Don't buy organizers!

Cardboard boxes, from cheese boxes and shoe boxes to refrigerator boxes, are containers. Containers. Don't buy plastic or cardboard containers when you already have them.

Liquid hand soap

Buying liquid soap to wash your hands can be pricey after awhile. You can substitute almost any liquid cleaner for it: Shampoo that you don't care for, bubble bath, body wash, dishwashing liquid. Mix water with them to stretch it. Stir it in, don't shake.

Nothing new

There's nothing new under the sun. Remember that next time you see an advertisement for a "new and improved" something or other. Some of the products we are offered have been improved to death. Get a sample if you can, before trying anything new. Otherwise, you could very well be wasting your money.

Clean your hair dryer

If you use a hair dryer, don't forget to clean the vents now and then. If you don't, they will become clogged and cause your hair dryer to overheat and will eventually make it quit working. Use a makeup brush or something similar to clean it.

Have it quick and cheap

Need a quick, but inexpensive meal? If you keep cooked rice in your freezer, you can make one. Pile it on a plate and top it with chili, soup or other dish, microwave it for a couple of minutes, top with cheese and microwave another few seconds until the cheese melts.

Frugal silver polish

Don't buy silver polish! Instead, simmer silver tableware or jewelry in an aluminum pot for a few minutes, then let it set. If you don't have an aluminum pot, add some aluminum foil to a pot and simmer, then let it set. Your silver will come out shiny and free from any tarnish.

Cheap volumizing shampoo

Don't spend money on expensive volumizing shampoo. Instead, mix about a teaspoon of Epsom Salts to a quarter cup of hot water and mix it into regular, inexpensive shampoo.

Old tapes

Got some old VHS or audio tapes stashed away? Recycle! Pull the tape from the cartridge and try knitting or crocheting with it, or use it to decorate a gift or your home for the fall holidays. Think outside the box; what you have is a length of narrow, shiny brown ribbon.

Remove mildew stains

Got mildew stains on your laundry? Soak it in a solution of half vinegar and half water for a couple or three days, then launder as usual. It works on colors as well as whites.

Dryer sheets

If you just have to use dryer sheets (there are cheaper alternatives!), reuse them when you sew. Since they're nonwoven and washable, use them for labels on hand made items or to record washing instructions if it's not on the label. A permanent marker works fine; cut the sheet to size, write on it and sew it into the garment, quilt or whatever.

Investment: Microwave popcorn popper

While it's not recommended that you use a paper bag to pop corn in the microwave, some companies are marketing a microwave popcorn popper. It's a lot less expensive to buy a bag of regular popcorn than to buy individual packages made for the microwave. Do the math and see how long it will take for a microwave popper to pay for itself!

Receipts and coupons

Do you pay attention to the backs of your receipts? Places like CVS and Kroger often print coupons on them and they're good coupons, too, not just a few pennies here and there. Be sure to take a close look before you toss the receipt next time.

Cheap shaving cream

Shaving creams and foams can be pricey. Beat the cost by using cheap hair conditioner. Just a quarter size plop spread over your legs and/or underarms will give you a smooth, ouchless shave and save you money, too.

Cheap face moisturizer

Baby lotion makes a good facial moisturizer, especially if you have sensitive skin. The generic is just as good as name brands, but a lot cheaper. Compare the labels and you'll see.