by admin on August 4, 2007

Thrifty Shopping Rules to Live By
Shopping for discounts takes planning, know-how, and skill. How can you become an expert at discount shopping? The following tips and tricks can help you get started on the path to frugal living.
1. Never Pay Retail
The one thing that all thrifty shoppers have in common is an aversion to retail prices. Why pay full price when you can always hold out for a better deal? The number one rule of discount shopping is to avoid paying retail price for items that regularly go on sale. Sure, you might end up buying bread or canned beans at standard store prices, but you should always shop around. If it costs too much, don’t buy it. You might have to wait awhile, but it will inevitably go on sale at an unbeatable price.
2. Learn to Love Coupons
Have you ever noticed how some people seem embarrassed about using coupons? Maybe these people simply haven’t figured out how much money coupons can save. Clipping coupons can add up to big savings to major discounts on everything from household products to groceries, so learn to embrace the power of the coupon.
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by admin on August 4, 2007
Coupons are one of the most important tools frugal shoppers have for saving money on everything from groceries to gardening supplies. The key to achieving top results involves knowing where to look to find the best coupons, especially for the things you buy on regular basis. While each coupon may only amount to a few cents in savings, these small amounts can literally lead up to thousands of dollars each year. Check out some of the following sources to find the best coupons for your shopping needs.
1. Your Local Sunday Paper
Most weekend papers arrive stuffed to the brim with great savings. In addition to local store ads, you’ll also find great weekly circulars featuring coupons for a wide variety of items. What if you’re not a subscriber? Picking up the Sunday paper at your local newsstand is well worth the price considering the substantial savings you can achieve, but you can also pick up free copies from friends and family once they are finished reading their copies.
2. In-store Ads
Always be sure to pick up a copy of the weekly ad when you are in your favorite shopping haunts. These ads frequently feature excellent coupons on food, health products, household items, and much more. You can also learn about amazing weekly specials, so do not pass up on this great opportunity to save.
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by admin on August 4, 2007

Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to save money. If you’re trying to save money on your grocery bill and eating expenses, focus on creating home-cooked meals whenever possible rather than overspending on takeout meals and delivery pizza. This cost-cutting step can literally save hundreds of dollar each year, even if you only cook a few nights each week.
But home-cooked meals aren’t always so budget-friendly. How can you save money in the kitchen while still preparing delicious meals? The following are some of the best frugal cooking tips to get you started on eating well without spending a fortune.
1. Buy Produce in Season
Purchasing fruits and vegetables that are in season is one of the best ways to trim your grocery bill. Not only is this produce less expensive; it’s tastier, too! How can you learn which fruits and veggies are in season? Start by inquiring next time you are in the produce section of your local grocery store, although prices are often a dead giveaway. Instead of paying too much for one kind of fruit that is out of season, opt for a more affordable alternative that is in season.
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by admin on August 3, 2007

Shopping for clothes can be a frustrating and expensive endeavor and living on a strict budge may cause shopping options to seem limited. “We buy all of our clothes at Wal-Mart!” my friend’s daughter recently exclaimed when I complemented her shirt. “Yes,” her mother replied uncomfortably, “but we tell people that we bought them at Macy’s!”
With a little creativity, shopping savvy, and frugal thinking, you won’t feel the need to fib about where you bought your favorite outfit, or how much you paid. Check out these top ten ways to save money on clothing to discover how you can look fabulous without blowing your budget.
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by admin on August 2, 2007

So your casserole bubbled over and now it’s a baked-on mess inside your oven. Whether you’re a regular cook or just the occasional cook, it doesn’t take long for your oven to get dirty. Regular cleaning is the best way to avoid future problems, but getting a spotless oven doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Even though I have a self-cleaning oven, I usually just do the work the old-fashioned way. Why? The self-cleaning process can take hours and only adds to my utility bill. With the right products and a little elbow grease, you can get a clean oven without breaking the bank.
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