Sharing is Frugal

Today's kitchen tip:

Share odd and rarely used kitchen gadgets or appliances with a good friend.

My friend Staci and I share ownership of an apple peeler/corer/slicer. Granted, it was only $7, but let me explain.

A few years ago, prior to kids, we both took a trip to the apple orchard together. Driving home with more apples than we expected (we happened to hit the orchard when the were having a special - 20 cents/lb. for Jonathan apples, so we loaded up) we decided that we "needed" one of those apple peeler/corer/slicer gadgets to make the work ahead of us much easier.

So we swung by Target and found one on the end of the aisle on clearance for $7. There was only one. "That's okay," we decided. "We'll only really use it once or twice a fall, when we stock up on apples that are a good deal. We can just take turns. We only live like 1 an 1/2 miles apart." So we split the cost and that's what we did.

I have more storage room at my house, so I usually store the peeler/corer/slicer in my cabinets. But Staci can come over and get it whenever she wants. Less cost, less clutter, less stuff all around. Now this tip wouldn't work well regarding a mixer or blender, but it might work well for things like ice cream makers, dehydrators, gear associated with canning, etc. Anything that is used for projects that you can plan ahead of time.

While it might not be as convenient as owning everything yourself, you can save money and space by sharing, and perhaps you will strenghen a sense of community by doing it.

Visit Tammy's Recipes for more kitchen tips!