Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
I’m going to be honest with you and say it’s been a busy/disorganized season of our lives so we’ve been eating out a lot more than we should be 🙁 This is something I want to remedy because truthfully, it’s only because I’ve been “lazy” and frustrated with trying to please everyone’s taste buds. Ugh! Several years ago we decided eating out once a week for a cheap dinner was okay. But lately I’ve been finding we’re eating out once a week plus stopping midday for some lunch or even a treat at least once a week. That really adds up!
I’ve come up with several ways that I think will get our family back on track and eating at home more. I think these tips will help you eat out less too!
Menu plan
Since I’m being honest in this post, I’ve been completely slacking in the menu planning department. And this is huge for me because I’m such an advocate for planning a weekly menu! I know the benefits it has for my family, yet I’ve still been slacking.
I don’t find it difficult to plan a menu, I’ve been doing it for quite a few years, yet it has become a chore to me trying to please everyone. (And there’s only three of us right now!) A wise woman I know, who has many children, once gave me some wonderful advice. I was wondering how she managed to serve meals that her entire family would eat. She told me that she mainly tries to think of what her husband would enjoy. Make him happy and the kids will have to learn to like what’s put on the table. I loved that because I don’t want my children to be picky eaters and it takes the pressure off trying to please every single person! Which would ultimately end up with several different meals being made at each meal time. No thanks.
If you have troubles planning a menu, there are plenty of meal planning services out there like: eMeals, The Fresh 20, Once a Month Mom.
Use the slow cooker
I love my slow cooker. Most recipes I use don’t involve any precooking. Just plunk all the ingredients in the cooker, turn it on, and walk away while dinner is being made! Using a slow cooker in the hot summer months is especially great because it doesn’t heat the house up!
You’ll find many amazing slow cooker meals on Pinterest, in books from the library and even Googling slow cooker meals.
Freezer cooking
Another time saver is using your freezer to stash a whole bunch of freezer meals that you can pull out in the morning to thaw and have on the table just in time for dinner madness. I’m a big fan of setting aside some time to prepare as many freezer meals as I can, especially when I know a busy season is coming up. (a new baby, guests in town…etc.)
You will find an endless amount of freezer cooking ideas online, but I also have some articles you may enjoy:
We often have dinner leftovers that get pushed to the back of the fridge. But by making a conscious effort to eat the leftovers, we can really start to eat out less for lunch or dinner. Besides, leftovers are so easy! Just heat and serve!
Keep it simple
Who cares if you eat tacos every Tuesday or have pizza night every Friday? If your family enjoys it and it’s healthier than eating out, just roll with it! Keeping it simple, especially in busy seasons can be just the ticket to keep you from eating out more than you need to be.
Make treats at home
Maybe it’s just our family, but I find we’re going out for ice cream once a week, or Ice Capps. Especially on nights when my husband plays soccer. Sienna and I like to bring a treat if we’re going to be watching his game. One way we could save, is by making treats at home before we leave. It’s easy to whip up a delicious blended drink or even bring a bowl of ice cream with the ice cream I bought from the grocery store. I just have to be more diligent in trying!
Give yourself grace
One of the most important things, though, is that you need to give yourself grace. If you have the wiggle room in your budget to eat out and it’s something that your family enjoys, I encourage you to budget it in.
Plus, when it’s in the budget, there’s no guilt!. Maybe that means you can budget to eat out once a week, once a month, or every six months. Figure out what works for you and then do it and don’t feel guilty!
How do you eat out less? How often do you eat out? Is this also something you want to change?
The reality is that sometimes things break and need to be replaced. When shopping for anything for your home, work, or yard, you might be wondering if you need to buy something brand new or if used is a better option. In some cases, used is perfectly fine and can score you a better deal. Other times, you will want to take the brand new route. So how do you know which way to choose? Take a look below at this helpful list of 5 things to buy new, and 5 things to buy used. Hopefully, this will help you decide if new or used is right for you when making a purchase!
5 Things to Buy New, 5 Things to Buy Used
5 Things to Buy New:
Bakeware: You want the piece to still have a good non-stick coating on it, so buying new is a good idea. Good deals are always around on bakeware, so it makes sense to go ahead and buy an unused piece.
Bras: This might seem obvious, but you would be amazed how many people are buying bras on Ebay, online sales sites, and thrift shops. You want excellent support, and you just don’t know how often the bra has been worn. Instead, avoid weak elastic and try a new one instead.
Area rugs: You might see a great deal on a used area rug or carpet remnant, but avoid getting sucked in. Chances are you will need to steam clean the piece anyways, and it could contain everything from bed bugs to the smell of cigarette smoke.
Space heaters: Space heaters are great to warm up a space, but avoid buying used ones. They could pose a fire hazard if they malfunction, and since you don’t know how much and how it has been used, it is better to skip it.
Bedding items: Due to health concerns, bedding items such as mattresses, sheets, pillows, and shams should always be purchased new. You don’t know how often they have been used, which is especially important with mattresses. Bed bugs are also a concern.
5 Things to Buy Used:
Wooden/metal furniture pieces: You can always get a better deal on household furniture when you buy used. Solid pieces (do NOT buy upholstered in case of bugs) can be easily cleaned and fixed if needed, and you will pay a fraction of the cost of new.
Jackets: Thrift stores have excellent sales on jackets, and even if you add in the cost of a cleaning you are still getting a great deal. And because people switch wardrobes often, you could very easily find a coat from as early as last season on the rack.
Books: Always buy used books! You can buy them at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost of new. Library sales are a great place to stock up on books, as are garage and rummage sales.
Picture frames: Picture frames are pricey, so try finding them used instead. You can find them at thrift stores and use them as is or give them a splash of paint for a quick pick me up.
Movies and Music: Don’t pay full price for movies and music. Instead, buy these items second hand or rent them from the local library. You will save a ton and still get the music and movies you love.
Baby and Maternity Items: Aside from car seats, I think most things related to baby should be bought used. You'll save big time when it comes to purchasing big ticket items like strollers and swings. Both baby and maternity clothes are also great to buy used because they don't get worn much before they're outgrown.
Hopefully, this list will give you an idea of the items you should buy new and the ones you should buy used. Take these into consideration when shopping and see how much you can save!
Pool noodles are fantastic for playtime in the pool, and the best part is you can snag them for about a buck at most dollar and retail stores. If you have a few extra pool noodles on hand, or just feel like getting creative, check out the creative uses for pool noodles below. You will find that pool noodles are not only fun, but that they can be quite practical too!
Creative Uses for Pool Noodles
1. Soften hard edges.
If your bed frame, outdoor fencing, or table has rough or sharp edges, you can soften them up with a pool noodle. Simply cut the pool noodle with a serrated knife to the length you need, and then slice the noodle so it fits over the sharp edge. No more sharp edges!
2. Make your own drink markers.
Don’t get drinks mixed up again when you make your own pool noodle drink markers. Cut the pool noodle into ½ inch slices, then make a cut into the slice so it can cling onto a wine glass stem. You can then write names on the slice or just give each guest a different color. No more drink confusion!
3. Provide proper plant drainage.
If you have a large flower pot to fill and want proper drainage, look no further than an old pool noodle. Cut the pool noodle into smaller chunks and line the bottom of the flower pot with them. It will provide filling so you use less soil, and provides proper drainage at the same time. No more soggy soil!
4. Make miniature sailboats.
Cut the pool noodle into one inch segments. Cut a small triangle out of scrapbook paper and glue the triangle to a toothpick. Then, poke the toothpick into the top of the pool noodle segment. Set it on water and watch it sail away. Goodbye summertime boredom!
5. Make your own stamps.
Cut pool noodles into 2 inch segments then dip them either in paint or onto a paint pad. Press the pool noodle onto paper and it will leave the impression of the noodle. This is a great way to beat summer boredom as well and enjoy some hands on fun.
6. Make your own tic tac toe game.
Take two pool noodles of various colors and cut them into 1 inch segments. Create a tic tac toe grid using chalk, and then use the segments as your markers. Just give each player a different color so you can keep track of whose is whose.
7. Make a pool noodle garland.
Get your next pool party looking festive when you craft a pool noodle garland. Just cut your pool noodles into ½ inch segments. Then, create a slice in each so they can interlock with each other. Start interlocking the pieces to create one long garland. Then, just hang and enjoy.
8. Make a bed rail for toddlers
Buy putting a pool noodle on the edge of a bed under the fitted sheet, you will help your child stay safely in bed!
9. Make tent rope visible
Are you tired of constantly tripping over the rope that is holding your tent in place? Cut a section of a pool noodle then cut a slit so you can slip it onto the bottom of the rope near the peg. This makes the rope way more visible so you’re less likely to trip!
See how fun pool noodles can be? Give these creative uses for pool noodles a try and you are sure to never look at pool noodles the same way again.
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
How to Negotiate a Good Deal
Do you have friends who always seem to find great deals? Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to land the deals they do? Well the trick is dealing smarter, not harder. Learning to negotiate a good deal can help you to save big bucks throughout the year. If you want to learn to negotiate a better deal whenever you purchase a product, take a look at these helpful tips below.
1. Do your research.
It's best to go into a deal scenario well educated. If you know that item X can be purchased for a lower price at another store, this is excellent information to know. Know what the average retail price is of any product you are purchasing, so you know what you have to work with as far as price ranges.
2. Never disclose your budget.
Many times a salesman will ask you what budget you are working with when making a deal. Don’t tell them. They will still try to sell you at the higher end of budget. Instead, ask for your options to make a decision on. You are never obligated to disclose your budget, as it could actually hinder you from getting a good deal.
3. Don’t appear to be in a hurry.
If you appear to be in a hurry to purchase, it can be used against you. Instead, act as though you have all of the time in the world to make this decision. Make the salesman bring the good deal to you and attract your business.
4. Ask for a manager.
A manager may be able to give you a better deal than a floor salesperson. If you feel as though there is a better deal to be had, ask to speak to a manager. See if the price is firm by simply asking, “What is your best price on this? Is it firm?” and go from there.
5. Know your discount status.
Always ask if there is a discount for seniors, students, teachers, military, etc. It is always wise to ask the salesperson if they offer discounts AND if discounts can be stacked. For example, can you use your senior discount on top of a coupon or sale price? If so, the savings can add up!
6. Quote your competitors.
This is where it's wise to go in educated as mentioned above. Knowing the price of the store’s competitors can make a huge difference. Quote these prices even if they are about the same or more, and ask if they can beat the price. Some retailers will not only price match but offer an additional discount as well!
7. Be polite.
You can catch more bees with honey! Always be polite, charming, and put on a smile. Be respectful of the salesperson and they are more likely to want to work with you and give you a great deal.
See how simple it can be to negotiate a great deal? Give these tips a try and see what savings you can score!
I'd love to hear what sort of deals you have received over the years thanks to some negotiating! Let me know in the comments.
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
Maybe you can relate, but every once in a while, I find we’re spending money left right and center. Bills need to be paid, groceries need to be bought (again) or a birthday party comes up.
June is an especially spendy month for us because on top of our regular expenses, we also have our house insurance, car insurance and property tax due. Ouch!
While we do have our finances under control and carry zero debt, it’s still nice to intentionally stop spending money for a time. I like to call this a No Spend Challenge.
That brings me to today’s post on 52 Ways to Save: Have a No Spend Day/Week/Month!
In the past, we’ve done several no spend months where we don’t spend any extra money for an entire month. Groceries and bills are the exception.
You don’t have to have a No Spend Month to see savings. Even setting aside one day a week can significantly help your bank account. Especially if you find yourself making several small purchases on a daily basis. (Those small purchases can really add up!)
If the idea of having a No Spend Day/Week/Month strikes fear, I know for a fact that it’s not so bad once you’re into a groove. You may even find your mindset changing about the way you view money!
I asked the wonderful people over at the Simply Frugal Facebook page what they like to do for fun that is 100% free. Here are their answers:
Picnic in the park
Read books (from the library or free kindle ebooks from Amazon)
Sit at the Waterfront
Hike
Breathe
Weed the Garden
Take the dog for a walk to new places
Visit the Farmer’s Market (free if you don’t buy anything!)
As you can see, the options are pretty endless when it comes to having a fun day without spending any money. And if you ask me, that all sounds pretty relaxing and good for the soul. 🙂
Have you ever done a No Spend Challenge? How did it go for you?
Are you already fearing the summer time boredom blues? The Summer months can be a fun time, but it can also get kids in a bit of a rut. If you are looking for ways to keep kids occupied this summer without spending a lot of money, you can in fact keep them active, occupied, and keep those imaginations going! Here are 7 Frugal Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer:
7 Frugal Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer
1. Create a sidewalk chalk art show.
Get out the sidewalk chalk (a buck a box at most dollar stores) and let the kids choose a space they wish to decorate. Let them really get into it creating murals and sketches, and then host an art show. Invite neighbors to come and see the artwork, while sipping on lemonade and cookies.
2. Hold a bike wash.
Get out the buckets, rags, and soap and hold a neighborhood bike wash. You can even let kids run their bikes through the sprinklers if you wish. Give kids the chance to get those dirty bikes shining like new while working together at the same time.
3. Go on a nature themed scavenger hunt.
Create a list of random objects and have children go on a scavenger hunt for them. (I have a free printable Nature Scavenger Hunt, here.) Choose items easily found in nature such as rocks, bird feathers, a flower, a leaf, etc. This will allow them to get outdoors and get active while also enjoying some competitive fun.
4. Volunteer together.
Local animal rescues and food pantries can always use a hand. Get out and get active with one that interests you. It is a great way for kids to give back to their community while enjoying some time together as a family. You might even decide to continue volunteering after summer is over.
5. Create an indoor drive in.
Give each child a box to decorate as a car or vehicle of their choice. Then, put a movie on and provide plenty of snacks. Allow children to “park” their cars and watch the movie just like they are at a real life drive in. They will love it!
6. Host a field day.
Host a field day of outside games and activities. They don’t have to be difficult or pricey options, just try ones like hula hooping, sack races, face painting, and ball games. Kids are sure to enjoy the atmosphere, friendly competition, and fun!
7. Make your own kites.
There are so many kite tutorials online from the simple to the extravagant! Make your own kites and then take them for a spin. You can even give out awards for the most creative, highest flying, etc. How fun does that sound?
Summer doesn’t have to drag or cost big bucks either. Give these tips a try and you are sure to entertain your kids for less.
