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.
For today’s 52 Ways to Save post, we’ll be talking about buying items in bulk!
I find that buying items I use often end up being cheaper in the long run when I purchase them in large quantities. Most grocery stores sell items in bulk which can result in a lower price. (When you’re comparing the cost per weight between a small package and a large package). For example, purchasing a 10kg bag of flour is cheaper (according to weight) than a 5kg bag.
However, it’s not always good to buy everything in bulk. Take the example of a 10 pound bag of potatoes For our family specifically, since it’s just my husband and I and our daughter (who doesn’t eat much), buying the big 10 lb bag of potatoes is not a good use of money for us. If I purchased the large bag there would be guaranteed waste. Which is essentially like throwing money down the drain!
What to Buy in Bulk
What you should buy in bulk will depend on your own family. Take a look at the items you regularly buy a lot of that have a long shelf life or will keep well in the freezer.
For our family, I buy flour, tomato soup, rice, meat and beans in large quantities. Up until recently, I was also buying large boxes of diapers and baby wipes.
What not to Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can often save you a lot of money in the long run, however there are times when it’s wise to skip the large quantities.
1. Don’t buy things you won’t use up in time
Going back to my example of the 10 pound bags of potatoes. As I mentioned, this would not be a smart purchase for our family because I know all the potatoes won’t be used up in time.
2. Don’t buy things if you’re not sure you’re going to love them
Sure, that big bag of dried beans may be a great deal, but if your family doesn’t love beans then that bag is just going to sit around collecting dust. You may have good intentions in wanting your family to eat more beans, but you are better off getting them used to the taste of beans with smaller bags or cans.
3. Don’t store your bulk items carelessly
Make sure to store your bulk items properly and check them often. the last thing you want to do is find your grains bug infested! Many bulk items can be frozen to extend their life. Here are some things that freeze well:
Meat (either cooked or uncooked)
Flour
Fresh fruit (strawberries, peaches, cherries)
Vegetables (beans, corn, tomatoes…etc)
Butter
Breads, pastries and baked goods (cookies, muffins)
Cooked rice
Another option for bulk purchases is splitting a large purchase with friends or family members. You’ll all reap the savings while reducing the possibility of waste because you have a quantity that is more manageable for each family.
So tell me, do you buy in bulk? Have you ever made a bulk purchase mistake?
It is no secret that our parents and grandparents knew what it meant to stretch and save a buck. They had a motto that went something like use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. And that is exactly what they did. They didn’t toss anything until it was used up all of the way, and if they couldn’t afford something, they did without. You can use these lost money saving tricks of older generations in your own life, which will greatly improve your financial health. Take a look below at some lost money saving tricks of older generations that still apply to life today and can really make a difference in your budget.
Lost Money Saving Tricks of Older Generations
1. Use it up.
Make sure you are making the most of your resources. Don’t toss that toothpaste tube before it is empty. Eat food before it goes bad to avoid the need to throw it out. When you make your resources go the extra mile, you are saving money by not buying new. You are also getting the most bang for your buck, using every bit of what you paid hard earned money for.
2. Wear it out.
Wear clothing for as long as it lasts, and try to do the same with shoes. Take care of socks, belts, purses, and other accessories as well so you get a good amount of wear out of them. When one of these items gets a hole, run, or stain, try to repair it yourself before calling it a loss. This is also a way to get more bang for your buck and avoid buying new.
3. Make it do.
Avoid buying new items if you have something that will make do instead. For example, don’t buy a new formal dress for an evening event; make do with one you already own or borrow from a friend. Don’t buy the new coffee maker you wanted, make do with the one you have even though it is a little slow and not very stylish. When you make do, you are saving money by using what you already have on hand.
4. Do without.
Sacrificing was something our grandparents knew a lot about. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it. It is a simple concept, but for some reason one of the hardest ones to master. Try to pay cash for everything, and only buy new when your budget truly allows for it.
So, do you think you are ready to use it up, wear it out, make it do and do without? Our grandparents did, and they had financial freedom and responsibility that so many of us dream about. Give these tips a try and see how well they fit into your modern life!
If you're longing for a garden but are limited on yard space, a neighborhood garden may be a perfect solution for you! A neighborhood garden is especially a good idea if your neighbors are also sharing these problems and frustrations and wishing for a garden of their own. If you are unsure about how to start a neighborhood garden, take a look at the helpful tips below. You see how simple it can be to plant and maintain a neighborhood garden and reap a harvest that everyone can enjoy.
How to Start a Neighborhood Garden
Step 1: Have a planning session.
Gather all of the neighbors together who wish to participate. It's ideal to have anywhere from 5-15 neighbors involved. Meet together and discuss a few important details such as where the garden will be and what plants will be going into it. Decide the size of the garden and if it will be a container, raised bed, or in ground garden. Listen to everyone’s ideas and pick a location that is central to the neighborhood. A neighbor may wish to donate space or you can opt for raised beds or container gardens along some shared land.
Once you know what you want to plant, you can create a budget for your garden. When it comes time to purchase the plants, have each participant pitch in a designated amount. Choose together what this amount will be so you can pick an amount that works for everyone. Once money is collected, choose a captain (or two) to take on the task of purchasing plants and supplies.
Step 2: Assign jobs.
Invite everyone to share their talents when taking care of the garden. Assign jobs to each participant so everyone has a part with the care of the garden and earns their share. Jobs will include weeding, feeding and fertilizing, watering, and of course harvesting. Someone should be checking on the garden daily, so create a chart for participants to sign up for days/tasks.
Step 3: Have a planting party.
Once you have your land picked out and your jobs in place, it's time to have a planting party! Gather on a sunny day and start tilling the land, planting your produce, and setting up any necessary fencing or pest control. This can be a fun day for all involved as you work together to get your garden looking great.
Step 4: Practice maintaining the garden.
Make sure you keep up your end of the bargain by tending to the garden as needed and as designated. Stay in contact with the other gardeners so any issues in the garden can be discussed.
When your garden is ready to be harvested, head on down and start picking! Allow all participants to take part in harvesting and share what is collected. This is a great way to enjoy all of your hard work!
Growing a neighborhood garden takes a little work, but the end result is worth it. Give these tips a try and see how rewarding it can be to grow your own!
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.
One way to save money is by earning a little extra money! One of my favourite ways to earn a little extra happens to be selling my unwanted clothing. While I’m not a big name brand shopper, I often have clothes that are in great condition that sell well in consignment shops. You’ve probably seen me write about the powers of selling used stuff in local Facebook Buy & Sell groups, but for what ever the reason, I don’t have much success selling clothing on these sites. So consignment is my go-to for selling unwanted clothes.
Here are my tips to help you get the most money out of the items you bring to consignment:
Make sure your items are clean
Give your gently-worn clothes a wash to freshen them up and to get any stains out, you’ll have more luck selling items that are in great shape.
Make sure your items are ironed
Going along with my previous point, having clothes that are newly ironed will help your items sell for top dollar.
Make sure your items are current/in style
You will have the best luck selling more “current” clothing; nobody wants to wear your grandmother’s polyester pants!
Don’t hold on to something you know you won’t wear
The longer you hold on to an item you know you won’t wear, the less it will be worth when you decide to finally clear your closet.
Brand names sell well
There are many many people out there that want the brand name clothing at a fraction of the cost. Consignment stores are a great place to bring your brand name clothing to get a bit of return on your investment!
On the opposite side of things, consignment stores are also a great place to find a deal on clothing you may need yourself! This week’s 52 Ways to Save post will have you earning and saving! 😉
Do you have any tips for selling your clothing in consignment stores? Have you ever snagged a brag worthy deal?
Does it seem as though you can’t get control of your finances, no matter how hard you try? You might be making some common money mistakes and not even realizing it. These mistakes can be costly, and can rob you of your hard earned money. Take a look below at 5 money mistakes you might be making and see how easy it can be to prevent them from happening.
Are you making these money mistakes?
1. Using ATMs not associated with your bank.
If you are using an ATM that does not belong to your own bank, you are most likely paying a fee on your withdrawal. The fee can come at you from both ends, both your bank and the bank you are visiting. Suppose you pay $4 in fees per transaction, and do this 5 times a month. That is $20 a month or $240 a year! Instead, only use ATM’s that belongs to your bank or credit union. This way, you aren’t being slapped with transaction fees.
2. Not investing in your savings account.
Each week, you should be making a contribution to your savings account. This should be money that is skimmed from your weekly paycheck before it is touched for anything else. Even on a tight budget, try to place 10% of what you make in a savings account with a decent interest rate. This way, you are building an emergency fund while making a little money on it at the same time.
3. Not reading your monthly statements.
You need to be sure you are opening and reading your monthly bank statements. This is a great way to check for errors as well as balance your account. Properly balancing your account helps you avoid overdrawing it and facing penalty fees. Open your statement each month so you are well informed of changes happening in your account.
4. Not tracking your spending.
It is wise to track your spending for a week to 10 days every few months. This way you can see where your money is going and make changes if necessary. During the tracking period write down every cent you spend then evaluate where your money is going at the conclusion. Make cuts and changes where necessary.
5. Not paying cash.
Do you find yourself charging purchases out of convenience? This convenience could be costing you! Interest rates as well as missed payments can really raise your bill in no time. Instead, work on a cash system for paying for purchases. (These printable cash envelopes are great for organizing your cash system!) You will avoid interest rates and monthly payments all together.
Are you making any of these money mistakes? If so, stop! By making some simple changes you can get your finances under control and looking healthier. Give these tips a try!
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.
9 Tips for Gardening on a Budget
Are you ready to “get growing?” The arrival of spring has many ready to get outdoors and start planting their gardens, but what if you are working on a limited budget? Well the good news is, gardening doesn’t have to be expensive, and in fact it can be a great way to save yourself some cash in the long run. If you are considering planting a garden this season and want to do so for less, take a look at these 9 tips for gardening on a budget. You will be amazed at how easy it can be to “get growing” for less!
1. Start your seeds indoors.
Sure you can buy seedlings, but starting your own seeds indoors is cheaper! A seedling cost at least $1-$5, while you can get an entire pack of seeds for $1 or less. So start your seeds indoors using seed starters and some basic soil, and you can have your own seedlings in no time. (Read this how-to post for details on how to start your seeds indoors!)
2. Check out your local dollar store.
Dollar stores have a great selection of gardening gear for just $1 each. Choose from seeds, flower pots, gardening gloves, fertilizer spikes, watering cans, starter trays, and more! It is a great way to build your gardening stash for less.
3. Use natural fertilizers.
Instead of buying plant food and fertilizers, try making your own! Crushed egg shells and coffee grounds make excellent plant food. You can also use fruit peels to help nourish the soil and keep your plants healthy.
4. Practice chemical free pest repellent.
Again, you can buy your own pest repellent, but why not make your own for less? A simple spray bottle of water and a few drops of Dawn Dish Soap can help keep many pests at bay! This is a great way to save cash and omit chemicals in your garden.
5. Start a rain barrel.
Instead of spending money on watering your garden, catch rainwater instead. A rain barrel is the perfect trick for catching rain perfect for watering your garden with. Even a small barrel or bucket can give you enough water to keep a small garden satisfied.
6. Make your own garden markers.
You can make garden markers out of all kinds of household materials. Try making some from wood craft sticks and markers to get started. This is a great way to keep your garden organized for less.
7. Team up with friends.
Team up with friends and neighbors to borrow each other’s gardening tools and equipment. You can even share seedlings and thinned out plants you no longer need. This is a great way to get the items you need for cheap or even free.
8. Use a small space.
Rather than tilling up a large piece of land for a garden, try out small space gardening! Living in a townhouse, we actually don’t have the land for a big garden so I put container gardening to use. Sometimes that might even feel overwhelming. If so, try growing just a few herbs that you often buy from the grocery store. Or grow a lasagna garden so you have all the ingredients for a delicious marinara sauce on hand. Here are a few more ways to grow a garden in a small space.
9. Look into community gardening.
Community gardening could be a great option for those of you that want a big garden but don’t have the space or want the time commitment. Do a little research about the community garden options in your city to see if this might be a good fit for you.
Gardening is a great way to grow your own food and save some cash. Give these tips for gardening on a budget a try and see how easy it can be to grow for less.
