Archive for the ‘Main’ Category

Everything is getting more expensive today. From gas to groceries, our hard-earned dollars are challenged to stretch further. Now, we may be able to ride a bicycle around town if we can’t put gas in our cars. But, we have to eat. There’s no getting around that. So, we have to find ways to spend less on groceries while still getting the things that we need to feed ourselves and our families. Here are six money saving tips to try the next time you go grocery shopping. 

1. Clip coupons. They put those in the newspaper for a reason. If there are new items you want to try, use a coupon to get it at a discount. If you like it, you have saved some money. On the other hand, if you don’t take a liking to it, you didn’t pay full price. For me, coupons save an average of ten or more dollars per visit. That’s money in my pocket that I can put towards gas for the car.

2. Buy more staples than prepared foods. It is easier to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, but is it more economical? A large box of macaroni and a block of cheese will make more servings for your family than one box of prepared macaroni and cheese. The next time you go shopping and pick up a box or bag of an already prepared item, ask yourself if you can make that at home for less. If you can, then put that item back in favor of less expensive staples.

3. Buy in bulk. Consider the food items that you use most often. Cereals, meats, vegetables, condiments, juices, and paper products can be bought in bulk usually at a lower price at food warehouses like Costco, BJ’s, and Wal-Mart. If you have a coupon, you’ll save even more money.

4. Don’t shop when you are hungry. This is a definite no-no. Shopping on an empty stomach means that you will pick up more things than you need. You are more likely to pick up that bag of chocolate chip cookies or that box of donuts when the growling gets underway.

5. Take a grocery list with you. This is another protection against picking up things that are too costly. Check your cabinets and the fridge to see what you need and write them down. Remember, the goal is to stick to the list as much as possible.

6. Shop at the same stores. This is more of a frustration reliever. In a new store, you spend most of your time looking for things and walking up and down every aisle, which oftentimes leads to forgetting an item or two. Going to the same store each time makes you more familiar with the prices so you can estimate your bill as you write your grocery list.

Rising prices don’t have to mean a lean dinner table. There are ways to make your food dollar go further and if you take the time to implement the ideas listed above as well as others of your own, you’ll see savings each and every time you shop.

With the desire to curb spending these days, why travel this summer? Spending time at home does not have to be boring – think outside kids activities. With a little imagination your backyard can be a fantastic source of outdoor fun for the whole family.

Splishing and Splashing

Why not turn your backyard into a miniature water park of fun this year? For tiny tots get a kiddie pool and fill it with water. The cost of a larger pool for older kids will easily be covered in the amount of gas you save running to and from the pool, not to mention park fees. Get a sprinkler and let the kids loose. A sprinkler can provide hours of fun for kids. Slip and slide toys can be purchased at any major retail store and are a blast to play on. Don’t forget the water guns and water balloons to round off your wet outside kids activities!

Throw a Backyard Party

One of the best ways to enjoy your yard is to share it with others. Invite some friends over and have a barbecue. Turn your yard into a Hawaiian luau with colored lights and flower decorations. Plan a scavenger hunt involving the kids and adults. Or have a Mexican fiesta night and hang a pinata for the kids. Everything is twice as much fun when friends are involved.

Go Camping at Home

This year camp out in your own backyard. Throw up the tent, build a small fire in the grill and roast hot dogs and/or marshmallows. Stay up late singing songs and telling stories. Enjoy being close to a real bathroom.

Create a Haven at Home

Place comfortable chairs and swings in the yard. Add colorful pillows. Plant flowers for beauty. Find out which flowers butterflies like and plant some of those. Place some bird feeders in the yard. Have some small tables and games like checkers readily available. Fly paper airplanes in the yard. Provide shady areas to relax in – make it restful and enjoyable to be at home. And spend as much time relaxing there as you can.

Plan for Outside Kids Activities

Summer can get very busy so you have to schedule your backyard fun.  If you make a conscious effort to plan ahead, you may be surprised at all the good times you and your kids will have.  Don’t forget to have your kids go on bug hunts, keep nature journals, lay on their backs and sketch the clouds, and put out bird feed.

Your backyard can a wonderful source of fun and entertainment for the kids and the adults.  All it takes is some planning on your part.