Free salt

Bags of pretzels, potato chips and other salty snacks usually have salt in the bottom of the bag... you're getting it. Don't throw it out. Save it in a special container and use it on popcorn, in coating mixes for meat or anywhere a slightly flavored salt would taste good.

I call it "free" because it's something most people throw out without thinking about it.

More on freezer bags

If you buy chicken breasts in those heavy duty plastic bags, save them. Wash them out and dry, then package things to be frozen in bread sacks or other lightweight free bags, then put them inside the heavy bag that held chicken. Your food will be safe from any possible contamination (washing the bag well with soap and water should remove contamination anyway), and you'll have the benefit of a very good quality freezer bag.

Pickles

If you save the liquid from pickles, whether home canned or bought, you can reuse it at least twice. Pickle cucumbers or other vegetables in it by heating it to just boiling, then pouring it over prepared vegetables in a jar or bowl with a lid. Put it in the refrigerator immediately and in about two weeks, you'll have pickled vegetables ready to enjoy.

Squash blossoms

If you have a garden, you're probably sick of summer squash by now. Eat the blossoms instead. Pick them either at their peak or a little spent. Simply saute them in a little butter, or get fancy and stuff them with cheese and bake. They're very good and they're free. (If you've been supplied with zucchini by a neighboring gardener, ask for the blossoms!)

Free closet deodorizer

Spread a batch of used coffee grounds to dry on a cookie sheet, then put them in a panty hose leg. Tie the top and put in the closet to absorb odors.

Saving on hot water

When you wash your hands, chances are that the water doesn't have a chance to get really warm before you're through. Since you're essentially washing in cold water anyway, don't even turn on the hot water. Traditional water heaters come on every time the temperature drops, and if the water in the pipes is cool, hot water replaces that awhile before it reaches the faucet, lowering the temperature and kicking on the water heater.

Forget the Bisquick

Why would you buy something when you can make it cheaper with very little trouble? Here's a self rising crust that's great for cobblers. For meat pies, just omit the sugar!

1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 TB oil
Enough milk to make a thick but pourable batter.

Mix it all up and dump it in a baking dish, put the fruit in on top (two cans worth) and bake about an hour at around 400 degrees.