"What’s the worst that could happen?"

I came across this post and just had to share. Enjoy! :)

  

Dana says, “Since I am self employed and my husband has been struggling to find full time work over the last year, I’ve found myself in search of ways to cut the fat from our household budget. For the most part, my motto throughout this process has been, what’s the worst that could happen?”

Our Week at a Glance

On Monday, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I try to clean the red nail polish stain out of my carpet using Windex instead of paying for a visit from a professional carpet cleaner?” It already looked like I’d murdered someone in my living room, so it was doubtful the stain could get any worse. If Windex really did remove the stain, however, I’d have a clean carpet without spending any extra money. (Update: The stain is completely gone.)

On Tuesday, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I try to remove the grease stain from my shirt with vinegar and dish soap?”  Since the shirt already had a huge stain on the front, it wasn’t going back into my wardrobe rotation anytime soon. If the stain didn’t come out, I would have ended up with another rag for the kitchen. (Update: The shirt is completely clean.)

On Wednesday, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I make this recipe using eggs with a sell by date from four weeks ago?” While I did ponder this for awhile, I decided it was highly unlikely we’d end up with anything other than a lousy casserole. (Update: Dinner was tasty and nobody had so much as a tummy ache when we were finished. The USDA also says this is perfectly safe.)

On Thursday, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I shave my legs with store brand razors instead of the Gillette Venus razors I normally buy?” Stubble? A bit of razor burn? (Update: The answer ended up being bloody legs covered in Star Wars bandages – not an attractive look for a hot Midwestern summer!)

On Friday, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I try to save money with home haircuts for everyone in my house?” I invest in matching hats for the entire family? I end up divorcing my husband because he accidentally snipped a huge chunk of hair off the back of my head? (Update: The child’s hair is fine, the husband’s hair is acceptable, and mine is somewhere in the middle range of haircuts I’ve received throughout my life. I am also still married.) 

The Moral of the Story 

Whether you’re attempting stain removal or debating the merits of a DIY haircut, being willing to try new things and think outside the box is the best way to save money. At the end of my week, I ended up with clean carpets, a spotless shirt, a delicious casserole, bloody legs, and a mediocre haircut. Frugal living, like most other skills one develops, is clearly an ongoing process.