by admin on February 29, 2008
Does a quick trip to the grocery store leave you feeling like you’ve endured a highway robbery? If so, maybe it’s time to explore some new ways to cut down on your grocery bill. If your usual shopping strategy is just not working, start considering some of the many ways that you can reduce your grocery bill each week and each month.
According to Money magazine, the average American spends nearly $6,000 a year on food, and 14 percent of what we buy ends up going to waste. We crave foods that are quick and convenient, but our pocketbooks feel the pain of our unwise grocery spending.
While it may take a little extra time and effort, the payoff can be huge. For example, a family of 4 that spends $700 a month at the grocery store is paying a whopping $8,400 a year on groceries. If this grocery spending could be cut down to $400 a month, it would amount to a yearly savings of $3,600.
Fortunately, cutting down your grocery bill doesn’t mean subsisting on beans, rice and Ramen noodles. Whether you’re a picky foodie or a microwave chef, try using some of the following tips to reduce spending on your next trip to the grocery store.
by admin on February 27, 2008
How to Make Your Own Floor Cleaner
Scrubbing floors with hard chemical cleaners or mopping with expensive products can be frustrating, expensive, and dangerous. Instead of spending big money on store-bought brands, try making your own floor cleaner with a bit of baking soda as the special ingredient.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
- Bucket of warm water
- Mop
Directions:
Add baking soda and liquid dish soap to a bucket of warm water and mix gently. Next, mop floors with mixture to eliminate dirt, stains, and odor.
by admin on February 22, 2008
Dollar stores have become wildly popular in recent years and it’s no wonder why. With thousands of products available for a buck, it’s certainly a price anyone can afford. Before you shop at one of these stores, it’s important to remember that not all buys are a great deal. Check out these tips to help you make the most of your dollar store shopping trips.
Always Compare Prices
A dollar for things such as shampoo, hand lotion, and snack food items seems like an unbeatable price, but sometimes these deals aren’t as good as they may seem. For example, one of my local dollar stores features a name brand shampoo for $1.05, but I can buy the same product at Wal-Mart for 88 cents.
Consider Product Quality
The merchandise you’ll find at dollar stores can vary greatly. Some stores offer a great selection of name brand items, while other focus on products made specifically for dollar stores. Always inspect products carefully for flaws, condition, and overall quality. If it ‘feels cheap,’ you might be better off spending a little bit more on a similar item from another retailer.
by admin on February 15, 2008
How to Make Your Own Aluminum Silverware Cleaner
Don’t let your silverware get dull-looking. If you have aluminum silverware, just a bit of baking soda and hot water can make your utensils shine.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- Boiling water
Start by placing your silverware in a heat-safe, flat pan. Combine baking soda with a small amount of warm water and pour over the silverware. Slowly pour in enough boiling water to completely cover your silverware and allow the mixture to sit for several hours. Remove silverware from mixture.Wash and dry your silverware as your normally do.
by admin on February 13, 2008
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate your love for that special someone, but showing your affection can come with a hefty price tag is you’re not careful. Fortunately, saying “I love you” doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The best way to show someone how much you care is to create a highly personalized Valentine gift. Spend some time really thinking about what might make the holiday special for your significant other. Does he have a favorite meal you can prepare? Is she in need of a little pampering? If you’re still stumped, check out some of these great frugal ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
by admin on February 9, 2008
College can be expensive, and most students are forced to live on a strict budget. Unfortunately, many students are unprepared for the high level of budgeting that college often requires. Prepare yourself by taking a crash course in frugality, or consider applying a few great tips to help reduce costs and save money. Check out some of these great frugal living tips for students to help cuts costs and get more out of your college funds.
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