No Limits Ladies.com

The women of the Great Depression in the 1930’s knew frugality. One of their battle cries was “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I use this simple rhyme as my frugal checklist with dealing with one of my wants or needs.

Use it up means using that last bit of toothpaste (I slit open the package for a few more uses) or slip of soap or bit of shampoo. Again, splurging on any of these items doesn’t increase my happiness level. Plus I’m lazy. If it reduces one purchase of toothpaste a year, that means one less shopping trip. I can stay at home in my new pj’s (my mother took me seriously when I sarcastically said that I spent my writing days in pj’s – she gave me 5 new pairs for Christmas).

Wear it out is simple. Wear out items like those pair of favorite jeans. No great hardship there. They get so soft and comfy that I wear them until my butt breaks free. I’d do that whether it was frugal or not. Again if it saves me shopping for a pair of jeans a year, that’s a great money and time saver.

Make it do…well, the hubby comes to me, claiming that he has to buy a belt punch for his belts (he’s been losing some weight…no longer the cuddly teddy bear he once was). Now, I come from the farm. Ignorant me, I’ve never even heard of a belt punch. I suggested that he make the hole using a hammer and nail. He, of course, thought I was brilliant (okay, at first he thought I was sarcastic THEN he thought I was brilliant). Making it do is a badge of creativity, something we women are skilled at.

Do without is a no-brainer too. What I can do without are those impulse buys that I get the urge for from time to time. If I can resist for a few hours, the urge often goes away.

If I get through this list and still want the item (and can afford it), I usually buy it (I'd never win any awards for frugality).

The Homesteader Way Of Life Blog