Generic vs. Name Brand

A great way to save money is to buy generic or store brands rather than a name brand (except when the name brand is on sale and you have a coupon:-).  Feel you are absolutely loyal to a specific brand?  Try a taste test with your family.  See if they notice a difference in taste.  If not, then you can continue buying the generic version.  If they did, go back to your preferred brand.  At least you gave it a try!  We've tried this and have discovered that most generic/store brands are just as good as the name brand (some are even better!).  There are a few items, such as tomato soup, where we prefer the taste of the more expensive name brand.

Generics especially save you money when buying over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs.  Add up the savings!

Freezer Meals

I've lately gotten into the craze of making freezer meals.  This is a great way to stretch your dollar and to save time!  This way you will have meals on hand for those days you just don't feel like making dinner, saving you money by not eating out.

There are different ways to go about this:

1. When you make a meal, double it and freeze the extra.  This is by far the easiest, requiring little extra effort.
2. Join or form a freezer dinner group exchange.  Each person makes one meal for however many families are in the group and you exchange.  Nice for new recipes.
3. Have a big cooking day about one day a month, preparing several meals at once.  This works well when you have certain meal themes, such as chicken recipes.  You can stock up on chicken when it's on sale and then prepare several dishes at once.  This also saves money by consolidating cooking your chicken all at the same time, rather than on each day you are having chicken.

Some tips: 

• Freeze most meals in Ziploc freezer bags.  By laying them flat on a cookie sheet in the freezer, you can stack them easily, conserving space.
• Buy extra casserole dishes at garage sales, thrift stores, etc. so all your casserole dishes won't be tied up in the freezer.
• Use adhesive labels to attach to each dish, listing contents, date made, and directions for reheating.
• Keep a paper near the freezer to list the available meals and their dates.  Be sure to cross the meal off once you use it.

Thanks to all my friends who have taught me how to do freezer meals!!

Teach Them While They're Young

It's never too early to teach your children the basics of thrifty economics.  You will save them so much heartache later if you teach them now, while they're impressionable.  From early on, my kids have learned I won't buy anything they ask for at the grocery store, unless it's on my shopping list and I have a coupon and/or it's on sale.

My eldest (age 7) is learning the financial pressure of debt.  He really wanted to buy a certain toy.  When he discovered he didn't have enough, I encouraged him to wait until he had saved up enough to buy it.  However, if he still wanted it, I would buy it for him, but he would have to pay me back the loan amount plus interest after the grace period.  I know it seems harsh, but it has been a valuable lesson for him.  He has realized his purchase wasn't worth the stress he feels to earn the money before interest starts accruing.  I figure it's better for him to learn this lesson now over a few dollars than it is for him to learn it when he's older and facing a much bigger monetary amount!

What do you do to teach your children money-saving skills?

Coupon Update

I just wanted to let you know there have been some changes in coupon policies lately.  Most King Soopers now will NOT let you use a digital coupon (CellFire, Kroger, etc. that are loaded to your card) in addition to a physical manufacturer coupon.

I've also lately been given tips on additional coupon sites.  Coupon Mom is a site that does similar shopping lists as The Grocery Game but it's free!  Check it out and see if it's to your liking.

My sister clued me in on Groupon, a group-coupon site where they offer certain daily deals.  Once signed up, you receive an email, text, or facebook post each day stating the daily deal.  Then you  decide if you want to participate in the group coupon.  For example, one daily deal was spend $5 for a $10 gift card to Cold Stone Creamery.  If you like ice cream and frequent Cold Stone Creamery, this would be the deal for you!  Just say you're in, pay your $5, and you'll receive a coupon in your in box as a $10 gift card.  The one catch is that enough people have to be interested in it, say 50 people, for the deal to be "on."  (We're talking in the whole Denver metro area, so most likely, most deals are a go.)  If the deal isn't "on" and the time expires, you aren't charged the required amount.  Just be wary of buying something because it's such a great "deal" when you don't really need it or would usually buy it!

Cooking Schedule and Themes

Anyone who knows me well knows I just HATE cooking!  There are so many things I would rather be doing than making a meal and cleaning up after it.  But food is necessary to sustain life (darn it:-) so it's got to be done.  I realized the hardest thing for me about cooking is coming up with the idea of WHAT to make.  So I came up with 12 dinner themes.  By repeating two themes, I have two-weeks worth of themed food nights, making it easier to come up with a menu (and helping us get out of a dinner rut).  I schedule these on the calendar and pick a meal for each theme.  What saves money is knowing before 5:00 what I'll be making for dinner so we don't fall back on "Let's just pick something up."  Another money saving tip is to create your menu specifically on what you have on hand or what is on sale that week.

For those of you who are interested, here's our Themes:
Italian
Mexican
Asian
Soup/Salad
From the Oven
Something New (to encourage me to branch out from our usual staples)
Family Favorites
Crockpot
Pizza (homemade)
Meatless
Simple (mac n cheese from a box, Ramen, grilled cheese, etc.)...twice
CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)...twice

My husband has appreciated the better meals (and not having to wait so much when he gets home) and I've loved the anxiety-free feeling I have of knowing what we're having for dinner.  So, get your calendars and pencils ready and start planning your menus!  Who knows, you might actually start enjoying cooking every once in a while!-)

Leftover Hair Conditioner

Used the last of the shampoo, but still have some remaining conditioner?  Don't throw it out!  Use it as shaving cream instead.  It works just as well and you save some money in the process.

Do-It-Yourself Car Repair

My husband and I are not what you would call handy do-it-yourself people.  Which is a shame, because whenever you can do something yourself, you can save A LOT of money.  But even if you don't know much by way of car repair, there are a few things you can learn to do:

• Change your oil.  It requires a few special tools and some time, but it can definitely save you a good chunk of change.
• Change your air filter.
• Replace a bulb.  Light burned out?  It's a simple procedure.  Just follow the owner's manual for your specific car...each make and model is different.  We recently "saved" $15 by doing it ourselves rather than letting the car repair place do it.
• Replace your battery.
• Replace your windshield wipers.

I'm sure there are other skills that can be easily learned.  Probably most importantly, find a repair shop that you trust for all the big unexpected repairs.

Where have you found a trustworthy mechanic?

Laundry Loads

To maximize savings on laundry, here are some ideas:

• Do all your laundry on one day, starting a load as soon as another load finishes.  This maximizes the efficiency of your dryer...it stays warm inside, so you spend less money reheating the dryer for each load.
• Wash all loads in cold water to save heating costs.  (I must admit I don't do this...I'm too much of a germaphobe...gotta have it hot for certain loads to kill the germs.)
• Wash only full loads.  A full load uses almost the same energy to run as a small load!
• Use less detergent.
• Dry whatever you can on a clothesline.
• Fold or hang clothes immediately after taking them out of the dryer.  This saves money and time because it means less ironing!
• Iron your clothes in one big batch, saving money to reheat the iron multiple times.

What are your ideas?

Bike For Your Buck

I am blessed to live in a community that is interlaced with many biking/walking trails.  This allows me to bike to many nearby places rather than have to drive to them (although, in full disclosure, I often do!-).  Biking, instead of driving, has so many benefits.  For example:

• You save money on gas and on wear and tear of your car.  Even those short trips within a mile or two add up!
• You save money because, if you plan on biking regularly, you won't go as often to the stores and you won't buy as much!
• Biking is good for your body.
• It's good for the environment.
• You can spend more quality time with your loved ones enjoying the outdoors.  (How do you do it with little ones, you may ask?  Invest in a bike trailer for toddlers and preschoolers and bikes for the bigger kids.  You can also use the trailer to carry items, such as groceries or library books.  I have friends who attach a third seat/wheel (not sure what they're called) in addition to a bike trailer.  Now that's dedication!)
• You get to enjoy scenery you don't usually see.  For example, last week my kids and I biked to their swimming lessons.  We got to see three hawks or falcons up close.  It was great!  My boys now want to learn about hawks and falcons so we can tell the difference!

Want to get started but don't have the gear?  Buy items from garage sales, thrift stores, or Craigslist.  It doesn't have to be pretty...it just needs to work!  Friends and neighbors might give you their kids' outgrown bikes for free if they know you like hand-me-downs.

Have fun and get biking!

Price Adjustment at Target

Target is usually very good about giving you a price adjustment on previously purchased items.  How it works:  if an item you purchased is advertised for a lower price than you paid, Target will return you the difference.  A time limit applies (I think it's two weeks) but all you need to bring in is your receipt.

FYI--Target has on sale this week solid horizontal pocket folders for 10 cents a piece and Fiskar scissors for $1.

Target School Supplies

I'm not sure how long these deals will last, but Target has some great school supply deals, such as:

• Crayola 24 ct. crayons, 25 cents
• Crayola colored pencils, 88 cents
• 70 pg. spiral notebooks (both college ruled and wide ruled), 15 cents
• Composition book, 25 cents
• 2 pk Elmers glue sticks, 25 cents
• pocket folders, 15 cents
• Fiskar scissors, $1.50
• Crayola washable markers, thin and thick, $2 each
• plus more!

I went ahead and purchased the scissors and Crayola markers, but I'm still hoping they'll get cheaper.  I won't hesitate returning the ones I already got!

Back to School Savings

I hesitate to even mention school in the summer, especially since school doesn't start for another month.  However, deals are cropping up and it's best to shop the sales at this pricey time of year.  Here are some tips for saving money while shopping for school supplies.

• Shop the sales.  While I won't go to a store only because it has the lowest price on a particular item (gotta factor in gas), I'll go if it's a nearby store and I have other shopping to do there.
• Price match at  Walmart.  Save your weekly circulars and have Walmart match the price on good deals.
• Generic is often cheaper, but the quality isn't always as good.  I guess that's why some schools specify what brand of markers, etc.  For example, I've found that RoseArt's "washable" markers really aren't that washable and generic glue sticks usually aren't as good as Elmers.  (But if your school doesn't specify, go with the best deal.)
• See if you can reuse items.  My son is reusing his pencil box, scissors, backpack and lunch bag from last year.
• Wait a few weeks after school has started for clearanced items.  This works best for backpacks and lunch bags.  Make do the first few weeks with the items from last year.  I've found that supplies like crayons, markers, etc., are cheaper during the back-to-school sales...they aren't always clearanced.
• Shop garage sales for backpacks.  I picked up a Jansport backpack for a great deal a year ago.  It still has a few years of usage left in it.

FYI:  This week, Kmart has 24 ct. Crayola crayons for 25 cents, thin and thick Crayola markers for $1 (non-washable), Expo dry erase marker 2 pk. for $1.50, and Crayola colored pencils for $1.

Article on Yahoo!

Check out this article on Yahoo about good items to buy used. 

Toothpaste Squeeze

How do you get your toothpaste tube to look like this?

My husband taught me a simple way to truly get every last drop out of your tube of toothpaste.

Step 1.  Lay tube of toothpaste on a hard, flat surface.

Step 2.  Press the long handle of your toothbrush along the bottom end of the tube.

Step 3.  Applying steady pressure, slowly move the toothbrush handle up to the tip, compressing the remaining toothpaste together.

Voila!  You will be able to get every last drop of toothpaste, maximizing your purchase!

Book Worm

Though I love and use my library frequently, there still is nothing like owning your own literary classic.  So, how do you save dough when acquiring books?

• Buy at garage sales.  These are a great way to buy books, especially children's books.  Often they are only 25 cents to a $1.
• Swap with friends.
• Buy from your library.  Many libraries offer a book sale once a year offering fabulous deals.  For example, this year I scored for $10 at my library:  2 hardback Harry Potter books to finish my collection, 1 hardback Tales of Beetle the Bard, 1paper airplane book, the first three paperback books of Anne of Green Gables, box set of The Boxcar Children, hardback Oh The Places You'll Go, paperback Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (ours has gotten worn out), and several board books in like new condition.  If I had bought these new, it would have cost me well over $60.
• Check out websites like Craigslist and Amazon.
• Occassionally you can find a great deal through Scholastic school book orders, although often they're overpriced (but at least part of the money goes toward the school).

What do you do?

Inexpensive Vacation Ideas

Summer is upon us and so is vacation season.  Here are some ideas for a thrifty vacation:

• Go camping!  Once you have the gear, this is a very inexpensive vacation.  Some campsites are $7-20 per night.  Activities are free, you bring your own food, the kids enjoy playing in the dirt, and great memories are made.
• Have a "stay-cation."  Lodging is free, you provide your own food, and you know the deals in the area.  Take time to explore your city.  Some activity ideas:  hiking, biking, swimming, museums, tour factories, visit geological points of interest.  Just be sure to act like it's a vacation, rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day life of cleaning, phone calls, tv shows, etc.
• Arrange a house swap with someone you know (or meet through reliable house swap websites).
• Visit family.  Just be a good guest and help provide and prepare meals.
• If you want to vacation somewhere more grand...consider going in the off-season.  Deals are much better and your dollar stretches farther.

What are your ideas?

Watch Your Energy Usage

Today is Xcel Energy's first day of the two-tier rate system.  It continues through the end of September.  Your first 500 kilowatt hours are charged one rate.  Then anything above that is charged a rate that is practically double the first.  Now is the time to conserve electricity!!

Here are some ideas to reduce your usage:

• Unplug any unused appliances to avoid "phantom" currents.  Things like the toaster, lamps you rarely use, a cell phone charging that has already reached it's full charge, etc.
• Hold off on the A/C.  Wait as long as possible before you switch on that electricity guzzling machine. 
• Close blinds/curtains when the sun is shining directly in.
• Open windows at night to welcome that cool night air.  (But make sure your a/c is off and that you close the windows during the heat of the day.)
• Run full dishwasher and laundry loads.

Bananas, Beans, and Strawberries

I'm not sure how long this is going on, but Walmart is (or was) offering bananas for 25 cents a pound, black beans for 60 cents, and strawberries (16 oz. pkg.) for 90 cents.

Thanks to M. and N.  for the info!

SCFD free days

Planning your summer?  Check out this link.  Thanks to the Science & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) (and our tax dollars) many organizations in the Denver area offer free days.  It's a great way to experience Denver's attractions without paying for them! 

**Note:  Because of their popularity, these days can sometimes be quite crowded.  I once went to the zoo on a free day...and it WAS a zoo!  We actually turned around and went home.  The zoo is one place for me that it's worth paying.

Blinding Summer

Now that it is almost summer, here is a tip to beat the summer heat.  Keep blinds/curtains closed for windows that get direct sunlight.  The blinds will reflect the heat away from the window, keeping the interior of your house cooler.

In winter, do just the opposite, using the sun's warmth to help heat your house.

Switch to Bi-Yearly Insurance Payments

I'm not sure why, but for years we've paid our car insurance in monthly installments.  I guess it broke the cost down into easier payments.  However, the insurance company charges a $1 monthly service fee for it.  I finally got around to changing to bi-yearly payments, saving me $12 a year.  Want to do the same?  Make a call today to your agent.  Every little bit helps!

Scrap Paper

This is my scrap paper drawer.  It's filled with paper that's been printed on one side.  The paper comes from all places-- flyers, school handouts, non-needed homework, etc.--- all FREE.  We then use the unused side to print items that don't need to look very nice (like my Grocery Game shopping list).  My kids use it to draw pictures, practice writing, paint, etc.  I use it to jot down lists, map my garden, write down directions--- you get the idea.  It's a great way to save money and to recycle what you already have!

Frugality is the Latest Fashion!

On Yahoo! today there is an article about how more people are choosing to be frugal.  So now, being thrifty isn't just saving you money, it's the trendy thing to do!

Feel Great--- Donate!

This might seem counterintuitive for a thrifty blog, but I believe it is so important to donate to charitable causes.  There are so many benefits from donating:

• Most importantly, you get to help someone else.
• Helping others helps you feel good.
• It teaches you gratitude for what you have.
• It takes your mind off of yourself and your money...helping to realize that money isn't everything.
• It helps you spend less because you realize how good you have it.
• Surprisingly, there are financial benefits as well, and I'm not talking about tax deductibility.  Arthur Brooks, a noted economist, shared a study he did about how giving makes you more profitable.  And you don't need to be rich to enjoy the benefits of giving.  To learn more, read his speech here.

So donate today (your money, your items, your time) and help brighten someone else's day!!

Showers are Savers

Taking a short shower instead of a bath is a great way to save money and the environment.  Not only do you save money on gallons of water, but you also save money on the cost of heating that extra water.

I must be completely honest and say that I rarely follow this tip, although I should.  Baths are one of the few "luxuries" I allow myself!

Store Coupons

I failed to include in my Coupon 101 post an important thing about store coupons.  They can be used in combination with a manufacturer's coupon and an electronic (Cellfire) coupon.  This equals extra savings!!

'Tis The (Garage Sale) Season

Well... maybe not today with all the rain:-), but it is definitely garage sale season now.  Never been garage saleing before?  Not too sure you like the idea of buying used merchandise?  Let me  share some of the great reasons to become a garage saler.  (Yes, I know "saler" is not a word, but you get the general idea!)

1. Hit the right garage sale and you can find needed items at a fraction of the retail cost, often without much wear on the item.
2. It's kind of fun--like a treasure hunt.  "One man's junk is another man's treasure" right?
3. You are doing your part for the environment... just recycling someone else's stuff.
4. If an item breaks or wears out, you won't feel as bad because you paid a few dollars for it rather than a lot of money.  Less money down the drain!

My mom and I started garage saleing when I was young.  Loving antiques, we found treasures of china, silver, books, etc.  Inside one book we even found a handwritten letter from 1876!  (Unfortunately, we couldn't remember where we had bought it and so were unable to return the letter to the owners.  Sad!) Since marriage, we've found more practical items that were gently used:  crib ($35), wingback chair, kids' toys, wagon, rocking chair, etc.  It has saved us lots of money!

So, here are tips for the best garage sale experience.

1. Map out your intended garage sale route to maximize fuel efficiency.
2. Start early.  The best deals go fast!
3. Wear somewhat grubby clothes (decent looking, but ones that can get dirty).  Purchased items may need a little cleaning, plus it helps with bargaining.
4. Don't be afraid to bargain.  Almost everyone is willing to come down in price a little, if it means they can get rid of an item.
5. Don't be afraid of items that look a little dirty, but are in good shape.  Some good ol' soap and water and a Magic Eraser can do wonders!!
6. Carry cash...preferably in low denominations.
7. Have fun!

Over time, you'll learn which neighborhoods and houses have the best sales.  Garage saleing is a great way to save money!   (Just don't go overboard and buy tons of things you don't need just because it's such a great "deal.")

Community Spring Clean

Many communities offer FREE cleanup services during the springtime.  Search your city website for dates of when they provide free removal of large garbage items.  Usually it is only offered one day, so take advantage of it so you don't have to pay your garbage service for extra items.  Cities also often offer a free Hazardous Waste Collection day... again saving you from having to pay for hazardous waste removal.  Spring clean and save some green!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Growing up, my mom always had a large productive garden.  We'd grow tomatoes, squash, zucchini, onions, rhubarb, and other veggies with varying success.  We also had many fruit trees--cherry, plum, apricot, peach, apple.  Since my marriage, I've dreamed of having a similar garden, but it is yet to become a reality.  Our current backyard is tiny.  The only space suitable for a garden would be smack in the middle of the grass, which would not survive the rough housing and ball games of my boys.  I've attempted container gardening, without much success.  This year I'm looking into joining a community garden, but am unsure if I have the time to commit to it.

So, my question for you is, how do you garden?  What have you successfully grown in Colorado, particularly with containers?  Please share!!

Happy About Hand-Me-Downs

I hate clothes shopping---it's difficult with three little ones in tow, it's hard to sort through all the immodest clothes to find modest outfits that fit and are cute, and I hate paying $20 for a piece of clothing.  Enter hand-me-downs.  I'm incredibly blessed to have a sister-in-law who loves to shop and is close to my same size.  She gets the "thrill" of shopping, wearing an outfit for a year or two, then when she tires of it, she sends it my way.  She does the same thing with clothes for her sons and daughter, who are handily just a few years older than my children.  We LOVE hand-me-downs at our house. 

Now, you may not be as fortunate as to have a shopping-loving relative, but you can still spread the word that you welcome any and all hand-me-downs.  Many people would rather donate their gently used clothing to someone they know than to some faceless organization.  I have two neighbors that occassionally drop off their son's outgrown clothes, knowing that if I can't use it, I have friends with boys the same age as mine that would also welcome hand-me-downs.

Another option is to organize a clothing swap with your friends.  Make it a fun event where everyone brings clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry that they don't want anymore.  You can then "shop," coming home with a new wardrobe, without paying a cent!  Donate any leftover items to your favorite charity.

Easter clearance

Sorry, I should've posted this last week, but things have been a little crazy around here. 

Most stores are clearancing their Easter merchandise for up to 75% off.  NOW is the time to buy any baskets, plastic eggs, egg dyes, cookie cutters, etc. that you will want for next Easter.  If you so desire, it's also a fabulous time to buy those adorable Easter dresses/outfits for next year... just guestimate what size your child will be a year from now.

Coupons 101

Ok, I'll admit it.  I 'heart' coupons.  In fact, I'm probably a little fanatical about coupons.  Even my kids know to ask if I have a coupon for some item they'd like me to buy for them.  Coupons are great because they save money, and hey, they are just FUN!  (I know...I'm a little crazy!-)  But you do need to know how to use them in order to really get a good deal and to not just buy something you don't really need.

Here are the basics you need to know about coupons:

1. Types of coupons
2. Where to find coupons
3. Store Coupon Policies

First we'll cover the different types of coupons (and a little bit of where to find them):

• Manufacturer Coupons-- These are the most common.  Usually found in newspapers, magazines, and online.  These coupons can sometimes be "doubled."
• Store Coupons--  Offered by your local store.  Sometimes they come with the newspaper (like Target's) or, if you have a shopping card at King Sooper's or Safeway, you will be mailed special store coupons.
• Internet Coupons--  Some websites allow you to print off coupons.  Usually these are a digital form of manufacturer coupons and often you can only print off one of each coupon.
• Digital Coupons-- Companies like Kroger (King Sooper's) and Safeway, as well as other companies like Cell Fire,  allow you to download coupons directly to your store card and/or cell phone.  Using your card at checkout, the coupons are automatically deducted when your couponed item is scanned.  While you can only download one coupon per item, you are allowed to use a manufacturer coupon on top of it...meaning double savings!
• "Peelies"-- These are the coupons that come attached to a product you purchase.  You can either use it then or save it for a later purchase.
• "Catalinas"-- These are the printed coupons that are handed to you with your receipt.  Some are junk, but pay close attention to these as sometimes there are great deals such as "Save $3 on your next purchase."  Lately, I've noticed catalinas printed off at King Sooper's that inform you of upcoming promotions.  (For example, "Buy 4 Kleenex, save $1 on your next order"  with the promotional dates.)  I've started saving these in my coupon folder so I can really know when there are special deals happening.

Where to find coupons:
I get most of my coupons in the newspaper.  We were able to get a great deal on the Denver Post (liberal newspaper, I know, but they have good deals) where we pay $4.17/month for a daily delivery.  The coupons usually come in Sunday's edition, but I often get extra "leftover" coupons in my Wednesday or Thursday papers.  Extra coupons = extra savings!  Just remember to recycle your finished paper!

You can also find coupons in magazines, store mailers, and online.  The Grocery Game website now has a great site that leads you to several online coupon resources, including Cell Fire.

Store Policies
The best thing to do is to check out the store's website and/or call customer service.  Some clerks are easier than others with coupons.  I try to be completely honest with my coupons, but there is one clerk at King Sooper's that questions EVERY coupon (even though I buy the correct item) so I avoid her (since I usually have 10+ coupons.

King Soopers and Safeway "double" your coupons up to a dollar.  This means that if your coupon is for 50 cents off, they'll give you an extra 50 cents discount.  25 cents off, they'll give you 25 cents additional discount.  75 cents off, they'll give you 25 cents extra.

Whew!  Sorry for the novel of a post, but hopefully this helps.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.  Please don't feel overwhelmed by this massive explanation.  Start out slowly and soon you'll become a coupon queen!

Yahoo! Print Article

I just noticed this article on Yahoo today:

It states that you can save money by switching the default print on your printer.  It reads: "When Printer.com tested popular fonts for their ink-friendly ways, Century Gothic and Times New Roman topped the list. Calibri, Verdana, Arial and Sans Serif were next, followed by Trebuchet, Tahoma and Franklin Gothic Medium. Century Gothic uses about 30 percent less ink than Arial." 

The article does warn, however, that some fonts like Century Gothic are wider, and so you may end up using more paper.  Times New Roman font seems to be the best choice of font--it uses less ink than other fonts and it is still narrow to use less paper.

Some other way to save on printing:

• Ask yourself if you really need to print it in the first place.  Could you just jot it down on a scratch piece of paper instead?
• Use the fast draft option.  It uses less ink.
• Use the "print in grayscale only" option.  Again, it uses less ink.
• Print on both sides of the page.

Switch Your Bulbs

Burned out light bulb?  Replace it with a CFL bulb.  While the upfront cost is more than a regular light bulb, you will save money in the end because a CFL bulb lasts much longer and costs much less in electricity.

CFL bulbs at Walmart

I'm not sure how long this deal will last, but I noticed at Walmart today that GE CFL light bulbs are selling for $5.88 for a 6 bulb package.  Usually they sell for $11.88/box.  This is a great deal!!  Use a $1 off coupon for additional savings!

Love Your Library

Our city library is one of my most favorite (and economical) excursions for my family.  Not only can you borrow books, but you can also borrow cds, movies, Leap Pad games, storytime kits, reading group kits, etc.  They offer free internet (something to look into if you are considering cutting monthly expenses... rather than pay for a connection at home) as well as informative classes.  The library offers storytimes for all ages, parent information classes, and a fantastic summer reading program.  They occasionally offer family-friendly concerts as well.  And they do this all for FREE!  What a bargain!!

Sprout's Double Ad Day

You are probably already aware of Sprout's double ad day, but in case you are confused, here is how it works:  When you shop at Sprout's on Wednesday (the day their weekly ad comes out) you get not only the advertised sales for that coming week, but the advertised sales from last week.  What a deal!  Remember to take your reusable bags for additional savings!

Jamie

Plastic Baggies

A great tip to save money and the environment:  wash and reuse your sandwich baggies!  For ease of cleaning, turn the baggie inside-out and insert your hand into it for easier wiping with a soapy cloth.  Rinse and then hang to dry on any drying utensils.

*I recommend not reusing baggies which have held raw meat or peanut butter (if you have a peanut allergy in the family).

Price Tracking

There are several ways to keep track of prices so you know when it's on sale:

• In your head-- this way is definitely the easiest but not always the most accurate.  I use this for the basic items I buy often...just trying to remember what price I usually pay and recognize when it's truly on sale.  This is not so great when you are trying to compare price per ounce or when items start increasing in price due to inflation.
• Excel spreadsheet-- very time consuming, but a great way to keep track of each item and/or brand and how much you pay per ounce.
• Binder method-- in a book I read once, the author kept a separate sheet of paper for each item (ie., ground beef, cereal, cheese, etc.).  She'd write down the price of an item, the store, and the date.  After a few months, she had a good idea of the lowest price and the sale cycle.  Great for if you have/make the time, but very time consuming.
• Subscribe to a company that does it for you--There are several companies online that will do this for you for a small fee.  I personally use the Grocery Game.  They track the price of items, combine it with coupons, and calculate when an item is at it's true sale price (rather than a phantom sale).  I pay $5/month for the list for my local grocery store.  You can add more stores to your list for an additional amount.  The upside: it saves you time and tracks items in the store circular and unpublished sales.  The downside:  it does not track the price per ounce, nor does it compare prices with neighboring stores.  It is item specific.  (For example... it tracks, say, a Satin Care Shave Gel 7 oz. bottle.  Usually it is $2.36 (at my King Soopers) but is on sale for $1.88.  Combine it with a coupon and you can get it for $0.88--a "savings" of 63%.  But you could possibly get a better price per ounce by buying a larger bottle or by purchasing it instead at Walmart using your coupon.)
• Do a combination that works for you-- then you get the best of both worlds! 

Jamie

Shop Around

Have you been with the same trash company for several years?  It might be time to make some calls to see if you are still getting the best deal.  I recently did and I was surprised to see how great the differences in prices were.  You may be able to save a lot of money by switching.  Or you may discover you are already getting the best deal.  Either way, you'll ensure you are saving!

Jamie

Stock Up When On Sale

A great way to save money is to stock up on an item when it is on sale.  Say, for example, that cream of chicken soup is on sale for $0.39/can.  Knowing that you use the soup often for meals, buy several cans at the reduced price.  Not only are you saving money by buying them at a discounted price, but you are also building your food storage!

Two caveats:

• It may be tempting to be a little wasteful when you know you have "extra" stock on hand.  Don't do it or you'll lose your savings!
• Make sure the sale is a true sale....many stores will tout sale items in their flyers, claiming them to be "on sale."  However, if you track prices (more on this in another post) you will realize that many "sale" items are only reduced a few cents in price--which is called a "phantom sale."   Only stock up when it is a true sale.

Jamie

Best Day to Buy Gas

You've probably realized that the price of gas fluctuates during the week and that it increases for the weekend.  According to several articles I've read, TUESDAY is the cheapest day of the week to buy gas.  Fill up first thing in the morning to maximize your savings.  The reason is that, as the day progresses and warms, the gas becomes less dense.  When you fill up in the afternoon, you are paying more for fumes than you would be in the morning when the gas is cold and dense. 

Jamie

Got Milk?

Did you know that you can freeze milk?  Just put your plastic gallon bottle or cardboard 1/2 gallon into the freezer.  (Occassionally the container will split, but usually it is fine.)  When you are ready to use it, pull it out and thaw it in your fridge or in the sink overnight.  Some separation occurs but it is still great for cooking or pouring on cereal.  It's taste is slightly different so those of you with pickier finer :-) tastes may not want to drink it.

When milk goes on sale (say on clearance because it's about to expire), stock up and freeze.  I just bought a 1/2 gallon for $0.75!

Jamie

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Thanks to R. for sharing this recipe and information!  She wrote:

1 bar (5.5 oz, 2 c.) Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap (I found them at ACE Hardware for $1.29 each)


1 c. Borax (found at Walmart, natural laundry booster, no phosphates or chlorine)

1 c. Washing Soda (found at King Soopers in laundry soap section, all natural)

Grate the bar soap (yes, this part is tedious). Mix with Borax and Soda and store in an airtight container. 1 TB for small loads. 2 TB for normal. 3TB for heavy. I usually use about 2.5 TB per large load.

Note: I read that whites might come out a little dingy so use color safe bleach with them. It seems to clean just as well when compared with commercial soap. Also, there is very little suds action because of using pure soap. This is perfect for HE front loading machines and regular machines.

R. also wrote, "All of the ingredients are advertised as being all natural. I read somewhere it comes to .15 per load but I really think it's cheaper than that."  She also noted that this detergent didn't seem to bother her child who has sensitive skin.  Thanks again for sharing!!

Cost per ounce

One of the best ways to ensure you are getting the most for your money when shopping is to find the lowest cost per ounce or unit.  If possible, keep track of the cost/unit so you know when an item is a good deal.  It's helpful to take a calculator when shopping because those price tags that show the cost/ounce aren't always accurate! Although I'm not always the best at this, it does save money when I take the time to do so!

One side note:  Be careful to figure out the true cost per unit or you may not be saving as you thought.  For example, one brand of dish detergent may be cheaper by ounce than another.  However, it may require you to use twice as much detergent in a load than another brand, so it may not really be the cheapest.  Figuring out the cost per load would be better than the cost per ounce.  The same goes for diapers... one brand may be cheaper, but if you find you have to use several more diapers a day because of their lack of absorbancy, you may need to go with a brand with a slightly higher cost/diaper.

Refinancing?

Do you own your home and are you considering refinancing?  Be sure to calculate the money you will save each month with your new payment and compare it with the upfront closing costs.  Then calculate how long it will take for you to "break even."  For example, you may need to live in your home (and not move) for 2 more years before you will really begin saving money.  If you know you won't be moving in that time period, then perhaps refinancing is for you.

*Hot Tip-- When you refinance, keep paying your previous mortgage amount.  Call your mortgage company to ensure that the difference goes toward paying down your principal.  You will save thousands of dollars in interest over the years!

Jamie

Fabric Softener Sheets

For years I saved money by never buying fabric softener sheets.  I had read that you shouldn't use them for baby's and children's pajamas because it negates the flame resistance of the clothing.  Since the baby's clothes were washed with ours, I never used them.  However, the static cling started to take it's toll!

We now have enough laundry to wash baby's clothing separately, so I enjoy the "luxury" :-) of fabric softener.  But I still want to stretch my dollar.  Take the fabric softener sheets and cut them in half.  Then use just one half sheet per load.  I promise it works just as well!

Jamie

Another Use For Grocery Bags

Thanks to N. for reminding me of this great tip:

Plastic grocery bags also work great as garbage can liners for small garbage cans!  When it's full, pull it up by the handles, tie them up, and toss it out.

*Timesaver Tip--Put extra bags inside the bottom of the can to have bags on hand when you take out the trash.

Do you dislike having extra grocery bags cluttering your cabinet?  Take an empty tissue box and stash your extra bags in there.  It's a quick, easy (and FREE!) way to keep the bags organized!

Jamie

Health Insurance

Health care is a hot topic right now in our nation.  While I don't agree with the legislation our "representatives" are trying to pass right now (we won't delve farther into political topics here), I do recognize that health care costs are very high.  So high, in fact, that you cannot afford to NOT have health insurance.  Seriously, this is one area you should not skimp.

Case in point:  Being a young family, it could be tempting to think that none of us will get seriously sick, and so we don't need health insurance.  But you never know what may happen.  For us, one of our children, though healthy, was born with an abnormality that needed to be corrected.  If we had not had insurance, the costs of surgery, hospital stay, specialist visits, and MRI would have cost us over $40,000!

If premiums for health insurance do not fit into your budget, find a way that it does!  Shop around for the lowest rates (choosing a high deductible plan is usually cheaper...giving you insurance for those truly catastrophic times).  Cut out other expenses (cable tv, cell phones, meals out) so that you can afford health insurance.  Believe me, it's worth it!!

Jamie

Money Saving Kitchen Tool

One of the best money saving tools in the kitchen is....

drum roll, please...

The Spatula!

I know, pretty basic, right?  But some people don't use it very often.  I use mine for every can or jar I'm just about done with.  For example, by using my spatula, I can usually get out enough peanut butter for an extra sandwich or two.  Why waste food from a nearly empty container when you paid for all of it?

Jamie

Shopping Bags

The latest "earth-friendly" craze is to bring your own shopping bag.  But did you know that you can often earn some green while being green?  Some stores will give you a discount for every bag that you bring that you use.  For example, my local grocery store gives me 5 cents for every bag I use that I've brought.  And the bag doesn't even have to be "reuseable."  I just reuse the regular shopping bags, which don't cost me anything, until they get holes in them.  Then I put them in the grocery store's bag recycling bin.  Just ask a clerk or customer service of their policy.

It's not a huge savings initially, but when you figure that if you use 8 bags a week for a year, you'll save over $20!!

**Update** King Soopers, Sprouts, and Target offer a discount if you bring your own bag.
Jamie

Budget Basics

Sit down with your spouse to compile your budget so you are both on the same page.  Teamwork works! 

1.            Track all your expenses so you have a good idea of how much you spend.  And I do mean ALL... you'd be surprised to see how those little purchases at Target's $1 spot add up!-)  See where you can trim expenses.

2.            Calculate your monthly income.

*HOT TIP*  If you receive a paycheck every two weeks, calculate your monthly income based on two paychecks.  This then gives you two "extra" paychecks a year that you can put in savings, pay down your mortgage, use for unexpected expenses, etc.

3.            Plan your monthly savings amount and what will be your budgeted amount for different categories.  Some categories we have besides the basics:  family fun, date night, gift, charitable donations, medical, car maintenance, clothing, allowance, etc.  If you have a bill that comes quarterly, include the monthly amount in your budget.  For bills that fluctuate such as electric, estimate your yearly costs and divide by 12.

*HOT TIP*  Give you and your spouse a small allowance each month.  This is your "mad money" that you can spend however you want... as long as you stay within the budgeted amount.  Save up your allowance for bigger purchases.  An allowance category makes you feel not as restricted with a budget.

4.           Track your expenses and stay within your budgeted amount.  I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my expenses.  About once a week I sit down and enter my receipts and other expenses.  This helps me keep a general idea of what amounts I have left in each category.  If we are getting low in a category such as grocery, I try to make only necessary purchases...stretching it until the next month.

**If one of you keeps track of most of the finances (like I do), keep your spouse updated on the budget items that concern him/her (such as allowance or clothing).

5.            Every few months reevaluate your budget.  Make changes where necessary. 

***Remember that, while a budget seems restrictive, it is really giving you freedom from the overwhelming stress of debt and by providing for your future!***

Informative Family Finance Site

Whether you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as I am) or not, they offer an excellent website with information on family finances.  There is even an online financial course!  Check it out here.

Jamie

Most Important Money Management Rules

Follow these two basic rules and you'll be a true "thrifteconomist":

1. Spend less than you earn
2. Make saving a priority

Jamie

About Me

Hi!  My name is Jamie and I am a SAHM of three beautiful young kids living in the north Denver area.  While in no ways am I an expert on thriftiness, I do love a good deal and trying to save money. 

Growing up I was blessed with parents who taught me the importance of living within your means, saving, and working hard.  They taught me more through their actions than through their words.  That said, I've definitely had to learn money management and frugal skills over the years, particularly since being married. 

For those of you who come from backgrounds very different from mine, please know that ANYONE can learn how to become a good "thrifteconomist."  I grew up seeing a relative struggle consistently with money management.  She always seemed to be in debt and in tight financial situations.  Her children grew up seeing her spendthrift ways.  Admiringly, two of her children were able to break the spend/debt cycle and have become great money managers.  It is possible!

I have felt inspired to create this blog in an effort to help others learn money management skills and thrifty tips.  Hopefully the tips I've gleaned over the years will be useful to you.  Depending on time, I may even include local deals that are happening in an effort to help your hard earned money go farther.  But this blog isn't just about me...it's for all of us to learn.  So please feel free to email me your own tips so we can all learn together!

Jamie

P.S.  I'm choosing to not have advertisements on the blog so that you can trust that when I mention some store or product, I don't get any kickbacks!