SMART MUM
I’m a frugal mum and from wrapping paper to toothpaste these are the 25 things I’ve stopped buying to save cash
A FRUGAL mum has revealed the 25 things she no longer buys to save cash.
With the costs of living rising, many are finding new ways to help them spend less and save money - amongst them is Sarah, a US-based mum who no longer buys a list of things.
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Taking it to YouTube, the woman revealed the things she doesn't deem necessary spending money on anymore, including toothpaste and wrapping paper.
In a lengthy on the popular platform, Sarah said that initially it was a way for the family to start their ''debt-free journey'', as well as save money.
''We're always looking for things that we can make do without or if we can find an eco-friendly alternative, I always love to try that option as well.''
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DISPOSABLE PAPER PRODUCTS
Paper plates, paper bowls, disposable cups and napkins - all of these Sarah has now ditched for more sustainable and less costly substitutes.
''Couple of years ago I bought a roll of reusable paper towels from a lady on that made them and I also bought a reusable matching set of cloth napkins.''
Although Sarah will primarily stick to using these, she did admit of purchasing paper towels every once in a while.
This, she explained, is for when her husband would cook bacon or other greasy products that leave a lot of leftover fat on the pan.
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BODY WASH
Most mainstream shower products tend to come in plastic packaging - which only add to the ever-growing issue of plastic waste in the world.
Instead, Sarah now buys regular bars of soap, which she then sticks onto a soap holder to prevent it from getting messy.
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SHAVING CREAM
Along the same lines, the mum has also stopped purchasing shaving creams.
This has been replaced with soap, which, Sarah claimed, worked just as fine.
SCENT BOOSTERS
In her journey towards a more eco-friendly and less expensive lifestyle, the mum no longer shops for scent boosters for the family's clothes.
''I keep the laundry stuff very clear and very simple,'' she said, explaining that this is partially because her children's skin is very sensitive.
PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSHES
''I haven't bought any in quite a few years.''
As a great alternative, Sarah claimed her family now uses bamboo toothbrushes.
''They last a long time an it's one less plastic thing that has to go in the landfill.''
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CABLE TV
Another thing, though less uncommon, was not paying for cable TV.
''We do pay for Netflix and Disney+ because that's something my husband and kids enjoy.
''They get a lot of use out of it.''
SPECIAL EVENT CLOTHING
''In the past if I had a baby shower or bridal shower or something to go to or a wedding, I'd go out and buy a new dress for that.
''Then it would get worn once and hang in the closet.''
Now, Sarah revealed, she owns a few basic items that she can either dress up or dress down according to the event.
''Or if I need to, I can always ask my mum or my friends to borrow a dress.''
UNCOMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR
Speaking of fashion, Sarah also said she doesn't spend money on heels anymore.
''I also used to buy sandals that had, like, really big wedges and then I would always end up twisting my ankle or my toes would be pinched.''
Since making the switch, the mum opts for comfort rather than fashion.
EXCESSIVE MAKE-UP & SKINCARE
''No, don't need it, it's too much money,'' is how Sarah feels about the wide array of beauty products available these days.
''I'm gonna stick to the basics, my daily stuff that I know works,'' she said, whilst demonstrating the items she keeps in her make-up bag - one she claimed to have owned since high school.
PERFUME
While Sarah does own a few body sprays she was given as gifts, the mum never spends money on expensive perfumes.
''A little body spray and I'm good to go.''
LAUNDRY SOAP
As well as steering clear from skincare and body products that come in plastic packaging, Sarah also no longer purchases regular laundry soap and liquid.
''I use these laundry sheets which are so much more eco-friendly,'' she said, whilst adding she would strip them into half for smaller loads.
''I think they're easy peasy, there's no measuring, there's no mess.''
COFFEE PODS
The mum continued the lengthy list with coffee pods - a common kitchen staple in almost all households today.
''Now we have a different coffee maker with a reusable filter that we just wash and clean.''
PLANNERS
As useful as they are, especially for those with thousands of things to remember, paper planners are not necessarily the most sustainable option.
''I know some people love to get a new paper planner at the beginning of the year but [...] they're just not for me.''
WALL CALENDARS
Although not as popular as once, wall calendars still decorate the odd pair of doors or walls around the world.
But you will not find one in Sarah's: ''I don't like them hanging up or looking at them.
''I have everything I need on my Google Calendar and it's connected to my husband's.
''So we can see each other's appointments or kids' activities.''
KITCHEN GADGETS
Despite having bought these in the past in hopes they would make her life easier, Sarah said that the only thing they would do was clutter up her drawers.
''Gradually over time, they've been donated.
''If I am gonna cut up something, I'm just going to use a knife.
''I don't need any fancy cutters, choppers or slicers.''
NEW COFFEE MUGS
''We have a certain spot in our kitchen where I put all the coffee mugs and only six can fit there.
''There's no more room for any more.
''I am not going to spend any more money on them and bring them home.''
PURSES & HAND BAGS
Instead of spending money on different bags to fit each outfit, Sarah has opted for a basic black purse, which, she believed, went well with everything in her wardrobe.
''Just big enough for my wallet, my phone, my cheque book and a few essentials.''
EXTRA SHEET SETS
When Sarah's kids were younger, she would often splurge out on good quality sheets - because their faces were so close to them all the time and they'd also suffer from skin conditions.
But now, as the children have grown older, she has ditched these and buys less expensive sheets with basic colours.
''I no longer buy any character bedding,'' she said, explaining that her offsprings would very soon get bored of it.
NEW TECH
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With new phones and gadgets coming out what feels like every minute, it's tempting to upgrade to the latest model.
But, according to the mum, the family will only replace their mobile phones only if there's a break.
''My iPhone is an IPhone 7 - it works just fine.
''It serves its purpose - that's fine with me.''
GIFT BAGS & TISSUE PAPER
With Christmas, birthdays, baby showers and other celebrations, it's easy to go overboard and spend a pretty penny on gift paper over the course of the year.
But instead of buying a new roll each time, the mum has acquired a rather impressive collection of old gift bags.
''I have saved, I have reused and repurposed bags for birthdays, for Christmas and for different events.''
TRADITIONAL TOOTHPASTE
Sarah has also found another way of reducing her plastic waste - by swapping regular toothpaste with small capsules in a jar.
These tiny toothpaste bits, by the brand , come in biodegradable packaging.
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''My husband and I use this and it's been great,'' she reviewed the subscription service.
Sarah did admit that her children weren't the biggest fans of the Bite products, so she does continue to buy regular toothpaste for them.
UNPLANNED HOME DECOR
Those who have just moved in or are in the process of renovation, will know how tempting it is to buy anything and everything in sight.
In the past, Sarah would be no exception: ''I would love to go to, like Marshalls or Hobby Lobby or Target and I would see cute things and I'd be like 'Ah, I love it'.''
But upon bringing the purchased item home, the mum would very soon realise there would be no place to put it.
''Now [...] I plan ahead of time - where it's gonna go, about what size it needs to be, what's my colour scheme, what's the style, does it fit in the feel of the room.''
SCARVES
As well as not bagging home decor items just because ''they're cute'' or are on sale, Sarah has also stopped purchasing scarves.
''I used to have tonnes of scarves, I decluttered a bunch.
''I feel like they're not a thing anymore. Do you still wear scarves?'' she was wondering.
HOLIDAY DECOR
Towards the end of her list, the mum said the family no longer spends money on home holiday decor - with the exception of Christmas and Halloween, which her husband is a huge fan of.
''It's his thing, he likes to be creative,'' Sarah explained, adding that a lot of the decorations he would make himself.
''But I don't buy anything for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day [...], I just use the few things that I already have.''
TOYS
''I avoid taking my kids to the store anyways but if I have to, they know that it is not in the budget for me to just buy them a toy.
''I am not spending money unnecessarily on some random toy that you just happen to catch your eye on.''
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The mum also shared a tip for fellow parents: ''If they see something that they really like, I will make note of it and I will add it to their Amazon Wish List.
''That has worked so well.''
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