Recent Money Saving Tips

All over the news and magazines are headlines talking about saving money.  Is it finally "in" to actually live a frugal and thrifty lifestyle? Many people are finding themselves struggling in these tough economic times, forcing new changes.

I have found two great articles with some fantastic ideas about how to save money.

1.   "How We're Spending Less, Saving More"(http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Person-How-We-Spending-ac-3925268592.html?x=0) 
2. "30 Ways to Save Beaucoup Bucks This Year", The Nest Magazine (Winter 2010/11 Issue)

The important idea here is distinguishing your NEEDS from your WANTS.  Once you look at your budget and determine which things are needs, then you can start picking away at your wants and find ways to cut out wasteful spending.

Here are my hand-picked favorite ideas:

1. Cutting grocery bills: Watch the ads and shop sales.  There are times I go to 3 stores just to find the best price.  I plan my meals around what is in season and what is on sale.  Many don't like to shop at Wal-Mart Supercenters or Super Targets, but most of the time, they are far cheaper than local grocery stores.  Buying a box of cereal from those stores can save you up to $1.50 per box and it is the same cereal that people buy at local grocery stores.  I do try to save fresh produce for an actual grocery store as they often have a better selection (but not always).

2. Cutting travel costs: Try to carpool.  Run all your errands in one trip on one day.  One family is saving up to 20% of travel costs doing just these two things.

3. Cut down entertainment costs (specifically movies): This is one area where my husband and I really have had to cut down.  In the last six months, we have seen one movie at the theater... Harry Potter. Ask yourself this question "Can the movie wait for Redbox?" For most movies, we wait for the Rexbox so we only have to spend $1 for the rental... and we make sure we get it back the next day so we aren't charged another dollar.  Look for discount tickets, matinee showings, or dollar theaters in your area.  The Nest recommended going to Costco or Sam's Club for discount movie tickets.

4. Turn your thermostat down 2 degrees:  You may have to cozy up in a blanket to keep you warm or throw another quilt on the bed, but it can save up to $20 a month on your utilities.

5. Buy generic brands: Kraft Mac 'N' Cheese, in my opinion, is the best when it comes to macaroni.  They know how to do it right.  But, when it comes to ziplock baggies, bleach, shredded cheese and milk, you can go with the local store brand and get a very similar and comparable item, without necessarily risking quality.  I am even going to go as far and say that when it comes to fashion, you can probably go with a cheaper brand too.  It may not last as long, but when you need to cut spending, buying some sweats from Target instead of Abercrombie and Fitch can save you loads of money.

6. Mail in Rx: There are mail-in pharmacies that can fill a 90-day supply on just one copay.  Talk to your insurance company to see if they participate in this.

7.  Ask for the student discount: Many stores offer discounts for students (but they don't advertise it).  See if your favorites offer one too.  I know J. Crew does.  All you have to do is show your student ID.

8.  Find local deals for dining and entertainment: Use www.groupon.com to find out what deals for dining and entertainment are going on in your area.  I have had many friends use this and rave about it!

Try one or two of these ideas and see what you can cut out of your budget!

Coupons.com

Image taken from: http://www.travelvacationvouchers.com/Grocery.html

As many of you know, I am a sucker for finding ways to cut my spending, finding deals, and saving money.  A great resource is www.coupons.com.

You go to the site, virtually clip coupons, and then print them out.  It's as easy as that!  It takes me 5 minutes (at most), and I typically save from around $3 to $5 each grocery trip.

Think about this, if you clip coupons once a week and, on average, you save $5 in coupons, over the course of a year, you will have saved $260.  For someone on a tight budget, that's quite a dent.  Or for those of you who aren't on quite as tight a budget, consider that $260 as another pair of boots and a few shirts.

The key to clipping coupons is to buy something (when possible) when you see a coupon come out (even it that means it sits on the shelf for a little bit).  For example, if you have a Swiffer mop and you see a coupon for savings on Swiffer products, buy the product then (even if you don't need it right away).  Those coupon deals don't stick around all the time... they come and go.  It's best to use them when you see them.

Another idea is to plan meals around coupons.  Go through the coupons and see what you deals are available.  Then plan accordingly.

Be cautious-- if you normally buy off-brand products, be sure that your coupon deal beats the off-brand product.

Free Passport Photos

This site was a FANTASTIC find.  No more going to to the post office and paying $15 for a passport photo.  If you don't have a color printer, this is a terrific alternative. This site will do it for you-- all you need is a digital camera! The most you would pay is around one dollar (print and shipping).

Step One: 
Go here: http://www.epassportphoto.com/

Step Two: 
Choose "United State", "Passport 2x2" and then click on "Get My Passport Photos"

Step Three: 
Follow the directions about how to take the photo.  Take your photo.  Upload it onto the site.

Step Four: 
Drag the box around your photo.  Read the directions about the green rectangles. Click Next.

Step Five: 
This is where they get you to buy the photo through them.  You can choose to do that-- it's still cheaper than the post office.  Or you click on the small "No Thanks" option and it will skip right through those choices.

Step Six:
Download the passport photo sheet.  It saves it as a 4x6 jpg.  Then you can sign up for 20 free photos through Snapfish, upload your photos there, and VOILA... free passport photos.  (Otherwise, you can take it to any Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc., and have them print it for around 15 cents).

Isn't getting stuff for free great?

Crafty Fun for the Holidays

Here are some of my favorite craft ideas from Martha Stewart.  Many of these crafts can be made with your little kiddos.

Holly Napkin Holders

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/easy-holiday-crafts#slide_6

Pinecone Elves

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/easy-holiday-crafts#slide_10

Baby Sock Advent Calendar

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/easy-holiday-crafts#slide_15

Cookie Gift Tags

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/easy-holiday-crafts#slide_22

Glorified "Leftovers"

Do you often find recipes make too much food for you (and your friends/family) to consume in one sitting?

Or do you find that when you buy certain food (like celery, greens, tomatoes, potatoes, buttermilk, cream, etc.) and they go bad before you have time to use them or you simply have too much for your needs?

Leftovers?? If you are like me, you'll probably make a face at the sound of those words.  I am just not a huge fan of leftovers... especially if it is more than one day old. But, leftovers fit really nicely into my budget. 

So, I am learning to be creative with food and create different recipes using similar ingredients or learning how to spice up leftovers to make them more appealing. 

What Do I Do With Leftover Ingredients?

http://www.bigoven.com/recipes/leftovers

This website is great because you can enter up to three ingredients, it searches its database, and returns recipes that match those ingredients.

How Can I Make Leftovers Better?

Here are some ideas to revamping your leftovers:

1. Create a salad- Use taco meat and other fixings to create a taco salad. Or use your left-over BBQ chicken to create a BBQ chicken salad.

2. Spice it up with rice- I will put all kinds of things over rice: BBQ chicken, meatballs, creamy chicken, veggies, sausage, etc.

3. Make a sandwich or a wrap- Leftover meatloaf... no problem.  It makes a really tasty sandwich the next day.  Leftover turkey or chicken... perfect! Throw it into a tortilla... and make a yummy wrap. 

4. Leftover bread/buns- Use bread or buns to make garlic bread for the next meal.  Or if your bread is a little dry, make some delicious french toast (dry bread works great!)

I love these two websites. They show you just what to do with leftovers like chicken, beef, veggies, steak, etc.

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/cooking/a/doggiebagdining.htm

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fresh-ideas/easy-dinner-ideas/10-meals-to-make-from-leftovers

Gift Idea for Friends and Neighbors

'Tis the season to be jolly... and to be stressed about finding the perfect gift.  Here is my solution for gifts for friends, family, neighbors, teachers, etc.  

Make them goody trays! 

Almost everyone loves goodies (especially during the holidays)... and there are so many great recipes out there with very few ingredients.  They are fairly inexpensive to create as well.  

Be sure to include a wide variety of treats (sweet and savory). 

Here is a list of items I have used for others:

• Chex mix
• Muddy Buddies (Chex)
• Caramel Chex
• Rice Krispy Treats (You can shape them into fun wintery shapes, or add a stick to the middle and make a Rice Krispy Pop)
• Homemade caramels (YUM!)- A little goes a long way with these
• Chocolate dipped prezels
• Homemade peppermint bark
• Assorted winter fruits (pears, oranges, etc)
• Nuts

And I just made two treats to bring to work this morning and they were FANTASTIC.  They both came from the Taste of Home Best Loved Cookies and Candies 2010 Magazine.  Everyone at work was raving about them... so I thought I would share.  They are incredibly simple to make.

Cookie Dough Truffles (adapted from Lanita Dedon)

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cookie-Dough-Truffles (I had to make a few minor adjustments from the original)

Makes around 5 dozen

• 1/2 c butter, softened
• 3/4 c packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 c flour
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 c miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 to 1 1/2 pound of chocolate candy coating

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar.  Beat in vanilla.  Slowly, alternate adding condensed milk and flour, beating after each addition.  Sire in chocolate chips.  
2. Chill dough for about 15-20 minutes.  Shape into 1 inch balls; place on waxed paper on a cookie sheet.  Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1 1/2 hours. 
3. Melt chocolate according to directions on package.  Dip chilled balls in chocolate.  Allow excess to drip off.  Place back on waxed paper.  Refrigerate until firm (about 10-15 minutes).  If desired, drizzle additional chocolate or white chocolate on top.  Store in refrigerator. 

Mint and Chocolate Fudge Candies (adapted from Candy Clarke)

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Peppermint-Candy (Recipe changed slightly from original)

Makes about 5 dozen

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 cup vanilla or white baking chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 2-3 drops of green food coloring

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips with 3/4 cup of condensed milk.  Stir often.  Line an 8-inch square dish with buttered wax paper.
2. Spread the chocolate mixture over the bottom of the dish.  Chill for 10 minutes.  
3. In another saucepan, melt vanilla chips and remaining cup condensed milk over low heat until smooth.  Remove from heat and add peppermint extract and food coloring. Pour over the layer of chocolate in the dish and smooth out.  Refrigerate until firm.
4. Cut into 1-inch square pieces.  Store in airtight container in refrigerator. 

** Add red food coloring and crushed peppermint candy cane to top layer for a festive look.  

Easy as Pumpkin Pie: Decorating on a Dime for Thanksgiving

Isn't fall great? The chill in the air and the beautiful fall colors.  It's just a great time of the year.  Well, I found some beautiful, simple, and CHEAP decorating ideas for your Thanksgiving feast.





1. Mini-Pumpkin Placeholders:
Using a mini-pumpkin, cut a small slit on the top and insert your name card on top.  Incredibly easy.  Incredibly festive.  To see pictures, click on the link below.
(This idea came from P. Allen Smith from his appearance on the TODAY show- http://www.pallensmith.com/articles/nbc-today-show-appearance-fall-tablescapes)

2. Raffia:

This can be purchased at a craft store  and makes anything look fall-ish.  Tie it around a pumpkin, a vase, a wreath, rolled napkins, etc.  It adds a nice fall touch to something you might already have around your house. 

• Here's a link to Joann's (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=xprd191448)- 3 yards/$1.49

3. Foliage:
Go out for a walk around the neighborhood looking for beautiful red and orange leaves (or go to the craft store for a garland of silk leaves).

• Arrange them in a wreath-shape around a simple cream-colored candle... and voila... a beautiful centerpiece.  (Good Housekeeping: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/15-minute-centerpieces?click=main_sr)
• Roll napkins up, tie it with raffia or decorative ribbon and attach a leaf and name tag or a thanksgiving message to add a personal touch to your table. 
• If you have a sweet gum tree nearby, you can recreate the table setting in the photo on the right from MarthaStewart.com. (http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings#slide_2)

4. Pumpkins of different colors:
Dress up a table by adding pumpkins of different colors in a basket, on a plate, or in a large bowl.


Martha Stewart has some fantastic and GORGEOUS table settings and decorations for fall festivities.  Check them out and see if you can modify them to fit your budget.
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/fall-centerpieces
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings