Put it off

Do you need a new computer? Printer? Shoes? Stove? Whatever it is, if you can replace it now, put the money in your other pocket. The longer you can hold out the better off you are because the new item won't start wearing out until you buy and start using it.

Child's apron or bib

If your child enjoys painting or other messy, fun things, use a plastic grocery bag as a disposable bib or apron. Cut across the bottom, pop the bag over the child's head with arms through holes--handles up as straps. If straps are too long and bag goes too far down the front of clothing, pull handles up and tie into a knot to make it fit better. Tie a string or piece of yarn around the waist to help hold the bib in place.

Scrub and facial

A quarter cup of coffee grounds mixed with an egg white makes a toning and firming facial. Massage it into your skin and allow it to dry, then rinse. If you have dry skin, follow with a moisturizer.

Frugal Valentine's Day

If you're looking for something really cool to do with your honey, put your money back in your pocket, get all dressed up and go to a free museum or art gallery. You can treat yourselves to a coffee somewhere afterwards and still have a great time for very little cash.

Grease soakers

Forget the paper towels to absorb grease from fried foods. The food tends to stick to them, and you have to buy them in the first place - not a good frugal move. Instead, use brown paper, the kind they make paper bags from. Ask for paper bags at the grocer or save the inner brown paper wrapping from bags of sugar.

Paper, paper everywhere

There's no way you could ever run out of paper for lists and notes if you just keep your eyes open - and I don't mean just junk mail. What about the backs of can labels, inside and outside used envelopes, backs of receipts, paper bags? If you look at paper as if it's paper instead of labels, receipts, old paperback blanks, you'll never run out.

Poached Eggs

Don't have an egg poacher? There's a cheap (free!) and simple way to "make your own." Just use metal lids, upside down and buttered, in a pan of simmering water, to poach eggs. The water shouldn't be deep enough to come over the top of the lid. Test it first before adding the egg.

Old fashioned savings

Have an "old fashioned" night with the family. Turn off the lights and use candles or oil lamps. Take turns reading a book or telling stories or play board games instead of watching TV or playing on the computer. Cook a homestyle meal, wash dishes by hand in a dishpan or large bowl. At the very least, you'll save on electricity; you may save on food and water, too.

Paper towels

Just can't get by without paper towels? Try pages of newspaper instead. If you crumple them hard, then smooth them out, they'll be more absorbent.

Ice cubes

Most refrigerators have ice makers any more, but if you use ice cube trays and need an extra one or two for summertime or company, use a foam egg carton, or watch for those plastic coated trays that some candy and cookies come in.

Stop the cold from entering

If you need to fill in a crack or hole around windows or doors, use papier mache. Newspaper is a good insulator, so papier mache will help keep out the cold or heat better than caulking.

Press it firmly into the crack with a hard object. It will take a few days to cure, so choose a warm spell if you can.

Reusing wrapping paper

Did you save wrapping from Christmas gifts? Most papers can be ironed to get the wrinkles out (NOT the plastic or shiny types). If you save the cardboard tubes it came on, wrap it back around them, but if you didn't save the tubes, wrap it around any other paper you have on tubes - or simply roll it gently on itself. Secure it (and all rolled wrapping paper) with a rubber band. You won't waste any because of tape.