Top Ten Tightwad Tools. You Know You’re a Tightwad If …

1) Clothes Dryer Rack(s). I hang it all but the towels and sheets. In the summer when it's 90° or hotter, I hang everything. After a cool refreshing shower we really don't care how stiff our towels are, as long as they're clean! They soften up after a rub-down. Tip: forget about those flimsy wooden ones for around $10. Invest in one that is $20 or more. I've gone through 5 cheapie ones before breaking down and buying one that is mostly metal (stainless or aluminum I believe.) After 2 years it's still going strong.

2) Tupperware-Type Containers. After trying ‘em all, Tupperware still can't be beat for its durability and leak-proofness. Great for lunches, road trips and parties. I've received them as hand-me-downs, gifts and purchased them at garage sales. My fave? A retro lunch container that I use to make homemade lunchables for my food-allergy-prone little one. She loves it and her friends can't wait to see the treats she has (I use cookie cutters to cut her bread.) Notice I don't reuse those plastic food containers that dips and whipped topping usually come in? I used to save them for use in my kids' lunch boxes until I discovered they only recycle bottles, cans and paper at their school. Instead of having them eventually end up in the landfill, I recycle them in my bin at home instead.

3) A Stash of Gifts. Mine are in two big plastic bins in my closet. I have saved myself over $700 per year by keeping stuff on hand, especially when finding that invitation to a Saturday birthday party at the bottom of my child's backpack late Friday night. I have purchased leather gloves, scarves, frames, toys, stocking stuffers, and boxed jewelry sets at 75% off retail. When buying my stash I always keep in mind a multiple number of recipients the gift would be appreciated by - this keeps my inventory from becoming stagnant. In other words, if I see a toddler gift at 90% off I'll usually pass on it since my friends and family no longer have kids this age.

4) Rechargeable Batteries. Yeah, the upfront cost can be hefty, but it pays for itself in the short term. Plus it's better for the environment!

5) Espresso Machine. Mine was bought at a double discount because my oldest used to work at a major gourmet coffee chain. A decent mocha costs me $3 at a coffee shop. I can buy a box of 12 espresso pods for $6, enough to make 12 mochas. I even perfected the recipe that duplicates my favorite mocha. The cost of my make-at-home-tastes-even-better-mocha? $1.25. Since I drink coffee every day, this savings adds up.

6) Bread Pans & Other Bakeware. All found like-new at garage sales and thrift shops. I bake my own sourdough bread at a cost of about 50¢ a loaf. (And I don't have a bread machine.) I also bake my own cakes, cupcakes and cookies for birthdays and everyday lunch snacks. In the winter, the oven helps keep my house warm. In the summer, I try to bake in the evening or early morning.

7) Plastic grocery bags. I don't buy trash bags since all my receptacles can fit the standard plastic grocery bags. I also use them as an extra layer of protection for my home-baked breads and bulk-purchased meats in my freezer. My supply may dwindle very soon though since I have since started bringing canvas bags to the store and farmer's market. (I made one canvas bag out of 2 cotton dish towels and a belt purchased at a second hand store for under $2. The others were giveaways at a festival I worked at.)

8) Garden Tools. I started planting tomatoes and herbs because they taste so much better than store-bought. I continue to plant them because it's also cheaper. Those same tools come in handy when I get free cuttings from friends and neighbors of various plants that landscape my courtyard and backyard. I'm no farmer, but I do have a shovel, a hoe, rake, tree cutter, shears and stakes. I also compost and use organic gardening methods to get rid of the pests. (A couple of Ivory soap slivers placed in a spray bottle filled with water does wonders for getting rid of those green worms on my tomato plants.)

9) Storage Places. In the pantry, garage, freezer, under the sofa, in your closet - anywhere that works. Yep, we tightwads stock up on stuff we need when the price is too good to pass up. Look into my storage places and you'll find toothpaste, shampoo, soap, socks, school supplies, hair accessories and more. It sure comes in handy when money is tight!

10) Sewing Machine or Sewing Notions. I'm also no Martha Stewart, but I'm pretty crafty and was taught basic skills in junior high at a time when sewing classes were actually offered in schools. I've made costumes, gifts, great accessories for myself, my kids and my home, and altered thrift store gems... all by sewing two pieces together in simple straight lines. My sewing machine was purchased new over 20 years ago with the intention of making all my first born's clothing and bedding. Ha! At least I made a couple of receiving blankets. I got better over time, but I never did make it to the point where all our clothing was made by hand. Still, that sewing machine was, and still is, a great tightwad tool.

Tightwads everywhere are mentally adding to this list. Yes, there's more... cloth napkins, a pile of bottles and cans to recycle, etc... plenty more that can determine if you're a frugaler. If you're a newbie at this whole tightwad, frugal way of living, relax if you only have 2 of the 10. Your needs may differ. Your family dynamics may differ. What matters is that you've started and you'll learn more as you progress into the frugal way of living. The tightwad community may be careful when spending their hard-earned money, but we are always generous in sharing our tips!