..​.
  bathe once a week...
  use junk-mail as fuel to heat your home...
  reuse condoms...
  put refrigerator and freezer in basement, where the air is cooler to start with...
  use a wire coat-hanger instead of rabbit-ears for your TV...
  cook eggs on top of the engine block of your car (only works after long drives)...
  replace all light-bulbs with minimum watt bulbs that will fit sockets...

JERRY (dontworrybhappy2525)
Dec 11, 2012 1:07AM
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Compare prices??  Oh My God!  what ground breaking material !!    Kimberly,,this is sooo new!  I sure no one has ver done this before.. What a concept !

 

kennym365
Dec 11, 2012 1:32AM
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Suggesting people drive with their car off can be a serious liability for MSN. It would be a good idea to reduce it to 14 super-frugal.

As for the rest of it, it's pretty stupid stuff.

TheBigRW
Dec 11, 2012 6:32AM
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This is the most assnine article.  I almost thought I was reading an article on Yahoo.  Shame on you, MSN! 

 

I saw the cooking baking in the car thing on "Funny Wal-Mart People" on You Tube.

 

MACRX
Dec 11, 2012 1:03PM
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These are some of the most stupid ideas I have ever read. Please do not turn your car off when driving it to coast down a hill! Many of these ideas are accidents waiting to happen. Car crashes and food poisoning not for me or my family.
Library Lady (Yazilikaya)
Dec 11, 2012 1:10AM
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This list is really stupid. MSN you can do better than this drivel.
JERRY (dontworrybhappy2525)
Dec 11, 2012 12:47AM
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take cold showers ?  Obviously this Kimberly is one cold Beatch!
garyb79
Dec 11, 2012 5:58AM
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ride a bicycle, not in Dec in the Midwest & bulk buying result in bulk hauling on bike..no thanks

public trans? can save you money, but if you already have car and cannot do without it all the time, and must drive at some point. not going to save much money outside of the gas. you're still paying insurance and lic fee whether you drive it or not.

re-use plastic bags? okay, have done that.

shutting the car off while drivin?, just plain dangerous

you can't bake cookies in Dec in the Midwest

move in with your parents? place more expense on them, and they are probably on a fixed income. more people in your house, means more water, electrical usage, etc.I have 2 sons living back with me/wife now. 

cold shower?, no thank you. my house is cold in the morning from turning the heat down overnite. better to get a more efficient water heater.

buy in bul?. sometimes saves you money, sometimes not. better to shop the weekly specials. can goods keep, I buy them on sale for 1/2 price.

living out of an RV? no thanks. camping fees, hauling it around(gas), propane etc. the inconvenience of no room. no thanks.plus  you'll need a vehicle capable of hauling it. a Prius wont work.

learn to fix what breaks, maintain your car yourself(oil change, filters, tire rotation, brake pads) I'm lucky, I have a mech aptitude & can fix a lot of things. shop wisely, know what the bottom pricing is. research purchases, resist impulse buying, fast food, resist having to have the latest things

no frig or freezer?, some of that bulk buying includes items that need freezing or frig.

these $$ saving tips are not the best advice. poorly done.

Karl and Rosie BROBERG (daily bread)
Oct 30, 2012 5:12AM
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Frugality is a perspective.  Some have tunnel vision...others go widescreen.  Everybody in their own way makes for a responsible citizenry.
linda ritter
Dec 11, 2012 12:26PM
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I save money by cutting my own hair and using public transportation. I also compare prices. I recently downgraded my phone to a cheaper plan. I am currently unemployed and seeking employment. I also save money by shopping at the Goodwill and Walmart. I do not shop at expensive stores. I recently traveled from one state to another by using the Greyhound bus instead of flying. I did not have to pay all the stupid baggage fees by traveling by bus. I also enjoyed a very scenic trip. I actually met some very nice people traveling Greyhound. I also save money by buying the generic item as opposed to the name brand. I will continue to cut corners as long as I need too.
decoy44
Dec 11, 2012 12:48PM
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I stopped after cold showers.  Just assumed the rest would be as stupid.
JERRY (dontworrybhappy2525)
Dec 11, 2012 12:53AM
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Live in an RV permanently?   Divorce is not a frugal result.

Really-America
Dec 11, 2012 8:27AM
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This "article" was written for anyone who cannot think at all.  If you have to move into an RV, you are way ahead of the saving money game, having sold your blood for Ramen noodles long ago.  Fluffed with crap such as, "move in with your parents", and "compare prices", the author of this bilge should be thrown out on the street, so that they may take their own advice, (having fallen on hard times) and take cold showers!
JERRY (dontworrybhappy2525)
Dec 11, 2012 1:02AM
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Coasting a car as if it is a soap box is bad advise to give to 90% of the drivers out there who cannot drive correctly even with full power. But,, here is advise that will save gas,,wear and tear on your auto, and is not in the least dangerous. >>>  When you park in a parking lot,, find a space that you can pull into which will enable you to drive forward to exit from. Not having to reverse and then forward again is good for your transmission and good for gas milage.

 

jimndot
Dec 11, 2012 12:07PM
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A ridiculous story. Basically do without and you'll save money. Duh! 
TheBigRW
Dec 11, 2012 6:30AM
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who the hell is Zack?

JERRY (dontworrybhappy2525)
Dec 11, 2012 12:50AM
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Stop using a fridge?  OK Kimberly,,, you will begin paying my medical insurance premiums ?

 

Dolphin117
Dec 11, 2012 1:41PM
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What a pointless article - public transportation isn't an option for me since I have to be at work by 6:30 a.m. some days and my job is not close to my home - you go where the work is !

Comparing prices - what a novel idea !   

Make your own cleaning supplies - yes but nothing new here

Turning your car off - downright dangerous !

 

Doesn't anyone check this stuff before its posted ?? 

Too bad MSN got rid of their community boards like Women In Red and Smart Spending - I learned A LOT more there than here !

fartknocker349
Dec 11, 2012 2:43PM
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I don't believe you have "turn car off while it's still moving" on the list.  Not only do you lose power steering and brakes, but if you turn it off all the way you may also lock the steering column.  Is it worth killing yourself or other people to literally save the pennies of gas that an idling car would use going down a long hill?  I would strongly suggest you issue a retraction for that item.
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