Ask ConsciouslyFrugal!

Sometimes, we just need a little help, particularly when it comes to our finances. It's not easy to live within our means in a consumer culture, let alone do so in a socially conscious manner. That's why ConsciouslyFrugal is here to help!

Each Friday will be dedicated to a reader question in the new column, Ask ConsciouslyFrugal. If you need help creating a spending plan, finding clothing that is produced in a sustainable manner, want to know how you can help make the world a better place for all, or anything else your brilliant and compassionate self is curious about Ask ConsciouslyFrugal is here to help.

Simply send in your questions to consciouslyfrugal(at)yahoo(dot)com (so sorry. We have to fight the robots of the Internet and their spamming ways) and look for your questions and response on Friday.

Helping Doesn't Cost a Thing

Several sites have linked together, allowing users to support their efforts with only the click of a button. Click here to help with the hunger site, the animal rescue site, and child literacy, among others. Advertisers donate for each button of support that you push, so click away! It's nice to see advertiser dollars going towards something helpful for a change!

The Farm Bill & More on Farmer's Markets

A friend commented recently about her unpleasant experiences with her local farmer's market. One of her main complaints is the price of produce. Oddly enough, the founder of the Slow Food Movement, Carlo Petrini, has a similar complaint about a San Francisco's farmer's market. Read about the controversy in this LA Times Editorial. Of course, the Slow Food USA website has a slightly different tale.

As the Op-Ed piece mentions, the prices that Petrini complains about aren't exactly uncommon in San Francisco. SF is ridiculously expensive. A fellow editor at GetUnderground lives in SF and mentioned that he once canvassed an area for a campaign to keep rent prices down. He was amazed at the level of apathy among folks who would be most harmed by the rising rents. It seems you can just get used to being beaten down by the Almighty Dollar and those who wield it.

But back to Kirsten's issue. I put up a few pointers on how to save at the farmer's market , but I thought I'd give a few more tips that Kirsten's comment jarred out of my tired brain. Ready? Set. Go!


1. From my research, locally grown is more important than organically grown. If you can get both, great. This, of course, doesn't apply if you have sensitivity to pesticides. But the environmental benefits of locally grown outweigh that of organically grown. Ideally, of course, ya want both.

2. Try other markets. We have markets throughout my city five out of seven days each week. Some are cheaper, some have more food, others have more art, etc. Even if it means taking a small trip, it might be worth it.

3. This may not be true elsewhere, but at markets in my city, Asian farmers' produce tends to be a bit cheaper. They grow things I'm not familiar with, which has provided the unexpected pleasure of learning new dishes and introducing me to new foods.

Since we're on the topic of farmers and markets, check out this other lovely Op-Ed piece on food stamps and corporate farm welfare. Basically, the current Farm Bill supports large subsidies for massive, corporate farmers who produce foods that are terribly unhealthy (high fructose corn syrup, for instance) while providing very little assistance to poor families through food stamps and small-scale, family owned farms. It's a system that is in serious need of reform.

You can learn more about the Farm Bill and how you can help change the corporate welfare program that produces unhealthy foods into something sustainable that supports small farms at Slow Food LA.

Saving on Water

Water is a precious commodity in desert areas and rural communities without city water facilities. In many parts of the world, safe drinking water is scarce. But those of us living in urban and suburban areas rarely think about what comes out of our tap. Experts tell us that future wars (most would argue our current war) will be waged over natural resources with water at the top of the list. Although we may think of it as an endless resource, many communities around the globe are facing the scary reality that wells, rivers and lakes run dry.

Many of the protests surrounding the World Trade Organization have stemmed from corporate conglomerates' attempts to deregulate water, making it a commodity that is no longer a right of the individual. That's a pretty scary thought, isn't it? What if water became so expensive that the poor no longer had access to it?

Beyond the political implications of water usage and control, respecting and carefully using this vital substance can also save money on your monthly bills. Not only will your savings add up, so will the benefits to the environment!

1. Pay attention. Do you rinse things more than they really need? What about laundry? Do you check the settings to make sure you're not using a full load setting for just a few items?


2. Get creative. Do you toss out water after you've boiled something? If so, let it cool and use it to water your plants. I do this when I make hard boiled eggs or greens. Put a dishpan in the sink and rinse items over it. Use this water for plants (or some other creative use!) as well.

3. Turn it off. Do you let the water run while you're brushing your teeth? Turn it off. You can also shut off the water in your shower while you're soaping up or shaving. Do you water your lawn daily? Lawns generally only need 1-2 inches of water twice a week. Remember, over-watering plants will kill them!

4. Install water saving gadgets. Get low-flow fixtures for your shower and sink. If you have an old toilet, place a filled jug or brick into the tank to decrease the amount of water used (newer toilets don't need this trick). Install a timer for your lawn and garden sprinkler system that doesn't give the plants more than they need (there are inexpensive versions available and some systems require you to act as the timer). Remember never to water in the middle of the day (too much evaporation from the heat) or at night (don't put babies to bed wet! It can result in fungal growth).

5. Collect rainwater. There are fancy gadgets you can buy to collect rainwater from gutter systems (this may not be possible for high-rise urban dwellers). You can also just use a big garbage pail or bucket. I used to collect rainwater to water my garden and rinse my hair. Some magazine told me it was good for my hair. I just remember it being ice cold!

6. Use what you have. Lots of folks buy bottled water, but from the studies I've seen, it's probably no better than what comes out of your tap and may actually be worse. The Water Quality Directory lists contact information for each state's coordinator. If you're curious about the water quality of your city, call your region's coordinator. If you're curious about the safety of nearby streams or lakes for fishing or swimming, check out the EPA's Monitoring and Assessing Water website. In short, investigate instead of assuming that what comes out of your tap is contaminated.

Saving at the Farmer's Market

Most frugal zealots give tips about slashing your food bill as much as possible. As a foodie and a consciously frugal gal, I'm more interested in getting the best quality bargain that supports my local economy. My dollars are as good as votes (some would argue the only vote that really counts), and I want to make sure I'm voting in line with my values. My values when it comes to food? It needs to be delicious, sustainably produced and preferably grown on a small-scale farm. Luckily, my local farmer's market provides just those things!

Sometimes farmer's markets are more expensive than grocery stores. Sometimes, items are cheaper, depending on the season and the seller. Supermarkets are often cheaper because grocers purchase large quantities from mega farms. But there is much debate about the ethical practices of many large supermarkets, as they often force farmers to sell their crops at a significant loss. I'm not interested in saving money if it means that the person who toiled to create the product I'm purchasing didn't receive a fair price for his or her efforts.

Now, let me step off my soap box and give a few tips on how I've learned to save money while shopping at my local farmer's market (thanks for listening to the sermon, though. And yeah, I know, I'm preaching to the choir!).

1. Take a pen and paper with you. If possible, bring a friend (running errands together saves on gas!) to help. Basically, you'll be creating an impromptu price book that will change weekly.

2. As you're walking, jot down the prices of products you want to buy and their relative location. Use whatever method is easiest for you. I make a two lines and write the product and price down with an "X" on the either side of the "aisle" where the booth is located. Some markets are kind enough to have booth numbers or names displayed. If you're so lucky, you can note that cherries are $4 a box at booth six, etc.

3. Be sure to jot down any other information that is important to you. Do you want organic produce or are you willing to buy conventionally grown items?

4. After you've walked the length of the market, take a look at your notes and circle the least expensive items. Return to those booths and make your purchases.

In some instances, there will be only one vendor selling what you want, but most of the time you'll have several growers from which to choose. Don't let any do-gooder guilt make you spend more for the same product. Keep in mind that most people don't pay attention to prices and will purchase items as they go along, and most farmers present will receive support.

The same grocery shopping rules apply at the farmer's market-don't shop when hungry, bring a list (this may require that you educate yourself on what is in season in your area), bring your own bags, and do your best not to become enthralled with anything you don't actually need.

Television Values

I've had countless arguments with friends about how I refuse to pay for television. I don't have cable. Instead, I have rabbit ears. To see my favorite cable shows, I'll hang out with friends. These little TV soirées validate my Battlestar Galactica, Daily Show and Colbert Report obsessions. We drink wine, have some treats, and laugh and gasp in unison. It's a fabulous time and doesn't cost me a thing. When friends try to tell me that I'm missing out on a fabulous world by not paying for cable, I remind them that as long as they keep forking over the cash, I'll be just fine!

But in reality, I DO pay for television. I support my local PBS stations. Although I love my few cable show obsessions, nothing compares to the programming available on public television. Frontline, Rick Steves' Europe, Lidia's Italy, Everyday Food, Ken Burns' documentaries...oh! I could go on and on.

Obviously, I don't really have a problem paying for television. I simply want my dollars to support broadcasting that reflects my values. My passion for community, independent media, and informative programming is mirrored in PBS.

So, if you're on a tight budget and still paying for cable, I would recommend kicking cable to the curb and investigating your local PBS station. After awhile, you may find yourself so impressed you choose to use those previous cable dollars to support public broadcasting. The best part? You can choose your level of financial support, which is something the cable company doesn't exactly allow anyone to do!

Change for Change

Many financial gurus will urge folks to place their spare change in a jar every day and then deposit this glittering treasure into an interest bearing account. I've practiced this savings philosophy since I was a child and still love to hear the clink of a coin going into my piggy bank.

Over the years, many banks have changed their policies regarding depositing coins. Many refuse to accept them now or charge a hefty fee for the effort of tossing them into their coin machines. Before you cash in your coins, be sure to check with your bank to see what their coin acceptance policy entails.

Some clever person cashed in on the idea of sorting your change for you. You've probably seen Coinstar machines in various businesses. These machines will count your coins for you, but take a rather hefty chunk (about 10 percent) in fees. However, the machines do offer an easy way to donate to charity if you choose to donate the total amount to one of the charities listed. Just be sure to keep your receipt for tax purposes.


You can also use the machines to purchase gift cards. Unfortunately, at this time they only support major corporations like Starbucks (the monster that killed locally owned coffee houses everywhere). If you'd like to use your change to buy a gift certificate for a friend, why not save your pennies and support a locally owned business?

Coinstar has been replaced by ScanCoin in some locations (namely Safeway grocery stores). As the number of competitors increase, we may see a decrease in the fees taken by these machines.

Thankfully, there are still places that will count and collect your spare change without a fee. Although it's not the most user-friendly site, The Under Story provides a comprehensive, state-by-state listing of banks and coin machines that do not charge fees. The website wisely suggests calling the location to see if you need to wrap your coins, etc. beforehand.

The success of Coinstar and its competitors is simply more evidence to support the fact that every penny counts!

Penny Pinching Eye Care

Before you start screaming and running for the hills, let me assure you that I'm not going to offer any "homemade" saline solution recipes. I have no desire to make either of us blind.

However, blind is how I feel without my specs and vanity requires me to wear contacts when out and about. As a result, saving on eye care costs is important, and I've learned few tricks throughout the years to keep more cash in my pocket when caring for my eyes.


1. Use insurance. The monthly premium on my insurance plan more than pays for itself in reduced exam, glasses and contact lens costs. It also provides a buffer in case of any emergencies.

2. Build a relationship with your optometrist. My eye doctor calls me whenever contact lenses go on sale. Be sure to check your doctor's prices against online retailers like 1-800-CONTACTS. As always, comparison shopping is your best friend! But make sure to keep in mind shipping costs when ordering online.

3. Mix it up. My eyes require disposable contact lenses, and I can make a six month supply last for a year. Before you start panicking that I am ruining my eyesight, keep in mind that I don't wear my contacts daily or all day. I frequently wear my glasses when running errands and always when in the house. Wearing my glasses more frequently and stretching out the disposable lenses just a bit makes for a tremendous savings.

4. Protect and clean. I am mindful to place my glasses in a case (I learned this the hard way after sitting on a pair of delicate, expensive frames) and gently rub my contact lenses after each use. Despite the "no rub" solution claims, my optometrist told me that a little rub is necessary to keep lenses properly clean and extend their life.

5. Take (or ask) for the freebies. Each time I purchase a new set of contacts, I receive a starter kit complete with lens case and saline solution, both of which have helped in a pinch.

6. Use less and don't fear the generic. Lens cases do not need to be filled to the brim with solution to protect and clean your contacts. I've found that just covering the lenses with saline works perfectly. Also, don't be afraid to purchase generic or store brand saline solutions. Word on the street (AKA according to my doctor) is that the generics are actually name brands in cheaper packaging.

7. Forgo the frills. Special solutions, fog protectors, special cleansing cloths, on and on. After years of using "hydrating" solutions I finally switched to regular contact lens saline solution to wet my dry eyes. After awhile, I found I didn't need to rehydrate at all. Later I read that many such solutions create dependency. So, if you're feeling dry, just use a small bottle (the one that came in the freebie starter case, for instance) of saline to moisten your eyes. A standard cloth rag will clean most specs just fine and a few minutes of patience will generally defog your glasses. In short, you probably don't need that fabulous gadget someone is trying to sell you.

Many folks are now opting to have LASIK surgery. A friend of mine is actually getting his second LASIK surgery tomorrow to the tune of $3,000. For some, this procedure has been wonderful. For others, it's caused many problems. I have yet to see any long term studies of the effects of this surgery on patients.

I'm sure you've seen ads promoting LASIK for "only $499 per eye!" I have to admit, I'm not too keen on looking for a bargain when it comes to someone placing a laser in my eyeball. After working in a hospital for several years and being raised by parents in the medical profession, I'm also aware that there is no such thing as a safe surgery. There are always risks involved. If a surgeon dismisses these risks, dismiss the surgeon.

Despite its popularity, I'm not convinced that LASIK is the right option for me. As for cost, it would take 11 years of my current eye care practices to match the cost of this surgery performed by a reputable physician. So, as the kids say, I'll just keep kickin' it old school when it comes to my eyesight.

Comparison Shopping

Although the most effective way to save money is through small, daily expenditures (as in, not throwing money into the wind everyday for a lappafrappachinomolino), major purchases also provide ample opportunities for saving. Foresight and comparison shopping are your best defense against overspending on big ticket items.

Foresight is nothing more than planning for major purchases. If your fridge is on the fritz, expect that you'll need (at best) repairs or (at worst) a new refrigerator. Such major purchases demonstrate the need for savings. If you don't have enough saved, you'll be forced to put it on a credit card, costing you far more than the original price in the long run.

Thanks to the internet, comparison shopping is much easier. These sites offer side by side comparisons (don't forget to hunt for coupons as well once you find the right product) as well as customer reviews:

Deal Catcher
Price Grabber
Deal Time
Biz Rate

Don't forget to check your local thrift shop , Craigslist, and newspapers as well for good deals on major purchases. Many local papers also offer free "wanted" ads where you can ask fellow readers for just the big, or little, ticket item you need. It's usually easier to get a deal from an individual than a large company, but it never hurts to ask a store manager for a deal!

More Frugal Gift Ideas

I thought I'd add some simple gift ideas as a follow-up to my last entry. Feel free to share your ideas as well!

Grub

1. Food baskets. I'm a foodie, so this is definitely on the top of my list to both give and receive. Pick up a basket at a local thrift shop and fill it with ingredients to make a favorite meal, fresh produce from the farmer's market or your own homemade delights.

2. Delivery. Make your specialty dish and deliver it to the birthday guy or gal to eat that day or in single serving containers to freeze. This also works great as a gift for new moms and dads, who are usually too exhausted to think about cooking.

3. Gift Certificates. Yes, you could buy cousin Sue a new duck-shaped cookie jar to go with the other 35 she has in her collection. Instead, why not spend that money on something useful (there really are only so many cookies you can keep at one time)? It might be the perfect opportunity to get her to try that local cheese and wine shop she's been talking about.

It's Alive!

1. Plants. Flowers are absolutely wonderful. Buying them at grocery stores and farmer's markets is usually the most frugal option. Plants are also a great option and will, unless your gift recipient has the kiss of (plant) death, last longer than a week. Local farmer's markets and landscape companies will have plenty to offer, but consider taking cuttings from your own plants. Not only will you save money, but you'll know exactly how to care for the plant. Dress it up by making a homemade "how to care for your new friend" guide.

2. Pet Supplies. Every pet owner I know considers their furry companions family members. So why not give a gift that helps the whole family? A bag of food, a gift certificate for grooming (if you're experienced-groom Fido yourself!) or the next set of vaccinations (made for the clinic's weekly discount day, of course!) would be a great gift.


Play Jeeves

1. Clean. Clean a room, the entire house, shampoo the carpets, take down the blinds--make whatever cleaning nightmare your friend has avoided disappear with one, sweet gift gesture.

2. Detail the Car. No, don't take it to one of those ridiculously expensive professional service centers. If you don't have a driveway and a hose, find a local self-service car wash. Just remember that you don't have to keep plugging quarters in the entire time. Soaping and scrubbing the car take awhile and don't require a continuously running machine.

3. Babysit. Pack a picnic and send your friend off with tasty treats in hand while you watch the kids for free for a few hours, a day or the weekend.

Fear not! As the holidays approach (stop crying! It's months and months away! But start saving now if you plan on purchasing things!), I'll offer detailed ideas for those who love to give and get tangible gifts.

To Gift or Not To Gift?

Gift giving can be a tightwad's worst nightmare or a prime opportunity for creativity. It depends on your attitude. But most of us hate to give and receive useless items that will do nothing more than collect dust. There are ways to avoid such expensive gift giving traps.

My favorite types of gifts to give and receive are handmade. Since I live in California where certain crafts seem nearly obsolete, friends were thrilled one Christmas when I handed everyone scarves I had crocheted. However, some people find the best gifts to receive are the ones that are the most expensive to purchase. If you find your life filled with these types of folks, it might be time to get new friends.

If I'm unable to make something, I prefer to spend money on one of two things: a practical gift of something needed (last Christmas, a friend received a coffee grinder after I researched the most reliable grinder for the best price and then bought it on sale-with a coupon!) or an experience they would enjoy that supports a locally-owned business.

This month, three people I love dearly are celebrating birthdays. One I've told I'm just too broke to buy anything (in reality, I'm making her something. Surprise!), and for the other two, I've opted to buy them facials from my favorite esthetician. She owns her own business and uses all-natural products created in a sustainable manner. It's a win-win situation.

But there have been years when I simply couldn't afford to purchase a gift certificate for some fabulous experience and didn't have anything to make that would suit the birthday girl or guy. During those times, I would offer the fabulous service myself. One year, I pretended to be a skin care expert and gave a friend a facial (yes, not as fabulous or effective as the Real Deal, but she loved it nonetheless); another I made a three course dinner complete with printed menu and candlelight.

Many frugal resources will tell you to make coupon books for services you'd be willing to offer. I used to do this frequently, but folks rarely ever used them. One friend finally admitted that she felt guilty for "redeeming" her coupons. In light of these experiences, I find it's best to have a conversation about gift giving with friends and family to see where their comfort zones are.

When it comes to gifts, you can decide to give to charities like Kiva in honor of a friend or family member, purchase items that support your local economy, make something by hand with love or opt out of the gift giving game altogether by creating new traditions-like volunteering together, hosting a tea party or deciding that gifts aren't needed to celebrate. After all, isn't everyday a celebration of the best of life?

Go Green & Save

Have you heard? The Queen of England has gone green! Thanks to Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth (decades of scientists begging us to change our ways didn't work until Mr. President-Elect showed us his slide show in theaters!), even Her Majesty has decided to go carbon neutral.

Thankfully, going green not only heals the planet, it can heal your finances as well. Here are a few simple ways to not only "go green" but save some green!

1. Replace standard light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent bulbs. It's a bit of an initial investment (although the cost has come down considerably over the years), but the long-term savings are substantial. Less energy used means lower monthly bills!

2. Air dry laundry. I live in an urban high rise. When I first moved in, I thought the clotheslines in the backyards of my youth were gone. Not so. One section of our roof, located directly outside our communal laundry room, has a series of clothes lines. If you're lacking a "rooftop backyard," use a drying rack. If you don't have a drying rack, use hangers on a shower curtain rod (or any other place you can find). I've been known to hang a shirt or two off doorknobs and my vacuum cleaner handle!


3.Water your lawns and plants less frequently. Californians are horrendous when it comes to over watering. Lawns generally need one inch of water twice per week. Most Californians water their lawns daily, even during the rainy season. Choose plants that are tailored to your climate zone. Succulents are perfect for container gardens and drier areas and they require little moisture. Keep in mind that most house plants are killed by over watering.

4. Walk, bike, carpool or take the bus or train whenever you get the chance. A bold and brave friend of mine decided not to replace the family car when it died. Learn more about her experience of making it through the urban jungle at Wheeling to Share.


5. Buy it used. Spendthrifts are always dumping their perfectly good household items at thrift shops. Buying used products requires absolutely no energy or natural resources in creating a new gadget. Find thrift shops in your area at The Thrift Shopper.

To learn more about what you can do to lessen your footprint on Mama Earth, visit the Climate Crisis' Take Action website. Just be mindful not to get caught up in any groovy green spending sprees. Chances are, you don't need a "plastic baggies drying rack" (yes, they do exist) or any of the other inventive, yet unnecessary, products being pitched by well-intentioned companies.