Spend Less on Groceries

Frugal Friday

Whether or not you have a large family, it's always nice to save money on groceries.  With the cost of gas and utilities rising, it's more important than ever to save money elsewhere.  Here are some ways to save money on your next trip to the grocery store.

·         If you find yourself going through a large amount of items quickly, ask your local grocer if they will give you a deal on buying by the case.  We used to purchase ten bags of dog food at a time to save $5 on each bag.  We shared the discount with other pet-owners.

·         Don't dilly-dally through the aisles.  Get what you need, then get out.  The longer you linger, the more impulse items you will purchase.

·         Shop around.  Comparison shop at wholesale stores and dollar stores for the items you usually purchase at your local supermarket.  Look at unit cost ($$ per ounce, or $$ per pound, etc.).  Where can you get the best price for the items you buy?

·         Use your cell phone.  You can comparison shop on your phone for best prices.  You can also use it to download store coupons.  Many supermarkets run special deals for loyal customers and offer special pricing on items you purchase on a regular basis.

·         Check online.  Visit Amazon.com and Drugstore.com for deals on non-perishables.  You usually have to buy larger quantities, but the savings are better than any sale price you can get in the store. 

How have you saved money on groceries?

Green Cleaning—General Uses for Lemons

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at general uses for lemons.

·         Wash your hands in lemon juice to remove odors from bleach, garlic or onions.  Rinse well.

·         Mix one part lemon juice to two parts honey for a cough syrup.

·         Cure dandruff by rinsing your hair with one to two tablespoons of lemon juice every day until gone.  Shampoo in between rinses.

·         Drink lemon juice in water to aid in digestion.

·         Soak your fingernails in lemon juice for ten minutes to whiten and brighten.

·         Add one tablespoon sugar and two tablespoons lemon juice to water for fresh cut flowers to lengthen their life.

·         Add a spoonful of lemon juice to your rice while cooking to prevent it from sticking.

·         Pour lemon juice on a cloth, add cream of tartar, then rub into shoe stains.  When stain is gone, rinse well and buff.

·         Add pieces of lemon to your ice cube trays for lemon-flavored beverages.

·         Apply lemon juice to skin affected by poison ivy to alleviate the itching and rash.

·         Rub lemon juice into rough skin, rinse, then massage with olive oil.

·         Drink tea with lemon and honey to relieve a sore throat and cough.

·          Store lemons in a jar of water in your fridge to produce the most juice.

·         Add to vinegar when cleaning to lessen the odor of the vinegar.

·         Use on weeds between your paving stones.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Lemons in the Bathroom

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons in the bathroom.

·         Cut a lemon in half and place it cut-side up in a bowl in the bathroom for a natural, fresh smell.

·         Squeeze lemon juice on bathtub rings for easy cleaning.

·         Squeeze lemon juice onto grout and scrub with a toothbrush to brighten it.

·         Spray a solution of water and lemon on your mirror, then wipe with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

·         Spray a mixture of water and lemon juice on your shower doors, scrub with newspaper and rinse.

·         Soak a paper towel in lemon juice, wrap the towel around your faucet and let it sit for an hour to loosen the build-up.  Scrub with a stiff toothbrush.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and borax, apply to the stains in your toilet bowl, let sit for a few hours, then scrub clean. 

Fun Things to Do on a Fixed Income

Senior Thursday

 

Many seniors are on a fixed income. Living expenses come first—rent or mortgage, food, medication and utilities. Then there's clothing and transportation, and maybe pet expenses. Before long, their monthly income is used up, leaving little, if anything, for entertainment.

That isn't to say that seniors can't be entertained on a fixed income. There are events and places to go that are free or very low cost. There are options to Broadway plays and gourmet restaurants. Here are a few ideas.

Become a Volunteer – By volunteering at film festivals, sporting events and other venues, one can experience the entertainment, and sometimes even get a free meal. Other places to volunteer are community centers, gardens and local parks. Not only do these places provide fun things to do, they are great opportunities for socializing.

Check out Your Local College or University – They often have cultural events or access to free/low cost college-level classes. Auditing classes is a way to have access to the college library and performances.

Use Your Library – Your local library contains a wealth of free entertainment. In addition to thousands of books, there are magazines, newspapers, movies and CDs. You can also access the internet for free to keep in touch with friends via email.

Check Out Community Events – Many communities have neighborhood concerts, and plays at colleges and in churches. Scour your newspaper for notices. There are also seasonal festivals, like music festivals in the summer and harvest festivals in the fall.

Enjoy Nature – So many adventures out of doors are free. Hiking, biking, picnics, etc., are all for you to enjoy at no cost. Find trails in your area.

Watch for Free Days at Museums – Many museums have one day a week that is free or very low cost for entry. Find out what these days are for the museums in your area. Arrive early and be prepared for long lines.

There's lots out there to do! Enjoy!

Green Cleaning—Using Baking Soda in the Kitchen

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using baking soda in the kitchen.

·       Baking soda in various strengths can be used in the kitchen for cleaning.  The more dried on the food, or the greasier the spot, the stronger the solution should be.  Baking soda can be used in a food processor or blender, the garbage can, oven, stovetop, dishwasher, or coffeemaker.

·      Baking soda is also good for deodorizing.  Use it in baby bottles, your refrigerator, your drain, water bottles, vacuum flasks, garbage disposal.  Always wash and rinse thoroughly with warm, soapy water after deodorizing.

·        Make a paste to clean coffee stains from mugs.

·        Wipe stainless steel appliances with a baking soda mixture to remove stains and spots. 

·        Combine with vinegar to clean cast iron skillets/casseroles.

·        Remove melted plastic bags from counters or appliances with a water/baking soda solution.

·        Do NOT use on non-stick pans.

·        Note:  Make sure all appliances and pots/pans are cooled off before cleaning.

Green Cleaning—Using Vinegar for Cleaning

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using vinegar around the house.

·         Mix 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water and brush it on your carpets to brighten the color.

·         Mix 4 tbsp. vinegar to 1 gallon water in your carpet cleaner to rinse after shampooing.

·         Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle—spritz your shower curtain every day to prevent mildew.

·         Spray bathroom surfaces with vinegar mixture to disinfect.

·         Mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water for soaking brassware. 

·         Mix equal parts vinegar and water, drop in your shower head, and boil for five minutes to remove build-up.  (Remove rubber gasket before boiling.)  Or soak in same mixture overnight without boiling.

·         Pour one gallon of vinegar to your whirlpool tub and run.  Do this once a year to keep pipes free of residue.

·         Pour vinegar down your drains when they seem sluggish.

·         Put vinegar on newspaper to clean windows and glass fireplace screens.

·         Add 2/3 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water to wash vinyl floors.

·         Mix equal parts water and vinegar to remove lime deposits on tile and grouting.

·         Rub a cloth dipped in a vinegar/water solution on water stains to remove them from leather.

·         Spray vinegar on a cloth and wipe leather furniture to revive its shine.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Vinegar in the Kitchen

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. They are also expensive. So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home. This week, we'll look at using vinegar in the kitchen.

• Wipe down your cutting board with full-strength vinegar to deodorize and degrease.
• Run through your coffee maker to remove lime deposits, or boil with water in your tea kettle.
• Used a diluted solution of vinegar and water to clean and deodorize plastic containers.
• Wipe the inside of your refrigerator with a vinegar solution to deodorize and kill bacteria.
• Clean work surfaces with full-strength vinegar.
• Vinegar is a good degreaser for deep-fryers and exhaust hoods.
• Boil water and vinegar in your microwave oven to loosen built-on foods.
• Dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe out your oven.
• Boil water and vinegar, let it cool a little, then pour into ice cube trays to freshen them.
• Add vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher for a clean, cost-effective rinsing agent.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Vinegar in the Laundry Room

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. They are also expensive. So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home. This week, we'll look at using vinegar in the laundry room.

• Run water through your iron to clear out residue build-up. When the iron is still warm, run it across your ironing board to freshen the cover.
• Rub a paste of vinegar and baking soda into cuffs and collars to get rid of stains.
• Add vinegar to loads of dark clothing to keep colors bright, prevent colors from running, and also to deodorize the clothes.
• Soak shirts in vinegar to remove underarm stains and odors.
• Use to remove stains—cola, grease (from suede), tar from jeans, grass, coffee, tea, fruits and berries.
• Use to remove odors, such as bleach or smoke.
• Add vinegar to your rinse cycle to soften the fabric and reduce static cling.

Next week: Using vinegar in the kitchen.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Borax

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. They are also expensive. So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home. The first of these is borax.

• Put 2 teaspoons in a spray bottle with very hot water to use as a general purpose cleaner.
• Use to clean aluminum, as it is non-abrasive. Rinse thoroughly.
• Soak filters from hoods in a strong solution for 15 minutes to loosen grease and odors.
• Put 1 tablespoon in four cups of warm water to use in your refrigerator or freezer to wipe up food spills.
• Mix one tablespoon with one tablespoon of baking soda as a detergent in your dishwasher.
• Sprinkle borax on carpets, dog beds and other areas where there might be fleas.
• Mix one gallon warm water with six tablespoons borax and a teaspoon of liquid detergent for cleaning your floors and walls.
• Sprinkle it at base of walls to deter mice.
• Sprinkle in your toilet and let sit overnight for easy cleaning of grimy build-up.
• Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons into your garbage disposal and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water to deodorize.
• Sprinkle in stinky shoes and let them sit overnight.
• Add a tablespoon to your washing machine to deodorize your clothes.

Should I Stock Up on Sale Items?

Frugal Friday

We all like to save money, so when something is on sale, why not save even more money by buying more of the item on sale? It seems to make sense, but is it really saving you money? That depends.

There are several factors to consider when stocking up on sale items.
First is storage space. If paper towels are on sale, and you decide to buy five cases, where will you keep those cases until they are used up? If you buy ten tubes of toothpaste, which are small, will they fit in your linen closet?

Second, will you use it up before the next time it goes on sale? Perhaps the tomato soup is a really great deal, but will you use 24 cans before the next sale? If you watch the ads regularly, you can follow how often items are on sale. Some are seasonal, some are as often as monthly. If you know it will be on sale again soon, by just enough to last you until the next time.

Third is perishables. Yes, the orange juice might be a great deal, but will you use everything you buy before it spoils or expires? The same goes for anything perishable. If you are able to freeze the item, then consider purchasing more. But always keep in mind how much you will use, and whether or not you have the room to freeze it. And don't forget, food goes bad in the freezer, too.

Fourth, don't buy super-sized items or mega packages unless you know you like the product. If it's something new on the market, or a new flavor, don't buy it in a large size. You may not like it, and it's wasted money when you throw it away.

Finally, is it worth the drive? If you have to drive several miles to buy one item (sometimes the store limits quantity), is it worth the cost of gas and your time?

Be frugal, but be smart.

What items have you stored up on recently?

Frugal Uses for Kitchen Items

Frugal Friday

As the cost of groceries and gas continue to rise, we are looking for more and more ways to save money elsewhere. Coupons can save money. Purchasing second-hand can save money. Another way to save money is to use everyday household items for purposes other than for what they are intended. It's called "Re-purposing." Here are some ideas:

• Use an empty egg carton or ice cube tray for earrings or rings in your dresser drawer.
• Use an empty egg carton to hold paperclips and other small items in your desk drawer.
• Use empty checkbook boxes (or other small boxes) for dividers in your kitchen drawers.
• Use a muffin tin to play sorting games with your children.
• Make a funnel from the top of a soda bottle.
• Empty baby food jars can hold screws, nails, beads, or buttons.
• Large glass jars can be filled with candy, topped with fabric and ribbon, then presented as a gift.
• Glass jars can be used as vases—with or without decorating.
• Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and use it as a scoop for bird food or dog food.

What have you re-purposed in your kitchen?

Frugal Gift-Giving

Frugal Friday

The year is fairly new still, with many months ahead. Months of holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, etc. And with these events, you may get invited to parties and need to bring a gift. If you have a large family and circle of friends, you might be attending several parties a month. If your budget is tight, how can you afford all these gifts?

One of the best ways to save on gifts is to make homemade items. If you are crafty, this works especially well. Knit a scarf, sew a t-shirt quilt, or embroider an apron. If crafts aren't your cup of tea, then go for home-baked goodies. Bake some bread, can some jellies, or make chocolate covered treats. Wrap them in colorful cellophane or wrap a ribbon around a box, and it makes for a pretty, but inexpensive gift. For bridal showers or weddings, add a few inexpensive items like mixing spoons, and tie on some recipes for the new bride.

Jewelry and soap are other items you can easily make. There is an initial investment for tools and supplies, but you will save money in the long run from buying these items retail.

If you love to take photos, why not enlarge and frame some for the family? Look for frames on sale, and make a nice collage for grandma. Or put together a photo album of the honored guest.

The ideas are endless. And the most valuable gift you can give anyone is the gift of your time.

Saving Money on Kid's Clothing

Frugal Friday

We love our children, but they can really put a drain on our bank accounts. It costs a lot of money to raise them--food, clothing, education. So we try to save money wherever we can. One way to save money is on their clothing. Here are some tips to keeping them clothed and still have money to spare.

• Buy clothes slightly larger than their size. You can hem sleeves and pants, then let them down when your children grow.
• Find friends and family with children older than yours. Ask for hand-me-downs. Then find a family with children younger than yours and return the favor.
• Dress them for the occasion. If your children will be outside playing, dress them in darker colors to hide the dirt/stains.
• Don't wash their clothes as often. They will last longer. This may mean not letting them change their outfit several times a day, and not letting them throw something in the hamper that they only wore for a few hours.
• Bleach will wear down fabrics. Use detergents with non-chlorine bleach instead.
• Don't cave into the pressure of designer clothes. They are overpriced.
• Search clearance racks at the end of a season and purchase clothes in a larger size for the next year.
• Shop at consignment stores. You can find great deals on nice clothes.

Couponing to Save Money

Frugal Friday

One of the best ways to save money while shopping is through coupons. There are even television shows about extreme couponing and how to save as much as 100% on your purchases. While some of their practices are controversial (using coupons on alternate items, buying 20-30 items at once, taking coupon inserts from the garbage, etc.), there are sensible ways to save money. Here are some tips for the grocery store and retail shops.

• Sign up for newsletters and mailing lists (email). Often there are better savings than advertised if you are a member of their club.
• Watch for sales to coincide with your coupons.
• Take note of expiration dates and use your coupons accordingly. Check with store policy about expired coupons, as some stores (Bed, Bath & Beyond) will accept any coupon.
• Check store policy on matching prices. Some will not only match the competitor's price but also give an additional amount over that.
• Search for coupons in the following places: Newspapers, magazines, in the store.
• Look online for coupons before heading out to the store, either on the store's site, or at sites like Coupons.com.
• Before shopping online, visit RetailMeNot.com for retailer coupons (often for a discount or free shipping).
• Check product packaging at the store. Some manufacturer's put coupons on the item.

Being Frugal in Your Home Office

Frugal Friday

With the cost of everything rising, we are always looking for ways to reduce our bills. Over the last few months, we've been covering many different areas of our lives where we can do exactly that. This week, we're looking at how to be frugal in your home office.

• Don't throw away stamps that are stuck together. Put them in the freezer for a few hours to see if they unstick. Use glue to fasten to an envelope. Never tape stamps, as the post office will not accept them.
• Use both sides of the paper when taking notes.
• Use the back side of paper when you aren't printing important documents.
• Save whatever paper comes into the house for draft or other printing that isn't formal.
• Cut up ads or other paper with a blank back side to use for note-taking.
• Shop for supplies when it's back-to-school time, even if you don't go to school. Prices are better then.
• Ask you local stationery store for any items they may be discarding like orphan envelopes or incomplete marker sets.
• Shop the discount/clearance section of the store.
• Buy economy-size printer cartridges.
• Have ink cartridges refilled rather than buying new.
• Choose a printer that allows you to replace one color at a time.

Being Frugal with Finances

Frugal Friday

With the cost of everything rising, we are always looking for ways to reduce our bills. Over the last few months, we've been covering many different areas of our lives where we can do exactly that. This week, we're looking at how to be frugal with your finances.

• Pay someone to do your taxes for you. Yes, the initial outlay will cost you, but the increase on your return will more than pay for it.
• Avoid ATM fees. Don't use ATMs that are out of your network.
• Ask your credit card company to reduce your interest rate. If you've had the card for a while, and have always paid on time, chances are they will offer you a lower rate.
• Contest any and all bank and credit card fees that you think are unreasonable. Many will give you a pass on the first one or two infractions.
• Consolidate student loans,
• Purchase all your insurance through the same company for multi-policy discounts.
• Keep a record (video, photo or list) of all your possessions in case you need to make a claim.
• Pay your insurance premiums on an annual basis to avoid finance charges.
• Consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium.

Saving Money in the Garden

Frugal Friday

Yes, there is snow on the ground. But we can dream of spring, can't we? In fact, nurseries and landscapers are already gearing up for the busy growing season.

We all want beautiful yards, with colorful flowers and shady trees. But this all costs money. Sometimes a lot of money. So where can you cut down on your costs? here are some ways to have a beautiful yard without dipping into your savings.

• Take good care of your garden tools. Clean them when you are done and store them dry so they don't rust.
• Convert your lawn into a garden. Flowers and vegetables are less money to maintain and produce food for you.
• Use plants indigenous to the region so they require less water.
• Soot, sawdust, coffee grounds and banana peels from around the home make great no-cost fertilizers.
• Garlic cloves buried in the soil will deter pests.
• White vinegar sprayed directly on weeds will kill most of them.
• Don't throw away old seeds. Test their viability by soaking them in water. Good seeds will not float.
• Don't water your lawn unless absolutely necessary. It will just go dormant in a drought. Only extreme heat and drought will kill it.
• Water your plants in the early morning or late evening so the sun doesn't evaporate the moisture.
• Longer grass holds moisture better than short grass.
• Make your own compost with your household waste.

Saving Money on Your Kids

Frugal Friday

Raising children is a commitment and an expense. Once they are born, there is no turning back. There will be clothing, housing, toys, food, schooling, etc. And as prices start to rise, and income starts to shrink, the challenge of affording it all grows.

But whether you have one child or eight, there are ways to save money while giving them a healthy, fulfilling life.

• Instead of buying new toys, host a toy swap with other mothers. Children get 'new' toys that will hold their interest, you you get them for free!
• Share babysitting costs by sharing the babysitter. Have the kids all at one house, and pay the sitter a little extra per hour for each extra child.
• Start a baby-sitting co-op where you trade babysitting with other parents at no charge.
• Use cloth diapers and wipes instead of disposable diapers or baby wipes. Launder in hot water and bleach.
• Use glass baby bottles instead of disposable liners.
• Sign up for free samples (baby powder, vitamins, wipes, etc.) with manufacturing companies.
• When your little ones outgrow their footsie pajamas, cut off the feet and use socks instead.

Saving Money on Eating Out

Frugal Friday

The holidays are over. We've shopped and wrapped and visited and entertained. And now, we're tired! The last thing we want to do is cook dinner, right? Wouldn't it be nice to go out to dinner instead of creating yet another masterpiece in the kitchen? But we've probably drained our pocketbooks on gifts and groceries these past weeks. So how can we afford to eat out?

Here are some ways to save money, but still enjoy a meal that you didn't have to slave over.

• Go out to lunch instead of dinner. Menu items are often less expensive at lunch time.
• Ask if you can split an entrée. Sometimes you may be required to pay a nominal sharing fee, but it would still be less than the cost of another dinner.
• Order appetizers as your meal. Depending on the restaurant and your appetite, some appetizers are a meal in themselves. If you aren't that hungry, and don't need a salad or soup with dinner, then choose an appetizer instead.
• Have dessert at home. Eating out is a treat itself, but you can save money by not ordering that piece of cake.
• Don't order alcoholic beverages. The mark-up on drinks is much higher than on sodas or tea/coffee.
• Ask if the restaurant offers half portions.
• Find out if local culinary schools offer student-cooked meals. You can get a gourmet dinner for much less. It may not be the same high quality, but it's cheaper than visiting a gourmet restaurant.
• Take advantage of happy hour even if you don't drink because the appetizers are often less expensive.
• If you order a full meal, take the leftovers home. It will be another meal for you that you don't have to cook.

Saving Money on Entertainment

Frugal Friday

In these leaner times, we still want to have fun. We may not be able to afford the exotic vacations or the extreme sports in which we once indulged. But we still want to escape from the daily drudge of working and have a little fun. Here are some ways to save on entertainment.

• Ticket prices are lower in college communities or the suburbs rather than the big city.
• Do not purchase season tickets or passes unless you are absolutely sure you will get your money's worth back in attendance.
• Find out if any area museums or attractions have days when they offer free or discounted admission.
• Join clubs with free membership. They often have programs and activities.
• Make use of discounts you already have through AAA or other memberships.
• Scale back on your cable package. Keep track of all the channels you watch over the course of a week, and see if less expensive packages include those channels.
• Bundle your entertainment (cable, internet) with the same company for lower fees.
• Volunteer at a local theater or performing arts venue whose programs you enjoy. You'll be able to see the programs for free.
• Read the newspaper and magazines online.