Any way you can save a few extra dollars is great if you ask me. It's not my intent to become another site that consistently offers this information. In my opinion, there are sites that do this much better than I could, like the Penny Pinchin' Mom. Time and again, she is an excellent resource for printable coupons, coupon match-ups with weekly sales ads, and other deals. No point in reinventing the wheel. If you're on Facebook, be sure to "like" her to get in on the deals. If not, you can subscribe to her feed. If you're serious about saving money, this is a resource you can't do without.
Savvy shopping happens when you prepare. If you like to have date nights with someone special, or would like a discount on boutique products and services, subscribing to a service like Groupon, Spreesy, or other services like that can offer a significant savings. I've seen deals ranging from gourmet dog treats to teeth whitening and laser hair removal. You can also find some good restaurant deals, too. Like any other shopping venture, don't buy it unless you intend to use it. By the way, you can also purchase these deals and send them as gifts if you choose.
Each site has its own terms and conditions; some deals may have additional restrictions. Read the fine print before you buy, but enjoy the savings, too!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Stretching Your Grocery Budget
It's no surprise that many of us are looking to save money and cut back wherever we can. Since groceries can be a large part of your budget, I wanted to pass on some good news. What if I told you that you could purchase food for a family of four that would last about a week and only spend about $31 (plus tax)? And what if I told you that this was first-quality, restaurant-grade food, not seconds, day-old, or fresh produce that would need to be used immediately? Would you believe me?
It's true.
The service is Angel Food Ministries. They have been around since 1994 and started in Georgia. They now have host sites throughout the country; you can find one close to you through the search feature on their site. This is how it works: you order and prepay for the food boxes you would like -- and there are plenty to choose from, including a food box that is allergen free. Then, you pick up your food on the designated pick-up day at your host site. There are no applications or income restrictions. What's also great is that they accept food stamps for people who are on assistance, making their food stamp dollars stretch even further.
I encourage you to check it out. Right now, Angel Food Ministries is also accepting advance orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will be delivered in November and December respectively. Even if you don't want to participate in Angel Food Ministries' program for your own grocery needs, consider purchasing a gift card that you or your church can pass along to someone in need. Angel Food Ministries gladly welcomes everyone to participate in their program.
It's true.
The service is Angel Food Ministries. They have been around since 1994 and started in Georgia. They now have host sites throughout the country; you can find one close to you through the search feature on their site. This is how it works: you order and prepay for the food boxes you would like -- and there are plenty to choose from, including a food box that is allergen free. Then, you pick up your food on the designated pick-up day at your host site. There are no applications or income restrictions. What's also great is that they accept food stamps for people who are on assistance, making their food stamp dollars stretch even further.
I encourage you to check it out. Right now, Angel Food Ministries is also accepting advance orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will be delivered in November and December respectively. Even if you don't want to participate in Angel Food Ministries' program for your own grocery needs, consider purchasing a gift card that you or your church can pass along to someone in need. Angel Food Ministries gladly welcomes everyone to participate in their program.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
You Can Still Plant Some Veggies ... Really!
It's that time of year again... the temperatures start to cool down, and you can smell a hint of Fall in the breeze. I enjoy warm weather, but I also look forward to seasons changing. And this is the time of year you can get in one last planting of some quick-growing veggies before the first frost sets in.
Remember those intentions you had at the beginning of the year to plant a garden? If Spring and Summer got away from you, now is your chance to make use of the seeds. (A side note: if you don't think you will plant this year, stick the seeds in the freezer so that you have them available for next year. Most seeds have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, but the freezer helps prolong that.) If you didn't till a garden plot, just grab a few pots and some good quality organic potting soil. Plants like lettuce, spinach, radishes and onions should still have time to mature. The sunlight is still warm enough to help the seeds grow, and the evenings are cooler -- something that these early crops prefer.
Don't want to take the time to plant? Don't let the seeds go to waste! Sprout them in a mason jar and add them to salads and sandwiches. Radish sprouts have a spicy flavor. Broccoli sprouts are full of wonderful micro nutrients that are beneficial to your body. Bean sprouts are a great addition to stir-fry dishes. If you've never sprouted seeds before, try a seed sprouting kit like the ones below. The cost more than pays for itself if you make sprouting a part of your healthy diet.
Happy planting!
Remember those intentions you had at the beginning of the year to plant a garden? If Spring and Summer got away from you, now is your chance to make use of the seeds. (A side note: if you don't think you will plant this year, stick the seeds in the freezer so that you have them available for next year. Most seeds have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, but the freezer helps prolong that.) If you didn't till a garden plot, just grab a few pots and some good quality organic potting soil. Plants like lettuce, spinach, radishes and onions should still have time to mature. The sunlight is still warm enough to help the seeds grow, and the evenings are cooler -- something that these early crops prefer.
Don't want to take the time to plant? Don't let the seeds go to waste! Sprout them in a mason jar and add them to salads and sandwiches. Radish sprouts have a spicy flavor. Broccoli sprouts are full of wonderful micro nutrients that are beneficial to your body. Bean sprouts are a great addition to stir-fry dishes. If you've never sprouted seeds before, try a seed sprouting kit like the ones below. The cost more than pays for itself if you make sprouting a part of your healthy diet.
Happy planting!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Penny Pinchin' Menu Pick 9-4-2010
For those of you looking for this week's recipe, here it is. We're having a few technical problems. Thanks for your patience!
Beef Stroganoff
I love this recipe – it’s a great way to stretch a budget without feeling like that’s what you’re trying to cut corners. If you are using a cut of beef that isn’t very tender, slice the beef and soak it in ½ cup red wine for a couple of hours (or overnight). The acid will tenderize the meat and add great flavor to the dish. Don’t want to use wine? Try unsweetened grape juice! Also, the recipe will taste better if you use a drinking wine instead of a cooking wine. Using baby portabella mushrooms instead of white mushrooms will add to the “meaty” texture of the dish.
1½ pounds beef (round steak works well)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup beef broth
½ cup red wine or unsweetened grape juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
½ cup thinly sliced onion
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 package wide egg noodles, cooked
Partially freeze beef to make it easier to slice. Slice beef into strips that are about ¼ inch thick and 1½ inches long. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent, then add the beef. Brown the beef in the skillet. Add the wine to the skillet; cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until beef is cooked through and tender.
Mix the broth and corn starch together until the mixture is smooth – heating the broth will make this easier. Add the broth mixture to the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Heat the skillet until the liquids are boiling, stirring constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sour cream and pepper. Return the skillet to low heat and keep warm. Serve over cooked noodles.
Beef Stroganoff
I love this recipe – it’s a great way to stretch a budget without feeling like that’s what you’re trying to cut corners. If you are using a cut of beef that isn’t very tender, slice the beef and soak it in ½ cup red wine for a couple of hours (or overnight). The acid will tenderize the meat and add great flavor to the dish. Don’t want to use wine? Try unsweetened grape juice! Also, the recipe will taste better if you use a drinking wine instead of a cooking wine. Using baby portabella mushrooms instead of white mushrooms will add to the “meaty” texture of the dish.
1½ pounds beef (round steak works well)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup beef broth
½ cup red wine or unsweetened grape juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
½ cup thinly sliced onion
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 package wide egg noodles, cooked
Partially freeze beef to make it easier to slice. Slice beef into strips that are about ¼ inch thick and 1½ inches long. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent, then add the beef. Brown the beef in the skillet. Add the wine to the skillet; cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until beef is cooked through and tender.
Mix the broth and corn starch together until the mixture is smooth – heating the broth will make this easier. Add the broth mixture to the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Heat the skillet until the liquids are boiling, stirring constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sour cream and pepper. Return the skillet to low heat and keep warm. Serve over cooked noodles.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Looking for Some Extra Cash?
I know, most of us would answer a resounding "YES" to that question. After all, we are quickly approaching the Holiday season, and back-to-school always seems to cost more than it did the year before. Wouldn't it be nice to get through the season without using credit? Even if you haven't budgeted for it (don't feel guilty -- most people don't save for this time of year and just 'wing it'), you still might be able to make some extra money between now and then to lighten the plastic load.
Mystery Shopping
It is possible to earn money as a mystery shopper, but it is also very easy to be taken advantage of while you are new to mystery shopping and looking for jobs. I've written a more comprehensive article about mystery shopping here. A legitimate mystery shopping company will not ask for a fee. Be aware that some companies do not pay for a completed job for up to 60 days. Learn the payment terms before you accept an assignment. And as always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Online Surveys
This is another scam-prone industry. Yes, you can make some money, but my experience is that the cash flow from this is limited. A survey that takes 30 minutes and pays $1.50 isn't necessarily worth my time. There are some reputable companies out there, but plan on spending a fair amount of time looking for surveys for which you are eligible.
Garage Sale
You probably have stuff around your house that you don't need or use anymore. Before the weather gets blustery, take a weekend to see what you can sell. Price things reasonably, and be ready to bargain. As an extra money-maker, think about selling hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The smell of food on the grill might even keep shoppers around a little longer. As an extra decluttering measure, call a charity to pick up whatever doesn't sell the following week. Keep an itemized list to take a tax deduction. If you don't want to donate everything, try selling your unwanteds on Craigslist.
Pick Up Extra Work
Perhaps you have a few extra hours a week you can dedicate to work. Even if you can't find a part-time job, create your own. Offer babysitting services or become a pet nanny to people who are going to be out of town. If you have a knack for organizing, offer to help people organize their office, kitchen, etc., for an hourly rate. Figure out what you like to do, then brainstorm about ways to make money with it.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to set a goal and press through. I know you can do it!
Mystery Shopping
It is possible to earn money as a mystery shopper, but it is also very easy to be taken advantage of while you are new to mystery shopping and looking for jobs. I've written a more comprehensive article about mystery shopping here. A legitimate mystery shopping company will not ask for a fee. Be aware that some companies do not pay for a completed job for up to 60 days. Learn the payment terms before you accept an assignment. And as always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Online Surveys
This is another scam-prone industry. Yes, you can make some money, but my experience is that the cash flow from this is limited. A survey that takes 30 minutes and pays $1.50 isn't necessarily worth my time. There are some reputable companies out there, but plan on spending a fair amount of time looking for surveys for which you are eligible.
Garage Sale
You probably have stuff around your house that you don't need or use anymore. Before the weather gets blustery, take a weekend to see what you can sell. Price things reasonably, and be ready to bargain. As an extra money-maker, think about selling hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The smell of food on the grill might even keep shoppers around a little longer. As an extra decluttering measure, call a charity to pick up whatever doesn't sell the following week. Keep an itemized list to take a tax deduction. If you don't want to donate everything, try selling your unwanteds on Craigslist.
Pick Up Extra Work
Perhaps you have a few extra hours a week you can dedicate to work. Even if you can't find a part-time job, create your own. Offer babysitting services or become a pet nanny to people who are going to be out of town. If you have a knack for organizing, offer to help people organize their office, kitchen, etc., for an hourly rate. Figure out what you like to do, then brainstorm about ways to make money with it.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to set a goal and press through. I know you can do it!
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