Extreme Frugal Confessions: Envelopes, Envelopes

by Briana Carter on April 20, 2010

Extreme Frugalness. Tight, cheap, stingy? You know what I’m talking about and personally, I love it.

fru·gal
- Practicing or marked by economy, as in the expenditure of money or the use of material resources.

ex·treme
- Most remote in any direction; outermost or farthest: the extreme edge of the field.
- Being in or attaining the greatest or highest degree; very intense:

Yep, I keep every single envelope I receive. I pay most bills online or will make one giant payment for a series of invoices. So we have quite a few leftover in our professional and personal stash.

So what to do with these?

I use them for sending notes to teachers, employees, mailing out other bills, etc!

Any other ideas for me as I’m getting quite a stack the more we pay bills online!

Now it’s your turn.

You know you have a confession to make. To what extremes have you gone to save a buck this week or in the past?

Link up or leave a comment. Leave it anonymously if you want – we won’t tell!

Tagged as: extreme frugal confessions

comments { 42 Comments }

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Sandra - April 20, 2010 @ 8:04 am 1

I do this same thing (save envelopes) and my husband makes fun of me. I like to use my for my grocery lists. I an write the list on the back (blank side) and then stick the coupons I am going to use in the envelope.
- Monica - April 20, 2010 @ 3:44 pm 1.1
  
  That’s brilliant!!!!!!
- Jennifer S - April 22, 2010 @ 2:03 am 1.2
  
  when I didn’t use than many coupons, I would also make a grocery list on the back of an envelope that came in the mail, and stick whatever coupons inside.
  But now that I’m more of an extreme couponer, I have an envelope (and I even get out a new one for these) for each store I go to, and have coupons stuffed in each one. It gets out of hand,as I also put the receipts in the back, and after a while it just gets too full.
MaryEllen - April 20, 2010 @ 8:27 am 2

Oh! I like your idea for the grocery list and coupons, Sandra! I’ll be using that one.
.-= MaryEllen´s last blog ..Seventh Generation Review and Prize Pack Giveaway =-.
jennifer - April 20, 2010 @ 8:45 am 3

I do the very same thing Sandra and sort it by store CVS,Walgreens, Kroger, WalMart. I also use those envelopes to send permission slips or fundraiser money to school.. and I keep some in the car to drop of a Rent check after hours!! :)
Jennifer - April 20, 2010 @ 8:46 am 4

Oh my gosh! I thought I was the only one who saved envelopes! It’s a problem around here, I have tons. I enter a lot of sweepstakes, so I used to use a lot of them to enter by mail. Now I enter so much more on the internet because of the cost of stamps, but I just can’t bare to throw them away.
I like the grocery list/coupon idea! That’s a good one. :)
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..$10 off any purchase of $30 or more at Bath and Body Works – Ends 5/9/10 =-.
Mary - April 20, 2010 @ 9:05 am 5

I must admit I don’t save envelopes, but will be starting today! Love the grocery list and coupon idea. I paper clip them to my list and am always afraid I’ll drop one on the floor. You ladies are wonderful!!!
Amber - April 20, 2010 @ 10:06 am 6

Well I don’t save envelopes the extreme frugal thing I do is not buy trash bags. For the last year I have used all the little plastic Walmart, Target, etc..bags to gather my trash. :)

http://simoneysavers.com/2010/04/07/one-year-and-still-no-trash-bags/

Amber
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Giveaway: Simply Go-Gurt “Simplify Your Life” Gift Pack =-.
1956okie - April 20, 2010 @ 10:32 am 7

I also re-use some envelopes, but what stacks/adds up for me is the paper leftover from clipping printable coupons. I used to buy steno pads to have paper for grocery lists, notes to teachers and to-do lists, but now I cut up and keep ALL of the paper leftover from internet coupons for that. We cut them into about thirds (per 8.5 x 11″ sheet), and I use them even if they have printing on one side. They’re just the right size for a shopping list, and I can paper clip even the biggest coupons to them without overhang. I do one for CVS, one for Walgreens, one for Homeland, Walmart or whatever. It’s a LOT of paper, and it makes me feel good to recycle it this way, plus we’re never at a loss for paper!
- Christine H. - April 20, 2010 @ 7:48 pm 7.1
  
  We think alike…I do the same thing and they are also the perfect size for TO DO lists!
- Jennifer S - April 22, 2010 @ 1:58 am 7.2
  
  I do the same thing….i stick all the paper left over from cutting out IPs on top of the bookshelf near the computer. So if I need to leave a note for someone, or need some scratch paper, it’s right there. Also if someone is eating something a little messy at the computer, I put pieces of this paper around their plate so that the desk doesn’t get too messed up…so sort of a placemat.
Kimberly - April 20, 2010 @ 10:42 am 8

haha! I do that too, but with just a few. I haven’t had to for awhile because I haven’t used up what I have.

This is off topic, but if my grandpa received “junk mail” that annoyed him with a postage paid envelope, he would mail just the sealed envelope back to them just so they would be charged. Such a stinker!

My frugal confession would be that I can’t bring myself to pay someone to cut my hair. I just can’t do it. I don’t know what my problem is!!
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Coupon code for $12 off glasses at 39dollarglasses.com!!! =-.
- Sara - April 20, 2010 @ 11:09 am 8.1
  
  Kimberly, that cracks me up about your grandpa. I used to do the same thing, kind of. We were receiving so many credit card applications and I hated taking the time to shred them so I started writing a big “NO THANK YOU. Please remove us from your list.” across the application and mailing them back in the postage paid envelope. Most of the companies stopped sending them. For the few companies that continued (and I kept track) I’d tuck a few extra pieces of junk mail into their envelopes to make them heavier and their return post higher. It worked!
  
  We also pay most of our bills online so I use the envelopes for grocery lists and coupons. I’ll definitely start using them for sending notes in to school!
  - Andrea - April 20, 2010 @ 12:12 pm …
    
    I do that! I mail them back and make them pay the postage! I know we are not in the age of multiple credit card offers anymore, but it used to make me so mad to get them in the mail. My brother got his identity stolen that way. It’s my act of rebellion! (sad as it may be)
    - Sara - April 20, 2010 @ 3:34 pm …
      
      I still get lots of credit card offers (maybe b/c I’m still in school?), and I do the same thing. Mail it all back. It has worked for about three companies, the others haven’t learned yet.
      - Kimberly - April 20, 2010 @ 3:55 pm …
        
        haha! I’ve done it once, but I might have to start doing it again. I don’t like the ones that have checks in them. That drives me crazy. Gosh can they make it any easier for people to steal our money/credit/identity?!
        My grandpa would honk every time we drove by a golf course too. It was just the anniversary of his death so I guess I’m thinking of him lately. :)
        .-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Coupon code for $12 off glasses at 39dollarglasses.com!!! =-.
- Chris - April 20, 2010 @ 4:48 pm 8.2
  
  My grandpa did the same thing – and also with the postcard inserts in magazines – he would just put them in the mailbox!
- CJ - April 21, 2010 @ 12:58 pm 8.3
  
  I used to mail them back too! Mostly from dating and singles organizations that I never requested mailings from. Coincidentally the mailings stopped soon afterwards :)
Carrie - April 20, 2010 @ 11:04 am 9

My son is constantly bringing home paper that was only written on one side from school. I put it in backwards in the printer and print my coupons on the other side. It drastically cuts the cost of buying paper in our house. I also make my own baby wipes and laundry detergent.
Annie - April 20, 2010 @ 1:11 pm 10

Carrie, please share! How do you make your own baby wipes and laundry detergent?
- Carrie - April 20, 2010 @ 2:03 pm 10.1
  
  I make baby wipes using Bounty select a size paper towels and baby wash. I cut the paper towels in half (so they are about the size of a roll of tp). I put them in any sized airtight container (Walmart has a set of 4, I think they ate rubbermaid, two of them are large enough for the wipes). In a measuring cup I add 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water and 1and 1/2 tablespoons of baby wash, and stir. I pour it evenly over the paper towels. The paper towels will absorb the water and the core easily comes out of the middle and you can start pulling them from the middle. Bounty select a size work the best. With a good sale, by buying a big package, you can get them for about 1 dollar a roll which makes each roll of wipes 50 cents a piece.
  The laundry soap is a little more difficult to explain. If you want to give me your email I can e mail you the directions. thanks Carrie
  - Louise DuBois - April 20, 2010 @ 5:39 pm …
    
    Hi Carrie,
    I am interested in making my own detergent. Please send me the directions. Thanks. And also the baby wipes in the same email. Thanks again!!
- Jennifer - April 20, 2010 @ 2:07 pm 10.2
  
  Annie,
  I make my own baby wipes with 7″ flannel sewn back-to-back. For the solution I use about 2 cups water, a good squirt of baby (or mineral) oil (about 1-2 Tablespoons) and the same of baby shampoo and swirl. I pour it over about 3 to 4
  wipes at a time and add more as needed.
  
  I also reuse envelopes to send in rebates
jul - April 20, 2010 @ 1:16 pm 11

I do the same thing sandra does! On Saturdays after I receive my coupons, I take out my envelopes, write out the things i want to buy on the back for my four stores (safeway, target, cvs and rite aid) and still the respective coupons in each envelope. this has saved me quit a bit of time and a few hairs along the way :)
Just Add Lauren - April 20, 2010 @ 1:54 pm 12

Whatever we get for free in the mail (often times with advertisements) I save. We have gotten tons of address labels, some notepads, and even stamps!
.-= Just Add Lauren´s last blog ..Summer is Approaching! =-.
chemin - April 20, 2010 @ 2:26 pm 13

I re-use all those envelopes and I also use the “extra” envelopes from church offerings – I only give one envelope per week so if they have any extra heat collection envelope or flower collection envelope – I use those to pay the trash guy or the recycle guy- we pay for everything out in the country -no city trash etc. I use all the free return address labels from charities, I do give to them but not all of them at once I rotate who I give too. I do not buy return labels and I use the basic checks that you get for free- why pay for designs who cares!
Alexis - April 20, 2010 @ 3:09 pm 14

I’ve always thought about using those envelopes, but didn’t know what to do about the window and that barcode at the top. Does the barcode affect the delivery?
- Ginny - April 20, 2010 @ 9:28 pm 14.1
  
  The barcode does affect the delivery. Just draw a line through it, and you’ll be all right.
Leslie - April 20, 2010 @ 3:31 pm 15

I do the same thing with envelopes! If I have to pay a bill that you can’t pay online and they don’t send an envelope, I use another to pay that bill. I also use envelopes for lists and I let the kids draw on them.
Chris - April 20, 2010 @ 4:48 pm 16

That’s a great idea to reuse the envelopes. I will definitely have to start doing this!
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Free Appetizer at Outback Steakhouse =-.
Stephanie - April 20, 2010 @ 5:35 pm 17

Here is my confession: My4 year old daughter thinks all 3 ring binders are for coupon storage, and getting her snacks in the mail is normal!
- Christine H. - April 20, 2010 @ 8:03 pm 17.1
  
  LOL! My grandson thinks Santa Claus shops the bargain aisle!
jane fague - April 20, 2010 @ 6:39 pm 18

LOL !! I save all my unused envelopes too Bri !!! I use USED envelopes for grocery lists and reminder notes ……………..I also wash out my ziplock plastic bags and hang them over the fausett to dry ….hey those things are expensive !!!
Mcneri - April 20, 2010 @ 6:44 pm 19

The envelope idea is great. Used to rip them. No need telling you I am changed!
I have an iPod touch. I have never purchased an application from the app store. If it is not free, I will skip it. The iphone is cool and I am a sucker for technology but it comes with a premium for wireless internet that I do not need so I opted for the iPod. It has been gr8. Music from my desktop to my iPod to my car, digital audiobook downloads from my library to be played when driving to work, and even checking email via my wireless internet at home instead of booting up the computer and burning extra power. The list is long and impressive. I even send free SMS (I have none on my phone plan) and make free USA calls via Vonage and iPod.
This is from a non-mom point of view but it saves me money.
Thanks for this nice post. I host 13 websites on one hosting account, saving me, our church and a nonprofit I volunteer for a lot of money.
.-= Mcneri´s last blog ..The Way To Save Using your Credit Card =-.
Lorrie - April 21, 2010 @ 12:52 am 20

I do some of the same. I use my left over coupon printings for scrap paper. I staple a stack together and use these. I haven’t had to buy scratch paper in a long time! Also, I use the old envelopes from junk mail for my coupon shopping. Before I go shopping I place all the coupons I think I will need in one envelope along with my scratch pad list! I then bring another junk mail envelope with me. As I put my items into my cart I transfer the coupon for that item from the first envelope into the purchase envelope. This saves me tons of time in the store and at the checkout. It also is quite frugal since I don’t have to pay for envelopes and scratch paper! A teacher of my daughters had the girls (it was a girl’s class) make coupon envelopes using the junk mail envelopes. She had them stack them together, hole punch one edge of all of them and then weave pretty ribbon through them to sew them together. This made a frugal and “green” coupon envelope system.
Charlene - April 21, 2010 @ 1:10 am 21

I save where I can. I go to a store that has cut lemons and limes and I go one every two weeks to make a small purchase (side of quacamole) and get the 16oz courtesy cup and filler up!!!!!!!!!
angie - April 21, 2010 @ 8:43 am 22

OMG I do the same thing! I use the envelopes to mail things in (just white out the barcodes) and I also use them to put coupons in for individual shopping trips instead of carrying my whole coupon caddy!
Diane - April 22, 2010 @ 1:07 am 23

I was wondering.. are those the ones that you don’t have to add postage because it says there already is one on it? If so, can we reallly really use them!? I’m intrigued!
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Urban Decay on Hautelook =-.
- angie - April 22, 2010 @ 10:15 am 23.1
  
  the one’s that are postage paid I just use for holding coupons or writing notes on. the ones that say put a stamp here or are blank, I will use as a regular envelope.
  .-= angie´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Jennifer S - April 22, 2010 @ 2:07 am 24

I make my family reuse their own plates or bowls for the next course. For instance, in the morning, each person might have some strawberries in a bowl. Then I rinse out the bowl, and a little later, they’lll have cereal, and will use the same bowl they also ate their fruit out of. That’s just less often I have to run the dishwasher.
Tricia - April 28, 2010 @ 9:58 am 25

I have been saving envelopes for a long time now. It really irritates my husband but I have caught him looking for one too. BUSTED! I use them to put coupons in per store I plane to shop in, sort coupons till I have time to put in proper holders, IE food or non food etc. I use them to put on the postit board with things inside for quick access. One with say mom for coupons I take to her house etc so I don’t have them all over the house. I also send mail out in them for ones that didn’t come with them. Some of them I use to keep small stuff in like multiple earring backs or pins stuff that doesn’t have a home but u throw in a junk drawer. I often put seeds in them to store in a shoebox for easier storage til planting season kind like it’s own organizer and it is easier to find them.