Easy frugality

Easy frugality
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Need to make every dollar count? Here’s how to be cheap without really trying.

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Separate your bananas

Separate your bananas
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This keeps them yellow longer. Bananas produce ethylene, a gas that causes them to ripen, and separating the bunch can slow down that process.

Watch out for these supermarket tricks you still fall for. 

Make lettuce last

Make lettuce last
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Seal lettuce in a zip-lock bag with a moistened paper towel to add days of leafy goodness.

Extend the life of your razor

Extend the life of your razor
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Shake the excess water off your disposable razor, then dip it in rubbing alcohol and store it in a dry place (do not leave it in your shower). This will clean the blade, stave off rusting, and add weeks of shaving life.

Flip and rotate your mattress

Flip and rotate your mattress
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Flip your mattress and rotate it every three months to extend its life span. As for couch cushions, don’t just flip them – swap them with one another so they don’t become moulds of your family’s backs and butts.

Use less

Use less
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Halve the amount of soap, toothpaste, shampoo and detergent you use – you probably won’t notice a difference. And your clothes should feel just as fluffy with only a quarter of a dryer sheet.

These mindful shopping tips will save you money (and make you happier).

Avoid the dryer

Avoid the dryer
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Unplug your dryer. That lint you see is from your clothes slowly being disintegrated by all the tumbling. Stick with our gentle friend the clothesline. If you do use a dryer, zip up metal zippers, before they mug other garments.

You’ll wish you knew these other laundry tips sooner. 

Save your lipstick

Save your lipstick
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Scoop out that remaining bit of lipstick from the tube with a lip brush. You’ll be surprised at how many applications remain.

Here are 38 ways to make more money in 2020. 

Maintain your shoes

Maintain your shoes
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Have the soles of your leather shoes lined with rubber to prevent them from wearing down. And don’t wear them two days in a row. Leather shoes are susceptible to moisture and will last longer if you give them a day off.

Air your soap

Air your soap
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Do you air your bar of soap before using it? Many frugalistas swear this will allow it to harden and last longer, without affecting the lather.

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