Get Scrappy

We have 4 children, 3 of which are elementary school age.

Photo Credit: Tracey Brown, Brown Photography

Because of that, it seems like I am constantly sending something to school-- lunch money, field trip money, signed forms, etc. Most of those items require sending in something in an envelope. I have gotten to where I use “junk mail” envelopes for this type of correspondence. Why?

1) because it really doesn't matter what the envelope looks like, it's going to get trashed anyhow and
2) it's FREE!

We do a lot of our bill paying on-line or with auto-pay features, not because we're completely 'green' like that (although it definitely makes me sound like I'm on a crusade to save the world), but because it saves on postage, which seems to go up every time the Postmaster General coughs.

The bills that we still get via U.S. Mail (because e-billing isn't available) almost always come with an envelope. I have started a stash in my desk drawer (with all my regular envelopes), so when I need one I can grab it. It makes no difference whether there is writing on the outside or a window. Mark out the wording or wrap notes/money in paper to keep out prying eyes. Call it repurposing, I call it being frugal! :)

One additional scrappy tip: Use “scrap” paper for printing coupons.

It doesn’t matter what’s on the back of the coupon, all you need is the scan code clearly printed. The next time you print something and make a mistake, print too many, have leftover paper, etc use the back for printing coupons! Being frugal saves, so save those scraps! :)

Happy Friday and Happy Independence Day! Save on, friends! :)