Source: memebase.com via Kendall on Pinterest
It’s inevitable. Everyone deals with a frugal foul up from time to time.
In an effort to save a buck or two, you end up costing yourself more money in the long run or end up in a situation that’s way less than ideal.
In this article on MSN Money, Donna Freedman links to several examples of popular frugal living bloggers who missed the mark at one time or another.
I have to say, I personally have made enough frugal foul ups to write a book. It would be a boring and sad book, but it would fit in size-wise with the large reference books currently on your bookshelf. 😉
Just a few of MY frugal foul ups:
Broccoli. Too bad the squirrels ate it first.
My garden– It held such promise. Until every animal, insect and plant disesease available decided to call it home. I was able to get a head of broccoli, one or two tomatoes and a few herbs from it. I won’t do the math on this one, but I’m fairly certain it’s safe to say I did NOT get my money’s worth.
Source: ana-white.com via Family Friendly Frugality on Pinterest
Woodworking – We were going to build things! Awesome things! Furniture! We invested some money in some nice fancy tools and set to work. Seeing as we didn’t even complete the art paper roll holder labeled as “Very Easy” on the woodworking website, I’d say that was a big ol’ waste of money.
Making my own Laundry Detergent – Maybe we’re just exceptionally messy. Perhaps it’s our water. I’m really not sure. All I know is that I’ve tried two different recipes for DIY Laundry Detergent and all I got for my efforts was a burnt out blender. In the end we just wound up with washed dirty clothes and went back to couponing for low priced store bought detergent.
Luckily, the majority of my attempts to save money work out great. I taught myself to sew, how to coupon and I started my own business from scratch.
It’s good to try new things. It’s good to find new ways to save money. Don’t give up when things turn out less than ideal though. Dust yourself off and try again. OR find another, easier way to save money.
There are so many ways we cut corners around here, so I try not to get too upset when something doesn’t pan out.
I also think I’m a glutton for punishment. I haven’t quite given up on my lush garden dreams OR my hope to eventually build myself a four poster queen sized bed.
However…I think I’ll stick to buying my laundry detergent ready made from now on thankyouverymuch.
What have been some of YOUR frugal foul ups? Share them in the comments!
It’s good to hear that I am not the only one that fouls up when trying to save some cash or do something in a different way than normal! There are a lot of great ideas on Pinterest on DIY projects but I have to admit something “I’m not very handy!”. I don’t own tools besides the basic drill and hammer, I don’t have the patience or the time to learn how to frost the perfect cake or cupcake or even make the perfect lunch box meal for my child. But I try not to beat myself up about it… I COULD put in the time to learn to do all these crafty things but honestly I would rather spend that time on a date with my husband or out for a run or out with my girlfriends. I read somewhere that as long as you family loves you and appreciates what you do for them that’s all you need… and seriously, who is going to notice if you buy or make your own laundry detergent? NO ONE! Thanks for another great post Heather!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! That’s why I always think we need to take time/money into account when we are trying to “save” money. Sometimes it’s just not worth it!
I’m slightly handy, but I’m also always on a time crunch! Which means I don’t often take the time to do things carefully and end up with a sloppy mess!
Thanks for commenting Mary Ann!
I have three year old twins (b/g) and I thought instead of pull ups it would be much cheaper to sew up some training pants. Well I bought all the stuff for two sets ..did I mention they wear different sizes too so it was a lot of suppplies. I got through three pairs and hated sewing them so much and it took so long and I complained so much my husband begged me to stop.
LOL! My husband has been in that position (watching his wife in agony while trying to save money) MANY times!
glad I’m not the only one ha. Now what to do with approx 8 yds of colorful double elastic.
Ha! Do you have a facebook local trading/selling group? That’s where I would go with it!
It’s so nice to hear that, in the process of trying to be frugal, we don’t always succeed. I have to remind myself that it’s ok when things don’t turn out as planned. We just keep on trying!
We definitely don’t always succeed! If we never try though, we’ll never know!