Posted on 06/24/2005 6:35:23 AM PDT by Gabz
I was participating in a thread the other day started by a FReeper who has started to grow his own tobacco because of the ever escalating increases in tobacco taxes.
The fact his "crop" is tobacco is neither here nor there and I only mention it as way of introduction to the idea for the title of today's thread theme.
We all got talking about the benefits of making and or growing our own things as a means of saving money and were called on the carpet by a bean counter who claims that when one adds in the time it takes to prepare the things we grow or make we are not saving any money and in fact are losing money because the time could better be spent doing soemthing that actually pays money.
I disagree and would like all of your opinions.
What are some of the "Cheaper FReeper" ways you have devised to save money on various and sundry things?
Good morning all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Share your homemade money saving tips as we gather round the table!!!!
Good morning all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Share your homemade money saving tips as we gather round the table!!!!
Thought you all deserved a ping this morning seeing as you all were the inspriation for today's theme!!!!!
Hopefully you told 'em to mind their own d@mn bidniz.
Beyond the issue of whether it is money saving or not, I think that doing such activites are good for families for many reasons. Least of which is the teaching of self-reliance.
Just make sure the gov't doesn't get the land your tomatos are on, if you can.
This cheaper freeper is all for self reliance! We don't count no stinkin beans!
Any cheaper freepers out there? Our state doesn't want anyone to 'do for themselves'. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly hard to find supplies for canning.
I need to restock a few items for making apple sauce and canning tomatoes this fall. Any good suggestions for sources?
I know this is true (time/effort/cost of seeds/water, etc.) but my family is in the garden as much as they can be and it's become a source of infinite pleasure. My son-in-law even covered part of the garden with greenhouse plastic last fall and we had fresh goodies until Christmas (Midwest) and have already pulled garlic and eaten kale.
I know what you are saying.............
Beyond the issue of whether it is money saving or not, I think that doing such activites are good for families for many reasons. Least of which is the teaching of self-reliance.
I agree completely on both counts, family activity and self-reliance. As a family we actually have a tremendous amount of fun in the garden and while out fishing, even if we don't catch dinner :)
You're kidding me........................I can get my canning supplies anywhere from the hardware store to the supermarket to Walmart and practically anywhere in between.
have you checked on line for Ball or Mason?
My hubby reloads and dropped 4 deer last year. With that, we now have a freezer full (well now, 1/2 full) of meat. Does that count?
He also maintains all of our vehicles (except oil changes, you just can't beat Walmart). He saves hundreds of dollars a year on that. Of course, he just got a new truck, so hopefully, he won't have that much to do.
He built a 12 x 40 ft deck a couple of years ago and saved thousands as well. Man, I have the greatest hubby in the world!!
I save loads of money at the grocery store with the cards and coupons.
That kind of thinking really ticks me off. It used to be that being a wage-slave was considered a necessary evil ... now only activities that earn money are considered worthwhile. Phoop on them - I'd rather grow tobacco.
>>> have you checked on line for Ball or Mason?
No I haven't. But I will now :)
And for "cheaper" advice - I take handouts. If other people want to give us food, clothes, toys, furniture ... I'm not offended. I just say, "Thank you for thinking of us." If we can't use whatever it is (or if we're moving) we'll give it away to someone else :-).
Matter of fact, it is even hard to find yeast around here now. Seems to have disappeared off the shelves over the last few years.
I don't do coupons, because I find that store brands are cheaper than national brands, even with the coupons.
I agree there are some costs involved in growing your own - but even those can be minimized.............but nothing can minimize or place a $$ figure on the family time together working in the garden or having homegrown produce on the table :)
>>>He built a 12 x 40 ft deck a couple of years ago and saved thousands as well.
Can we start a separate thread for husband swapping when home projects are need?
/teasing!
Wal-Mart carries canning supplies, Sure-Jell, ect.
You might try freezing tomatoes. I raise my own and it works great. Also Zip-Lock makes about a one pint carton (available in grocery stores) that although is not too cheap, can be reused sevral times. I also freeze cabbage since I usually use it for soups, etc.
Good luck with keeping the gov's at bay now!
It is so good for kids to learn how to be self reliant today. My hubby marvels at how many of his coworkers do not know how a motor works or how to repair something basic in their home. They think my hubby is the strange one for doing stuff himself. My hubby thinks the coworkers are idiots for paying some goofball who has no vested interest in making sure he has done the job perfectly, money to do something my hubby can do. And, my hubby knows he will do it well because he and our family has to use it.
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