With rising gas prices the cost of buying groceries is going up too. Finding ways to save on your grocery bill seems to get harder, as the most important items on your list like milk, eggs, butter is going up faster then the other items. My spouse and I try to live off of $30 a week, it is not easy to stay in that range.
Where I found the best values for our money, was to shop at a few different places. The first one I like to shop at is this little butcher shop that sells fresh meat in bulk. Boneless chicken can cost up to $3.99 and more depending on where you shop. At the butchers I can buy a ten pound bag for $2.00 a pound, saving me $1.00 per pound. The ground hamburger which is sold in 5 pound bag I save the same way. Instead of paying $2.99, I pay $1.99. Pork too is cheaper in this butcher market then the big grocery.
The key here is, I received a seal a meal for Christmas. I divide the meats into servings for the two of us, seal each serving and place it into the freezer. With the Chicken, the breasts are usually huge, allowing us to eat one cutting it in half per meal. With the Chicken, last time I bought it I was able to freeze 20 individual pieces. The beef, I was able to freeze 10 packages for the two of us. Now I have a month to a month and a half worth of meat for the around $35.00 with tax. Being my spouse works mostly afternoons we have dinner together maybe 4 or 5 times a week.
For the vegetables, I find the local growers are much more cheaper then the grocer. I blanch or steam the vegetables and seal them after cooled. As I need the vegetables I just take them from the freezer. Canned vegetables, I find for me, have been cheaper at the discount grocer Aldi. I can buy a months worth of canned vegetables, cereal, bread, and dairy items for about $45.00.
I have been trying to find better ways to save on groceries as my spouse had to take employment at half the pay due to medical reasons of being epileptic. He was not permitted to drive a commercial truck as his medication levels were too unstable after his last episode. Lunch meat, for lunches, we found are cheaper at our local party store then the big grocer deli. We pay almost half price, for lunch meat and cheese with our local party store. All this with clipping those coupons, helps keep some money back in our pockets. Also to find cheaper ways of making our favorite dishes helps as well. Hope this helps someone out with cutting your grocery bill in this day and age.
Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Electronics and Saving Money
So you have your eye on a new digital camera, computer, or printer. Before you head out to the store and purchase that new item that you been wanting for so long, there maybe a way to cut some dollars off that bill.
I will use the example of my fathers printer/fax machine. My father had been wanting one for some time. He waited until the Christmas sales, he checked all the ads, and when he found one, he was going to head out the door. I stopped him with the paper in his hand, and asked him would he want to say a little more money if he could. “Of Course” was his reply.
I went online and checked the website online specials. They offered the same items, some a little cheaper. Then I logged onto www.couponmountain.com, here I found a special coupon to save him an additional $10. The key was the sales online started at midnight with limited quantities. I stayed up when midnight hit, I placed an online order for his printer for $40.00, used the coupon for $10, plus there was a mail in rebate for $10. The end cost, $20 for a regular $60.00 printer. I went to the store with my E receipt and picked up his new printer. Needless to say he was very happy.
The coupons you can find on this site range for just about any store from Best Buy to Flower shops. Anything you can find online, there is probably a money saving coupon on there for you to put back money into your pocket. Today I found coupon for 40% off digital cameras, imagine saving 40%, a $179.00 camera for $129, sounds good to me. There are more valuable coupons to be found for your favorite store.
The only thing with this online coupon site is, that you have to purchase online. You can pick your items up at the store, or have them shipped. Some stores offer free shipping along with using the coupon. Another place where I bought my spouse a down winter coat was www.overstock.com. With Michigan’s harsh cold winters, he had no really warm coat. I found a goose down coat, regular price for $140, name brand, I bought for $35.00, paying only $2.99 shipping. My husband says he actually sweats in that coat it is so warm.
I will use the example of my fathers printer/fax machine. My father had been wanting one for some time. He waited until the Christmas sales, he checked all the ads, and when he found one, he was going to head out the door. I stopped him with the paper in his hand, and asked him would he want to say a little more money if he could. “Of Course” was his reply.
I went online and checked the website online specials. They offered the same items, some a little cheaper. Then I logged onto www.couponmountain.com, here I found a special coupon to save him an additional $10. The key was the sales online started at midnight with limited quantities. I stayed up when midnight hit, I placed an online order for his printer for $40.00, used the coupon for $10, plus there was a mail in rebate for $10. The end cost, $20 for a regular $60.00 printer. I went to the store with my E receipt and picked up his new printer. Needless to say he was very happy.
The coupons you can find on this site range for just about any store from Best Buy to Flower shops. Anything you can find online, there is probably a money saving coupon on there for you to put back money into your pocket. Today I found coupon for 40% off digital cameras, imagine saving 40%, a $179.00 camera for $129, sounds good to me. There are more valuable coupons to be found for your favorite store.
The only thing with this online coupon site is, that you have to purchase online. You can pick your items up at the store, or have them shipped. Some stores offer free shipping along with using the coupon. Another place where I bought my spouse a down winter coat was www.overstock.com. With Michigan’s harsh cold winters, he had no really warm coat. I found a goose down coat, regular price for $140, name brand, I bought for $35.00, paying only $2.99 shipping. My husband says he actually sweats in that coat it is so warm.
Cutting the Utility Bills
Times are getting harder and money is getting tighter. Every family is trying to figure out how to cut back and how to save money. With winter around the corner, the addition of a gas bill for some is going to hurt the pocket book. There are ways to cut back those utilities.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that appliances still draw energy even though they are switched off. We all heard the term electricity vampires, well these electricity Vampires are: Kitchen appliances, Stereos, and televisions. It also states that 75 % of homes usage of power is consumed when appliances are turned off.
Electric: Change your standard light bulbs to the new energy efficient spiral ones. Use LED night lights at night instead of the bulb night lights. Start by unplugging appliances not in use such as microwave, toaster, and coffee machine. Power strip is a good idea you can simply turn it off cutting power to those appliances not in use all together. Below are some common house hold appliances,the energy and cost they use, if left on 100% of the time. Also, when not in a room turn them lights off. More appliances can be found at: http://www.psnh.com/Residential/ReduceBill/Applianceusage.asp
Ceiling fan w/o lights: $1.31
Ceiling fan w lights :$5.98 (using 3-60 watt standard bulbs)
microwave 1500 watt : $2.19
Toaster Oven; $1.46
Television 27 inch: $2.19
Cable Converter box: $3.64
Computer Monitor:$4.66
With winter coming, many of us will have a high gas bill heating our homes. Identify your drafty areas, on a windy day, using a lit incense stick slowly move it around windows, outlets, and doors. Once you located your leaks fix them.
1. Windows: Shrink fitting window plastic. Seal up all windows, to keep cold air out and warm air in.
2. Outside: Remove old deteriorating caulking around windows and doors and replace with new caulk. For cement, fill in with masonry sealer. If you have storm window, put them up. Replace any foam stripping around windows that is corroded.
3. Outlet: Outlet gaskets, these gaskets go behind your outlet cover eliminating drafts. These are for the plugs and switches.
4. Doors: Sliding patio doors: Seal up with shrink window plastic. Using these doors allows more cold air to enter your home during winter then the standard door. Regular doors, when closed place a rolled up long rolled up towel to eliminate drafts. Inspect the foam around the door Jamb. Replace if necessary.
5. Temperature: Keeping your thermostat at a lower temperature will help cut that gas bill. Turn it down, dress a little warmer. We keep our home at 68, during the day, and before bed we turn it 65. Any higher for us, is uncomfortable.
6. Furnace: Before winter make sure your furnace is working properly with no leaks that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In your mail, you can find coupons for tune ups from your local heating and cooling places. Make sure your filter is clean and not dirty.
7. Alarm devices: Check those batteries in the fire detector and CO2 detector
8. Ceiling fans: Switch on to reverse, this allows the ceiling fan to push the warm air down and circulate more.
These are some things we do to keep our utilities down. Also at night, if we are just watching a television show, or movie, we do not keep lights on. Each room has its own LED night light which gives us plenty of light to walk around. On average in the summer using our window air unit, our electric bill was $40.00 at the highest. In the winter months, using all the tips above our highest gas bill was $65.00. Another tip for the summer months, when not using the gas to heat our home, we had a $17.00 gas bill, just for the pilot running. Shut off your pilot light to your furnace. If you do not know how, ask a neighbor or someone at the hardware store. This may eliminate that extra cost in the summer. When not in use, turn it off. Below I listed more sites with tips to keep your bills down.
Energy : http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_office.html, http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040
Winterizing: http://realestate.msn.com/improve/article2.aspx?cp-documentid=1061006
The U.S. Department of Energy states that appliances still draw energy even though they are switched off. We all heard the term electricity vampires, well these electricity Vampires are: Kitchen appliances, Stereos, and televisions. It also states that 75 % of homes usage of power is consumed when appliances are turned off.
Electric: Change your standard light bulbs to the new energy efficient spiral ones. Use LED night lights at night instead of the bulb night lights. Start by unplugging appliances not in use such as microwave, toaster, and coffee machine. Power strip is a good idea you can simply turn it off cutting power to those appliances not in use all together. Below are some common house hold appliances,the energy and cost they use, if left on 100% of the time. Also, when not in a room turn them lights off. More appliances can be found at: http://www.psnh.com/Residential/ReduceBill/Applianceusage.asp
Ceiling fan w/o lights: $1.31
Ceiling fan w lights :$5.98 (using 3-60 watt standard bulbs)
microwave 1500 watt : $2.19
Toaster Oven; $1.46
Television 27 inch: $2.19
Cable Converter box: $3.64
Computer Monitor:$4.66
With winter coming, many of us will have a high gas bill heating our homes. Identify your drafty areas, on a windy day, using a lit incense stick slowly move it around windows, outlets, and doors. Once you located your leaks fix them.
1. Windows: Shrink fitting window plastic. Seal up all windows, to keep cold air out and warm air in.
2. Outside: Remove old deteriorating caulking around windows and doors and replace with new caulk. For cement, fill in with masonry sealer. If you have storm window, put them up. Replace any foam stripping around windows that is corroded.
3. Outlet: Outlet gaskets, these gaskets go behind your outlet cover eliminating drafts. These are for the plugs and switches.
4. Doors: Sliding patio doors: Seal up with shrink window plastic. Using these doors allows more cold air to enter your home during winter then the standard door. Regular doors, when closed place a rolled up long rolled up towel to eliminate drafts. Inspect the foam around the door Jamb. Replace if necessary.
5. Temperature: Keeping your thermostat at a lower temperature will help cut that gas bill. Turn it down, dress a little warmer. We keep our home at 68, during the day, and before bed we turn it 65. Any higher for us, is uncomfortable.
6. Furnace: Before winter make sure your furnace is working properly with no leaks that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In your mail, you can find coupons for tune ups from your local heating and cooling places. Make sure your filter is clean and not dirty.
7. Alarm devices: Check those batteries in the fire detector and CO2 detector
8. Ceiling fans: Switch on to reverse, this allows the ceiling fan to push the warm air down and circulate more.
These are some things we do to keep our utilities down. Also at night, if we are just watching a television show, or movie, we do not keep lights on. Each room has its own LED night light which gives us plenty of light to walk around. On average in the summer using our window air unit, our electric bill was $40.00 at the highest. In the winter months, using all the tips above our highest gas bill was $65.00. Another tip for the summer months, when not using the gas to heat our home, we had a $17.00 gas bill, just for the pilot running. Shut off your pilot light to your furnace. If you do not know how, ask a neighbor or someone at the hardware store. This may eliminate that extra cost in the summer. When not in use, turn it off. Below I listed more sites with tips to keep your bills down.
Energy : http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_office.html, http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040
Winterizing: http://realestate.msn.com/improve/article2.aspx?cp-documentid=1061006
Home Improvement :Painting on a Budget
When we first moved into our new townhouse, the entire place was painted flat white. It felt cold and looked like an institution. We went out to buy paint, we got lucky and found the perfect color in the clearance area for $5.00. The regular price was $23.00. The color may not have been what the other person wanted, but it was a warm neutral beige, just the color we were looking for to paint our living room. I was happy with the end results of a more cozy welcoming feel.
The bathroom was done by the complex, in a gorgeous ceramic tile, biscotti in color. The tub area was even done with ceramic tile giving it a upscale look, the problem was the flat white paint. Every time we walked in, it was nothing short of the feeling you get when you walk into a hospital bathroom.
Being tight on money, I thought hard on how to make it look more appealing. The solution was stripes. I ran the idea past my husband who turned it down saying it would look “stupid”. I convinced him to let me give it a try, if he hated it, I would paint it solid. Winning my argument, my spouse and I taped off every other ceramic tile which measured 12 3/4 inches. Prepping the outside area with a brush, I then rolled on the soft brown paint in the alternating strips. Immediately the tape must come down, otherwise, the newly dried paint could peel off with tape removal.
I loved the look, but it was missing something. I picked apart a fake flower arrangement that had weird items in it such as turkey feathers, and placed them into a large oval basket, setting it on top of my cabinet behind the toilet. I then took a small palm and placed it onto the vanity along with a large star fish. Stepping back and taking a look at my newly painted stripe bathroom, I was pleased, as it has a spa like feeling now. The cost to warm up my bathroom: one quart of paint for $9.99.
To change the look of your home doesn’t have to be costly. Check the clearance racks near the paint departments. Often enough you can find paint marked down as low as $3.00 depending on brand and color. Another place to search for items to change the look of your home is, Habitat For Humanity resale stores. They are given donations of paint, fixtures, and cabinets. All proceeds go toward building homes sponsored by Habitat For Humanity. I found paint at their resale store as low as $2.00, but they are not completely full gallons of paint. Another example of a great find is, my sister seen a new vanity with faux marble top at the store near her for only $15.00. You can find bargains to help warm up your home if you have a tight budget and at the same time help out Habitat for Humanity.
The bathroom was done by the complex, in a gorgeous ceramic tile, biscotti in color. The tub area was even done with ceramic tile giving it a upscale look, the problem was the flat white paint. Every time we walked in, it was nothing short of the feeling you get when you walk into a hospital bathroom.
Being tight on money, I thought hard on how to make it look more appealing. The solution was stripes. I ran the idea past my husband who turned it down saying it would look “stupid”. I convinced him to let me give it a try, if he hated it, I would paint it solid. Winning my argument, my spouse and I taped off every other ceramic tile which measured 12 3/4 inches. Prepping the outside area with a brush, I then rolled on the soft brown paint in the alternating strips. Immediately the tape must come down, otherwise, the newly dried paint could peel off with tape removal.
I loved the look, but it was missing something. I picked apart a fake flower arrangement that had weird items in it such as turkey feathers, and placed them into a large oval basket, setting it on top of my cabinet behind the toilet. I then took a small palm and placed it onto the vanity along with a large star fish. Stepping back and taking a look at my newly painted stripe bathroom, I was pleased, as it has a spa like feeling now. The cost to warm up my bathroom: one quart of paint for $9.99.
To change the look of your home doesn’t have to be costly. Check the clearance racks near the paint departments. Often enough you can find paint marked down as low as $3.00 depending on brand and color. Another place to search for items to change the look of your home is, Habitat For Humanity resale stores. They are given donations of paint, fixtures, and cabinets. All proceeds go toward building homes sponsored by Habitat For Humanity. I found paint at their resale store as low as $2.00, but they are not completely full gallons of paint. Another example of a great find is, my sister seen a new vanity with faux marble top at the store near her for only $15.00. You can find bargains to help warm up your home if you have a tight budget and at the same time help out Habitat for Humanity.
Online Gift Cards and Eating Out
If you like to go out for dinner, but money is becoming tighter, there is one option to help you go out to eat. Whether it is for a birthday or anniversary, or just because, this site will help you out. The website, Restaurant.com. It was my mother-in-laws birthday, and we didn’t have enough to take her to a nicer restaurant, on that site, I was able to purchase an online gift card of $25, and only pay $10. The website lists local restaurants in your area varying from BBQ, to pubs offering tasty dishes. Anything you can imagine, Chinese, pizza, fish, BBQ, to regular bar that serves up legendary burgers.
I thought it was too good to be true, so I gave it a try. It was easy to use, I simply typed in my zip code, and searched the several pages of participating restaurants, until I found the one I wanted. The gift cards range in price from a $10 you pay $3, $25 you pay $10, and $50 you pay $20. There is one thing, a minimum purchase is required usually in the amount of $35 for a $25 gift card, but using these online gift cards you can get a meal free. When you find a restaurant you like, simply click on the gift card option you want, purchase it, then print it.
We searched the listings and found a BBQ restaurant we always wanted to try. I purchased an gift card of $25, paying only $10, printed it. We got to the restaurant, and ordered our rib dinner. When we got our bill, we handed the printed gift card,( which your paper will have the restaurant name, the dollar amount of gift card, and bar code), to the waitress, she came back with the $25.00 taken off. No hassles, what so ever. Our bill was $35.00 minus the $25, came out to $10 . Keep in mine you spend $10 to buy gift card, so end cost $20 for 3 people, for a $35 meal including drinks(non alcohol is what we had). Still saving $15.00, on your meal, not bad for 3 people. It is so easy, why not try it and enjoy a dinner out tonight, search, buy, and print.
I thought it was too good to be true, so I gave it a try. It was easy to use, I simply typed in my zip code, and searched the several pages of participating restaurants, until I found the one I wanted. The gift cards range in price from a $10 you pay $3, $25 you pay $10, and $50 you pay $20. There is one thing, a minimum purchase is required usually in the amount of $35 for a $25 gift card, but using these online gift cards you can get a meal free. When you find a restaurant you like, simply click on the gift card option you want, purchase it, then print it.
We searched the listings and found a BBQ restaurant we always wanted to try. I purchased an gift card of $25, paying only $10, printed it. We got to the restaurant, and ordered our rib dinner. When we got our bill, we handed the printed gift card,( which your paper will have the restaurant name, the dollar amount of gift card, and bar code), to the waitress, she came back with the $25.00 taken off. No hassles, what so ever. Our bill was $35.00 minus the $25, came out to $10 . Keep in mine you spend $10 to buy gift card, so end cost $20 for 3 people, for a $35 meal including drinks(non alcohol is what we had). Still saving $15.00, on your meal, not bad for 3 people. It is so easy, why not try it and enjoy a dinner out tonight, search, buy, and print.
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