In her book Suddenly Frugal, Leah Ingram gives tons of tips on how to save money for your family every year (in fact at the end of each chapter she gives a total savings if you implement the savings strategies from that chapter). Here are some of the chapter titles to give you an idea of what info you can learn: Appliances That Don’t Suck- Energy That Is, Rooms for Improvement, Becoming a Do-It- Yourselfer, and Getting Something for Almost Nothing.
In her chapter “Don’t Throw it Out, Wear It Out” she suggests a great idea that my family has been using for years. It is called the “both-sides-of-the-paper” rule. We go through a lot of copy paper in our home, between my coupon printing and the kid’s “crafting”. Whenever a school paper comes home that is blank on one side, it doesn’t go in the trash, it goes in the scrap paper bin. And we also get recycled paper from my Father-in-law’s business (old inventory sheets, product descriptions etc). These papers are perfect for my daughter’s 10 page a day art habit and my coupon printing too (just be sure you put the paper in the printer so you print on the blank side).
Anther savings thought (from the chapter on holidays and celebrations) Ingram suggests is “regifting”. Both Kristy and I have “gift closets” with items bought on clearance/great deal for when you need a last minute gift. And I am not ashamed to say some things in that closet were actually given to me as gifts. As long as something is new (in original package, with tags), I don’t see the problem with passing it on to someone else who might enjoy it more than myself. (Leave your thoughts on “regifting” as an entry for the giveaway)
Another way to save is by downloading the latest money-saving apps for your smartphone or tablet, such as the new Valpak app offering local coupons and deals, sorted by ZIP code, anywhere, anytime on everything from the dry cleaners to carpet cleaning to groceries.
Do you want to know what else she has to say about “how to live happier and healthier for less”? Then here is your chance to win a paperback copy of Suddenly Frugal by Leah Ingram.
Entries for the giveaway will close at 12:01 am on Wednesday April 25th. The winner will be announced and notified by Wednesday afternoon. If the winner does not claim prize with in 3 days, a new winner will be chosen. Open to US addresses only, please.
Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Valpak. They provided us with 1 copy of the book for review, as well as 1 for the winner. All opinions/thoughts are fully our own. Disclosure Policy
7 comments
Johanna says:
April 18, 2026 at 11:34 am (UTC -4 )
I do regift some times, but like you only if the item/items are new, in original package, etc. I feel regift is fine as long as it is done tastfully. If I know, that I don’t like to garden and I get a book on gardens and I know someone else might enjoy it it will be a regift item. I have a laundry basket of gifts that I buy on clearance or on sale for people. Espeically, after Christmas I buy oranments to give the following year.
Sheryle says:
April 18, 2026 at 7:54 pm (UTC -4 )
Regifting is fine as long as you are giving it to someone you think may like it, not just in order get rid of it. Oh, and make sure you remember who gave it to you in the first place, don’t want to regift it back to them.
pamela james says:
April 21, 2026 at 1:05 pm (UTC -4 )
Something that you know that another person would like more than you.
pjames330 at aol dot com
Traci Lynn Butler says:
April 22, 2026 at 8:47 pm (UTC -4 )
It’s okay to regift an item that the recipient will enjoy!
Nicole McDonald says:
April 22, 2026 at 8:56 pm (UTC -4 )
I think anything you would buy new for someone is okay to regift. Just don’t regift to the same person who gave it to you!
Kelly Marceau says:
April 23, 2026 at 7:33 am (UTC -4 )
I think anything not personal is ok to regift and that leaves the door wide open!
Christy Anderson says:
April 24, 2026 at 10:50 pm (UTC -4 )
If the items are new with tags/packaging still in tact it is ok to regift…but make sure the original gifter will not find out!