This article is an EXCELLENT overview of how a family can cut costs. We've used MANY of these ideas.
My favorite "get my mind thinking" about cutting cost are Hillbilly Housewife's $70/week mealplan or her $90/wk mealplan.
This has great ideas http://www.menus4moms.com/frugal/meals_for_hard_times_1.php
My kids LOVE Clara and BOY does she help you get in the spirit of back to basics. SERIOUSLY educational videos http://www.youtube.com/user/DepressionCooking
A friend e-mailed me with this information -
ReplyDeletedollar store lotion (lots cheaper than Jergens or Bed, Bath & Beyond):
http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/p/658825/5559486.aspx
fabric softner (I haven't actually tried this one, but I have put in some vinegar and water which works fine, but doesn't leave any "clean" smell)
http://www.recipezaar.com/Homemade-Fabric-Softner-355877
liquid hand soap (one of the biggest money savers for me):
http://www.blulow.com/2007/07/05/homemade-liquid-hand-soap/
dishwasher detergent:
http://natural-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/washing_dishes_for_pennies
powder laundry soap (I've also seen where they cook this first and make it into a liquid, which I think would probably work better but I don't want to mess around with it):
http://alrightokuhhuhamen.blogspot.com/2008/03/make-your-own-laundry-detergenti-do.html
I also kind of stopped buying regular cleaners and just use a lot of vinegar & water, baking soda, and sometimes rubbing alcohol can do wonders (it's great for a dry erase board or for hair spray on linoleum). Bleach can also be helpful.
So, there's my two cents even though you didn't ask for it!