Unless you do extremely high-quality, image-intense work, you may be able to get away with changing your printing settings to “draft output.”

I don’t need high-quality printouts since my uses are usually research (I often print some pages—double sided of course) and take them along with me to research and draft stories on the run.

To make this change, go into your printer settings and select “draft output” clicking OK will keep the change for the current document. Clicking “Apply” will change the setting semi-permanently (you’ll have to go change it back if you want the printer to use 100% printing again).

Using draft output will reduce the amount of ink put on the page, but in many cases it isn’t a very noticeable change. It should extend the life of your cartridges by 20-30%.

(A note on printer cartridge life—I buy remanufactured cartridges but the company I buy from does offer replacements or refunds if I find that they aren’t measuring up. Thus far, I’ve never had a problem). 10% Off Back to School Coupon – Inksmile.com

This post is part of a series I’ve entitled “Frugal August” and is inspired by (though not copied from) the book The Complete Tightwad Gazetteby Amy Dacyczyn. My tips are meant to build on hers, but generally are not duplications.

Some people attempt to be removed from lists by mailing the letter back with a request for removal from the list—but be cautious, as this often works the other way around.

What I do instead is compost the solicitation (if it’s not printed on glossy paper) and salvage the envelope by putting a label over the return address section and applying my own postage.

Please note that if you do this, you need to cover the pre-printed barcode at the bottom of the envelope, or your mail will be mis-directed. I use white correction tape for this job.

Also, I save the opened carrier envelope, and use that for grocery list or office supply store lists. I put my coupons inside and keep the envelope on the fridge. It’s also great for keeping track of errands (dry cleaning receipts, etc).

If you’re really a stickler and you don’t want to label over an address to re-use them—I read in “The Complete Tightwad Gazette” that you can microwave your envelopes for 20 seconds and the glue will release—then turn them inside out and re-seal. (Personally, I think it’s more efficient to buy discount envelopes than go to this effort).

This post is part of a series I’ve entitled “Frugal August” and is inspired by (though not copied from) the book The Complete Tightwad Gazetteby Amy Dacyczyn. My tips are meant to build on hers, but generally are not duplications.

IMAGE CREDIT: Freedigitalphotos.net

We should give up on gold or silver backed currency, or even “forever” postage stamps as currency and everyone should invest in ink and toner. Good grief. I can’t help but wonder what they make it out of that makes it so expensive!

I have two small businesses at home and between the two, I can use $500 in toner in a month! (yes, a month!) I did some research and found that toner is far more affordable in the long-run than ink. Also, it can’t be beat for durability. One cup of coffee spilled on your ink-jet printed manuscript and it’s nothing more than a watercolor.

I discovered that I can buy a new printer for the cost of a set of toner refills for my printer (when purchased through a discounter). Pretty spooky! Keeping the environment in mind, I’m not buying a new printer every month—but I do keep close tabs on my ink vendors and my supply.

Using an online retailer like inksmile.com or lazermonks.com to buy refurbished toner cartridges cuts my costs in about half. Free Shipping on ANY Order at InkSmile.com.
Unfortunately, with my particular size and shape of cartridge, there’s no buyback program for a refurb cartridge, but I do donate the empties at my church for their recycling program. A brand-name (HP or Cannon) cartridge can sometimes be re-sold to the manufacturer, but I’ve yet to find a market for a generic one.

Also, I always keep a spare toner (four in my case as I have a CMYK printer) on hand so if prices are high or there aren’t any sales, I’m not forced to buy at the local shop (The local Office Depot only carries brand-name toners, and they’re about double the cost of my online toners). Before placing an order I always google for the latest sales and promo codes. Sometimes I even send an email to my vendors asking for when their next sale will be. And in a shocking bit of frugality, I once asked for a discount to be applied when my toners went on sale a few days after purchasing a full set—and received a hefty refund of the difference!

This post is part of a series I’ve entitled “Frugal August” and is inspired by (though not copied from) the book The Complete Tightwad Gazetteby Amy Dacyczyn. My tips are meant to build on hers, but generally are not duplications.