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Archive for October, 2009|Monthly archive page

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Budget Smart Girl Newsletter-October 2009

In Budget Smart Girl's Newsletter on October 29, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Where did this year go that’s what I’d like to know? I can’t believe it’s almost the holiday season again.
The end of the year means many things…besides gaining weight. For more people it’s now about looking for ways to have a great time while staying within your budget. This month I have a few items that I hope will give you a head start on holiday entertaining and shopping. Also, I have a giveaway to tell you about. More about that later…

Food and Coupons
Sometimes I can’t stop myself from cutting out recipes or bookmarking them online. Here’s a site that came to my attention just last week.
www.Tablespoon.com It has recipes using Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Bisquick and Progresso brands. Plus, if you sign up for their Dinner Made Easy newsletter you get a free sample of either Betty Crocker au gratins or roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Once you click on the site you can also get some other coupons. I used the Pillsbury ones at the store today and the cashier handed me another $2 off coupon good towards my next grocery bill courtesy of Pillsbury.

Start Every Day with A Good Breakfast
I love it when someone sends me information about a good for you product that’s budget priced. This time it’s Mom’s Best Naturals cereals.
And if you usually gain weight during holiday season, here’s what the folks at Mom’s Best Naturals have to say…
It’s coming: the overindulgent season known as the holidays! Before you skip breakfast in hopes of keeping your diet in check, think again: Study after study shows eating breakfast helps curb your appetite and helps you power through the day. A quick bowl of cereal is a great way to squeeze in some whole grains, and it could be the easiest thing to do for your health during the hectic holidays—and, if it’s a natural option, even better!

Mom’s Best Naturals line of all-natural cereals is a better-for-you option when it comes to the morning meal, containing no artificial colors or flavors, no artificial preservatives, no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup. These cereals are priced up to 30 percent less than similar varieties of natural and organic cereals—so no need to worry about breaking the bank. Plus, with fiber-filled varieties like Toasted Wheat-fuls, Mom’s Best Naturals is sure to help you stay satisfied and focused throughout the day.
I got to sample two of their cereals Oats and Honey Blend 12 oz $1.99 and 18 oz. $2.65 and Honey Grahams 12 oz $1.99 and 18 oz. $2.65

NGR_NPP

NHB_NAT

I loved both of them. The Honey Grahams make a great snack when you’re sitting at your computer or even pop some into a bag and carry with you for the upcoming holiday shopping spree.
You can find more about the cereal at www.momsbestnaturals.com There’s a store locator, blog, recipes and sign up for a 75 cent off coupon.
And Mom’s Best has kindly agreed to give one lucky reader some free cereal. All you need to do is leave your best money saving tip in the comments section and we’re pick a winner.

Holiday Entertaining
Most people are saying they’re cutting back on holiday parties this year. One alternative is a cheese and wine party. Here wine expert Natalie MacLean offers her top 10 cheese and drink matches.

1. Camembert or brie with Champagne
2. Gouda with Spanish Rioja
3. Cheddar with Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon
4. Manchego with Amontillado Sherry
5. Mozzarella with German Late Harvest Riesling
6. Feta with Oregonian Pinot Noir
7. Goat cheese with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
8. Stilton blue cheese with Port or Sauternes
9. Parmigiano with Italian Amarone
10. Macaroni and cheese with Californian Chardonnay

Visit www.nataliemaclean.com for more food and wine tips and tools.

Spa and Beauty
Don’t know about you but sometimes a day at the local spa is just what I need, but not what my budget needs. Next best alternative, a do it yourself evening of spa treatments. Lush Cosmetics have some new products to help you feel and look more beautiful at a Budget Smart Girl price. Best of all they use whole fruits and vegetables and not synthetics and chemicals that even some higher priced products contain. Here’s information about their three new face masks. All are just $5.95. Plus, return five empty pots and they’ll give you a free face mask. www.lushusa.com

Oatfix Fresh Mask WITH Ingredients

Oatifix
This exceedingly gentle and nourishing face mask is the perfect rehab for skin that’s been abused by the summer’s rays. This nourishing oat-based mask contains calming vanilla and features soothing fair trade organic bananas. Just be sure to resist the tempting smell – it probably doesn’t taste as good as you’d think.

Cosmetic Warrior
Garlic and grapes are two fall items that seem like an unlikely pair, but they go together perfectly in this deep cleansing mask for oily, troublesome skin. Fresh garlic is a powerful (yet gentle) detoxifier while grape works as an astringent and residue-cutter to shed that layer of summer grime. We pair these with healing honey and tea tree to heal any havoc the sun may have reeked on your skin.

A Crash Course in Skincare
This simple, cooling mask is the ultimate in fresh starts. First, it cools and soothes with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Then, yogurt swoops in to rejuvenate and reduce stubborn redness. Then, avocado finishes off to keep your face supple and moisturized as the cold fall months approach. Avocado also reduces scars and age spots while protecting skin from UV rays. What’s better than that?

More Organic Savings
If I had my choice, I’d pick natural and organic every time, but sometimes the budget doesn’t allow it. One brand I like is Seventh Generation. Best thing is they always have a coupon offering. Check out http://www.seventhgeneration.com/coupons

What’s For Dinner?
One of my emergency meals is fish tacos and I often use fish sticks. Visit www.gortons.com, click on coupons and promotions. And also visit www.gonedipping.com for your chance to win $1,000.

Rainforest Café
A fun place to eat and shop and until December 31st, 2009, they’ew offering $10 off your meal. Visit www.rainforestcafe.com

Coupon Preview
What to get a head start on what coupons will be in your Sunday newspaper? Check out www.sundaycouponpreview.com

Want to Stand Out in the Crowd?
I know lots of people are looking for work these days and here’s a site I found. It lets you put together a visual resume, visit www.visualcv.com/index.html

Slash Your Grocery Bill
Here’s an article I found about ways to slash the grocery bill www.tinyurl.com/yzyctrg

Layaway Plan
The holiday catalogs have been filling up my mailbox for the last few weeks. Here’s one I thought had some great stuff for children. Brainy toys for kids of all ages…not sure if that means us adults, but I saw lots of stuff that I’d like to try www.mindware.com They do have a clearance section.
And speaking of holiday shopping. K-mart is advertising their layaway plan but did you know you can even use it online these days? www.k-mart.com
And finally

I found these interesting articles on Yahoo
If you want to be a millionaire www.tinyurl.com/yly2ktq
And as it’s Halloween, money mistakes that can haunt you forever
www.tinyurl.com/yf2y7wa

Next month, lots of tips on holiday shopping and entertaining. Have a good month and don’t forget to leave your money saving tips for a chance to win the cereal giveaway.

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The Blog-Coupons at the Library

In The Blog on October 26, 2009 at 4:26 pm

On my way out of the library I always stop to check out the free magazines they keep in the foyer. One thing that caught my eye last week was the book of coupons they were giving away. The local county is offering Choose to Reuse Today coupons. The front of the book says Save Cash, Save the Planet. Get Great Stuff. Most of the coupons are for discounts on items you can buy if you take something old to be recycled or refurbished. I’m not sure how many I’ll be using but it’s a great way to get rid of unwanted items and save some money.

Almost Halloween and I can’t believe it’s November on Sunday. All the supermarkets are gearing up for baking season. Sales on everything from sugar, flour, chocolate chips, even canned fruit. My usual ritual is each time I go to the store I’ll buy a few items to store in the pantry or even the freezer.

Word is Halloween sales are down this year. Bad news for retailers but good news for us. Next week watch out for some major discounts on everything from candy…which can be used in holiday baking or stocking stuffers to costumes. If you have some extra cash why not buy next year’s costume or party favors now.

And speaking of Halloween, I’ve been thinking about what treat I’ll be baking this Saturday. I don’t know why but pizza has become our Halloween meal. I always like to follow it up with a Halloween (or at least pumpkin) themed dessert. While I was checking recipe sites for some ideas and I found one for pumpkin chocolate bars at www.meals.com which is the site of the Nestle company. They have lots of other goodies on the site too.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…the end of another month means the Budget Smart Girl newsletter. There’ll be news about a recipe Web site with links to free samples and coupons. Beauty products that are good for you and your budget. Plus, a cereal giveaway.

Have a good week and a safe and fun Halloween.

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Sensible Fashion Buys for Fall/Winter

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on October 23, 2009 at 6:46 pm

I’ve always been sensible when it comes time to stocking my wardrobe, nothing that’s too much of a fad that I can’t wear it for more than one season. However, I have had a few slips in sanity and ending up donating clothes after just a year after their purchase. Now I have five rules to keeping my clothing budget under control.

1.Stick with basics like pants, shirt, skirt in colors like black and brown.

2.Pick items you can mix and match that will take you from day to night. Maybe the white dress shirt and black pants you wear during the day can be paired with a fancy necklace or wrap for evening.

3.Shoes. Yes, I’ve had moments of insanity with these too. Pick ones that are comfortable. I use to go for price, thinking I could have more shoes, but now I’d rather pay more for one pair that are going to last longer and not cause me foot problems years from now.

4.If you need to go with a fad, make sure it’s a cheaper item like a scarf, necklace etc. and not something like a coat.

5.Look at what you already have. My husband often laughs at me because I still have some clothing from years gone by but it’s me who does the smiling when I see that particular fashion back in the stores.

If you’re looking for some trends for fall/winter, the folks at Kohl’s www.kohls.com say the hot items this year are-

1. Plaids…yeepee, I still have some of those, see how some fashions recycle?

2. Cardigans…always have loved those, especially when the weather turns chilly.

3. Animal prints…okay, these are probably not something you want to buy a lot of. Stick with my rule number 4, buy a scarf or bracelet in animal print.

4. Anything with feminine details. Now that sounds like something that can last from year to year.

Thanks to the folks at Kohl’s for some photos of three buys I think are worth checking out this year.
Apt. 9 Crop Jacket

Candie's Plaid Pencil Skirt

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Cardigan

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World Pasta Day

In Budget Smart Cook on October 23, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Did you know that this Sunday, October 25th is World Pasta Day.? Keeping several types of pasta in your pantry is a must for just about every cook, but especially important for the budget minded one.

The Ultimate Fast Food
When you need to put together dinner in a flash, think pasta. It’s one of my favorite ingredients for a desperation dinner. Spaghetti with any type of sauce and served with a garlic or cheese bread can be put together in less than 30 minutes. Plus, keep a few of the no boil pastas on hand and lasagna can put together and cooked in less than an hour.

You Don’t Have to Be A Gourmet Cook
Even if you possess just the very basic cooking skills, pasta is easy to make, and the chances of you ruining it are practically zero. Hence no food wasted because of cooking bloopers.

Variety
Just think about how many types of pasta are out there. Spaghetti, linguine, penne and cannelloni. The list is almost endless so you never have to serve the same one twice.

It’s a Budget Food
Pasta is one of the cheapest foods to buy. It’s a bargain because it tends to be satisfying and fills you up quickly. And have you noticed how it’s always on sale…same goes for at least one brand of pasta sauce.

It’s Even Available in a Whole Grain Variety
I’m glad to see more pasta companies are producing whole grain varieties these days. One that I really like is made by Barilla. It’s not overly chewy and dry like many of the whole grain pastas I’ve tried.

You Can Serve It Hot or Cold
I just love all the dishes you can make with pasta, not only hot dishes, but cold ones too. One dish I always loved at the local deli was pasta mixed with oven roasted vegetables, soy sauce and sesame seed oil. Which also proves pasta makes a great base for Asian dishes too.

The Whole Family Loves It
It’s easy to please everyone, including the children, when you serve pasta. I don’t think I’ve ever met a child who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese, or a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.

You Can Go Gourmet
For just a few dollars more you can add gourmet type sauces and cheeses like Asiago to any pasta dish.

Leftover’s Taste Great
Pasta makes ideal leftovers, spaghetti pie, and also leftover pasta can be broken up and stirred into soups.

Here’s a recipe I came up with one a few years ago while I was clearing out the fridge. Combining a few items with some pantry staples, it made a perfect 30 minute meal.

Greek Inspired Pasta
(Serves 6)
One box jumbo pasta shells
I 26 oz. jar Classico Spicy Tomato and Pesto…any of your other favorite pasta sauces will work too.
I 15 oz. container ricotta cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
I 16 oz. package frozen spinach, defrosted, drained and squeeze out all the water
½ cup chopped Kalamata olives
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 10 X 13 lasagna pan with cooking spray.
2.Cook the shells in boiling water until al dente…don’t overcook them as they’re easier to stuff when they’re still firm and they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
3.While the shells cook, mix together the spinach, ricotta cheese, chopped olives and feta cheese.
4.Drain the shells and place on a plate.
5.Pour just enough pasta sauce into the pan to coat it.
6.Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them, mixture side up, on the pasta sauce.
7.Cover the shells with the rest of the sauce and top with the Parmesan cheese.
8.Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until everything is bubbling and the cheese has melted.

Web sites to Check Out
And here are two sites with lots of pasta recipes-
www.ilovepasta.org/recipes.html
www.barillaus.com/

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The Blog-You Learn By Experience

In The Blog on October 19, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Fall means vaccination time for my cat. Last year you might remember I switched vets. Last week we took a trip there to get his rabies shot and annual check-up. I always make sure he gets the yearly and not three year rabies vaccination because at the previous vet clinic they mentioned those type of shots were giving some pets cancer. When I arrived at the new vet clinic I discovered they only give the 3 year shot. So my cat ended up just having his annual check-up. But now I had to find somewhere to get his rabies shot. On my trips to Petsmart, I remembered seeing an onsite vet clinic called Banfield. I called them and found out on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2.30-4.30 p.m. they offer their vaccination clinic which saves pet owners money by not charging for office visits. Perfect, he’d already been checked out so all he needed was a shot.
Well, it seems they also give them a physical too and the whole thing cost just $20.99. When I drove home I realized I could have saved myself $47 and by heading to Banfield in the first place. Plus, the poor cat had two visits to the vet clinic in one day. I guess you live and learn!
So if you’re looking for low cost vaccinations for your pet, check your local Petsmart.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…pasta makes the perfect meal and what clothes to buy this season.

Have a good week.

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Some Convenience Foods Are Worth The Price

In Budget Smart Cook on October 15, 2009 at 5:36 pm

It’s that time of year again when the days start to get shorter. I don’t know about you, but during the summer I always feel like I have plenty of time to tackle everything on my to do list, but once fall rolls around I start wishing some days had an extra hour or so.

For us budget conscious cooks we’re often torn between purchasing more convenience type foods that will give us some extra time, or making everything from scratch.

But do you have to feel guilty if you spend a few extra dollars heading to the salad bar at the supermarket rather than putting together your own at home? I think you have to look at each situation as it arises. And now and then we all have emergency situations.

Here are a few other foods I’ve found ideal for those days when nothing goes right but dinner still needs to be made.

Coleslaw
A bag of shredded coleslaw, especially the type with shredded carrots. A quick and easy side dish. If I have some in the fridge, I’ll put a homemade peanut and soy dressing with it. I also like the broccoli slaw that goes great with blue cheesing dressing and chopped roasted walnuts. It pairs ideally with chops, burgers or veggie burgers.

Frozen Burgers and Meatballs
Speaking of burgers, I always make sure I have a packet of turkey burgers and veggie burgers or meatballs stored in the freezer, plus some hamburger buns.

Mixed Veggies
A couple of bags of mixed vegetables, like baby corn, broccoli, sliced red pepper, perfect for a quick stir-fry

Frozen Pastry
Phyllo and puff pastry dough. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a recipe for Phyllo dough and I can’t imagine spending an hour or so making puff pastry when you can get a package of both these items for less than $4. Perfect for a speedy pot pie.

Pizza Crust
I always have every good intention of making my own, but whenever I pass the pasta aisle I see the prepackaged ones on the top shelf and can’t seem to leave the store without one.

Salad Dressings
I’m switching over to making my own, but I do keep one or two on hand for those just in case days. Not so much for salads, but types like Italian or vinaigrette dressings are great for a quick marinade for chicken or fish. The taste will make everyone think you spent hours on the recipe.

Frozen Potatoes
I usually make my own oven fries, but once again, keep prepackaged ones on hand for those just in case days.

Chicken Breasts
Look for the type that doesn’t have to be defrosted before you put them in the oven. They can be pulled out of the freezer and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Frozen Fish
Some type of packaged frozen fish, quick to defrost and cook and really versatile. One of my favorites is fish tacos.

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The Blog-Another Way to Buy Something

In The Blog on October 12, 2009 at 7:11 pm

When the budget gets tight you often have to look for creative ways to make ends meet. I’ve been noticing more people and yes, businesses too are willing to trade and barter their products/services. I’ve seen lots of nonprofits and businesses looking for volunteers for a few hours a week in exchange for things like free products, museum passes etc. It might not be money, but one, it’s work experience you can put on your resume. Two, if it’s something you’ve been putting off buying or doing, like going to a show or museum, this might be the perfect solution. And yes, volunteer work sometimes leads to a paying position with the company.

Every week I’ve forgotten to post this on the blog. One reader asked me about a recipe for green beans that are dehydrated and can be used as a low fat, inexpensive snack. I couldn’t find the recipe but if anyone has one; e-mail me or leave a comment.

If you love to cook or have a recipe using one of French’s products, you could win $25,000 www.frenchs.com Contest ends October 31st, 2009. Readers get to vote on their favorite recipe. Even if you’re not entering, it’s fun to check out some of the recipes and give one or two a try.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…it’s snowing where I am so it’s time to make some chili. Great items to have on hand that won’t break the budget.

Have a good week and happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone in Canada.

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Why A Budget Smart Cook Loves Stews

In Budget Smart Cook on October 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm

When the temperature dips there’s nothing better to eat than a bowl of hearty stew. It’s comfort food at its very best. Meat, vegetables and a savory liquid that are simmered together for hours on top of the stove to create a meal to take away the chill of a fall or winter day. It’s not too surprising that just about every cuisine in the world has its own version. But the best thing about a stew is, apart from the fact it tastes so good, it’s the budget smart cook’s best friend and here’s why.

Great Cooking Skills Not Required
Stews are one of the easiest of dishes to prepare and there are just a few simple rules to follow. I know lots of people say you can skip browning the meat before you add it to the saucepan, but I’ve always got the best results by doing just that. I take a freezer bag and add flour, some salt and pepper and mix everything together. I then add the cubes of meat to the bag and shake until everything’s coated well. Next I heat oil in a skillet over a fairly high heat and add about five cubes of meat at a time. Don’t rush this part and be tempted to add all the meat at the same time because if you overcrowd the pan the meat doesn’t brown as well and that’s the whole point of going to all this trouble. Turn the meat until it’s browned on each side, remove and put in the saucepan and continue with the rest of the meat.

They’re Made with Low Cost Ingredients
Here’s one of the best things about stew, you can make it with cheaper cuts of meat. In fact, less expensive cuts of meat work the best with this slow cooking process. Plus, while the stew simmers the meat soaks up the liquid, making it even more tender.
And as most people make stews during the colder months, root vegetables, which make ideal partners for the meat, are usually at their cheapest during fall and winter. And if you use your own homemade stock, that’s basically free, but even if you resort to store bought ones, it’s not going to put a too big a dent in your budget.

They Can be Made in One Pot
I can’t think of an easier meal than a stew, everything cooking together in one pot. Apart from preparing the meat and chopping the vegetables, and of course checking everything now and then, it’s a snap to put together. I almost feel lazy on the days I make a stew. Although my preference is to serve a stew with mashed potatoes, I sometimes add the potatoes or dumplings to the stew for the ultimate one pot meal. And if you want to cheat even further or you want a ready cooked meal when you come home from work, opt for cooking your stew in a slow cooker.

Stews Freeze Really Well
Soups and stews are some of the best dishes to put in the freezer. You can make up two batches, eat one and freeze the other. Or, and I know leftovers aren’t a common thing when stew is served, but you can easily freeze what’s left. Talk about the ultimate cook once, eat twice dish.

You Can Give Them Your Own Unique Spin
Even if you’ve got a favorite recipe for stew you can add your own touches and family favorites to a stew. Nothing can basically go wrong with adding a bit more of this or that. If you want to stretch your budget even further you get add more vegetables and cut down on the meat, or you can add things like pulses. My grandmother always added pearl barley to beef stew. And when it comes to seasonings once again you’re in charge. One thing I never leave out of a stew is a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
And don’t think you have to use only red meat because I only used it as an illustration for this article. Other meats like pork, poultry and fish can be used, just remember they don’t need to cook so long. And if you what to go meatless, vegetables and beans like garbanzos make a really inexpensive but great tasting stew.

Recipe

Italian Fall Vegetable Stew
This is a great recipe for the slow cooker. It’s one of my favorites when the weather turns cold. And a special treat when you’ve been outside raking leaves.

(Serves 4 as a Main Dish or 6 as a Side Dish)

•1 ½ cups dried lentils
•3 cups of water
•2 cups chopped butternut squash
•1 cup chopped sweet potato
•1 26 oz. jar of Classico Fire Roasted Tomato and Garlic pasta sauce
•1 small onion, chopped
•1 cup chopped zucchini
•1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans
•½ teaspoon dried basil
•½ teaspoon dried thyme

1.Rinse lentils and place in at least a 3-quart slow cooker with the three cups of water. Add the squash, sweet potato, onion, pasta sauce, basil and thyme and stir together.
2.Cover and cook either 8-10 hours on high, or 4-6 hours on low. About an hour before serving stir in the chopped zucchini and just before serving stir in the garbanzo beans. Fresh chopped basil is a nice addition sprinkled on top when the dish has finished cooking.

You can serve this as a vegetarian dish with crusty Italian bread, or as a side dish with a grilled chicken breast or pork chop.

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October, That Means Pizza

In Budget Smart Cook on October 8, 2009 at 4:37 pm

October isn’t just for Halloween. Did you know it’s also National Pizza Month? If you’ve only thought of pizza as a high fat fast food, you’ve been overlooking a great ally of the budget cook. Here are some reasons to include pizza in your menu line up.

Coupons
My father used to say if you don’t mind eating pizza every single day, you can eat fairly cheaply. While pizza tastes great, eating it every day isn’t something most of us want to do. But as most pizza chains send out coupons just about every week, using them to buy a meal for your family when you’re too tired to cook doesn’t necessarily exhaust the food budget.

Kids Love Them Too
There aren’t too many foods that kids and adults both like to eat. If you’ve got a fussy eater in your household, pizza is a great way to get them to eat all the food groups. And most children will even eat their veggies when they’re served on a pizza.

Entertaining
Pizza isn’t the most expensive food to serve to a crowd. And a ‘make your own pizza’ party enables you to serve a crowd for just a couple of dollars per person. And the guests get to eat exactly what they want.

The Leftovers
Pizza is a great way to use leftovers…cheese, meat, veggies, sauces, you name it. Someone told me their aunt would cook a pizza every Sunday night and use whatever was sitting in the fridge as the toppings.

A Great Make A Head Meal
Pizza freezes perfectly and therefore is the ideal meal to make ahead of time. You can even make them in batches and store them in the freezer.

They’re Quick and Easy
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be much of a cook, just about anyone can make a pizza if you use a pizza crust mix.

They Make Great Desserts
Don’t always think savory when you think of pizza. You can top them with chocolate, peanut butter, fresh fruit…so just about anything goes.

They Don’t Have to be Italian
You don’t always have to make pizza using a red sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella. I often use different pasta sauces, even an Alfredo sauce. You can even substitute the pizza crust with pita bread, English muffins or bagels. And how about a Tex Mex pizza with salsa as the sauce?

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The Blog-Finding Coupons in Unexpected Places

In The Blog on October 5, 2009 at 6:26 pm

Last week I got round to the task of sorting through some boxes I’d taken from my late mother’s house. One thing I never thought I’d find was my old coupon wallet. To my surprise, it was still full of coupons. Most of them had long expired but the amazing thing was many had no expiration dates. When I showed them to my husband he said ‘I bet you’re going to use those’. Seems they’re still valid because I used three of them on double coupon day and saved even more money.

Another way I’m saving money at the local supermarket is I signed up for their ‘save on gas’ card. For every $50 I spend, I get 10 cent off per gallon of gas. With the price of food, it adds up quickly and on the last two trips to the gas station, I’ve saved 90 cents per gallon. That means I’ve been filling up the tank for around $1.38 per gallon. Can’t remember when prices were that low or when I’ve been able to fill up the car for under $20.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…did you know October is Pizza Month? There are plenty of reasons to serve pizza for dinner. Plus, cold weather’s just around the corner which means it’s the perfect time to turn to one of the most budget friendly meals of all time…stews.

Have a good week.

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