budgetsmartgirl

Posts Tagged ‘saving money’

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The Friday Round-Up-Tips on Just About Everything

In Friday Round Up on May 10, 2013 at 3:20 pm

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I found lots of great articles about all things budget living, so here they are-

There have been lots of stories about people trying to eat at or below the poverty line and here’s one person’s experience-
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/column-five-days-below-poverty-150944520.html

We’re all guilty of letting food sit in the fridge until it goes to waste-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/expert-tips-food-last-longer-205100931.html

With the terrible spring we’ve had it’s hard to imagine summer’s around the corner but here are some budget priced sandals to get you ready for the warm weather-
http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/the-best-summer-sandals-under-25-slideshow/

I have lots of landscaping projects on my to do list so this is a handy guide-
http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/8-tips-landscaping-cheap-132000321.html#!erdfa

And if like me you love making your own pantry staples and treats check out these two articles. My tip is to buy the supplies for these in the bulk bin section-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/spice-things-kitchen-homemade-taco-seasoning-170900302.html
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/crispy-business-cool-ranch-doritos-home-173600201.html

Finally spaghetti always seems to be on sale. My tip. the whole grain varieties taste much better and don’t cost much more and sometimes they’re even the same price-
http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/10-easy-ways-cook-box-slideshow/

Have a good weekend and Happy Mother’s Day.

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The Friday Round Up-Weekend Warm Up

In Friday Round Up on April 26, 2013 at 4:06 pm

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After another round of snow I’m happy to say we have some warm weather headed this way for the weekend. Lots of things to do outside and maybe I’ll squeeze in an hour to sit and read a book before the forecasted rain heads in.

There’s never a shortage of budget related articles on the Web and here are a few I found this week plus some recipes that sound delicious and budget friendly-

Many years ago I wrote an article about when it’s okay to splurge. Sometimes items seem expensive but they’re usually products where a little goes a long way-

http://shine.yahoo.com/in-the-pantry/pantry-splurge-pantry-staples-193100786.html

Quinoa is the in grain right now and you can find it just about anywhere and it doesn’t take long to cook-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/dinner-8212-done-easy-cheesy-quinoa-cakes-144700786.html

Similar to the when to splurge article. I say it’s a bargain if you love it and never waste it-
http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/fashionate/drugstore-beauty-products-worth-more-pay-part-one-210516372.html

And this sounded a simple to make recipe which I’m going to give a try-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/brown-rice-bean-ginger-chile-salsa-192700657.html

I didn’t find any bargains this week but I did hear about a company in the UK who was selling a black maxi dress for 99 pence and needless to say they sold out quickly.

We’re heading into May next week and a whole month of new savings. Look out for anything BBQ and picnic related, also graduation items will start to go on sale. And there’s probably still time to grab a few winter leftover bargains too.

Next week I have a special Meatless Monday feature with two recipes that I think you’re like.

Have a good weekend, and happy saving.

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The Friday Round-Up-Winter Holds On

In Friday Round Up on April 19, 2013 at 6:59 pm

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It’s April 19th and over a foot of snow is on the ground….again. I’ve got a feeling spring won’t be putting in an appearance this year. I’ve got onions, shallots, asparagus, potatoes, plus, cucumber and tomato plants I started to grow from seed a few weeks ago all sitting by the patio door with no chance of getting them planted outside anytime soon.

One tip I keep meaning to pass along is about coupons. I find most of mine through online sites now which means I have to use my printer ink. With that in mind consider the following every time you hit the print button-

Do I really want this product and is it going to be a good buy?

Is it something that can be stored if I don’t use it straight away?

Is it on sale at a store where I shop?

What is its likely expiration date, and will I use it before that day?

Can it only be used at one store or every supermarket?

And most important…a lot of coupons are already clipped and they print out whether you want them or not. Make sure to double check and unclip them before you hit the print icon.

And here are some money saving and food related items I found on the Web this week-

Thinking about replacing your kitchen cabinets-

http://homes.yahoo.com/news/replace-or-reface-your-cabinets-005835132.html

And three dinner ideas using eggs, two could even be used for Meatless Monday-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/3-classy-ways-eggs-dinner-161000326.html

Have a good weekend and happy saving.

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April Savings

In Georgine Saves Blogs on April 10, 2013 at 1:49 pm

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Here are Georgine’s tips for saving in April-

April means spring is really here. It is a new beginning and spring cleaning is in full force so if you are clearing out some of the old, look for sales on items that will refresh your home such as paint, wallpaper, and organization and storage devices.

Check your winter wardrobe for older clothing that you can donate and replace with the bargains you will find in the stores. You will be thankful next year when you remember your purchases. Athletic shoes will start getting reduced around tax time so if you are entitled to a refund you may want to earmark some it for new sneakers.

Don’t forget summer activities and celebrations means now is a good time start preparing to capture those memories with a digital camera that will be going on sale. Get yours before graduation, a wedding, or another big day. This way you will be ready and have practiced your photography skills with your new camera.

In the grocery store combine your coupons will sales on cake mixes, frosting, and pie crusts. This is the beginning of party season. Also, look for after Easter sales. Many stores have décor items that you can save for next year. Most especially, look for solid-color paper goods that can be used during the entire year.

If you can combine a sale, a coupon, and a mail-in rebate that is called a “Triple Play”. This is one way to get grocery items for free or nearly free. Keep your eyes open for such offers advertised in store circulars, on the grocery shelves, and on the package (always look inside the package as some manufacturers are sneaky and hide their offer!). Keep track of your rebates. Write down the requirements, when you mailed it, when the offer expires, the mailing address, and what you are to receive back. If possible make a copy of your submission before mailing.
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The Friday Round-Up-Spring Dresses

In Friday Round Up on March 22, 2013 at 7:43 pm

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It’s spring but if where you live is anything like where I do, no one’s told the temperature winter’s over. Despite the bitter cold this week, this was refreshing article to see on the Web. Spring dresses under $30.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/colorful-spring-dresses–30-and-under-221234304.html

And here’s something else you might not want to think about until it’s warmer but when you do this can save you money by making your own frozen yogurt-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/homemade-frozen-yogurt-never-got-easy-thanks-3-192100204.html

And if you’re thinking of starting a business or just looking to supplement your income, here are some tips for low cost ways to do it-

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-ways-start-own-business-110057477.html

And a few week’s ago the Web was abuzz with news about Pet Food Stamps. This wonderful organization was launched to help those on foods stamps or low income families help cover the cost of their pet’s food bill. I’ve read so many heartbreaking articles about people who’ve had to hand in their dogs and cats to shelters because they’d lost their job or home that I’m happy to see someone’s started this program to try and help. Here’s the link but it’s sometimes hard to log onto as I’m sure it gets lots of traffic, but be patient if you want to check it out, use its service, or even offer a donation-

https://petfoodstamps.org/

My bargain of the week was a pair of black jeans that cost just $3, even the cashier was shocked. The key is to be patient and look through all the sale items. Right now everyone’s slashing prices to make room for summer clothes.

Also on sale is anything related to gardening and growing seeds. The seeds I purchased were 50% off and bags of potting soil were also on sale.

And my tip of the week, if you’re thinking about buying something or going to a store for say a hair cut or oil change for the car, check out their Web site first. Many have coupons and other’s have newsletters you can sign for and they send you coupons as a welcome. Just create a separate e-mail for these types of newsletters and best thing is you can always cancel your subscription later.

Have a good weekend and happy saving.

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Spring Savings

In Georgine Saves Blogs on March 13, 2013 at 12:49 pm

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Georgine has tips on what to look for in the stores this month-

March is here and that means spring is right around the corner. You can still combat winter’s wrath in nice warm coats, jackets, parkas, mittens, and hats because you will find sales on all of these, plus you’ll be ready for next winter.

Appliances such as vacuum cleaners, TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, MPS players will be discounted to make way for the newer models. If you’re afraid your bargain is second best, ask the sales associate to explain the differences in the new upgrades. Chances are they have features you will never use, and if that’s the case, you can save big.
As warm weather is on its way you’ll also find bikes, boats, and air conditioners on sale. If you need any of these try to buy one before they’re in high demand. Spring fever? You can snag some great buys on gardening tools too.

In the supermarket March is Frozen Food Month. If you have the room, it’s time to fill your freezer with your favorite convenience foods. Look for coupons during the whole month especially in the beginning weeks. If you can combine the sales and coupons you will hit a home run. Check product’s expiration dates too. If they have longevity, think of summer dinning and entertaining, not to mention ice cream and popsicles for those warm days that are around the corner.

Speaking of the supermarket, here are some coupon tips to follow while checking out. First and foremost, always watch the cashier. Even the cash registers can make a mistake. If something rings up at the wrong price, point this out for a correction. Be sure any coupons that are attached to your items are removed or peeled and credited to your order. As far as the coupons you have brought with you, I like to stagger the values on mine before I hand them over.

For instance, I will hand the cashier a group of coupons in which the values are alternated: 50¢, 25¢, 75¢, 25¢, $1.00 and so on. I do this because when you have a lot of the same value coupons you can keep track that all were applied properly. In other words, if you had eight 25¢ coupons all stacked together, would you be able to keep track if all were applied to your order? Cashiers can work very fast.

If you have any FREE coupons, put that item at the beginning of the order so when the cashier has to write the price that has to be deducted then it’s easy to find. Be sure to take any register generated coupons that you earned with this purchase. Finally, always check over your receipt

If you have LOTS of coupons to redeem and the other shoppers behind you are getting restless, I find it’s always a nice gesture to offer them a coupon or two for something that they have in their cart.

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Budget Smart Girl Turns Five

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on March 1, 2013 at 7:06 pm

It seems like just yesterday that I began this blog but this week Budget Smart Girl turned five. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s been reading it from the beginning. I know many of you were also readers of my two money saving columns over at Garden and Hearth and have continued to follow my ramblings here too. A special thank you for being loyal followers for almost eight years.

A lot has changed since I first wrote about saving money. More people are conscious about the money they spend and save. More articles and sites dedicated to the topic have popped up over the years too. Both are trends I think will continue.

I have lots more good things planned for this site. On Monday there will be a book giveaway (A vegan cookbook). It seems that food topics are the most popular with everyone who visits the site because food related articles get more hits. The Meatless Monday feature is there at the top and lots of people have now started following the blog because of it. It tells me you’d like to see more vegetarian and vegan recipes and I’m in the process of working on lots of them.

This spring I’ll also be featuring at least one recipe using fresh vegetables and herbs from this year’s CSA box. I’m also planning more growing your own food features because they’ve been popular too.

This summer sees the publication of my book based on the blog so I’ll be giving away copies after its release.

I’m also hoping to bring back the feature about making more money, whether it’s making and selling or crafts or how to hold a successful garage sale. Some weeks time doesn’t allow me to post more than a couple of recipes but I’ll try my best.

And here are links to some articles I’ve seen recently that might be of interest-

If you’re like me getting your hair color to last from one appointment to the next is a major pet peeve then this article is for you-

http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/home-hair-color-kits-under–20–015146701.html

And there was me thinking I was the only one you couldn’t find coupons for items I really wanted-

http://news.yahoo.com/why-americans-cutting-coupons-lives-130040807–finance.html

Canned vegetables are one of the best buys at the supermarket and seems there is a whole lot more you can do with them-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/6-ways-transform-canned-vegetables-181700091.html

Once again thank you for being loyal followers of Budget Smart Girl.

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The Leftovers Dilemma

In Budget Smart Cook on January 17, 2013 at 7:28 pm

Last week I read a jaw dropping statistic that said half of the food produced in the world is thrown away. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised because I already knew that the average household tosses out $500 worth of food per year. We’re all guilty of it, even those of us who are budget minded. It could be vegetables and fruits that turn rotten before you get to eat them…or yes, forget about them tucked away at the back of the fridge. Or it might be the leftovers that no one seems to want. Here are some tricks I’ve found help me use everything that’s in the fridge, freezer, and even the pantry.

Make a Second Meal

Look through your leftovers and figure out what could become another meal. I found this site that helps you if you’re lost for ideas. You type in three ingredients you have on hand and they give you recipe suggestions. Sometimes it comes up empty, but the site also has a section with recipes, and it’s divided into categories like lifestyle and equipment. http://www.bigoven.com/recipes/leftover.

Make Homemade TV Dinners
You’ve probably heard me mention this one before. Many years ago I purchased plates that are divided three sections and I use them for making homemade TV dinners. Leftover potatoes, rice, vegetables and chicken or fish, even a slice of meatloaf becomes another meal that’s stored in the freezer. Best thing is no one recognizes them as a recycled meal, and if you’re ever short on time, these are the answer.

Dry or Freeze It
Sometimes I buy something with every good intention of using it and then never get around to it. Rather than let it go to waste, or just rot on the fridge shelf, I either dry it, using my dehydrator or freeze it. I sometimes do this with leftovers too. If I have corn or peas I put them in the dehydrator and use them later for soups and stews.

Make Your Own Meal Kits
I always keep a few of these on hand and they’re perfect when you have just a few carrots, stalks of celery, maybe half an onion left. I discovered that most of the recipes I made had those three ingredients in them so now I keep bags of them in the freezer and call them my homemade meal kits. Perfect for stir-frys too.
And here are some ideas for using specific leftovers-

Beans
Perfect for putting in soups and stews. Or combining with scrambled eggs and cheese for homemade breakfast burritos.

Bread
One thing I never buy is breadcrumbs. Sometimes I have slices from different loaves of older bread that aren’t fresh enough to make a sandwich with, but make ideal breadcrumbs. I even add garlic powder and herbs for the flavored variety. And if you ever have leftover tortillas, turn them into chips.
I cut them into triangles, brush them with oil and sprinkle on chili powder and cumin and bake them for about ten minutes in a 375 degree oven.

Potatoes
These cry out to be made into fritters or things like fish cakes. And the ideal way to use leftover fish too.

Meat or Chicken
If there’s not quite enough for another meal one good idea is to chop it up, combine it with vegetables and gravy and make a shepherd’s pie.

Pasta
I use mine in soups, or one serving portions of mac and cheese.
Rice
This goes into either soups or even quick rice puddings.

Stuffing
I always seem to have leftover stuffing during the holidays which I now put in the freezer for later use. It does make the perfect filling for stuffed Portobello mushrooms.

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January Bargains

In Georgine Saves Blogs on January 7, 2013 at 6:20 pm

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Happy New Year to everyone. Meatless Monday will return next week. Here are some tips from Georgine about what to buy in January.

January is usually all about losing weight. Those pounds we packed on during the holidays make way for huge discounts on fitness equipment to help you keep those New Year’s resolutions. Look for gym membership packages too to lure you into a healthier life-style. January is the start to a healthier year.

The Super Bowl is around the corner too so you’ll be able to snag some great deals on HDTVs. You may even get bargains on the latest model so this is the best time of the year to buy a TV.

The cold weather is upon us and you can expect sales, discounts, and price drops on ball-field activities especially in colder climates. Think ahead to spring training and activities as they’ll be here before we know it.

Holiday left-overs are still clinging to the shelves. The stores want to make way for Valentine’s and spring items so these early weeks will bring price drops close to 90% on Christmas decor. Don’t forget to use coupons, no matter how low the price may be on sales items.

White Sales have been a staple of every January since 1878. It’s time to clean your linen closet and replace worn towels and sheets with new ones that will probably be cheaper than the originals you purchased. If you have lots of discards, animal shelters always welcome these types of supplies.

If redecorating is on your agenda. Furniture bargains can be found. Most stores will be introducing new lines in February so they are anxious to make room.

Remember, the bigger the chain or department store, the bigger the savings. Try to hit the big box stores first to save the most.
In the grocery store, combine your coupons for extra savings on soda, chocolate candy, diet food, and frozen foods.

Last time I explained how important it is to have you coupons organized. Now, it’s time to put that order to good use when you make your shopping list. You should always make a list. This will keep you on track at the store. Have the supermarket circulars handy; I find it’s easiest to compile a list for each store I frequent. This way you can compare prices especially if two or more are having a sale on the same item. You’ll be able to know where to go for the best price.

After your lists are made, look for corresponding coupons that match the sales. Put these coupons in the front of your coupon carrier’s product category section for ease of finding. (This also helps you if your store is out of an item or you change your mind; your coupons are still in the same place they should be for future use).

Bring along reusable bags to the supermarket when possible. Many stores will give you a credit towards your total bill anywhere from 2¢ – 10¢ for each bag.

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Georgine Saves In December

In Georgine Saves Blogs on December 10, 2012 at 4:42 pm

 

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Here are some tips for saving in December from Georgine-

December means The Holidays. In addition to the gifts and menu items on your list, here is what will typically be on sale this festive, hustle-bustle month:

Of course, you’ll find specials on toys and electronics. Be sure to check your store’s policies. If you purchase something at a higher price you may be able to return it for a price comparison if you show proof of another store’s sale price. If you see a must-have item, buy it, you can always exchange or return it at a later date (a bird in hand…).

Appliances such as dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, toasters, and blenders will all go on sale due to gift-giving and entertaining.

You’ll get a great price on a 2012 car too as the dealers want to really show off the 2013’s.

You can snag a good price on a wedding gown because these types of dresses take a back seat to other styles of holiday formal-wear.

Compare prices at the liquor stores because you can get a good price on the bubbly for New Years Eve champagne. Prices will be lowered due to competition.

Hardware stores will be vying for your attention with gadgets, tools, and other items to make your decorating easier and brighter.

In the grocery store, always combine your coupons with sales on these items that will assist you in your holiday entertaining: butter, cheese, flour, sugar, yeast, chocolate chips, baking chocolate, condensed milk, cooking oil, pie crusts, dough, dinner rolls, frozen pies, cake mixes and frosting, pie filling, refrigerated cookie dough, spices, nuts, dried fruits, oatmeal, and ham. (Don’t forget to check Internet coupons and actual websites of products you will be using for extra coupons.)

Speaking of coupons, the best advice I can give is to be organized You will quickly lose all your energy and zest for this wonderful saving device if you cannot locate the coupon you need quickly. Start with a shoe box, accordion file, binder, or whatever you find easiest to use. Then, sort your coupons into categories. There is no right or wrong way to do this. It is a matter of personal preference. The main idea is a category that will help you find what you are looking for. It can be a broad label such as Health & Beauty Aids or as specific as: shampoo, toothpaste, mouth wash, etc. Whatever works for you is the best choice. Once your coupons are sorted you can pull them to match the sales. Watch the expiration dates. This can be a full time job because there is no rhyme or reason to this. Each coupon has a unique date. If you have a small amount of coupons you can control this easily. If you are like me, with an over abundance this chore can be over whelming. I find it’s easier to check the dates as I pull the coupons out for shopping rather than setting aside a special time to do this tedious job.

Enjoy the frenzy that’s coming Stay safe and healthy and save.

 

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