Graduation Season is just around the corner. For those of you who did not stock up on towels and toasters during the winter clearances here are a few ideas for inexpensive gifts.
1. Postcards stamped and addressed to the giver that the giver writes things like: Please send cookies. I need chocolate. Study nights require snacks. etc. The graduate can send these back to the giver over the school year and the giver can mail back the requested item. You can limit the items on your postcards and how many postcards you give to what you will be able to afford. And this will spread the cost out over the year so you don't get sticker shock while buying all the graduation gifts.
2. This isn't necessarily inexpensive but gift cards to eating establishments on or near campus are very nice.
3. Graduates who are moving out on their own are really easy. They need everything. Whatever your last great clearance deal was this is a great chance to use it.
4. Gift baskets are always one of my favorite gifts. Depending on what the graduate is planning to do after graduation and what you have in your stockpile a vast variety of themes would be appropriate: snack foods, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry items, groceries, school supplies, movie night, first aid, etc.
5. If you enjoy any crafty hobbies a memory book that just needs pictures inserted would be nice. Or a blanket or tote might be appreciated. You really need to know the graduate to know whether this kind of gift would be enjoyed.
6. A roll of quarters and a bottle of laundry detergent is fun and practical.
7. A coupon binder with coupons and information on how to coupon.
8. A small tool kit. If you watch at Menards there will often be tools for free, or almost free, after store rebate. Even living in a dorm sometimes you really need a screwdriver.
9. Encourage "mints" jar. Get a variety of mint candies (whatever you can get a deal on). Print out encouraging scriptures or quotes or just personal messages and cut them out. Wrap one around each mint and put them all in a pretty jar or bowl. You could label the jar or just make a nice little card telling the graduate to have a mint each time he/she needs a little encourage "mint". Cute, cheap, and personal.
Be creative and think outside the box. Graduation season doesn't have to break you :)
Showing posts with label frugal tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Blooming Hydrangea
Check out this great blog The Blooming Hydrangea by my friend Ange. She has some great ideas for decorating on a budget. I have to say I really love the "cloffice". I also like the hallway gallery wall she posted today. I think I might try something similar on my stairway.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Random Tips
1. Use your dryer sheets multiple times. If you have trouble remembering to reuse them you can also cut your dryer sheets in halves or fourths (depending on what works for you) and use the smaller sheets once each. There is more then enough fabric softener on a sheet for multiple loads.
2. Take your own bags to stores that will discount $0.05 per bag. It adds up quickly and I've found my items get squished less in reusable bags. I hate squished bread!
3. Make a list!!!!!!! If you don't have a list you are going to forget something you need which will result in another trip to the store. You will also buy things you don't need because you can't remember if you need them or not. I keep a list on the refrigerator to write things down as I notice I need them and then transfer it to my master list on the computer. I like a typed list because I have terrible handwriting and I don't want to try to decipher it at the store. It also makes it easier to put the items on my list in order of how I walk through the store. I'm less likely to have to backtrack that way.
4. Reuse (clean) torn socks or stained clothes as rags for cleaning. You are throwing them out anyway, you might as well get one more use out of them :)
5. Empty Kleenex boxes are great for holding plastic bags or bread bags and for use as a small garbage for used tissues next to the bed (or sick child). They work great for holding items in the vehicle too.
6. Empty wipes containers are also invaluable. They are great for holding puzzle pieces and other small toys and work great for school and art supplies.
7. Rotate your stock. Make sure you are putting your new food purchases behind your older items. It is extremely irritating to have to throw out an expired item because it got lost in the shuffle.
8. Make double (or triple, or quadruple) when you cook something that will freeze. Making a double batch of soup or casserole, etc. usually doesn't dirty a lot more dishes or make a lot more work but will save you a lot of time when you just need to pull it out of the freezer the next time you want to eat it. Freezing soups and sauces in gallon freezer bags works really well. Lay them flat in the freezer when you initially freeze them. Then they are easy to stack or slide in anywhere. Make sure to label and date your items.
9. Use that bread bag to hold the sandwich you just made for your packed lunch before you throw it out. It was just holding the bread you are going to eat so it is obviously clean enough to hold your sandwich :)
10. Reuse paper. Print your coupons on the backside of whatever paper you can. I print a lot of mine on the back of my home school lesson plans. Colored paper works too if you have flyers or something that are only printed on one side. It doesn't matter what is printed on the back of your coupons. (make sure it isn't anything with personal information on it though)
2. Take your own bags to stores that will discount $0.05 per bag. It adds up quickly and I've found my items get squished less in reusable bags. I hate squished bread!
3. Make a list!!!!!!! If you don't have a list you are going to forget something you need which will result in another trip to the store. You will also buy things you don't need because you can't remember if you need them or not. I keep a list on the refrigerator to write things down as I notice I need them and then transfer it to my master list on the computer. I like a typed list because I have terrible handwriting and I don't want to try to decipher it at the store. It also makes it easier to put the items on my list in order of how I walk through the store. I'm less likely to have to backtrack that way.
4. Reuse (clean) torn socks or stained clothes as rags for cleaning. You are throwing them out anyway, you might as well get one more use out of them :)
5. Empty Kleenex boxes are great for holding plastic bags or bread bags and for use as a small garbage for used tissues next to the bed (or sick child). They work great for holding items in the vehicle too.
6. Empty wipes containers are also invaluable. They are great for holding puzzle pieces and other small toys and work great for school and art supplies.
7. Rotate your stock. Make sure you are putting your new food purchases behind your older items. It is extremely irritating to have to throw out an expired item because it got lost in the shuffle.
8. Make double (or triple, or quadruple) when you cook something that will freeze. Making a double batch of soup or casserole, etc. usually doesn't dirty a lot more dishes or make a lot more work but will save you a lot of time when you just need to pull it out of the freezer the next time you want to eat it. Freezing soups and sauces in gallon freezer bags works really well. Lay them flat in the freezer when you initially freeze them. Then they are easy to stack or slide in anywhere. Make sure to label and date your items.
9. Use that bread bag to hold the sandwich you just made for your packed lunch before you throw it out. It was just holding the bread you are going to eat so it is obviously clean enough to hold your sandwich :)
10. Reuse paper. Print your coupons on the backside of whatever paper you can. I print a lot of mine on the back of my home school lesson plans. Colored paper works too if you have flyers or something that are only printed on one side. It doesn't matter what is printed on the back of your coupons. (make sure it isn't anything with personal information on it though)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Frugal Brithday Parties (or other parties)
The key to having an inexpensive party is to PLAN AHEAD!
1. Decide what kind of party you are having. Are you just inviting your family, your child's classmates, etc. Are you planning to have lunch, dinner, just snacks, or desserts? Do you want to have games or entertainment?
2. Plan a menu. When you have your menu done several weeks in advance you can pick up the items you need as they are on sale in the weeks before your party. I'm also a big believer in foods that can be made ahead of time. Sure it's fun to grill out for the party but then you are busy manning the grill when you could be spending time with your guests. Also, if your food is prepared ahead of time you will be able to have all the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up from the prep work before your guests arrive.
3. Shop year round. If you like to give bags of party favors to your guests or prizes for games you can save a lot of money if you purchase them throughout the year. The Target Dollar Spot is a great place to stock up. When they discount items to 75% off you can buy enough favors for a party for just a couple dollars. They often have themes too like Curious George, Dr. Seuss, or Disney Princess that you can build your party around if you want. After the holidays there will often be clearanced favors that are in holiday packaging but the favors themselves are not holiday themed. That can be a great place for additional savings.
Party items go on clearance periodically just like everything else. If you find some princess party ware you know your child will love go ahead and buy it even if the birthday party is some months away.
4. Pick generic themes. Having a princess themed party is going to be less expensive then having a Disney princess themed party. Having a sports themed party is going to be less expensive then having a Packers party. The various dollar stores are a great place for party ware. They often have plates, cups, etc with various generic themes. If you can't find a theme you like just pick a color that goes with your party. Pink for princess, blue for ocean, etc.
Be creative with your decorations. We had a firefighter party once. I got red tableclothes at the Dollar Store and picked up some firetrucks from the thrift shop. The trucks were less then $1 a piece and made fun centerpieces. And after the party my child had a great time playing with his new collection of fire trucks.
I made this paint palette cake for my little artist. We used plain primary colored party ware and hung her favorite drawings up for everyone to view. It turned out beautiful and everyone loved it. Most of all, she thought it was fabulous and that is what matters.
If you have some Star Wars figurines or Princess dolls use those to decorate with your theme. The chances are good that if your child chooses a theme it's because he/she likes it. So she probably already has toys or pictures that you can use to decorate.
5. Make your own cake. Bakery cakes are beautiful but quite expensive. Making your own cake is not as hard as you think. They don't have to elaborate to be wonderful and make your child very happy. Familyfun.com is a great resource for cakes. They have lots of different ideas with different skill levels and give you step by step instructions on how to make them. I made these sports cakes for my three boys for their group party. They were really easy to decorate and they turned out great. Sorry, the picture was taken before I cleaned the stove :)
6. Don't worry about the Joneses! If your child just came home from a friend's birthday party with $20 in party favors brimming with tales about the elaborate party with clowns and bouncy houses and all the fun money can buy DON'T BE SUCKED IN. You do not have to give this kind of party for your child. Ask your child what they want. Your child may consider a camp out in the front yard with a couple of friends to be far superior to an elaborate crazy party. Find out what your child wants and talk with them about how to make it happen within your budget.
7. Have a gift closet. If your child attends a lot of classmates birthday parties or you have a lot of nieces and nephews (I have 14) you need a gift closet!! Buy toys as they are on sale or clearance throughout the year and put them in your closet. (It doesn't have to be an actual closet I use some Rubbermaid bins.) Then when your child comes home with a birthday invitation let them pick a present for their friend out of the gift closet. You can easily save 50-75% this way. During the school supplies sales stock up on markers, crayons, and paper. These items make great gifts because almost all children like to receive them and they are at rock bottom prices at back to school time.
8. Have fun. Your child is going to remember the fun he or she had at the party not whether or not the invitations matched the plates.
1. Decide what kind of party you are having. Are you just inviting your family, your child's classmates, etc. Are you planning to have lunch, dinner, just snacks, or desserts? Do you want to have games or entertainment?
2. Plan a menu. When you have your menu done several weeks in advance you can pick up the items you need as they are on sale in the weeks before your party. I'm also a big believer in foods that can be made ahead of time. Sure it's fun to grill out for the party but then you are busy manning the grill when you could be spending time with your guests. Also, if your food is prepared ahead of time you will be able to have all the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up from the prep work before your guests arrive.
3. Shop year round. If you like to give bags of party favors to your guests or prizes for games you can save a lot of money if you purchase them throughout the year. The Target Dollar Spot is a great place to stock up. When they discount items to 75% off you can buy enough favors for a party for just a couple dollars. They often have themes too like Curious George, Dr. Seuss, or Disney Princess that you can build your party around if you want. After the holidays there will often be clearanced favors that are in holiday packaging but the favors themselves are not holiday themed. That can be a great place for additional savings.
Party items go on clearance periodically just like everything else. If you find some princess party ware you know your child will love go ahead and buy it even if the birthday party is some months away.
4. Pick generic themes. Having a princess themed party is going to be less expensive then having a Disney princess themed party. Having a sports themed party is going to be less expensive then having a Packers party. The various dollar stores are a great place for party ware. They often have plates, cups, etc with various generic themes. If you can't find a theme you like just pick a color that goes with your party. Pink for princess, blue for ocean, etc.
Be creative with your decorations. We had a firefighter party once. I got red tableclothes at the Dollar Store and picked up some firetrucks from the thrift shop. The trucks were less then $1 a piece and made fun centerpieces. And after the party my child had a great time playing with his new collection of fire trucks.
I made this paint palette cake for my little artist. We used plain primary colored party ware and hung her favorite drawings up for everyone to view. It turned out beautiful and everyone loved it. Most of all, she thought it was fabulous and that is what matters.
If you have some Star Wars figurines or Princess dolls use those to decorate with your theme. The chances are good that if your child chooses a theme it's because he/she likes it. So she probably already has toys or pictures that you can use to decorate.
5. Make your own cake. Bakery cakes are beautiful but quite expensive. Making your own cake is not as hard as you think. They don't have to elaborate to be wonderful and make your child very happy. Familyfun.com is a great resource for cakes. They have lots of different ideas with different skill levels and give you step by step instructions on how to make them. I made these sports cakes for my three boys for their group party. They were really easy to decorate and they turned out great. Sorry, the picture was taken before I cleaned the stove :)
6. Don't worry about the Joneses! If your child just came home from a friend's birthday party with $20 in party favors brimming with tales about the elaborate party with clowns and bouncy houses and all the fun money can buy DON'T BE SUCKED IN. You do not have to give this kind of party for your child. Ask your child what they want. Your child may consider a camp out in the front yard with a couple of friends to be far superior to an elaborate crazy party. Find out what your child wants and talk with them about how to make it happen within your budget.
7. Have a gift closet. If your child attends a lot of classmates birthday parties or you have a lot of nieces and nephews (I have 14) you need a gift closet!! Buy toys as they are on sale or clearance throughout the year and put them in your closet. (It doesn't have to be an actual closet I use some Rubbermaid bins.) Then when your child comes home with a birthday invitation let them pick a present for their friend out of the gift closet. You can easily save 50-75% this way. During the school supplies sales stock up on markers, crayons, and paper. These items make great gifts because almost all children like to receive them and they are at rock bottom prices at back to school time.
8. Have fun. Your child is going to remember the fun he or she had at the party not whether or not the invitations matched the plates.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Inexpensive Dates
I found a great new website that has lots of ideas for inexpensive dates. Check out The Dating Divas and find something fun to do this weekend. This $16 date idea made me laugh.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Garage Sales
Garage sale season has begun!!! I love garage sales and have a few tips to help you.
1. Thursday mornings and Saturdays are the best days. Thursday mornings are when most garage sales start so you will have the best selection at each garage sale. Saturday is when most garage sales end so most people are willing to let you dicker a significantly lower price as they are just anxious to get rid of everything.
2. Don't be afraid to offer less! If you find $6 item you want don't be afraid to ask the seller if they will take $3. The worst thing that can happen is they will say no. Then you can pay full price or leave it. Most people will come back with an offer rather than just say no. Nothing is lost in the asking and a lot of savings can be gained. The original price of the item does not matter. I coached my daughter to offer $0.50 for a $1 bag of jewelry. (They accepted.) I also helped my mom get a $50 couch set for $30. You can bargain an item of any price. You can also offer less for a group. If I find a bunch of clothes I might say, "I have $10 worth of clothes here, will you take $7?"
3. Be creative. I was hoping to find a doll bed. Instead I found a nice basket the right size for the doll. I made a little cushion to go in the bottom and it made an adorable doll bed. I've often seen beautiful wedding dress and prom dress for under $10. If you sew, the fabric in the dresses can be reused to make lovely little girl dresses or christening gowns. Sheets can be ripped up for rag rugs. Let your creativity flow :)
4. Do your gift shopping. I will buy my children nice used toys for Christmas myself but if that bothers you don't worry. You can find tons of brand new, still in the package items at garage sales. People will resell gifts they received but didn't like or items they bought but never used. New baby items abound as babies will grow out of stuff before they ever get used. My biggest find of last summer's garage sales was a brand new food slicer that I paid $7 for. The original price is around $60. I have also gotten a beautiful pair of Liz Clairborne leather ankle boots for $0.75. They were new and still in the original box with price tags of $179. Keep an eye out and be prepared for wonderful surprises.
5. Shop with a list. Yes, in this instance, its fine to get items not on your list too :) Carry a list with you of your childrens' sizes and any specific items you're looking for. I've found taking along a small measuring tape and the measurements of my girls from shoulder to knee really helps with selecting dresses and knowing if they are going to be too short. Without a list it is easy to forget if this child already has black dress shoes in the next size or not, or if that child has snowboots for next winter or not. I love a list!
6. You still need to stick to a budget. Take what you have budgeted to use in cash (small bills is best) and stick with that. Do not spend more than you can afford.
7. If you are going for a while make sure to take snacks and drinks. While supporting the occasional lemonade stand is fun you don't want to waste your garage sale money on expensive baked good and overpriced sodas because then you might not have enough to buy those adorable shoes.
1. Thursday mornings and Saturdays are the best days. Thursday mornings are when most garage sales start so you will have the best selection at each garage sale. Saturday is when most garage sales end so most people are willing to let you dicker a significantly lower price as they are just anxious to get rid of everything.
2. Don't be afraid to offer less! If you find $6 item you want don't be afraid to ask the seller if they will take $3. The worst thing that can happen is they will say no. Then you can pay full price or leave it. Most people will come back with an offer rather than just say no. Nothing is lost in the asking and a lot of savings can be gained. The original price of the item does not matter. I coached my daughter to offer $0.50 for a $1 bag of jewelry. (They accepted.) I also helped my mom get a $50 couch set for $30. You can bargain an item of any price. You can also offer less for a group. If I find a bunch of clothes I might say, "I have $10 worth of clothes here, will you take $7?"
3. Be creative. I was hoping to find a doll bed. Instead I found a nice basket the right size for the doll. I made a little cushion to go in the bottom and it made an adorable doll bed. I've often seen beautiful wedding dress and prom dress for under $10. If you sew, the fabric in the dresses can be reused to make lovely little girl dresses or christening gowns. Sheets can be ripped up for rag rugs. Let your creativity flow :)
4. Do your gift shopping. I will buy my children nice used toys for Christmas myself but if that bothers you don't worry. You can find tons of brand new, still in the package items at garage sales. People will resell gifts they received but didn't like or items they bought but never used. New baby items abound as babies will grow out of stuff before they ever get used. My biggest find of last summer's garage sales was a brand new food slicer that I paid $7 for. The original price is around $60. I have also gotten a beautiful pair of Liz Clairborne leather ankle boots for $0.75. They were new and still in the original box with price tags of $179. Keep an eye out and be prepared for wonderful surprises.
5. Shop with a list. Yes, in this instance, its fine to get items not on your list too :) Carry a list with you of your childrens' sizes and any specific items you're looking for. I've found taking along a small measuring tape and the measurements of my girls from shoulder to knee really helps with selecting dresses and knowing if they are going to be too short. Without a list it is easy to forget if this child already has black dress shoes in the next size or not, or if that child has snowboots for next winter or not. I love a list!
6. You still need to stick to a budget. Take what you have budgeted to use in cash (small bills is best) and stick with that. Do not spend more than you can afford.
7. If you are going for a while make sure to take snacks and drinks. While supporting the occasional lemonade stand is fun you don't want to waste your garage sale money on expensive baked good and overpriced sodas because then you might not have enough to buy those adorable shoes.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Inspiring Video
Watch this clip from Good Morning America about a woman who pays $4 a week for groceries for a family of 6.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Budget Parties
We are throwing yet another birthday party this weekend. From previous posts I'm sure you've realized that we host many get togethers of various sizes over the course of the year. Food and decorations can get pretty pricey so here are some tips for saving money.
1. Plan far, far ahead. The more time you have the easier it is to find what you need cheap.
2. Watch for party favors all year. When the dollar spot at Target goes to 75% off is my very favorite time to get party favors. Very often they will have packs of pencils or other favors, so for $0.25 you might get 4-6 favors. Even if you buy individual items $0.25 a piece isn't too bad. I try to keep my treat bags to $1 or less.
A while ago I got a bunch of sets of Crayola Pirate Giant Coloring pages with markers and crayons included for $1 a piece after rebate. I gave those out as the party favors at one party. It was great to give out a $10 item and know it wasn't just little junk that was going to get tossed at the end of the week. Keep an eye out for deals like that. The parents will thank you :)
3. Plan for the occassion. Having a summer party? Grill out. Picnic foods are often on sale in the summer. Provide some water balloons or squirt guns for the kid's entertainment. Consider having it at the park and you won't even have to clean your house :) Winter party? Buy a turkey at the Thanksgiving sales. Serve it whole or cook and debone it. Add some turkey gravy (I use the envelope mixes) and serve it on buns. Kids party? Serve hot dogs or corn dogs. Very cheap and kids love them.
4. If you are having children's games make your own. Can't draw a donkey? Play pin the nose on the snowman. Roll balls across the floor with your nose. Play musical chairs. Do relay races. You don't need an expensive pinata or something to keep the kids busy.
5. Accept help. If someone offers to bring a dish SAY YES! If you think it is appropriate have a potluck.
6. Don't buy a cake. I know, they are beautiful. I'm often tempted to buy something pretty but they are just too expensive. Try to make your own. Familyfun.com has some cool cakes you can make. If you aren't feeling to handy cupcakes are great too. Frost them in colors to go with your theme.
7. Consider making your own invitations. I usually make postcard invitations on my print shop program. Stamps are cheaper and you still get your invitations out.
8. Be creative.
We had a fishing themed party and I cut out fish shapes from construction paper and let my kids decorate them. We used the $1 plastic tableclothes from the dollar store in blue and stuck the fish on them and hung some from the ceiling. It looked great and the kids were really excited about it.
When we had a firefighting theme I picked up some plastic fire trucks and plastic fire hats from the thrift store for $0.25 (I didn't want to pay the $1 at the dollar store for them). I set those out on the table and made the firetruck cake from familyfun.com. After lunch I let the kids have the hats and trucks.
For our mother/daughter tea party I used a white table cloth and bought some fake roses in fuchsia. I pulled the flowers off the stems and lay them all over the table. I also got fuchsia paper plates and used the white tea cups I had. It looked gorgeous. The girls were so impressed and it only cost about $4.
If anyone else has some great ideas we'd love to hear about them in the comment section.
1. Plan far, far ahead. The more time you have the easier it is to find what you need cheap.
2. Watch for party favors all year. When the dollar spot at Target goes to 75% off is my very favorite time to get party favors. Very often they will have packs of pencils or other favors, so for $0.25 you might get 4-6 favors. Even if you buy individual items $0.25 a piece isn't too bad. I try to keep my treat bags to $1 or less.
A while ago I got a bunch of sets of Crayola Pirate Giant Coloring pages with markers and crayons included for $1 a piece after rebate. I gave those out as the party favors at one party. It was great to give out a $10 item and know it wasn't just little junk that was going to get tossed at the end of the week. Keep an eye out for deals like that. The parents will thank you :)
3. Plan for the occassion. Having a summer party? Grill out. Picnic foods are often on sale in the summer. Provide some water balloons or squirt guns for the kid's entertainment. Consider having it at the park and you won't even have to clean your house :) Winter party? Buy a turkey at the Thanksgiving sales. Serve it whole or cook and debone it. Add some turkey gravy (I use the envelope mixes) and serve it on buns. Kids party? Serve hot dogs or corn dogs. Very cheap and kids love them.
4. If you are having children's games make your own. Can't draw a donkey? Play pin the nose on the snowman. Roll balls across the floor with your nose. Play musical chairs. Do relay races. You don't need an expensive pinata or something to keep the kids busy.
5. Accept help. If someone offers to bring a dish SAY YES! If you think it is appropriate have a potluck.
6. Don't buy a cake. I know, they are beautiful. I'm often tempted to buy something pretty but they are just too expensive. Try to make your own. Familyfun.com has some cool cakes you can make. If you aren't feeling to handy cupcakes are great too. Frost them in colors to go with your theme.
7. Consider making your own invitations. I usually make postcard invitations on my print shop program. Stamps are cheaper and you still get your invitations out.
8. Be creative.
We had a fishing themed party and I cut out fish shapes from construction paper and let my kids decorate them. We used the $1 plastic tableclothes from the dollar store in blue and stuck the fish on them and hung some from the ceiling. It looked great and the kids were really excited about it.
When we had a firefighting theme I picked up some plastic fire trucks and plastic fire hats from the thrift store for $0.25 (I didn't want to pay the $1 at the dollar store for them). I set those out on the table and made the firetruck cake from familyfun.com. After lunch I let the kids have the hats and trucks.
For our mother/daughter tea party I used a white table cloth and bought some fake roses in fuchsia. I pulled the flowers off the stems and lay them all over the table. I also got fuchsia paper plates and used the white tea cups I had. It looked gorgeous. The girls were so impressed and it only cost about $4.
If anyone else has some great ideas we'd love to hear about them in the comment section.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year
Happy New Year Everyone!!!! Let us all make a New Year's resolution together. . . to stay under budget, to be good stewards of what God has given us, and to always be polite to rude cashiers :) Whether you make a million dollars a year or a thousand, don't spend more than you make!
I personally love this quote from the depression era:
Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or do without.
As you are shopping all the wonderful deals at this time of year, REMEMBER, it's not a good deal if you can't afford it!!!
Blessings to you in this new year.
I personally love this quote from the depression era:
Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or do without.
As you are shopping all the wonderful deals at this time of year, REMEMBER, it's not a good deal if you can't afford it!!!
Blessings to you in this new year.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Shopping
Now through the end of January is the best time of the year for shopping!!! And I don't mean just for Christmas items. Yes, you can get clearance Christmas items for a steal at this time of year, but you can also get a ton of other great deals on non Christmas items.
Just look around when you are in a store. There will be steep markdowns on sheet sets, dinnerware, bake ware, toiletry sets, pajamas, etc., etc., etc. Think about your gift giving for the next year. (I highly recommend making a list.) Who do you give birthday gifts too, Mother's day gifts, graduation gifts, wedding gifts, and so on. If you are like me you list will be a lot bigger than you thought. Now take that list to the store with you.
Your graduate might love that half price mini refrigerator you saw at Target (I saw one there on Saturday) or that sheet set might make a great wedding gift for your sister who's getting married this summer. The perfume you love might be in a gift set that will be cheaper than you can buy it normally, or that fancy bath set might make a great Mother's Day gift. There will be toy clearances galore as stores scale their toy sections back down to regular size. A little planning ahead can really save a lot of money on your gift giving for the year.
Early to mid January is usually the best time for winter clothes and outerware. Items will get cheaper as the month progresses but selection will also be progressively slimmer. My sisters-in-law and I have an annual January shopping trip where we buy clothes for our children and ourselves for the next year. It's grand fun and we outfit our families very inexpensively. Often I've gotten clothes cheaper than I could have bought them second hand.
You can also get a lot of great deals on regular items. Oreos, Ziploc bags, Reynolds wrap, paper towels, etc that have holiday packaging will also be marked down. I know I'm happy to give my husband sandwiches in Christmas sandwich bags all year long if I can buy them cheap :)
As always plan ahead and think creatively. You'll have lots of fun and save lots of money.
Just look around when you are in a store. There will be steep markdowns on sheet sets, dinnerware, bake ware, toiletry sets, pajamas, etc., etc., etc. Think about your gift giving for the next year. (I highly recommend making a list.) Who do you give birthday gifts too, Mother's day gifts, graduation gifts, wedding gifts, and so on. If you are like me you list will be a lot bigger than you thought. Now take that list to the store with you.
Your graduate might love that half price mini refrigerator you saw at Target (I saw one there on Saturday) or that sheet set might make a great wedding gift for your sister who's getting married this summer. The perfume you love might be in a gift set that will be cheaper than you can buy it normally, or that fancy bath set might make a great Mother's Day gift. There will be toy clearances galore as stores scale their toy sections back down to regular size. A little planning ahead can really save a lot of money on your gift giving for the year.
Early to mid January is usually the best time for winter clothes and outerware. Items will get cheaper as the month progresses but selection will also be progressively slimmer. My sisters-in-law and I have an annual January shopping trip where we buy clothes for our children and ourselves for the next year. It's grand fun and we outfit our families very inexpensively. Often I've gotten clothes cheaper than I could have bought them second hand.
You can also get a lot of great deals on regular items. Oreos, Ziploc bags, Reynolds wrap, paper towels, etc that have holiday packaging will also be marked down. I know I'm happy to give my husband sandwiches in Christmas sandwich bags all year long if I can buy them cheap :)
As always plan ahead and think creatively. You'll have lots of fun and save lots of money.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Gift Cards as gifts
I don't generally recommend gift cards as gifts simply because they aren't very personal. I know it is a very popular gift to give at Christmas though. If you decide to give a gift card make sure you try to pick one for a place you know your recipient will like and include a handwritten note or card with it. Or wrap it creatively to make it more fun, for example you could wrap it with something heavy in a large box, or wrap it in a small box, put that in a larger box and wrap that, and keep going until you run out of boxes.
Another way to personalize a gift card is to make it a part of an experience. For example:
Put a gift card to the movie rental store with microwave popcorn, soda, and theater candy.
A gift card to a store could be put in a reusable shopping bag with a small notepad and pen, calculator, and new coupon holder
A gift card for a coffee shop could include a magazine or book
These small and inexpensive additions make a lot of difference and can turn your gift from impersonal to thoughtful and fun.
Another way to personalize a gift card is to make it a part of an experience. For example:
Put a gift card to the movie rental store with microwave popcorn, soda, and theater candy.
A gift card to a store could be put in a reusable shopping bag with a small notepad and pen, calculator, and new coupon holder
A gift card for a coffee shop could include a magazine or book
These small and inexpensive additions make a lot of difference and can turn your gift from impersonal to thoughtful and fun.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Holiday Menus
For a great majority of you the holidays mean FOOD! Every gathering we go to or have has at least one meal. Whether you are hosting the event or just contributing a dish now is the time to plan for it.
First make a list of events you will be going to or having in the next two months from now through the new year celebrations. Yeesh, it was more then you thought wasn't it? Now separate the ones you are hosting from the others.
For holiday gatherings where you aren't expected to contribute to the meal, count your blessings :) that you don't have to make anything. (Although a small hostess gift from your stockpile is always thoughtful.)
For holiday gatherings where you are expected to contribute call up the host and make an offer. Do not say, "What can I bring?" Look at your pantry, think about what will be on sale in the weeks before the event, (baking supplies, turkey, cranberries, etc. are on sale in November, ham, soda, etc. in December) what you can afford, and what you like to make. Then, call your host and say, "We are looking forward to your party, would you like me to bring item A, item B, or item C. That way you are still giving your host options for what will fit best into her menu but you won't blow the bank since you are only offering to make something you know you can afford.
If you are hosting the gathering make your menu!!! We have an all day gathering at our house which encompasses two meals so I also make a cooking schedule for myself that tells me what time the ham, buns, etc. need to go into the oven. That way I'm not trying to do the math on all of that with 20 people running around the house. Once you have your menu made start watching for deals and stock up on what you need. As people who are coming offer to bring things you can add their items to your menu and possibly delete things you were going to make.
If you have a gathering to go to soon after you are hosting one, make extra. If you bake an extra pie while you are making your own you will be all set for the event you are going to. Even leftovers are great just put the left over salad, dip, or whatever into a fresh bowl and it will look like new. Do whatever you can to save yourself some work. Holidays can be exhausting for those of us who are making it wonderful for others :)
First make a list of events you will be going to or having in the next two months from now through the new year celebrations. Yeesh, it was more then you thought wasn't it? Now separate the ones you are hosting from the others.
For holiday gatherings where you aren't expected to contribute to the meal, count your blessings :) that you don't have to make anything. (Although a small hostess gift from your stockpile is always thoughtful.)
For holiday gatherings where you are expected to contribute call up the host and make an offer. Do not say, "What can I bring?" Look at your pantry, think about what will be on sale in the weeks before the event, (baking supplies, turkey, cranberries, etc. are on sale in November, ham, soda, etc. in December) what you can afford, and what you like to make. Then, call your host and say, "We are looking forward to your party, would you like me to bring item A, item B, or item C. That way you are still giving your host options for what will fit best into her menu but you won't blow the bank since you are only offering to make something you know you can afford.
If you are hosting the gathering make your menu!!! We have an all day gathering at our house which encompasses two meals so I also make a cooking schedule for myself that tells me what time the ham, buns, etc. need to go into the oven. That way I'm not trying to do the math on all of that with 20 people running around the house. Once you have your menu made start watching for deals and stock up on what you need. As people who are coming offer to bring things you can add their items to your menu and possibly delete things you were going to make.
If you have a gathering to go to soon after you are hosting one, make extra. If you bake an extra pie while you are making your own you will be all set for the event you are going to. Even leftovers are great just put the left over salad, dip, or whatever into a fresh bowl and it will look like new. Do whatever you can to save yourself some work. Holidays can be exhausting for those of us who are making it wonderful for others :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saving on Gifts
The key to saving in the gifts area is to be creative and think outside the box. Don't be fooled by mass media into thinking your kids or other gift recipients need the latest and greatest junk out there. For my own children I usually buy them used items for gifts. Used books and toys are just as fabulous to them as new ones so why not get them used and pay less? Garage sales and used book sales are wonderful places to Christmas shop.
Now before you all think that I must have a short gift recipient list to be able to keep this all under budget let me tell you that for Christmas our gift list includes 12 adults and 17 children including our own 5 kids plus filling Christmas stockings for 12 children and 7 adults. We also give birthday gifts to those same 17 children and 6 of the adults. Then there are also 7 Mother's Day gifts, 2 anniversary gifts, and various baby and other gifts to be given out throughout the year. My husband and I do not give each other gifts.
Just because you don't pay a lot for something doesn't mean it isn't worth anything. If I buy a $25 gift and only pay $5 I'm not buying something else too. It is still a $25 gift even if I only paid $5
I love to give gift baskets, as most of you know:). It's an easy way to make a pretty and expensive gift out of items you got free or very cheap. You can make any kind of basket you want to cater to the interests and likes of your recipient. If you are giving a gift to someone you don't know that well, hey, everyone uses toiletries or cleaning supplies :)
Some gift basket ideas:
Toiletry basket (if you go with a specific color theme or brand they look a little fancier)
Family Fun Night basket - Family games, art supplies, books, snacks
Winter Survival Basket - Medicines, sanitizer, hand soap, lotion, vitamins, chapstick
Vehicle kit - Travel games, hand wipes, bandaids, car wash tokens
Household basket - dish soap, cleaning supplies
Cooking basket - groceries, cookbooks, towels, utensils
Breakfast basket - cold cereal, instant oatmeal packs, juice, granola bars
Basket of Blessings - Absolutely anything you want
The possibilities are endless
I do something that you will probably also be shocked about. I buy items with no specific recipient in mind. I know, shock and horror, right? I have storage bins that I keep my gifts in during the year and a notebook where I have my lists of people written and categorized. Then as the year progresses when I buy something for someone specific I write it down on my list. I also buy items I find that would be good gifts for a variety of people, this works especially good for kids toys and books. Those items go on a separate page in the notebook in inventory. Then when something comes up that I need a gift for I can look at that page and find something. Or when it's getting closer to Christmas I can go through that list and assign presents to people.
Then I also usually have extra things for Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, and other various holiday donations we like to participate in without having to go out and spend extra. When the kids get invited to an unexpected birthday party or something I don't have to go out and buy a gift, I can just check my inventory list for something great.
This is my system. I'd love to hear about yours.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Meal Planning
Planning your meals is a very important part of cutting your grocery budget. It doesn't matter if you plan for a month ahead or a week ahead, either way will help.
One method for planning meals is to look through the sales flyers for the week and plan your menu around what is on sale. For instance, if spaghetti sauce and cheese are major sale items you might plan to make lasagna or if chicken, carrots, and onions are on sale you might decide to make soup. Write down the meals you are going to make. You can assign them to specific days or you can just make a list and decide each day which meal you are going to make from the list. Then go shopping and pick up your ingredients.
The method I like for meal planning is to make a menu from my stockpile of food. I make my menu for a month at a time, usually during the last week of the month before it. I look over my pantry and plan my menu around what I have in stock. Then during that month I just stock up every week on what is on sale. At the end of that month I look over what I had gotten during the sales each week and make the next month's menu from that.
Any method you use will help with your budget. Planning is key. It doesn't matter if your menu plan is just Hamburger Helper. If you know you are going to make that you can get it on sale. If you just decide the same day that is what you want to make you will have to go to the store and probably pay full price. That is what kills the budget. Plan, plan, plan. It doesn't take very long to do and it is really nice to know what you are going to make for dinner ahead of time. Then you don't have to wrack your brain to try to figure out what to make and after you decide realize you are missing a key ingredient :)
One method for planning meals is to look through the sales flyers for the week and plan your menu around what is on sale. For instance, if spaghetti sauce and cheese are major sale items you might plan to make lasagna or if chicken, carrots, and onions are on sale you might decide to make soup. Write down the meals you are going to make. You can assign them to specific days or you can just make a list and decide each day which meal you are going to make from the list. Then go shopping and pick up your ingredients.
The method I like for meal planning is to make a menu from my stockpile of food. I make my menu for a month at a time, usually during the last week of the month before it. I look over my pantry and plan my menu around what I have in stock. Then during that month I just stock up every week on what is on sale. At the end of that month I look over what I had gotten during the sales each week and make the next month's menu from that.
Any method you use will help with your budget. Planning is key. It doesn't matter if your menu plan is just Hamburger Helper. If you know you are going to make that you can get it on sale. If you just decide the same day that is what you want to make you will have to go to the store and probably pay full price. That is what kills the budget. Plan, plan, plan. It doesn't take very long to do and it is really nice to know what you are going to make for dinner ahead of time. Then you don't have to wrack your brain to try to figure out what to make and after you decide realize you are missing a key ingredient :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Stockpiling
Stockpiling is an important part of saving on your budget. Basically it just means that when an item you use goes on sale you buy enough to last until it goes on sale again.
For instance: Hamburger helper goes on sale approximately every two months, so when it is on sale you only need to buy enough to last your family for two months. Quaker products only go on sale once or twice a year so when they go on sale you want to buy a lot more then you would an item that goes on sale more often.
It takes awhile to get used to how much your family will use in a certain amount of time and to get a feel for the sales cycles. Becoming a couponer doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to adjust to living a more frugal life style. Don't beat yourself up if you mess up. Just try again the next time.
Be creative with your storage space. Some people don't have large pantries or extra closets to store their stockpiles in, that's okay. Under the beds is a great place for storage. Nobody ever said it wasn't okay to store cereal under your bed :) On top of cupboards, dresser drawers, even plastic storage containers stacked in the corner of a room will work just fine. If you are tight on space think outside the box for storage ideas. I know you will come up with something.
For instance: Hamburger helper goes on sale approximately every two months, so when it is on sale you only need to buy enough to last your family for two months. Quaker products only go on sale once or twice a year so when they go on sale you want to buy a lot more then you would an item that goes on sale more often.
It takes awhile to get used to how much your family will use in a certain amount of time and to get a feel for the sales cycles. Becoming a couponer doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to adjust to living a more frugal life style. Don't beat yourself up if you mess up. Just try again the next time.
Be creative with your storage space. Some people don't have large pantries or extra closets to store their stockpiles in, that's okay. Under the beds is a great place for storage. Nobody ever said it wasn't okay to store cereal under your bed :) On top of cupboards, dresser drawers, even plastic storage containers stacked in the corner of a room will work just fine. If you are tight on space think outside the box for storage ideas. I know you will come up with something.
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