Tips on How to Save Money

Best ways to save money in the kitchen

2008-12-01T00:03:00.001-08:00

Here are the best ways to save money in the kitchen. Eating for less does not always mean lower quality or less, it just means that you buy the stuff that is cheaper, plan ahead and buy bulk food instead of TV dinners.

Here is a list from GoneFrugal.com:

Stop Eating Out
Too many people spend a fortune on fast food diets that are slowly killing them and murdering their wallets. It doesn’t matter if you are single or not, preparing your own food at home is less expensive and healthier.

Plan Your Meals
It is easy to save money if you will sit down for a few minutes each week and plan your weekly menu out ahead of time. This way you can easily see what you have one hand and what you will need to purchase, create your grocery list and even check the coupon circulars and web sites for sales on the food you are going to eat anyway.

Use Leftovers Creatively
Stop thinking of leftovers as a drudgery and instead try to envision what you can turn them into.

The next time you have chicken, don’t toss the leftovers, turn it into a small chicken salad that will be just enough for a good sandwich that you can take with you to work the next day. A leftover hamburger can be crumbled and mixed with some macaroni, cheese and tomato sauce for a delicious and low cost alternative to prepackaged options like Hamburger Helper®

At The Supermarket
Instead of buying convenience foods, start by stocking your pantry and refrigerator with the basics that can be turned into all sorts of meals that you probably already love.

Amongst the best ways to save money in the kitchen is of course also coupon shopping

Strategies to save money on Gifts

2008-11-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

There are many strategies to save money on gifts and in a year where the economy and our personal budget is not great it's even more important.

Here are some tips presented by mlive.com:

THINK OUTSIDE THE GIFT BOX -- ``I like giving my kids an experience as a gift,'' Swager said. ``Last year, my mom gave my daughter, Lydia, quilting lessons and her sister, Harriett, crocheting lessons. ... The wonderful part is that they get to spend time with the gift-giver and create memories.''

CONSIDER THE PRACTICALITY OF THE GIFT -- Take the recipient's budget into account when you buy a gift. If your brother is strapped for cash right now, five car washes for $30 might be much more appreciated than that obligatory $40 sweater you might grab at the last minute. You both win.

THINK OUTSIDE THE MALL -- While many shoppers don't usually think of convenience stores or a local pharmacy when it comes to holiday purchases, they can be cost-savers. ``I found out that my pharmacy gives a $25 gift card when you transfer a prescription,'' Swager said. ``So when I used my $25 gift card with the $5-off-a-$20-purchase coupon, I bought a $30 gift for the $5.47 cost of the transferred prescription.''

WATCH FOR ``PIGGYBACK'' OFFERS -- If you plan to give a restaurant gift certificate, watch your mailbox for coupons or call around for ``piggyback'' gift certificates. For instance, Kumo Hibachi & Sushi in Portage is giving away a $10 gift certificate with every $50 certificate that is purchased. TGI Friday's in Kalamazoo offers the same deal.

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY LATER -- For teenagers, especially those of driving age, consider stocking them up with the stuff they need cash for all year long. Gas cards and oil changes are handy, along with gift certificates for fast-food, movies, bowling, arcades and laser tag. Those gifts will keep them happy and socializing -- on their own dime -- long after Christmas.

for more strategies to save money on gifts

Dog food coupons

2008-11-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Dog food coupons can take a big load off your monthly budget, especially if you have a few dogs to take care of.

There are websites that are offering printable coupons online. When you go there, make sure that you dog food supplier or supermarket actually accepts printable coupons.

Call them up, tell them about the coupon and if they accept it, print the coupon out and bring it with you next time you go to buy dog food.

Make sure that you don't go past an expiry date, if there is one on the coupon.

Start your search for Dog food coupons on websites like Doggiecoupon.com

How to Save Money on Dog Care

2008-11-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

How to save money on your pets is great, especially if you have 4 like us. You vet bills can run up really high if you are not taking care of your furry and feathered friends.

Here is what the Olympian featured in regards to saving money on cat and dog care:

• Schedule your dog in for his annual checkup. Many canines don't exhibit symptoms of illness until it's too late. Early diagnosis can prevent your pet's symptoms from becoming life threatening and keep your dog from picking up additional illnesses due to a compromised immune system.

• Don't skimp on quality food. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to save on dog food is to buy quality items in bulk rather than purchasing cheaper items. Skimping on quality typically means missing out on many nutrients your dog needs.

• Don't overfeed your dog or give him human-food handouts. If you insist on sharing your food with your dog then consider small portions of carrot, broccoli, or apple chunks. These are all healthy low-calorie treats most canines love. You can also ask your vet for dietary recommendations.

• Make sure Fido gets the proper amount of exercise for his breed. Activities such as taking your dog for walks, visiting your local dog run, or throwing a ball around will keep your pooch in shape and prevent obesity, which can lead to many health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, torn ligaments and heart problems.

• Brush your dog's teeth. You should brush your pet's teeth a few times a week and get regular cleanings at the vet. This will prevent the build-up of tartar and gum disease, which can lead to kidney disease, liver disease and infection.

• Look for discounts. While you should never skimp on visits to the vet, you may be able to reduce costs. According to Consumer Reports, more than 60 percent of veterinarians will discount services if you bring in three or more pets during one visit, while 50 percent will give discounts to senor citizens who own pets.
• Invest in your pet. With healthcare being one of the most important aspects of responsible dog ownership, pet insurance allows owners to care for their pet's health in the same way they do for themselves and other family members. And, for the many dog owners who are put in difficult situations emotionally and financially when their dog becomes sick or is injured, it can help alleviate the heart wrenching decisions over whether they can afford treatment. A small, monthly fee covers the cost of preventive medicine and the treatment of illness and injury. Higher deductibles reduce premiums and make insurance a more viable option for many budgets.

Tips on Saving Money: Toilet Flush

2008-11-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

Tips on Saving Money are not just related to obvious things like dollars you spend on gas, electricity or groceries, but of course on all aspects of life.

You can save money in so many ways, and even though you might only save little on a specific thing, all savings will add up in the end.

Just a few months ago our water bill went up quite a bit, so we called the water company and they told us that because there is more load on the sewer price, the water bill went up. Great.

Well I put my garden plants on rations and started to look for ways on how to save water in the household.

Then I came across this Tips on Saving Money video in regards to toilets.

Water is very valuable, and using less water does not just conserve water, but also means less load on the environment.

Don't flush your money down the toilet.

How to save money with LED Christmas lights

2008-11-23T02:36:00.000-08:00

Never heard of LED Christmas lights?

LED stands for light-emitting-diode

Wiki says:

LEDs are widely used as indicator lights on electronic devices and increasingly in higher power applications such as flashlights and area lighting. An LED is usually a small area (less than 1 mm2) light source, often with optics added to the chip to shape its radiation pattern and assist in reflection.[2][3] The color of the emitted light depends on the composition and condition of the semiconducting material used, and can be infrared, visible, or ultraviolet. Besides lighting, interesting applications include using UV-LEDs for sterilization of water and disinfection of devices,[4] and as a grow light to enhance photosynthesis in plants.

Have a "green" holiday: save money and the environment says:

Many local hardware stores carry LED Christmas lights, which are up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent Christmas light sets. They cost more up front-- but they'll save you money in the long run.

The U.S. Department of Energy says if all conventional incandescent Christmas lights in the country were switched with LEDs, we could save enough energy to power 200,000 homes for a year.

"They last a lot longer so you don't need to get rid of them as soon. And they're a lot smaller so there's no mercury in them like fluorescent light bulbs would have in them," said Jim Wicke from Ace Hardware Store.

LED lights are also safer than conventional Christmas lights because they produce much less heat.

"You don't have to worry about it leaning against something that's combustible or anything like that," Wicke said.

Check your local hardware store for some great holiday sales for LED Christmas Lights (for both indoor and outdoor).

Cheap Christmas Gifts - How to save big

2008-11-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

I know Cheap Christmas Gifts doesn't sound that great - and it's probably better to say how to save money on gifts.

The economy is down and we need to make sure that we still manage to get gifts for all our family. Planning is probably the most important factor in saving money. Those who choose last-minute gifts always pay a lot more than those who plan in advance or even buy all their gifts much earlier in the year.

WMTW promotes the clever idea to Buy Gifts At Craft Fairs. Check it out:

Paula Giguere is like a lot of people this time of year, gift-shopping for that special someone. Giguere decided to hit up an Augusta craft fair to get some good deals.

"I think $12, for what we're getting here today, is pretty good," said Giguere.
Click here to find out more!

She’s right too. News 8 found a sample personalized children’s book online for $14.95, even without the extra shipping costs; that’s a savings of $2.95.

Sarah Johnson, of Saco, just snagged a new bracelet, her second piece of jewelry bought at a craft fair in less than two weeks.

"I think the prices here are excellent. I mean, probably half the price if you went into a store or the mall. Prices are much better and I think the quality is much better as well," said Johnson.

Craft fairs also offer unique items that you won’t find in a store, like children’s placemats made with chalkboard fabric. The cost: $15.

And then there are fresh, homemade sweet treats.

Fred Merrill said selling his fudge at craft fairs means his customers will get a fresher product.

"Basically, I want to produce a good product and have it fresh, and to have to deliver it to a store and stuff, there's time in between. This is all made within two or three days of a show,” said Merrill.

Craft fairs also give you the chance to talk directly to the artist, something Clever Covers owner Ariana Barron appreciates.

"When I sell at craft shows I'm talking directly to the customer. So I know what they're looking for, so I can meet their needs better as far as color and pattern," said Barron.

For some customers, the savings is more about supporting local crafters, something Lamarr Clannon, of Litchfield, calls recycling money.

"When it comes to the holidays, I think shopping local is very important. It's about keeping the money in the community," said Clannon.

Cheap Christmas Gifts don't have to be of low quality - just be creative

More Thanksgiving Dinner Money Saving Tips

2008-11-22T01:08:00.001-08:00

These Thanksgiving Dinner Money Saving Tips are taken from Consumer Watch:

7. Shop at a discount store. Many are offering Thanksgiving dinner deals. Discount grocer ALDI, for example, is selling all your Thanksgiving fixin’s for $30.

6. Plan your side dishes around sale items at your grocery store. Look for circulars and store coupons promoting deals.

5. A frozen turkey is cheaper than a fresh one or pre-cooked. And choose a smaller one or you’ll pay for leftovers.

4. Make sure you’re only buying enough for the number of servings that you need. You’ll also find that if you buy canned goods, they’re cheaper. We found a can of green beans for $.49, a bag of fresh green beans for $.99, and a bag of frozen green beans for $1.39.

3. You may save money buying prepared stuffing, caseroles or pies, rather than buying all the ingredients to make them yourself.

2. Go potluck. Have each guest bring a dish. You’ll have less to cook and more money left over.

1. Take your family to help cook or serve at a soup kitchen. Dinner won’t cost you a cent and your family will learn the true meaning of thanksgiving.

Save money on Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

2008-11-22T00:55:00.000-08:00

Look at these Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas that are green and save money too:

from Money & Business
Buy only key items organic: Some people balk at the cost of organic food because they think that it's an all-or-nothing deal. Instead of looking at your whole shopping list as organic, purchase organic items only where it counts—meaning items most likely to transmit pesticides to you. These foods from the "Dirty Dozen" list (the 12 produce items most likely to carry pesticide residue) are the ones most likely to show up in your Thanksgiving feast: apples, celery, grapes, lettuce, pears, potatoes, spinach. But if asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, corn, eggplant, peas, or onions show up in any of your recipes, it's OK to get these conventionally grown.

Host a potluck: Spreading the work out makes it easier and cheaper for the host family without lessening the food to share. Besides, you'll have the added benefit of oohing and aahing over each other's dishes and learning new recipes. "It brings meaning and input from the family," said Colwell-Lipson. "The tradition will live on through several generations." And you'll have the anticipation of looking forward to Aunt Mary's famous pumpkin pie each year.

Plan ahead: Buying a locally raised, organic food items can definitely add to the price of your meal. That's why Colwell and Colwell-Lipson advise planning ahead for next year. "In January, look ahead at your whole year and think about the holidays," said Colwell. "If you're interested in a 20-pound heritage turkey, you think, 'I can't spend that much on a turkey.' But if you divide that by the number of expected guests and people put away $2 a month, you have your money. Panic causes us to spend more."

Package leftovers in reusable containers: After a big Thanksgiving celebration, there may be more leftover turkey sandwiches and pie than any family can eat for lunch the following week. Colwell-Lipson sends leftovers home with guests, but not in Ziploc baggies or Saran-wrapped paper plates. "I save up glass jars from spaghetti sauce, and any leftovers get packed up and sent home in those, so they can be enjoyed later," she said.

Buy less food: We waste so much of what we prepare for Thanksgiving—about a quarter of our food, said Colwell. To prevent food waste, the solution may simply be to cut back on things that aren't as necessary. "If people just consider reducing 25 percent in their amount of food, or variety of food, they would save. Do we need both sweet and mashed potatoes—could we do without one?" she said. Both of the authors advise discretion here, though: "Saying 'we're not feeding you as much this year' is not going to fly," Colwell said.

Use smaller plates: Because of the size of some dinner plates, people often take more than they can—or should—eat. If you use smaller dinner plates, people often eat just what's in front of them, and they can always come back for more if they are still hungry. This is an especially good idea for kids, who may take two bites of stuffing before abandoning the dinner table to go play with their cousins. "With children, people give them way too much on their plates," said Colwell. "Ask Suzy what she likes. She'll come back for more."

Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas that save money

Black Friday Ads - Black Friday Deals

2008-11-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

Black Friday Ads are a must for the savvy shopping saver.

Wiki:

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. Since Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, Black Friday may be as early as the 23rd and as late as the 29th of November.

Black Friday is not an official holiday, but many employees take the day off, which increases the number of potential shoppers. Retailers often decorate for the Christmas season weeks beforehand. Many retailers open very early (typically 5 am or even earlier) and offer doorbuster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. Although Black Friday, as the first shopping day after Thanksgiving, has served as the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season at least since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, the term "Black Friday" has been traced back only to the 1960s.

It is best to start at webpages like blackfriday.com and bfads.net, which focus entirely on this day after Thanksgiving.

Enjoy this Black Friday Ads - Black Friday Deals video:

Like it says in the video, try to go shopping the last day before Black Friday after 6pm (this is the time where the price changes are usually done), as this is probably the only time where you can snag a real door buster.

Coupons - printable savings online

2008-11-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

Coupons - printable savings online. Yes according to a survey great coupon clippers and online coupon collectors save up to $700 a year just on groceries.

Hey and the other thing with online coupons: free printable - no cost, no subscriptions, just go to the respective internet website and start printing out the coupon offers. Many people are actually clipping coupons for a long time, but printable coupons are not so popular yet.

Check out the internet sites below to see if you can find some great grocery coupons.

CoolSavings.com, Smartsource.com, Hotcouponworld.com, Coupons.com and PPGazette.com.

Organize your coupons according to your needs as shown in the video below. Of course beside using coupons (printable) from the internet you should also check your local Sunday newspapers, weekly publications and store advertisements.

See the Coupons - printable savings now:

Tips to save Gas Video

2008-11-18T15:50:00.001-08:00

Tips to save gas are probably not the most important thing on people's mind with the gas prices so low, but even if gas is cheap, wouldn't it be better to save some dollars every month that you can use for something else?

Sure. Saving means less wasting. A more economic attitude is satisfying, good for the environment, a lot of the times also better for your car, your maintenance bills etc.

Step 1:
Cash Cap
Make sure your gas cap is securely tightened.
Step 2:
Pump It Up
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. The proper tire pressure can be found on the inside of your car door.
Step 3:
Breathe Easy
Have your air filter checked whenever you change your oil.
Step 4:
Stay In Tune
Have your trusted mechanic check out your engine every six months or so.
Step 5:
Filler Down
Unless you are going on a long road trip, keep your tank between half full and empty.

Or even better watch the Tips to save Gas Video:

Drive Green:How To Save Money On Gas

Tips on How to Save Money

2008-11-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Tips on how to save money blog will give you simple strategies on make the most of every dollar. In times when the economy is on the way down and our budget becomes tight, we have to look for ways to utilize our money wisely.

There are many opportunities we do not see, many we do not want to pursue, many we would use, but don't know how. In this blog I will try to collect the different things that will save you a dollar here and there, and before you know it - you have saved a heck a lot.

Anyway I will only give you Tips on how to save money, that are actually of value.

I hope you come back often and check the new updates on our Tips on How to Save Money!